The Armor of God

So...it appears to us that the enemy is on the prowl.  Many of our dear friends and family members have been struck hard this season with flu, sinus infections, bronchitis, RSV, croup and more.  Our pastors wife and my sweet friend (also the worship leader at church) is in the hospital with a nasty kidney infection and kidney stones.  There is even the possibility of surgery.

I returned home from dance rehearsal this Sunday and went about my usual "reminders of the week's events and daily prayer needs" with the family as I bustled around the kitchen clearing items.  My most urgent request was to be in prayer against the forces of darkness and the power of the enemy, which of course holds nothing but a twig in the face of our Lord.  I told my kids to remember to be praying for God's Kingdom to be here with our friends and family and for His almighty power to rest upon all of us.  I said, "We need to pray for miraculous healing and remember this is a battle and God will win, as He always does."  Not 10 seconds had passed as I finished my mini-sermon, when Ty headed into his bedroom, obviously on a mission.  He came back out shortly, looking like this...

Ty wearing his "Armor of God"

Ty was ready to wage battle!  No worries that his armor consists of his baseball helmet and the belt for his dress slacks.  It's a good thing he really does know what the true armor of God consists of!  This was pretty darn funny, though.

Still settling...

Well, we are blessed to be in a comfy rental home close to both sets of grandparents and good friends.  We don't even need to change our shopping locations!  As comforting as it is to sort and organize our belongings, that sense of chaos still creeps in when I think of doing this moving thing all over again in a couple years.  Part of me says, "Can I just keep everything in this box so it's ready to go when we move out?"  I know.  Not very practical or realistic, but it sure would make life a bit simpler.  Instead, I'll lean on God's peace which absolutely surpasses all my understanding.  Resting in Him makes me smile.

And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.   Philippians 4:7

Ethiopian Adoption: Why Ethiopia?

Oh my.  If this doesn't tug at your heart, I'm not sure what will.  We look forward to the honor of giving one (or more) of these beautiful children a forever family.  How amazing is the love our Father lavishes on us!

Tyler Turns 9

I'm amazed at the truth...time does have wings!  How can it be that our baby boy is nine years old already?  As much as a I love each stage of their growth and development, and I love being able to communicate with my children who are actually little human beings, I also get nostalgic about their younger days.

We celebrated at the park this year.  It was a gorgeous 72 degree "winter" day, and everyone had a great time.  I love to see my kids playing and spending time with their friends.

We had to do the whole "blowing out the candles" thing twice.  Daddy forgot to video tape the first run-through.

Our Sweet Zaiden getting so big!

Of course, there had to be some tragedy at the party.  It's a good thing that there were engineers there.  The guys put their heads (and throwing arms) together to figure out a way to get the football to float back to the edge of the pond.  Pretty exciting stuff.  I think they all felt they wouldn't be missed if they didn't attend, but more than that...they were needed!  Thank God for quick-thinking daddies!

Casey, Hannah, Zaiden, Rhyan, Dyami, Trey, Isiah, Trevor, Wyatt, and Ty.

Nana surprises Ty with a kiss goodbye.

Our Christmas Slide Show

This was a fun way to include several photos from the last few months. We hope everyone had a very blessed Christmas! (Click on this text to see slideshow.)

Schooling at home...and while asleep!

How would you feel if you got out of the shower at 7:30 a.m., and found your 8 year-old son with his grammar book open and ready to be tackled...without you even asking?!?!  First of all, I can't remember why I was up and showered that early.  It must have been a rehearsal or errand-running day.  Second, my poor son was still sleepy, so his grammar book was open and ready, but I'm not sure who or what was doing the tackling!  He wanted to get some work done and please his mama.  Bless his sweet heart!

Day at the Zoo, December 10, 2010

  I actually caught them with natural smiles!

                                             

Aslan?

I think Ty belongs in Monkey Village!

Rhyan is looking so much "older".

We had a great day!  The weather was perfect, and it wasn't crowded at all.