Spencer's Lost Teeth....

Upon looking at the newest blog updates, Spencer informed me that his lost tooth picture never made it to the blog..... Sorry buddy! Here is Spencer with his first lost tooth :)

Uncomfortable

Recently during worship at our church, a reference was made to the song with the lyrics "You Give and Take Away" (you may be familiar with it, especially if you've seen Soul Surfer), along with a challenge to consider what God has given to us and what He has taken away from us recently. During those moments all of my recent frustrations, irritations and downright anger began to make sense to me. Hattie had been home for a few weeks and it had been a difficult adjustment for me. God had given us this amazing blessing of a precious little girl and newest member of our family, but He had also taken away some things and I had neglected to grieve for those very real losses. You see, God had taken away my sense of being comfortable. Our three oldest kiddos were at a pretty easy stage and life was sailing along pretty smoothly; this smooth sailing was replaced by a very demanding toddler. I don't know what she likes, what she doesn't like, how to comfort her, how to fix her hair....the list is endless. AND, we don't speak the same language (literally and figuratively). We are back in toddler mode and it is uncomfortable. Life is uncomfortable. But we are not created or called to be comfortable. In fact, God wants us to be uncomfortable because it is then, in our discomfort and weakness, that His strength is made known. "But He said to me, 'My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.' Therefore, I will boast all the more gladly about my weakness, so that Christ's power may rest on me." (2 Corinthians 12:9). Two things I know: I know this season will pass..... I can already see it in my daughter who just turned four when I sooooo want to freeze time and keep her my little girl forever. And I know that He will see me through it. Even now as I write this a few weeks later, we are adjusting. We are learning how to communicate. We are sharing kisses and she is bringing her boo boos to me to be kissed.

Blessed Be Your Name (Lyrics)

Blessed be Your name
In the land that is plentiful
Where your streams of abundance flow
Blessed be Your name
Blessed be Your name
When I'm found in the desert place
Though I walk through the wilderness
Blessed be Your name
Blessed be Your name
When the sun's shining down on me
When the world's 'all as it should be
Blessed be Your name
Blessed be Your name
On the road marked with suffering
Though there's pain in the offering
Blessed be Your name
Every blessing You pour out
I'll turn back to praise
When the darkness closes in, Lord
Still I will say
Blessed be the name of the Lord
Blessed be Your name
Blessed be the name of the Lord
Blessed be Your glorious name

Looking older....

Connor lost his third tooth this weekend.... First one on the top and he looks so much older to me now..... Sigh.

Firsts.....

Just thought we would share some of Hattie's firsts.... Trip to the zoo, swimming in the pool, eating ice cream, matching outfit with her sister and taking a road trip in her car seat..... ( I know, I know....pictures are cut off - with four kiddos that's the best your gonna get right now :)