blest. . .

. . . be the tie that binds.

This is the hymn that we are studying in school right now.  To go over a hymn for several weeks helps the meaning to sink in a little deeper.  I LOVE verse 3:

We share our mutual woes,

Our mutual burdens bear;

And often for each other flows

The sympathizing tear.

What a promise!

My prayer is that I can be one who shares in the burdens and woes of those who are sorrowing.  May I ever be able to let sympathizing tears flow for those dear ones around me.

yes. it is. . .

. . .a for sale sign.
Or rather an auction sign.
Auction day is set for Dec 14.

We have talked about doing this for YEARS!

We never knew if it would really sell.

I guess in a month we should know the answer to that.

May the Lord's Will Be Done.

when hearts are heavy. . .

. . .it is good to "give thanks unto the LORD; for he is good: because his mercy endureth for ever." -Psalm 118:1

Our family has had a roller coaster for the past couple of months.  We had two dear girls visit us in August.  When they left we were getting all excited about visiting dear friends on the other side of the continent.  Two days before departure we found out we were expecting a baby.  WHAT!? some of you may say.  That is exactly what we were thinking.  Since it has been 10 years since we had a miscarriage and we have never been able to conceive since, I had pretty much decided that we never would.  So you can only imagine the disbelief.  We left on our trip with excitement building.  Can you imagine?  After 10 years. . .but it still seemed too soon to even believe.  I was so glad that we had plans for 10 days or so.  The midwife told me that I couldn't have an ultrasound to look for heartbeat until 8 weeks.  So after a WONDERFUL time of visiting with friends, we arrived home safe and sound.  How exciting to go to the hospital that day to see our little heartbeat.  Only there wasn't one.  Don't worry they said.  You just aren't as far along as we thought.  Only 6 weeks instead of 8.  That sounded like a stretch, but we wanted it to be true.  Oh, yeah!  You bet we did.  We prayed a lot.  They scheduled me to come back in for another ultrasound in 3 weeks.  Well I didn't make it that far.  Two weeks later, because of spotting I went in.  Still measured 6.  We were crushed.  There have been lots of whys.  LOTS of whys.  Why after 10 years did this happen?  The next day, we lost our baby.  So all of it has been so unreal.  Through it all, God has been with us.  I haven't always found it easy to say this.  I have wondered at times where He was, but He has constantly sent me signs that HE IS.  I haven't been so good and accepting as I wish I could, but healing is coming.  God is so good.  Counting my blessings now is so important.  Last Sunday we heard a message about how it is okay to ask why, but just don't get bogged down in it.  I think I had been guilty of getting bogged down in my whys.  What a good reminder.  We have SO MANY blessings. . .

...

166 - a new nephew

167 - kiddos and cousins

168 - summer sisters

169 - kiddos enjoying school lessons

170 - puppy love

171 - first visit to a cavern as a family

172 - saying good-bye to pups after finding homes for them

173 - visiting friends

174 - loosing teeth

175 - help with the dishes

176 - seeing God when my heart is breaking

how about some water

on a hot day?

That's what happens when your garden isn't level and you run the sprinkler for a long time.  :)

Kids seem to be able to find enjoyment out of even a few inches of water!

. . .

But whosoever drinketh of the water that I shall give him shall never thirst; but the water that I shall give him shall be in him a well of water springing up into everlastin life.

-John 4:14

little girls. . .

are so fun!

When Dad and Ethan are gone for the day, we always have fun girly days.

Elisa, "I love Ethan, but I like it when he goes with Dad."

Mom, "Why?"

Elisa, "Cuz, I can play with my babies more."

She always wants to eat at the "little table" (not really a table at all, but a footstool) when they are gone. She gets her little baby all set up in its high chair (an old dishwasher silverware basket). Then she arranges everything just so.

It is so much fun.

Ephesians 5:20. . .

. . .Giving thanks always for all things unto God and the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ;

REALLY? Do I?

. . .

156 - beatiful feet. . .Isaiah 52:7 & Romans 10:15

157 - BIG brown eyes

158 - new babies

159 - work worn hands

160 - armour. . .Ephesians 6:11

161 - messages from family in far away lands

162 - airplanes

163 - Pilgrim's Progress

164 - patience

165 - making memories with extended families

. . .

Anger, acted exhibited by me, causes someone else to sin.

baby love, puppy dog tails, & happy birthdays. . .

Ethan & Elisa love this boy!

They think that it would be SO fun to have a baby brother as sweet as him!

---

While we were away for the weekend enjoying this boy and many other family members,

this happened to our dog. . .

Since it was the day before Ethan's 6th birthday, he thought it was a

PRETTY NEAT birthday present.

The only problem was that she growled constantly when any of us would get near to her or her babies. We were sad to not be able to get close to the pups, but glad that Samara was being such a good mommy.

---

Since Ethan couldn't play with pups on his birthday, we did this. . .

Happy 6th!!!!

---

Now today was the best of all! The pups are 3 days old now and Ethan finally convinced Samara to let him and Elisa do this. . .

As you can see, they are BOTH very well pleased and agree that it was worth the wait!

---

A couple of comments from Ethan:

-I guess if I can't have a baby brother, at least I can have baby puppies.

-I hate holding those pups. (with much surprise I ask, "WHY?") He replied, "Cuz it makes me want to hold them all day!

Elisa as always is quite the mother! Holding, rocking, patting, singing, etc. I love to watch her being a GIRL!!!