Happy Birthday Karis

November 15th was an exciting day here at our home. Our oldest, sweet Karis, turned 4 years old. It is amazing to us that 4 years have passed so quickly. Four years of watching her turn from a baby into a little girl. Four years of parenting and learning to depend on the Lord more deeply. I cannot even begin to imagine what the next 4 will be like, starting school & growing independence. I am sure that it will all continue to test me in area of trusting the Lord and not myself.

When Karis was born her favorite thing to do was cry, sometimes all day long. I read books, talked to other moms, cried and at times felt helpless. I was trying so hard to control her and when she didn't cooperate my sin would come out. I was trusting in my methods and not in my God. So now four years into parenting I still have lots of methods but by God's grace I am able more to step back and evaluate who I am trusting in. I am learning that parenting is a process and I fight to keep my focus on the goal. A baby who becomes a child who becomes a young woman who loves her Lord and desires to honor Him with her life. And that is my prayer for my girl each day, a deepening knowledge of Christ and a conviction for her need for a savior. All I can do as her mom is be faithful to what God has called me to, plant seeds and water, but it is God who brings growth.

Apples

There is an orchard near our house that was selling 22 lbs of apples for $8.00. What a bargin! Heather inspired me to make applesauce and after canning several quarts, dehydrating apples, and making fruit leather I went back for a second 22 lbs and made more applesauce, dehydrated more apples and fruit leather. I should say all this would not have been accomplished with my now most favorite kitchen tool- the pampered chef apple corer, peeler, slicer- it does all three in one step- it is a coolest gadget ever AND I got it for a steal $10.

This picture is SMALL portion of the applesauce I have. I hoping it will last for a LONG time but since Mercia practically exists on applesauce it will probably be gone in a month.

Love You Too Much

Jotham's personality and his language has been developing more and more and it has been so much fun. He is such a sweet little guy (most of the time). He has recently taken to saying, "I love you too much." I think he must mean so much but it is cute none the less. I thought this picture of him loving on Cia was an appropriate manifestation of "I love you too much."

This picture was taken this past Monday when we went to the cafe at the local airport. It was a beautiful day and it was fun watching the planes take off and land. We were also able to get a more recent photo of all 3 together (one where Cia isn't being attacked by Jotham's love).

Cinderella Man

A few weeks ago Erik planned a wonderful romantic evening for us at home. He went to the grocery store, picked out food, cooked it, set up a little table for us in the family room with candles and music playing. We had a wonderful time talking and enjoying each other. Then he read me a beautiful poem that he wrote for me and had me in tears. I'm so grateful for this evening with my husband.

Later in the evening we watched the movie Cinderella Man. This a favorite of ours. There are many things about it that I love. The love story between a husband and wife. The character of a man in raising a family in the midst of challenging circumstances. I've also particularly enjoyed the Paul Giamatti's portrayal of Joe Gould, the coach (apart from one sense where he takes the Lord's name in vain repeatedly).

Watching it this time I was struck by a something new. In the boxing senses, the coach is able to see things that the boxer can't. He helps the boxer with his strategy and he encourages him when he thinks he can't go anymore. This was a helpful reminder to me of how much I need the body of Christ in my life. I am in a fight against my sin and because I am getting hit in the face I can't see clearly. I need someone in my corner, someone who is for me, someone who can see what I can't see. I need someone to speak truth to me when I think I can't fight anymore, when I just want to give up. Someone to remind that "in Christ the enemy has already been defeated."

I am so grateful to have my husband and my dear friends as voices of truth in my life. Apart from this grace I am sure that I would have been knocked out long ago.

Pumpkin Patch

Last week we went to Rock Hill Orchard with the Castro Family to pick some pumpkins (thanks Jonalee for the recommendation- they have really unique looking pumpkins). It is always such fun to be with the Castros. Karis & Mckenna are the same age and in the same class at church. Since they are both the oldest children in our respective families our outings with them always consist of their younger siblings crying about something. This outing was no exception. Jotham & Selah Grace were not exactly excited about walking through a vine covered field, but praise the Lord there were apple trees near by and they both love apples. I simply love being with Heather, she is such a wonderful godly woman whose walk with the Lord and humilty are such an encouragement to me.

Ear Tubes

Thanks so much for your prayers for Mercia. We are so grateful for your care for us through your emails, calls, & especially your prayers. Mercia did great getting her tubes. We arrived at the hospital this morning around 6 am and she was put under anesthesia at 7:40(this was a bit sad for Mommy) and I think the doctor was done the procedure by 8 am. All I can say is I couldn’t be more impressed with Dr. Casler. If you have any ENT needs we would highly recommend him! You know you have a wonderful doctor when you go back to recovery and he is the one holding your daughter on his lap comforting her- God was very kind to provide him. She was pretty cranky for a bit after but a bottle helped (she drank 12 oz. - double her normal) and so did being able to get down and crawl around when we got home.

Ear Update- Again

Today we were blessed to take Mercia to another ENT, Dr. Casler. He goes to our church and was recommended by some others who have gone to him. We went to get his thoughts and we are so grateful we did. He was excellent! He gave us so much time and he so thouroughly explained everything. Upon examining her today he saw that there is so much fluid & pressure in her ears that her ear drum is pulled back into her middle ear almost as far as it can go. So even though there is no infection present she is in a significant amount of pain. And he said an infection is just around the corner. All this being said plus lots more we have decided that the best thing to serve our girlie is give her tubes. This should be happening sometime the next week. So grateful for your continued prayers for her.