26.

Last week, I turned 26. With each birthday comes reflection, a plethera of thoughts. Today, the realization that I have been blessed. I have an amazing husband, two beautiful healthy kids, I have my "dream-job" and, most importantly I have a relationship with my Savior. I am LOVING living out God's plan for my life. Also, the realization that there is so much more growth needed in my life. I'm living for the LORD but, do my actions always reflect that? If the kids have rough days, do I always see those days as blessings? Am I sharing my faith with others? Do my words build others up?  So, I have lots of work ahead of me and, that starts today! This year I am going to focus on these 4 verses:

^29"Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen." Ephesians 4:29

¹⁹ "My dear brothers, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry, ²⁰ for man’s anger does not bring about the righteous life that God desires."  James 1:19-20

⁶ "Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. ⁷ And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus." Philippians 4:6-7

¹⁴ "But even if you should suffer for what is right, you are blessed. “Do not fear what they fear^[a]; do not be frightened.”^{[b] 15} But in your hearts set apart Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect" 1 Peter 3:14-15

These verses have been close to my heart for a very long time but, somehow they fall at the waistside when I get in a situation where I need them most. Not letting that happen will keep me busy this next year!

This week

Not much new with us this week but, we did manage to snap a couple pictures.

I feel SSSSOOOOO blessed to be the mommy of this two kids. We got some extra snuggle time in for Mother's Day.

Henry tried a Dairy Queen ice cream cone on Mother's Day.....definitely a Mother's Day he'll never forget!

Putting the kids in the bike trailer and biking over to Dairy Queen is one of our very favorite summer traditions.

Henry told me the other day that he's going to be a doctor..... at least that's what I thought he said before he attempted to eat the stethescope!

New summer jammies!

Our friend Jill visited us a couple times this month and we always have such a great time with her.

The kids LOVE Jill too!

Norah's favorite toys this week: Elmo (aka: Melmo), Barbie, ball and stroller.

I just finished reading "Heaven Is For Real" and I recommend to to anyone and everyone! It's a fast read, took me 3 nights to finish it and I'm not a fast reader by any means, and just an overall really encouraging book. Last year in Community Bible Studay(CBS) we studied Revelation and it sparked such an awe, anticipation and wander about Heaven and this book sparked a whole new excitement. Find this great book here.

Our little man.

Our little Henry has had a couple of rough weeks. I can pretty much sum it all up by saying: double ear infection. Now that he's on antibiotics he is feeling much better and, we're so happy to have our smiley Henry back!

 It has been very hot here this past week and, we've really embraced the heat. Norah and I have slipped outside during most of Henry's naps so he can get as much uninterrupted rest as possible but, last night he was loving himself some fresh air! Please enjoy this picture overload!

We hope you have a great weekend!

passing time

I'll admit that, on occassion Joel and I have counted down the minutes until the kids' bedtime. The days where we feel like we've read every book in the house... twice, played every game and even had a dance party(yes, we have dance parties) but, it's still not even 7:00.... Then Joel usually has a brilliant idea like busting out his guitar.

This was a couple weeks ago but, I remember every detail because it was a exhausting day. We had a long day then, decided to go to church that Saturday night and, by the end, we were all standing outside church! Just that kind of day. Crying kids in church, whining thru supper, rice cereal for Henry, bathing babies, bedtime routine made for two tired parents but, we made it thru and, we were still smiling at the end.

I love this picture. Norah's waiting for a reaction from Joel and Henry's just hapy to "be"

 I guess even when we're busy trying to pass time, some really amazing memories are in the making!

All in all, it was a really great day.