Jake is on the good team

I haven't really blogged much about our family's spiritual journey. I probably should...I guess it has just not been the exciting race that I expected. Often it seems more like Henry the Siamese, in the Cross Country Cat when he first puts on his skiis and is plodding along without rhythm. We have a hard time praying or reading the Bible regularly, it always seems like learning verses or the chatecism is like pulling teeth for all of us. But, God continues to amaze me with his faithfulness, though, despite our plodding journey. Amidst a busy week with lots of tantrums, arguing, and tired nannies and mommy, He reminded me of what it is really all about. It started when Jake got the "love" fruit of the spirit award in preschool this week. It's the last week of preschool and Jake's teachers, Mrs. Davis and Mrs. Stephens, gave out the awards. He was the only one who got love and they both seemed really sincere about it. Then they picked him to give flowers to his Sunday School teacher who is also the retiring director of the preschool. He did a great job, completing the job with a big hug for Mrs. Littlefield. Finally, he and I got to spend some time hanging out this evening. We played cribbage, looked for Waldo, read Rum Tum Tugger by TS Eliot (this isn't a normal evening, believe me, usually we are arguing about how much computer time he gets). After dinner he asked about how bad guys can get on the good team. Chapel Hill teaches the kids about Jesus, using an analogy of him being the Good Coach and they are on the Good Team. We talked about how bad guys can say they  are sorry and ask Jesus into their hearts. I couldn't resist the opportunity and mentioned how we all started out on the bad team but Jesus changed everything for us. He was totally into talking about it, which he never has been. Then as we are talking about what we are thankful for before bed, he asks if he can ask Jesus in his heart. I was completely floored. So we prayed. It was probably the first time he's really prayed, too. He always wants me or Scott to pray. Simple stuff, but what an amazing gift from the Lord. Jake, you are a wonderful example of love, peace, and faith. I am thankful for you! Welcome to the team...we're plodding cross country skiiers in this family, but we look forward to getting some more rhythm with you on board! Psalm 30:2.

Shout out to my new cuz, JR...

Sorry, JR, I didn't mean to leave you out of my previous post. You are a whole 6 weeks and all now. I did get to visit North Carolina with my mom and we stayed with Aunt Meg, Uncle Mike, Milo and Jude, who I am calling JR. He and I did hang out, my mom just hasn't gotten any pictures off her phone yet. See you soon, cuz!

I'm five months old!

My mom and dad are so delinquent that I have to write my own happy 5 month blog! That's why it's a few days late. We've been really busy the last month so I don't blame them too much for their delinquency.

Here I am asleep in Tom-Tom's car on the way to Uncle Adam's wedding in Madrid, Iowa.

Here I am dancing with my handsome daddy at Uncle Adam and Aunt Erin's wedding. I hope this is something Daddy and I get to do a lot...dancing and go to weddings, that is.

 Here we all are trying to pose for a family picture since we were all dressed up. We all looked ok in this picture if only we could get a photographer to pose us!

 Here I am as the fourth generation of women on my mom's side. Great Grandma Sue, Grammy Kris, Mommy, and me.

 Here's Aunt Heather. She's a lot of fun and took care of Jake and Sam while Mommy and I went to North Carolina and Daddy went to Atlanta.

 Here I am with Grandma Sue. I got to pose for lots of pictures on our trip to Iowa and Indiana.

 Jake and I did a good job posing with Grandma Weezie. Sam was either sleeping or having a tantrum. He only selectively poses for pictures!

 Here I am with Grammy Kris on her porch in Indiana. This was right before we came home to Washington. We had a really nice visit.

Here I am in all my 5 month glory. I don't think I look to worse the wear considering I've been in 7 states and on 6 airplane flights since I was born. I guess that's the benefit of being stuck with my mommy...I get to travel with her!