Family Pictures

So this week has been a little busy to say the least with my parents, gram, and my sister and her four beautiful girls here. Not to mention, my gram's brother and two daughters came down from Omaha and my sister's in-laws and her sister in-law and her two kids came down from Iowa for a couple of days before Thanksgiving. We celebrated my parent's 40th anniversary, Christmas on thanksgiving morning, then Thanksgiving in the afternoon, and of course we did lots of fun things in the KC area. It was a blessing to get to be with everyone even if I am exhausted right now as I type this. So for now I will just post pictures from the photo shoot that Maasen took of our family. If your are looking for a good photographer you should contact her http://maasenphotography.blogspot.com/ Thanks again Maasen.

Dassah on the move

Hadassah is going to be 7 months tomorrow I can hardly believe it. Here are few things she has been up to lately. She got her two bottom teeth right before her 6th month b-day.

She can scoot and is starting to even take some steps crawling you will see on the video but often it turns into her sitting herself up. She can hold on standing up but not pull herself to standing yet. She loves playing with toys and is still full of smiles. However, she still doesn't sleep through the night. I guess she is following her brother since he didn't sleep through the night till 9 months.

Noah's dream

It is often that Noah will ask us: "Can I go to heaven and play with Wyatt and Jesus?"
I think it is interesting how in his spirit he knows it is somehow better to be in heaven then to ask for Wyatt to come back here. Too be honest I still struggle with this concept. I would love to go to heaven and be with those I love there but then I would miss those I love here. I feel torn. So basically it pushs me to pray and prepare the way for Jesus to come back more because then we will all be together.

On Wyatt's birthday, Noah asked this and Paul said what are you going to do when you see him, are you going to tackle him?" Noah said, "Yes and then I am going to tackle Jesus and they will laugh".

So the other morning we were having breakfast and here was our dialogue

Noah: Mama, when I was laying in my bed I had a dream
Me: What kind of dream?
Noah: A Jesus loves me dream
Me: Did you see Jesus
Noah: Yes
Me: What was He wearing?
Noah: He was wearing purple
Me: Was He happy or sad?
Noah: He was sad because the soldiers were going to take him away and have him die on the cross, then He took my hand and we went into this big barn. Their were horses and lots of toys there.
Me: Did you see anyone else in the barn?
Noah: Yes Wyatt was there and we were playing with Buzz, Woody, Bullseye and Jessie

That is all of the dream I can remember of what he said for right now. Paul said Noah told him some other things too later on maybe he will add them on the comments.

But what really stands out to me that I didn't even put together until Tom said it is that the Lord answered his desire to play with Wyatt in heaven by giving him a dream about it.

Taking pictures

 Okay I admit it when I am sad, stressed, or need to wind down: I either take pictures, look at pictures, make scrapbook pages with pictures or post pictures on my blog. At least I am multitasking today by making a scrapbook page and then posting it on my blog.  I managed to get out of the house the other day since the kids scheadules were off and they were both awake at the same time during the day. So we went to the Park and took some photos before all the fall leaves are gone.

The best paragraphs I have read in a long time

I have just starting reading The Cry by Patricia Juster. It has been really good. Below are the best paragraphs I have read in a long time, so much so that I am taking the time to write them out for this blog.

"As stated before, The Cry happens when we realize that we are powerless to change the course of what has happened to us in the past or to prevent harm from a present impending danger. How can one bring back from the dead the life of a loved one, or get back virginity, or procure his or her own rescue when overpowered by greater forces? Therefore, The Cry often comes with a ripping and tearing as when a woman gives birth. We are told that Jesus let out a deep cry when He died on the cross, and the veil of the temple was torn in two. (Matthew 27:50-54)

What power was in His cry! It was a cry of faith to the only One who could save. It was the release of His soul into the hands of His loving Father. A way was made for us to enter into initmate fellowship with God through this act.We are told in Hebrews that we can come boldly to the throne of God because Jesus made a way through His flesh that is called the veil. A veil seperated the holy of holies from the Holy Place. This veil, His body, was torn and bloodied for our freedom. "Therefore, brothers, since we have confidence to enter the Most Holy Place by the blood of Jesus, by a new and living way opened for us throug the curtain, that is , his body" (Hebrews 10:19-20)

Could it possibly be that at the point where we release our "cry" giving up our hold on self-protection, that the curtain of our hearts is rent and a way is open for the greater intimacy with God?  Perhaps there are veils that hide or block us from seeing Jesus as He really is, and these veils need to be torn in two.  (pg.37-38)

The Lord is our Shepherd, and we have no lack or deprivation. He is the Supplier of our soul's food, and we no longer have to manage our own lives or the lives of others in an attempt to protect ourselves from pain. How grateful I am to God for He is preparing me for the difficult days ahead, and has taught me how to abide under the shadow of His wings. He is releasing faith for yielding to The Cry not just to relieve my own pain but also to cry over the pain of others and intercede for their deliverance. Also, I know that this tool of intercession will be used in the face of impending judgment where corporately those who have come to this place of freedom can cry out in faith to the merciful God to spare His people or to repent on behalf of a people group as did Ezra, Nehemiah, or Daniel. "Lord, we have sinned and deserve death, but you are a merciful and gracious God who loves righteousness and justice. In wrath, remember mercy!"

Perhaps you are one of those God is preparing as a type of Esther (whether you're a man or woman) to stand before the king and to cry out for the lives of others... (pg. 39)

I believe that you will receive sight as you patiently embrace your suffering, turning from all pointing of the finger at others. As you run into the arms of your Savior and pour out your heart to Him, the veil will be ripped in two. Then you will see Jesus in greater glory. It is only in His presence tthat you will receive comfort and understanding. He is faithful . And will come through for you as He has for millions before you. (pg. 40)

These are just a few treasures I have found already from this book. If you want to get a copy you can order it at http://www.tikkunamerica.org/pattysbooks.php

The girl with the yellow hat

This isn't just any yellow hat.. it was Kate's first handmade hat and it fits just perfect. Thanks!

p.s. thanks for the super cute coat Ang and Aliya

Wyatt's 5th birthday today

Wyatt: Your presence is missed daily...
We long for the day when we get to play again.