We went, we saw, and we considered joining....

The circus! Chad took all of us to Zing Zang Zoom yesterday! It was our kid's first time to go to the circus, and it was F-U-N! They read about them in books, but they couldn't have imagined the realness of the excitement, danger, and fun! E was especially thrilled. She had to cover her mouth and eyes half them time because she just couldn't believe things were possible or because she couldn't stand the anticipation! I loved it! It was so magical....it made us all feel like kids again!

The failures, struggles, and desires the person they call "Mom"!

We've had a lot of fun already this new year. But, the day in and day out of being a mom can truly be a struggle for me. Mostly because I desire to do it well, and always fear that I'm setting my kids up for years of counseling! Ha! I'm certain that if I would not give over to my flesh, pray more throughout the day, take deeper breaths and just let go of the little things it would be much better. Not too much to ask or expect, right? HA!

I will say, though....when I stop and look at their precious faces, when I hold them in my arms, when I watch them sleeping....I get it. None of it matters and I just need to chill out. I need to some how find a way to not let their repetitive questions, their current blaring sin/discipline issues, and their emotional drama get to me. That is but a mere blink of my day. I need to focus on the precious children God created them to be, and the AMAZING people He's training them to become. I'm part of that process, and I need to glorify Him in my role. You can pray for me as you think of it...I know it will be a continued journey for sure, but I really want to take the time to surrender this to Him and pray my way through it. How could I not?

Visit with Miss Nicole

Last week marked our first visit from a friend since having moved to Florida...Miss Nicole! It was such a great time of connection and fun for all of us. She is getting ready to embark on a 6 month trip to Nimibia, Africa in order to serve with African Inland Missions (A.I.M). It is such a great privilege to be a part of her team and pray her through this time. If you think of her, and our other dear friend Tricia who will be with her, please pray for them....for protection, fruitfulness in both their lives and in their ministry, and for both Nimibia and their own hearts to be left changed forever.

MLK Choir

We had the privilege this year to participate in a MLK celebration. Emily sang in a musical with other children, most (if not all) of whom were African-American. It was amazing on so many levels....coming together with others who are different from us, supporting our community in it's entirety rather than the pieces that we fit into "best", and truly stopping to honor a man who changed the face of our nation and our world. Emily also loved, on the simplest level, making new friends and singing. She did a great job with her line, "predjudice or injustice"! Here she is dressed and ready to go and one of her at the performance.