Dream Big!

And he said: " I tell you the truth, unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven." Matthew 18:3
The girls are just now really getting into telling stories and playing pretend--Emma especially. We have a new mirror in the living room and just last week she started talking to herself in it. She will stand there and tell off long tales. It is sooo cute and funny. And Abigail, well she is in to telling tall tales too, mostly about all the things Emma has done to her. Which I am sure in her little mind have really happened at some time or other. Her #1 tale: "Mom, Emma pinch!" Half the time Emma is in another room or strapped in her carseat...the fun begins :)! They are both developing the most amazing imaginations. It is nothing for them to dream big. When I think about this verse I think about how God doesn't have to work through all of that doubt and unbelief like he does with us. As we get older, we lose a lot of our imagination and our ability to dream. We often become cynical and loaded down with the cares of the world. God wants us to dream BIG. He wants us to take all of our cares and cast them into the fire. And then, like our children BELIEVE those dreams will come true. My problem isn't dreaming, my problem is believing....believing that what I dream is possible. Doubt always rears its ugly head and I fall prey to it every time.(but God and I are working on that everyday)
God, thank you that children have such vivid imaginations. Help me to learn from them! AMEN.

Prayer

"If you believe, you will receive whatever you ask for in prayer." Matthew 21:22
How many of us actually claim this scripture in our lives? I know that many times I have gone to God with a need or request and when everything was said and done, I felt like he didn't really answer my prayer--just b/c he did HIS will not mine. That is a tough pill to take. I have watched families mourn the loss of a loved one, pray for healing of a relationship that is never restored, a job that never comes, maybe even a child that cannot be conceived. When looking at these situations in the flesh one might say why me? where is God when I need him? Lately, I have been thinking a lot about the reverse... Why not me? God gives and God takes away and sometimes it is in the taking that we grow the most, or we need HIM the most. When I look at my own life and all that I have experienced (both good and bad) I have come to the realization that God is using the bad to create a greater GOOD in me. Without the hard times, the lost times, the tears and the saddness my faith would mean nothing. How easy would it be to say "I believe in God" if everything in life were just as I wanted it to be. The key is to keep our eye on the ball. We have to train our minds and hearts to stay so focused on God's will for us, that we finally develop those same desires. Lord, help me keep my focus on you and YOUR plans. Help me to be the wife and mother you have created me to be and increase the happiness in our home. AMEN

Summertime Fun

Today we have been outside playing in the playhouse. I am sure this will be a constant for the rest of the summer. The girls are learning how to pretend being different things. Emma was a waitress and brought me a banana spilt and an ice cream sandwhich. It ONLY cost me $2!! Abigail, meanwhile, was busy using the hammer and screwdriver to fix everything in sight. She is so funny between "fixing" things and talking on the phone--she seems to be a perfect mix of me and my dad(ha ha). However, all of the fun came to an end when she pooped in her pants and we had to come in to wash up. I just don't know what I am going to do with that girl--comments and suggestions are welcomed!!!! Right now they are napping(against THEIR better judgement) I am definitely enjoying every second I have with them. The summer is already half over...I can't even think about having to go back to work. I just keep hanging on to the hope that I might get to stay home with them the year before they start kindergarten--or at least that is what Ran says for now. I never knew I would feel this way(although everyone else said I would). For now I will just live in the moment and be thankful for what I have and the time I have with them.

Birthday Party

Playhouse Pics

Pop Pop

Whoever said this would be easy???

Who knew posting a few simple pictures would take SOOO long?? It is definitely something that takes time to figure out. The girls really enjoyed their visit with Randy and Jaime. I think by the time it was all said and done everyone was exhausted. Esp all those involved with the ALL day playhouse adventure--ha ha. However, all's well that ends well. The girls are thrilled with their new house. Abigail has wanted nothing more than to play in it all day. She has even been sharing it with Emma???? At least for now. I finally figured out the slideshows. Hope you enjoy getting to see a glimpse into our world.

Monday, June 23, 2008

As we continue to potty train life remains interesting to say the least. They are both doing great, but the "BIG" one still remains undone for Abigail. Not sure if it is b/c she hasn't made the connection or if she is just too stubborn(I hope it is the first). Emma on the other hand has it all down. She is just like her daddy--as regular as a clock! This weekend Pop Pop and Aunt Jamie have been visiting and the girls have TOTALLY enjoyed their attention. Uncle Tim and Brit-Brit have also spent a lot of time here playing with the girls. When Emma got up this morning the first thing she said was "Pop Pop has been waiting all day for me to give him hugs and kisses!" How precious!

I am so thankful for the life that I have and the opportunity to raise these precious girls. I hope that they see Jesus through me and that I am able to instill in them the importance of having a relationship with God.