Grace

Merry Chraaaaastmas sweet friends and family (with mouths wide open)!  This was the one pose that caught their attention long enough for me to snap a few pictures with all of them looking my way.  What a gift they are to me.  They keep me ever on my toes.  I pray that you and your loved ones are well this season and that you have amazing memories to share with those around you for years to come.  But first and foremost may we remember...

During our short few months in Kansas City, Grandma and Grandpa Parks practically moved to KS for two months.  Several things happened while we were there.  Zion was born, Arden had his burst appendix removed, I had a birthday and also got mastitis with a 104 degree temperature.  We wouldn’t trade our time in KC for anything.  We had such a wonderful time with old friends, new friends and of course our family.  I was so...

I read this book to my kids for the first time just the other night.  I laughed so hard I cried.   It could have just been that I was tired or the crazy day that I had,  but if you are in the mood this book might have the same impact on you and your kids.  The main characters are Gerald (and elephant) and Piggie (…a pig).  Mo Willems has a lot of fun with these two characters.  He has quite a few books, but my top two favorites...

I go to the library with my kids (ages 2, 5 and sometimes my 6 month old) at least once a week.  My heart is pretty sensitive to the types of books my children are exposed to. We each have different levels of sensitivity, some have more strict views than mine and others could care less, that’s your prerogative-between you and Jesus.  :-) Each library is different.  And each storyteller is has their own style.  I happen to really...

This afternoon I had two out of three of my children napping and I decided I would take advantage of the silence no matter how long it lasted.  I grabbed my journal and my iTouch and sat on my favorite couch…my only couch.                   One of my favorite albums to listen to is Strong Love by John Thurlow.  Today I just listened to #6 Fountains over and over again.    ...

Eliana Joy will turn two on Sunday, October 7th.  We plan to have the family over to celebrate her day.  It will have a Hawiian theme, only there wont be any pit with a pig in it.  But there will be lots of fun, laughter and good food.               When I first learned that I was to have a little girl, I was excited and a little nervous.  Both of these feelings I have found were legit. From the...

I say that almost as a declaration, because it truly can be glorious, if you trust the One bringing the change. In the past 10 months there has been a lot of change in our lives. The great part is that the Lord had been preparing our hearts for this change in many ways. So when it was time, by His grace, we were ready to take the leap. Our first leap was leaving Bloomington or more specifically, Bethany’s campus, which we LOVE...

Words, words, how do I put into words my deep love and affection for you?  I know holidays have come to mean very little to us.  You’ve challenged me to let go of the pressure and expectation around holidays and just love and honor each other all the day’s we have breath in our lungs.  But…today, as I look at these pictures of you with our kids.  I can’t help myself.  I truly am thankful for you.  The love of...

We had fun last night singing, reading the Word and talking about Arden’s day and the choices he made throughout the day. We talked about why it’s important to continue to repent for our sin and believe that Jesus really is coming back to judge the earth. In short, I wanted to just share a thought I had last night as we were putting Arden to bed.  This particular night he wasn’t very excited about sleeping in his...