9 and 7. How can it be?!

Today is one of the best days of the year. Three Six is what it is known by in our family. The birthday of Owen and Baxter. Today Owen is 9 and Baxter is 7. 

This morning I was thinking about how thankful I am that God made them and that God has sustained them and that I get to be there mom. I was also thinking about how often I forget those things because being their mom is just so hard. I get to love them and care for them and enjoy them, but I also get to weather their sinful hearts all day every day. I see the amazing boys they are becoming and I see the deep selfishness in them both. I see the joy of brothers loving each other and the yuck of fights. 

It is the highest joy and deepest battle at times, being their mom. But I wouldn't trade it for the world. 

I am asking The Lord to use this day of celebrating His making and sustaining Owen and Baxter to encourage me in the calling of motherhood. 

Happy Birthday, boys!!

Just a few pics of the little years. 

Why Advent?!

As Christmas approaches with great speed, we are really trying to slow down to remember and reflect on why Christmas exists. It is hard to do in the midst of one of the busiest times of the year, but I don't want to miss this chance to be reminded of the great salvation that is ours because of the Father's great love for us in sending His Son. 

Here are some thoughts  from John Piper's free ebook on Advent called "The Dawning of Indestructible Joy."

"One of the most famous Christmas scenes in the Bible is the announcement to the shepherds by an angel that the Savior is born. And then it says, “Suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying, ‘Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace among those with whom he is pleased!’” (Luke 2:11–14).

Glory to God, peace to man. The angels are sent to make something crystal clear: the Son of God has come into his cre- ation to display the glory of God and to reconcile people from alienation to peace with God. To make God look great in sal- vation and to make man glad in God. "

Girl time!

Lucy and I had the joy of spending some girl time together last Friday. We went To see our friend Abby Jayne as Grettle in the Central Pennsylvania Youth Ballet's performance of Hansel and Grettle. 

It was a joy to listen to and talk with Lucy without the other little voices competing for my attention. Their voices were heard by their daddy :)

We drove into Harrisburg and saw the capital building. As she saw the building she said "don't you love that green building?!"

A minute later we saw a man riding a bike and she said "Mommy, I see a human wearing a helmet!" 

She is a sweet girl and I am thankful to be her Mommy. I look forward to more times like this where we can continue to grow and develop our friendship over the years. 

Fall

Spent the evening in a beautiful part of God's world with some generous friends. 

Fall in central PA is beautiful!