Catherine at 6 months, Henry at 2 1/2

This is really the only place that I write anything down about our kids, so here we go. Catherine turned 6 months old a couple of days ago. She's a slow mover! The day before her "birthday," she finally rolled over. We went to the doctor the next day and she weighed 18 pounds, 7 oz (26 1/4 inches). Her favorite things are taking a bath and watching her brother try to make her laugh! She is still sleeping like crazy. I'm very thankful, but it makes getting out a rare thing. I'm learning to be content being at home A LOT.

Henry turns 2 1/2 in a couple of days. He is constantly moving (unless he is being read to or watching "PS" (PBS). He is very curious and gets into just about anything that is within his reach. Getting on top of a table for something to be in his reach is not out of the question either ;) He's just like Hank in so many ways. The more people around the better, as happy as a lark outside, a love for good food/music.  The things we are working on are having self control during meltdowns, giving people their personal space, playing by himself for longer than 2 mintues, and faster obedience.

Dear Jesus

By Max Lucado

Dear Jesus,

It's a good thing you were born at night. This world sure seems dark. I have a good eye for silver linings. But they seem dimmer lately.

These killings, Lord. These children, Lord. Innocence violated. Raw evil demonstrated.

The whole world seems on edge. Trigger-happy. Ticked off. We hear threats of chemical weapons and nuclear bombs. Are we one button-push away from annihilation?

Your world seems a bit darker this Christmas. But you were born in the dark, right? You came at night. The shepherds were nightshift workers. The Wise Men followed a star. Your first cries were heard in the shadows. To see your face, Mary and Joseph needed a candle flame. It was dark. Dark with Herod's jealousy. Dark with Roman oppression. Dark with poverty. Dark with violence.

Herod went on a rampage, killing babies. Joseph took you and your mom into Egypt. You were an immigrant before you were a Nazarene.

Oh, Lord Jesus, you entered the dark world of your day. Won't you enter ours? We are weary of bloodshed. We, like the wise men, are looking for a star. We, like the shepherds, are kneeling at a manger. This Christmas, we ask you, heal us, help us, be born anew in us.

Hopefully,

Your Children

home

This is the first year (besides when I lived overseas) that we haven't been with family at Thanksgiving. We were gone for half of November with Cru stuff, and just couldn't stomach another road trip. Surprisingly, it hasn't been as depressing as I thought it might be. Actually...we are elated to just be at home:)

While Hank was at a 9 day training with Lifelines, I went and stayed with my parents. Nine days was way too long to be a single mom, and we had not been to South Carolina since March. Griffin, Henry's three year old cousin came and visited for a night.

Gigi and Granddaddy took the boys to the Zoo!

Catherine at 5 months! She's reaching for things, a lot more verbal, and is VERY interested in her big brother. I feel like she is more laid back than Henry, or I guess it could be a second child thing!

We've got some big changes coming up, I'll write more on that soon!

Our greatest need and random pictures

I watched the whole thing. Henry (mad) pushed his toy lawn mover across the floor straight into Catherine's head. Screaming, tears, and eventually a two year old apology followed.

In the scheme of things (or even our day), it really wasn't a big deal. But, I saw the anger in my son's eyes and his desire to hurt something, someone. And there it simply was... sin. I was overwhelmed with the realization that Henry was just like me and you. He needs Jesus. As a parent, I have the responsibility to train him how to have self-control and not act out those raw feelings, but the Holy Spirit (I pray) will more importantly change his heart. I love this kid and need wisdom in how to raise him to love the Lord (and his sister)!

Catherine at 4 months (17 pounds, 25 inches)

Sharing the love

Henry and Catherine are both sick...

with the same thing...

I wonder how?

3 months

Catherine is three months old today! This kid is huge (she was 14 pounds at her 8 week check up). She's recently found her thumb (yipee) and continue s to sleep through the night (whew)! She started teething this week (just like Henry did).

(Catherine with Pop)

Henry continues to be a stinker, but on a much smaller/normal scale than earlier this summer. I'm continually reminded of my need for Jesus and for His wisdom in raising these kiddos.

Sleep

Isn't it amazing what you'll do for your kids to sleep? Two nights ago, we blended a smoothy outside on the porch and last week bathed 35 pound Henry in the kitchen sink (the bathroom with the tub is right next to Catherine's room). Sleep is something we're getting more of these days, and I'm thankful. I won't tell you just how incredible our 10 week old is sleeping, b/c I am well aware that it can change within a matter of days;)

On another note, Hank turned 32 today! One of his love languages is food (yep that is the sixth love language that didn't get included in Gary Chapman's book, "The Five Love Languages"). Therefore, today is a day of his own choosing for breakfast, lunch, dinner, and cake. Plus, one of my gifts to him is going to be cooking Paleo for a week. He's been wanting me to do that for a while and it just takes a lot of energy that I don't have to plan out meals according to that diet! Sometimes I feel like a gift of time is more precious/hard for me to give then something that costs money.

I'm super thankful for this man and pray that we can celebrate many more of his birthdays to come!