My First Girl

Darling.
Lover of pretty things and camo. Of jewels and of gear.
The perfect combination of lady and tomboy, she climbs trees in skirts,
and wears her apron to play in the dirt.  Pink boots.
Headlamp worn around the neck just like her dad wears his.
A sense of humor that's contagious - especially when dimples are flashed!
This daughter of mine, she delights, amazes, and blesses me every day.

Happy 8th Birthday precious Susanna Glory!

You inspire me little girl.

Beginning the Roof

The Birthday Boy's Big Day

Birthday Eve Interview

I'm not really surprised that Bryce thinks 

he's turning 8 this birthday.

I've always joked that 

he's like the kitten raised in a family of dogs;

he's confident he's a dog too

and no one will convince him otherwise.

We don't have a lot of mirrors low down in this house

and I've often wondered if 

he'd disbelieve his reflection if he saw it.

Knowing of course,

that his "true" height (as no one will argue) is indistinguishable 

from that of his big brothers.

**Sigh**

This season of 2-year-old ness

has been the most fun ever!

His dad and I are both sad to see it go.

It is slightly consoling however,

to think about the wonderful fun and great entertainment
 we'll have next year

 watching a 3-year-old

 be 8.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY BRYCE BOY!!!

We love you love you LOVE you!

No Qualifications Necessary

This morning started off rocky.

I'm still working out the kinks of a school routine,
which when educating children at home means
not only book work, chores, and meals,
but also a lot of restarts, false starts, and second chances.

There is also rather a lot of character training
-theirs and possibly more often, mine.

Days that start off like this day did
make me doubt my qualification for this job.
But I'm not a mother because I'm qualified.
I have this mothering job because it was handed me
(quite generously actually)
probably because I'm not (qualified, or even good at it)
and through my imperfectness God makes
something beautiful.
Isn't that the story of redemption?  And it plays out in my life
every. single. day.

Start, fail, repent, restart, falter, forgive, receive mercy,
extend grace, second chance, and so on.

I am reminded by my faithful sojourner
softly, and without reprimand 
for my pregnancy hormones and emotional tears,
that this was never about a flawless system for educating them
(our children)
or a seamless flow of family life, chores, creativity, and learning.

We step boldly (and sometimes gingerly)
into another already sin-tainted day
because we believe these ones who are shorter than us
for only a while, are important people.
People with a character I'm responsible to help shape.
And they're becoming some of the neatest people I know!
Truly, it's a wonder to watch.
THAT is the fruit of faithful perseverance and God's grace.

I get to be a part of it.

In light of all this, I dry my tears and start the next bit of day fresh.
I may not be qualified, but I know what I'm doing and why.

Great Friends and Good Fun (as well as a little Getting Farther along on the Ol' Cabin)

I never cease to be amazed that friends come from afar to enjoy our slice of Idaho heaven.

I always expect the novelty of what we're doing here to wear off for everyone else, but they come.  They come to retreat, to play, to escape... they even come just to see us and that is even more amazing!

Last week we were graced by fellowship with our good friends Sarah and Nate and their boys.  I guess it's been a full two years since we saw them last, but we picked right up where we left off!  While they were here I couldn't help reminiscing about my meeting Sarah 16 years ago at a YWAM Summer of Service.  I liked her from the beginning; soft spoken, lovely, wearer of Tie Dye and leather sandals, but mostly I liked that Sarah was not trying to impress anyone.  

I don't remember a lot about that summer, 

but I doubt I could have guessed just how enduring a friendship I had made.

Fast-forward a year.  AJ and I got married and Sarah came from Oregon to attend.  That's when we were introduced to her fun fiery red-headed fiance; and the following spring AJ and I drove to Oregon to attend their wedding.  It's pretty wonderful to share a friendship that can pick up every couple years with additional kids and changing life circumstances, yet the common bond of brother/sisterhood in Christ remains.

One of my very favorite things about Sarah and Nate is how much they enjoy each other, and I appreciate that I can tell.  It's no secret :-)  After 15 years of (sometimes hair-graying) life, it's precious to see couples that are such good friends with each other.  AJ and I are so blessed to call these our friends!

In the midst of Sarah and Nate's stay, came Mr. W. to chip away at the Log Cabin project.

Never a dull moment around here!  

He's to come again at the end of this week when the boys will once again set muscle to labor, 

and then some real progress should be visible.  

What another wonderfully full and blessed time of friendly fellowship, hoppin' busy meals,

late nights, and plenty of coffee refills here at Marvel Hill!

Maybe we'll be sharing mocha's with YOU one day :-)