...is Care Bears

We had an interesting discussion during bath time this week (Jason was not present, but I would have loved to hear his perspective). We discussed, "If you were a Care Bear, what would your name be?"

Rachael: I think Kendall's name would be Tender Heart.
Jordan: There's already a tender heart.
Rachael: You're right. Hmm....
Kendall: I think my name would be Loves-a-lot.
(I love that she named herself!)
We all agreed.

Rachael: I think Jordan's name would be Laughs-a-lot. (giggles all around)
Kendall: No, I think Jordan should be named Sparkle Heart.
Jordan: Yeah, I'm Sparkle-Heart. (she really liked that one)

Jordan: I think daddy's name would be Brave Heart.
Kendall: No, name him Silly Heart.
Jordan: Na..uh..Brave Heart.
Kendall: Silly Heart...
Rachael: OK, girls, Daddy is so cool that he can have two names. What about mommy? (compromise and distraction)

Jordan: I think your name would be Love Heart.
Rachael: Awe, Jordy, that's a sweet one.
Kendall: I'm going to name you Thanks-a-lot. (no, she didn't say it with a sarcastic tone)
Rachael: that's nice, too. I'll take, both.

So, if you were a Care Bear, what would your name be?

...is Oh, How He Loves Us

Today I am so aware of the Love of Christ. It comes on the heels of complete failure.

Yesterday, I broke every rule I made for myself as a mother. I vowed to never shame my children. I did. I promised not to lose control and yell at them. I did. I committed to be a safe person that would not scare my girls. I wasn't and I did. And, I swore that I would do my best to send them off to school without chaos or tears. I didn't.

What humbles me and amazes me is that I saw the most beautiful expression of God's grace, forgiveness, and love yesterday. God uses any means at His disposal to get our hearts. He used my girls. I wronged them. But, when I picked them up from school, they were all smiles and open arms, happy to be with me. I have no doubt that they are still affected by my ill-behavior, but rather than push me away (which I deserved), they embraced me. They loved me. They looked for me. They wanted me. And, amazingly enough, they still trusted me.

God is like that with each of us. We offend Him with our sin, yet He longs to love us, embrace us, look for us, and want us. The words of this song (How He loves us by Kim Walker) truly say it best:

We are His portion and He is our prize,

drawn to redemption by the grace in His eyes,

if grace is an ocean, we're all sinking.

so Heaven meets earth like a sloppy wet kiss,

and my heart turns violently inside of my chest,

I don't have time to maintain these regrets,

when I think about the way He loves us, Oh, how He loves us...

I hope you will join me in this Ocean of Grace today. If we are to sink, my it be there.

...is Chrima time- Part 5

Here are some of my favorite pictures from Christmas:

The kids on Christmas Eve: Kendall (5) Haley (8) Jordan (4) Caleb (5) Hannah (11)

The girls modeling their new outfits.

Haley's favorite gift was her American Girl- Laney

Kendall's favorite gift was a make-up kit. She 'touched-up' all day long.

Hannah's favorite gift was an I-Pod touch and of course, I-Tunes.

Jordan's favorite gift was a bath robe.

Caleb's favorite gift were cowboy boots.

Kendall and Nani

Shaunacee's favorite gift was Edward, I mean Alec.

Papa and Nani

Our cousin Jason strumming with Jason

Merry Christmas!

...is Chrima time- Part 4

Jason and I had the privilege of serving communion for one of our Christmas Eve services at church. It was so meaningful for me to serve alongside my husband, offering the hope and reminder that the Body and Blood of Jesus gives us life. I was moved to look in the eye of each person and sincerely say in my heart as well as with my mouth: 'this is the blood of Jesus shed for you'. I was acutely aware that it's a personal message and not just something we repeat for the sake of method. It's a message that reminds me that we each have a need for a Savior and that need was met in Jesus. I was re-connected with the powerful truth of Christmas.

Luke 2:11 "Today, in the town of David, a Savior has been born to you."

...is Chrima time- Part 3

We have a wonderful group of friends that we have gradually begun to establish holiday traditions with. The first was an annual Easter Extravaganza hosted by the Herndons. Then we added a cook-out and fireworks downtown for the 4th of July and a Trick- or- Treat party on Halloween hosted by the Robersons. And this year we added Cookies and Caroling at Christmas.

The kiddos had a great time decorating the cookies Kara made from scratch.

By the time I got my cameral out, Jordan was the only one left eating cookies.

The kids arrived in their Christmas P.J.'s

Branson and Sam playing together, but separate. I love how 4 year olds play like that.

Sisters, Ruthie and Lily Kate, looking adorable 

Getting ready to go out caroling in Brian's truck.

Kendall and Jordan (no, they're not twins) with their cousins, Haley and Hannah

Brave soul, Suzanne, with LK, Branson, Haley, and Nate

Will, Mia, Jordan, Eli, Hannah's forehead, and Kendall

Noah was not happy about this arrangement.

...is Chrima time- Part 2

We enjoyed watching the girls perform in their Christmas programs.

The first performance was at our church. The children re-enacted the Christmas story while the choir sang. Jordan was angelic in her white robe and gold garland halo, with her sweet smile.

Kendall was the 'star'- literally and literally. She wore a gold star costume, and she stole the show. It's difficult in words to describe exactly how entertaining she was, and I hope to find someone with a video of it. Let's just say she was not so happy to be the star and showed her displeasure with very vivid facial expressions.

The girls' cousins were also in the Pageant. Hannah was one of the readers.

Haley and Caleb were sweet angels, too. Haley had a little friend who hugged her through the entire show. And Caleb was enthralled with the choir and looked back at them for most of the show. 

The second performance was Jordan in her Montessori school program. She rehearsed her songs for days leading up to the opening act. And she didn't disappoint. Again, she kept a cheerful smile and sang her heart out. 

Jordy is singing, heart and soul she's singing!

Papa, Nani, Hannah, Aunt Sis, and Haley were Jordy's cheering section!

Sam and Jordy- Aren't they the cutest things?

...is Chrima time- Part 1

We have had a fun month bringing in the Christmas season. The first weekend of December, we finally got around to putting up some decorations and the tree. I am usually gung-ho about going to the tree farm with the family in tow to cut-down a live tree (correction: for Jason to cut down the live tree). But, not this year. I was dragging my feet. We finally planned the BIG day, but decided to get out all the decorations first (we usually get the tree, then retrieve said decorations). And lo and behold what did I find up the attic: a 6 ft. tree in a box that I had totally forgotten about. I must've broke down and bought one after Christmas last year. That put me in the 'holiday' spirit! I also found two miniature metallic trees I had bought for the girls (also forgot about). So, the night ended well...I was happy, the girls loved their gaudy trees, the house was transformed into snowman wonderland, and Jason didn't even have to put lights on the house.