Seven Years of Silence

I think it is appropriate that this site has seen seven years of silence. What can I say, I was raising tiny humans. Since my last post we have walked the highs and the lows. One thing is for certain, God has seen us through it all. I realized recently that there are 14 songs of ascents found in Psalms 120-134. The Jews would sing these songs on the way to festivals as they walked upon the uphill road to Jerusalem. The reason for this tradition was to remind themselves and each other of God's truths.

We are all on a journey, an ascent really.  Everyday we are being prepared for our eternity with our Heavenly Father. The the hard stuff - the uncomfortable moments - the joy filled events - all of them are part of our songs of ascent.

There is no way that I could catch up on the last seven years, but I'll start with a current picture and say that in the eyes of each person is something different than what was there before. Perseverance, wisdom, maturity, understanding, forgiveness, vulnerability, humility to name a few.  Lessons learned the hard way and some near misses of complete destruction. Even in the dark days, when I was unfaithful, uncertain, and doubting, my God was faithful. He was and is preparing each of our hearts for eternity. May we all keep singing the songs of ascent until we see Him face to face.

Our little slugger

 

baseball is lance's very favorite sport... making it really fun to watch this kid get better and better.

I lost track of how many home-runs he got this season!

such a cutie!!

 they were trying to have "tough" faces!  HA!

 his team came in second in the league and got a trophy... he was super proud and so are we!

We love to watch our boys excel at things, but we have an even bigger hope that they will honor God with their lives on and off the field!

HAITI!!!

 It almost seems unfair that I can not possible retell every story, memory, feeling, and experience from Haiti.  It isn't even possible to sum it up in a few short sentences, but I hope that these pictures will give you a small window into our time there.  They are some of my favorite moments...

Lance teaching while his words were translated for the children encircling him.

having tired bodies, but full hearts at our return to the mission each night AND the realization that even a coke is gift worth celebrating!

Being in homes of people who have nothing and are grateful for everything

Linking arms with these incredible people and learning all that God wanted to show us.

experiencing the food and culture of another country

loving on and being loved by the people of Haiti.  Isn't this little nugget adorable???  oh, how i miss this face!!

learning the difference between necessity and comfort.

meeting men that are champions for Jesus in Haiti!  Join me in prayer for these three amazing men!

 I honestly couldn't go back soon enough!!  I'm anxious to get back there and maybe take a sisco kid with me too!

HELLO SUMMER

This party gets bigger every year and I LOVE it!  Everyone wants to celebrate the end of a great school year and even more so... say hello to an incredible summer.

I supply the ice cream and water... they supply their own water guns and towels!  An hour of absolute mania!!  It is one of my favorite traditions!

Brothers and Puddles

Some days call for "rain boot" entertainment

 I mean looks at these faces... we needed to get out.. they are so silly today!

He's even got snacks hidden in those pockets... priceless

1-2-3 JUMP!

A few Treats

I've had the chance to work on some fun projects lately.  Here are a few of them...

camping cupcakes!

housewarming party cookies

volunteer appreciation cookies

and a cake for a little girls birthday tea party.

SOCCER

Well,  it has been a sad state of affairs in the blogging world lately!  I've really let months pass without any updates and that is just not cool!

We were super proud that A chose to play soccer this year.  She has only done dance and ballet and this was her first go at a team sport.  She did well and her coaches tell us that if she can have a little more self control with her motion that she'll excel.  She already has the drive and determination... now we need the accuracy!

Here are some pics of her season on the STARS!!