It's official

At 8:30 this morning we arrived at our realtor's office to sign, what seemed like a ga-jillion (i know that's not a word but that's what it felt like) documents, to take ownership--sorta--of our new home. Everything went well and by 9:30 we had our house keys in hand.

My friend Julie went to the house around 3:30 to start prepping for the painting party that will take place Saturday morning. We wanted to pray over the house before moving invited several friends to join us. Our sweet and precious friend Melba brought her guitar and led us in a beautiful time of worship mingled with prayer. I can't begin to say how precious this time was and how much I treasure our friends. God is indeed incredibly good!!

Pictures: 1. Our first family pic in the new house. 2. A few of our friends who were able to join us to pray--unfortunately, I didn't have my camera out earlier when everyone was still there. In this photo from left to right--Anna, Susannah, Me and Rachel (aka Ray-Ray). 3. Todd and I in our very turquoise master bedroom. That will be the first room painted Saturday!

After a year of feeling somewhat in limbo we have a home and can see how God has sustained and provided for us in the most incredible and beautiful ways.

LJ

I enjoy cooking. Even if it's simple things that please the kids like mac-n-cheese. I like the process of preparing and the sitting down to enjoy the meal with my family. Today Todd is at work to try to get a head start on a project that's due so it's just the kids and I. We sit down to eat and my sweet Lia starts complaining. It's always a bummer when you've taken the time to prepare a meal and all you hear is, "I don't want this!", "I don't like this!" From out of no where Lia is now angry about what I've served her to drink. She threatens to leave the house, to runaway and never talk to me. Really? All we did was sit down to eat a nice quiet meal together and now she is angry and completely changing the atmosphere at the table. I tried to encourage her but she wouldn't hear it. Here is our conversation:

"I don't drink milk. I will not drink this milk. I want water!"

I reply, "Lia, please drink your milk and when you're finished I will be happy to get you some water."

"I will have no milk go into my digestive system!"

I smile and reply, "Well as soon as your digestive system decides to drink that milk, I'll get you some water."

"My digestive system doesn't like milk!"

She moves to another seat at the table so that she doesn't have to sit by the mean Mommy! I could tell she was contemplating whether or not she should give in. After a few moments she takes a few drinks of milk and says, "Mom, I'm sorry that I was dis-re-pec-ful and angry." I of course rejoiced that her heart had changed, that she drank her milk and could offer forgiveness with a hug and a glass of cold water.

little Lia

Todd and I had a meeting tonight and our dear friend Becky watched the kids. Everything was quiet when we got home--nice, the kids are asleep! Not exactly. Zach was in bed and almost asleep and Lia had just woken up. Darn! Todd and I went to their room, gave hugs and kisses and wished them sweet dreams.

15 minutes passes and Lia comes out to see us . . .

"Mom, my throat is hurting inside."
"Does it hurt to swallow?"
Lia then stretches her neck out and says, "it hurts in there."
I then feel her head to see if she feels warm. Lia says, "Mom, my brain is fine, it doesn't hurt. My throat hurts."

Of course her "brain" is fine! I'm not sure about my brain.

My rays of sunshine

chocolate

Lia: Mom, can I have some chocolate?
Me: Nope, you didn't finish your breakfast. No treats!
Lia: Mooommmmm, I need chocolate!
Me: Sorry, no chocolate. You can finish your breakfast.
Lia: I can't. When I was eating my tummy hurt so I stopped. I think chocolate will make it feel better. Pleeeaaasssseee!!!

Funny, funny girl!