ZoLo

Thank you Lord for giving me a daughter.

pink bows. ballet shoes. neon nail polish. fluffy dresses. baby dolls. watermelon lip gloss. princess stories and movies. pink polka-dot blankets. flower pjs. pretend make-up. pastel socks.

Dear Kids...

"And whence comes it that men who have joyfully given up themselves for Christ, find it so hard to give up themselves for their brethren?"

{Andrew Murray, from his book Humility}

Dear Kids....

I know sometimes I get frustrated at the endless toys on the ground or the fact that the kitchen sink is always filled with dirty dishes. I can get crabby when we can't find that same glove every morning or when a glass of milk is spilled all over the newly cleaned floors. I hate to admit it, but at times I am overwhelmed with the amount of laundry I have to do, the number of meals I have to prepare and the immeasurable "mommy" calls I have to answer. Truth is, this mommy thing is hard, and I am constantly counting on God's grace to get me through each day.

However, after all is said and done, I need you to know that there aren't a group of people on this planet that I would rather serve. I am humbled and honored that the Lord would call me to give my time, my resources and my life for each of you. You are worth far more than anything I have to give, and when I think about how much each of you mean to me... to God... I am put-back by the fact that things like dirty clothes get me stressed. I love you all... enough to serve you each and every day. I might not have much talent or wealth to bestow upon you, but I can serve you... with a grateful heart. Please know that my sacrifices, as small as they may be, are my way of saying you are the most important people to me.

Love, Mom

family day

We took a much needed family adventure yesterday and had so much fun! Chris wanted to start off at the zoo, but I saw the temperature in the morning and it was 29 degrees! I'm glad I caved, because it ended up being one of the nicest days and all the animals were out to play. I am so blessed to have a man who works hard to support his family and we are grateful for the work that is coming his way... but I do have to say that it was so much fun having him with us!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

and in all things... session 35

Things I am thankful for on January 19, 2012...

1. Psalm 5:11
2. Honey Greek Yogurt
3. Effective Antibiotics
4. My husband's sense of humor
5. God's undeniable presence
6. Fruit Leather
7. Testimonies
8. Nap-time
9. An infant who is consistently sleeping through the night
10. Friends who are sacrificial (One particular couple is Jimmie and Angela Brennan.. we were so honored to purchase a meal for a family in need in Springfield... Read their story here)

TOM 2012

 

This past weekend was our annual winter retreat "Tent of Meeting."

It was so much fun to have a group from Tommy's church in New Jersey come here to minister to us. God moved in a mighty way and I am still processing all that happened. Tomorrow some of our youth are going to get up and share with our congregation the changes God  has made in their lives. I am so proud!

Keeping this one in my pocket.

My head is buzzing today.

So much to think about. So many decisions to make. So many opportunities to ponder.

BUT today we shut it all down.

The kids aren't feeling well and I am beyond exhausted.

Today I rest knowing that my God's arms are strong.... strong enough for even my crazy life.

The life I feel not many understand.

He understands.

getting big...

as a man speaks with his friend.

Getting ready to head up to our annual youth winter retreat.

I love spending time with God... with youth.

I hate leaving my kids.

I pulled an all-nighter to get everything done.

Everything is still not done.

Please keep us in your prayers!

 

 Now, Moses used to take a tent and set it up far outside the camp. He called it the tent of meeting. Anyone who was seeking the Lord’s will used to go outside the camp to the tent of meeting. Whenever Moses went out to the tent, all the people would rise and stand at the entrances to their tents and watch Moses until he went in. As soon as Moses went into the tent, the column of smoke would come down and stay at the entrance to the tent while the Lord spoke with Moses. When all the people saw the column of smoke standing at the entrance to the tent, they would all bow with their faces touching the ground at the entrance to their own tents. The Lord would speak to Moses personally, as a man speaks to his friend. Then Moses would come back to the camp, but his assistant, Joshua, son of Nun, stayed inside the tent.

{Exodus 33:7-11}

you know... THAT friend.

So I have this friend... you know the one.... my first real friend.

The one I grew up with....literally.

The one I begged my parents to have sleep over.

The one I made up crazy stories with.

The one who had the crazy wall paper in her room that I will never forget.

The one whose home phone number is forever stored in my brain.

That friend.

I got to see her today.... and her adorable little man.

I get a little emotional thinking about it, mostly because I wish she lived next door.

I'm so proud of her.

She's accomplished things in life that completely blow my brain... and yet, is one of the most humble people I know.

 She probably doesn't know this, but I still have the other half to my BFF necklace.

I love you Angela and had so much fun catching up today!!

{see more of her adorable boy Holden here)

{phone photo dump}

a sweet surprise.

I found these pictures above each of the kids beds. I have no idea when he put them there.

 

 

10 weeks

Jacob Christopher Bunk

{10 weeks}

• You are smiling up a storm
• This week you started sleeping through the night
• You are pretty fond of baths
• You are moving your feet and legs in the air a lot
• You have a very healthy digestive system
• You have a pout that will get you anything you want
• You are a little nervous around Elijah, but love watching him jump on the couch
• You are getting a little intolerant of kiddie kisses on the cheek
• You love having your belly and head rubbed 

i love that we saved this towel