Quiet

It's been a bit quiet these past few days and weeks, mainly because I've been quiet. Stuff is going on around me, and when I feel up to it, I take part, maybe even a photo or two. But mostly, I'm sitting reading or lying in bed. My children have been such blessings to me, too - they help each other out, save most of the bickering until I'm feeling able to deal, make the occasional breakfast or lunch (Abigail's becoming rather proficient in the kitchen), and even pitching in with some extra chores. Wow.

Our camping trip with the Wilsons a couple weeks ago was awesome. We had a brilliant time together, going for walks, playing at the beach, hanging 'round the campfire and paddling in the canoe. Girls who showed no previous interest in boating became converts - result! There was no rain and few bug bites this time round, but it was colder the we expected and we didn't see any bears. We did meet a raccoon, though, so all was not lost...

Look closely enough, and you'll see the paw prints, trying to get to our food

Abigail has now lost both front teeth, and oddly enough, she can still whistle!

I haven't been doing a lot of "making" recently - I either haven't felt up to it or I've been rather uninspired by my current projects. I've been working on this dress for Abi for ages, not because it's hard - quite straightforward, really - but I haven't really been able to get to it. It's going to look so cute when it's done. I've also been doing some charity knitting - one way to work through Grandmom's yarn. A few scarves for this charity, and when I get bored with that, I'll get started on this little ditty for the new babe.

Right now, though, I'll settle for when I feel more human...

And in case anyone is interested:

Pickles are evil

2 slices of pizza are good

3 slices of pizza are very bad

Corn chips are bad

Ginger ale is beautiful

Cheese and cucumber on crackers is divine

Summer lovin'

Such lovely little faces...

The Kindness of God is...

...blessing a most imperfect mother with the opportunity to raise a new child for His glory and my delight (due March).

...keeping me humble with a head cold, lest I become proud and self-sufficient.

...giving me four children to cheer and bless me, in everything from playing sweetly, bringing me food, and making me laugh.

God is good.

Some photos coming soon...

Is this Christianity?

"When Paul says, 'If the dead are not raised, let us eat and drink,' he does not mean 'Let's all become lechers.' He means there is a normal, simple, comfortable, ordinary life of human delights that we may enjoy iwth no troubling thoughts of heaven or hell or sin or holiness or God - if there is no resurrection from the dead. And what stunned me about this train of thought is that many of the professing Christians seems to aim at just this - and call it Christianity."

- John Piper, Desiring God

Homemade Bread

For anyone who prefers homemade bread, I highly recommend this recipe. I've been using it myself for some while now, and is the best I've come across. How kind of Anna to share...

5 Years Old!

30 June, 2004. Contractions start around 2.30am. Eventually, things get rolling and the midwives are called, around mid-morning. Eventually, the waters are broken, and because of the presence of muconium (again), I move on to the hospital with Toby while Abigail is looked after by friends. After a few more hours and some protesting to the midwife that no, I can't do this anymore, out she comes. And now look at her! All dressed up in her birthday finery.

Anna has been such a special gift to our family.
She is so affectionate, so giggly, so passionate. I used to think that Abigail had a flair for the dramatic, but it's nothing compared to Anna!

She is the child God uses most to teach me things: patience, joy, affection, selfless giving, and perseverance.
It has been one of the great privileges of my life to be a mother to this amazing little girl.
Remind you of anyone, Mom?
Anna, may you know all the glorious riches Jesus has in store for you. Mama loves you, Baby.