The Moms and kids – up close and personal.

back: Kristin, Nicole, Carolyn, Erin. Front: Melissa, Me

I hosted a “going away” lunch today for Nicole and Alex. This was taken right before we ate. As you can tell we had some hungry, uninterested kids

Cole, Alex, Grace, Larae, Michael, Ella

“Discipline your son, and he will give you rest; he will give delight to your heart.”

I read this verse today while doing my daily study through Ephesians. It’s not the first time I’ve read this verse but it’s the first time that reading it brought me great encouragement and an incredible desire to stay the course. When Michael was an infant we were quite disciplined with his schedule although at times it meant hearing him cry or being home when we didn’t want to be. As he grew into a pre-toddler we began to discipline him for certain things. This too was difficult at times. Now that he’s a full-fledged toddler sometimes I find myself disciplining all day long. It can make a mother weary but when I read Proverbs 29:17 I was reminded of the rest and time for our marriage that we received by being disciplined with his schedule. I’m thankful for a report from my sister-in-law saying that Michael was fun to have for the day and can only thank God that he helped us have the courage to begin disciplining. And now, when we’re only at the beginning (I’m sure) of several years of training this verse encourages me to press on so that Michael will continue to “give delight to our hearts.”

Praise the Lord for His word that gives us wisdom in the discipline and instruction of our children.

What a delight!

We had a going away party last  night for our friends the Reynolds. We first met Jason and Nicole two years ago when they moved to Des Moines from Texas and joined our small group. They welcomed their first son, Alex into the world around the same time many of us in the group had our first child. We’ve been so blessed by their friendship and are so sad to see them go!! Our prayer is that God would make their transition back to Texas easy and that He would provide them with a group of friends that will encourage and challenge them as they continue to pursue God, love one another and grow their family.

I’ve started watching some friends’ little boy two days a week. Ryan is one week younger than Michael.

Today has been fun! They play very well together with only an occasional short fight over a toy. I learned this morning that they both love to wrestle! I think they ran after one another, tackling and rolling around on the floor for about 15 minutes. They were both laughing and screaming up a storm!

These pictures were taken during snack this morning. I was trying to get them both to smile at the same time. As u can see I was not successful. They got so excited (probably b/c I was laughing) and just started looking at each other laughing hysterically.

Michael really can’t imagine life being any better when he’s got a buddy he can wrestle and eat with. Well, unless that buddy is his beloved dad!!

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The Greaser with his cousins Spiderman and the Easter Bunny.

Michael with two of his cousins at Uncle Andy and Aunt Amanda’s.

Our adorable nieces at Stam – part of our princess party day!

What a handsome little man!

Rather traumatic.

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