worthwhile

You Blessed Me by Aidan, age 8, December 2008

(with corrected spelling by mom)

I was blessed with so many brothers and sisters

I had twins named Hope and Halle

and I prayed that I had a brother named Aidan

and I had a brother named Aiden

and I was blessed with Sassy, Teighly and Angel

Dylan and Annah, Hope and Halle & Aiden

You blessed me with so many bothers and sisters

You blessed me with so many things O God, O God Thank-you

in the midst of sibling rivalry, selfishness of fighting over new toys and the like, when I do not know deep down that I should've taken on so very much, one of our boys will do something to keep me going, reminding me that we are all sinful creatures in need of a Savior

on a day when I'm wondering if fostering is worth it, if the added busyness and stress, conflict and heartache, makes the good come out on top, if my sinful heart is worthy of raising all these children, and capable of doing it well, one of my sons shows me how worthwhile this ministry is

{Aidan was singing and holding Halle before her nap this morning while I was on the phone. I asked him what song he was singing and he said it was one he made up. "Is it about Halle?" "No, well yes, it's about all the brothers and sisters God gave us in our house." "Will you write it down for me? And sing it for me?" "Sure!" The song says that he is blessed to have had a brother named Aiden (baby Aiden was with us only 1 week, and that was over 1.5 years ago! He remembers each and every child!). And I'm certain Aidan had no idea of the discouragement I was praying through this morning.}

Thank-you Lord, for reminders that You prevail when our hearts are Yours

I will tell of the kindnesses of the LORD, the deeds for which he is to be praised, according to all the LORD has done for us—yes, the many good things he has done for the house of Israel, according to his compassion and many kindnesses. Isaiah 63:7

adorable smile

I love toothless grins!

Happy Birthday Annah!!!

Happy 14th birthday to the bestest 14 year old I know~Annah Olyvia

celebrating at the Thronesses' after our trip

(Russian) Irish twins... Viktoriya & Annah


everyone except Chad outside the lodge at Suncadia

Annah and I

(A slideshow of our winter vacation/birthday celebration in the mountains to follow)

you're not allowed to laugh

at hope's hair; halle didn't mind but hope does...It's NOT funny!

You don't want this 1.5 year old mad at you.

oh allright, if you need to, go ahead and laugh

as long as you promise to laugh at Daddy playing with our birdies too

Christmas Day

one more of Christmas eve, a new tradition of carols by candle-light

is it time daddy???

stocking time!

the Christmas train, a hit every year

you open it, halle

hope was too sick to care, but she'll love it later

how does it taste, daddy?

thanks dad, it's just what I wanted! (a watch)

kisses for daddy

more cookies

our favorite gifts are ornaments

homemade one for annah

for crying out loud, quit dreaming of a white Christmas!

Christmas Eve

Is not what what we planned or what we hoped for. Too much snow to drive safely to Seatttle and Redmond and back. A sick baby in my lap is finally asleep after an hour of whimpering and because of her we wouldn't like to brave the snow anyway and risk getting stuck. Our teenager is more than dissappointed.

We've been home... a lot. It's been great for the most part but Christmas eve was time to get out and visit family. I understand. But we have everything we need. And so much more! And I personally do not mind snuggling up to watch It's a Wonderful Life He makes life worth living and it's my job to teach my children how repsond to disappointment.

It sure is beautiful outside though, isn't it?

Perspective and gratitude. I'm off to work on some attitudes, but some prayer first helped. I've been convinced of the truth of "It's Your kindness Lord, that leads me to repentance." lately and it's my goal in this new year to reach a certain son's heart (all of my childrens' hearts actually!)with my kindness. Grace, mercy, kindness, good will... He is our example.

And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord. And this shall be a sign unto you; ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger. And suddenly there as with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying, Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men. –Luke 11:10-14

Merry Christmas friends and family! Wishing you much peace and love in the new year.

xoxo ~ We love you. ~Becca

aidan & annah

my budding artists

go ahead, laugh

halle won't mind ;o)

It's beginning to look a lot like

Christmas!The presents are all wrapped and cookies are baked. Packages and cards are mailed. Some home-made ornaments are on the tree and we still have LOTS of snow. We've been reading Advent devotionals. Even the stockings are hung all full of wrapped little presents from the children to one another (in the hallway) and the ones on the fireplace from us to the children. Have I mentioned I love having a teenager in the house!? She likes to be ahead of the game and wrapped everything except her own presents. She's also going to paint my bedroom and the play room with me this week. Oh and we've also gotten one of our favorite Christmas books out... The Three Trees.

wedding bells

we took the kids to Chad's cousin's wedding on Saturday,

braving the snow and anticipated blizzard
all went well, if you don't count a broken glass,

3 spills and 2 boys ruining a wedding present. sigh.

the drive back was slow but safe; chad did a great job and the kids were pretty quiet ;o)