Leyla's birthday

This girl is 10 years old, a whole decade! How can it be? We love you darling, and the ways you make up a special part of our family. You are paving the way in you trust, diligence and servants heart. You make one sweet firstborn. Happy birthday!

I have to say, twins, that our life was doubly blessed on March 16th, 8 years ago. 

Our prayer is that you know Christ's presence in your life, every day, as your loving guide. 

That you will choose the right way, even when it's hard, because it is the path of life. 

Love you my sweets!

Reminiscing is a must...oh how fast they grow!

Edible.

 A zoo animal party that was more like "explosion of the Wal-Mart and Dollar Tree decorations". 

Remember, we do haphazard birthday parties here.

 Some backyard games, a banana split ice cream cake, the Silver Chair with glow sticks, girls slumber in the living room and boys brave the outdoor tent.

Happy birthday!

Yes, March is long gone...trying to catch up.

Dear Grandma,

I had butterflies in my tummy as I tore open the package

thank you soooo much for the prairie dress

it fits perfectly!

Love,

Chloe Joy

Winter Hike

A couple months back we trekked out to a tall grass prairie refuge

you had to keep moving because it was chilly

hide and go seek in the grass

we were hoping to go back and do a snowshoe hike, but it never snowed that much...

attempts to restore the lands natural ecosystem

which includes bison and elk

and lots of other wild life

her hair is looks like tall prairie grass

Why didn't I get a shot of that rosy baby face? He was there on his daddy's back.
I love these family times, even though I know they aren't as serene as the pictures show... because there's always a bit of chaos mixed in. 

Happy 1st birthday Elim Mark!

You are an answer to prayer, healing to our hearts, plus screeches and smiles galore. But we know you are not just for us, but ultimately for the Lord. May you grow in His grace and redemption and become a mighty man of God.

decorating by Leyla, Jocelyn, Caden & Chloe
cake made by Leyla
dinner made my Mommy
decoration tear down by Elim Mark
skyping grandparents by Daddy
photography Mommy and Chloe

Motherhood: I'll take the good and the bad

Before they woke up, the Lord was preparing me for this... I was reminded that I can (somewhat) control their behavior, but I cannot control their hearts. But their behavior is an outflow of their hearts, so what is a mother to do? Pray. 

"Lord take my sons' heart of stone and turn them to hearts of flesh" (Ez. 36:26)

"Lord, I don't want good behavior (but I do!), I want good hearts..."

The day unfolded with much opposition, constant behavior correcting and earnest heart motivating...but the feeling of defeat set in all too easily.(I wanted to play hide and no-seek.)

And that's when Chloe came with her soft heart and showed me that the Lord was working, even when I couldn't see it.

"Mom, I know how you feel..."(and the tears start) "when I play house with my friends and I'm the mom, it can be really frustrating. I'm so sorry."

Thank you~

#293 that I cannot control human hearts.

#294 that I can give them over to the Heart-Changer everyday through prayer.

#295 that He knows them better than I do.

#296 that it's His work not mine, redemption.

#297 that I am called to show them this.

photos by Rebekah Stephenson
i am reading: 

Warrior Prayers: Praying the Word for Boys in the Areas They Need it Most