Milestone for Madelynn!

God gave me a great present this week and that is:


Madelynn potty trained herself. Yes, I believe it's official. She's been in undies for about six days with hardly any accidents. I'm so proud of her! And she did it all by herself!! Of course she needs help with the obvious things, but she initiated and was motivated. I am one surprised and relieved Mommy!

Our Little People

Smorgas-nalia

Lots going on. Sometimes it's overwhelming. But I know God is not overwhelmed and to Him I trust and depend upon for strength.

Last week we had a scare with Josh so we had his platelets checked. No problems-his numbers are in the normal range.

Joshua's insulin pump arrived on Sunday. Who knew there would be three workbooks and a big box of stuff to sort through just for a pump? A little much I think, but we're wading through it.

Hudson is finally over his sickness. I think he's taking a break from teething too. He's been sleeping through the night a little more and he's been happy! It's so nice to have my Hudson-boy happy again. He babbles so much; we have "conversations" which he turns very serious for, and then starts smiling and laughing. He's still crawling and cruising along the furniture. No interest in walking...yet.

Madelynn is still sick. And miserable.

Rachel has been bubbly and happy. She's been saying some funny stuff, but I keep forgetting to write it down so I can share it with you.

It seems as though it's spring here. Robins, rain, sunshine, 60 F, breezy, walks, no jackets, yarrow and green grass coming up. I'm trying to get some spring cleaning done so I can move onto the yard work. I didn't expect spring to come so quickly! What a treat!

Trying to decide on having a garage sale or not.

Joel's been helping out at the church alot lately due to Pastor and his wife being on vacation. They deserve a vacation!!

I've been able to make bread almost everyday. I love fresh bread so much. My dad gave me an easy one rise recipe. It takes a mere five minutes to mix up. If you want the recipe let me know.

Joshua is working on his first creative writing assignment.

Joel and I bought a new wedding ring for me. I had lost mine a couple years ago gardening (or something like that) and we never found it. I love the new ring-it is so simple yet beautiful. I will try to post a picture of it later.

Joshua learned how to ride a bike!!

Rachel is learning to write letters and draw stick figures.

Madelynn knows most of her ABC's just by listening to the older two.

We visited some dear friends, Mark and Kelley, Oliver and Karis last weekend. It was so great to see them and catch up and see where they live now. (they moved recently). The kids had a great time together.

I really like birds. I'm not big into naming them, but I like the idea of birds. So sweet, so free, so fun to watch.

I miss Emily. But yet I am delighted that she is with Jesus.

I am excited and looking forward to this summer. This summer with a garden, and fresh air and picnics and spending time with family.

Joel took over for an evening after supper so I could go on a bike ride. (Isn't he a great husband?) I love to bike. I really do. I love to go fast and feel the wind, and yes even get out of breath. I feel so invigorated afterwards. I hope I can keep this up throughout the summer, then maybe I won't feel so tired all the time.

I love my kids.

I love my husband.

Happy Kids

The kids are sick and Hudson is teething right now. So instead of posting about kleenex and tears I thought it would be more enjoyable for both of us to look at these pictures instead:

Smiles at lunchtime

Joshua's Seventh Birthday

Our little baker

Blessed are they that mourn

Everywhere I look 

I see you

Everyday you come

into my memory

and I miss you.

When I see you,

I see you happy, 

joyful,

with pigtails

and a white dress.

You have a new heart

and you are no longer in pain

You are fully alive,

fully awake

You are

with Jesus.

What more could my heart desire?

And yet my heart deceives me

and wants you here

with 

me,

in a world of brokenness.

And then I realize,

I am grieving,

for myself.

I am grieving for the rest 

of us

who yearn

for where you are

Perfect paradise

Eternal bliss