I've been rather patient waiting for today.  Since the beginning I had a calm; a peace.

Nothing to hurry about.

Besides, I felt I secretly knew already, like the Father had whispered it to me early...

Patient for many months.  Quietly pondering in my heart.

But today.  Today I was eager.

Three of my little crew were witness, giggling and waiting.  The clear jelly made a funny noise when it was squirted on my bare mid-drift.  Little eyes watched the show on the screen.  So did I.

In only a moment, it was confirmed - that which I knew already in my heart.

I have another daughter.

One of my daughters squealed with joy.

Although I would have been ecstatic to be having another son, I am warmed at the Father's lovingkindness in giving me another girl.  And the irony, it gets me.  I always thought I'd be mother to four boys.

Today was no surprise.  The Father had given us her name more than 2 years ago.

Olivia.  Derived from Olive Tree ~ a symbol of Peace.

"... you children shall be like olive shoots around your table..."

One of her middle names means 'light' - just like her big sister.

Now, more than ever, I feel like this is Our Blessed Life.  His lovingkindness has overflowed to us.

We watched her wiggle and wave.  Kicking, yawning.  Her nose looks like that Hazleton nose I prayed all my kids would have.

Although the Father was sweet enough to give me this monkey with my nose.

And I wouldn't trade it for the world.

Ah yes, the boys are outnumbered.

And life is good.

Home

So much to share these days, and I promise to catch you guys up soon (with LOTS of overdue pictures, AND my post about the Word for the 2012)... but this morning, I just wanted to share this picture with you.  Take a look at all these faces.  The Lord is good to bring them all home to their families this past year.

Can you find Lena and Christopher's little faces?  Their buddies are on there too.

God is good.

A Little Inspiration

If you haven't heard from us in a while, it's because... well, we're busy.

You know, parenting.  Holidays.  Family life.  Advent.  Learning how to help our two little Ukrainians thrive in their new family.  Introducing them to The Nativity movie and the joys of homemade popcorn and hot cocoa.

It's been wonderful... and ~ to be honest~ overwhelming too, at least once a day.  I was no stellar homeschooling homemaker before bringing home two more blessings into our family, so I certainly have been having my struggles keeping up with chores, laundry, cleaning, meals, and the constant correcting and coaching that comes with being a stay-at-home Mama.

Yes, I grew up with my own mama at home, being a homemaker.  But I did not learn homemaking skills by proxy.  (Unfortunately.)

And running a household and lovingly training up children were not skills they taught me in my undergrad. Can you believe that?


And come to think of it, I didn't gain a stitch of knowledge on these subjects in my College/Career or Single Sunday School classes at church either.

Baffling.

So if any of you reading this (all 9 of you out there) has thought at one time or another that I have it all together, let me put that thought to rest.  I never, ever have it all together.


There have been so many times in recent months that I've prayed for help or inspiration from the Lord - sometimes just confessing that I don't even know where to start.

Every time, He answers.  One time I prayed and the next evening some friends of ours told us they were sending over their cleaning lady to help me clean the house!

Another time I prayed and a day or so later a friend from church sent me a text, saying she had made a few meals for us.

Yet another time I cried out to God and a Mom at church told me her older children wanted to come help me around the house for a day.

Other times, I've prayed and the Lord has brought me inspiration through other mothers.

One sweet source of inspiration I stumbled upon was a video put out by Family Vision Films called homemaking 101.  Well, if ever there was anyone needing to take a Homemaking 101 course, it was me!

I popped the family-made film into the dvd player and all of my children enjoyed watching it with me as we sat in the living room and folded clothes.  It was such a peace-giving tool, and one I've enjoyed watching over many times.  (Maggie particularly love to watch it as well.)

So today as I'm confessing that we're just plain busy and often overwhelmed with our wonderfully blessed life, I also want to leave you with this little jewel.


If you somehow missed out on your homemaking 101 course, too, check it out!

Now, time to dive into some laundry...

Thankful: 6th Birthday - First Party

This picture above was the defining moment of the day.  Clutching the camera, trying to get an adequate shot of the priceless expression on her face.  Clutching my insides as I tried to hold it together.  Voice cracking as we sang 'Happy Birthday' to her - for the first time in her life.  I've never seen such a look of pure joy on her face.  Cupcakes made just for her... candle burning just for her...

I'm so thankful, Father, that I get to be the one to do this with her.... 

 The smile never left her face all day.  She was quiet, taking it all in... 

Simple games in a breezy back-yard.  How could 'duck-duck-goose' and 'red rover' be filled with such glee and jubilee?

Celebration.  Merriment.  Triumph.

Gifts picked out just for her, not part of a shared collection of rummaged-through goods.  Dresses she'll be the first to wear... a baby doll she can call hers...

A simple gathering of loved ones who love one.  

One I didn't know I was going to love.  One 'added' in at the 'last minute'... before dossier left faltering hands.

One who was at first my wildcat... now aptly-named, a source of joy.  

My Word for the Year... joy.  

I didn't know it would come like this, at such a high price, and such unexpected, overflowing measure.

Today, thank you, Father, for Lena Joy.

Day 5

Thank you, Father, for sweet rest.

"In peace I will both lie down and sleep. 

For you alone, oh Lord, make me dwell in safety."

Psalm 4:8

Day 4

How majestic is your creation, Lord.  I'm so thankful for the wonderful, exquisite world you spun together with Your breath,... Your words...

Every fiber of creation reflects You... the mountains so steady, towering strong, pointing to Heaven...

The world declares Your glory.

Each petal and blade of grass.... life so minute and varieties vast and exquisite...

Soft.  Smooth.  Prickly.  Vibrant colors.  Tender shoots.

Soil and seed giving way to life... fruit sustaining.

Sun warming.

Breeze mysterious and welcomed.  Soothing against my skin.  Lifting my little ones' hair. Like an invisible friend, making the trees wave and dance.

The expanse of the heavens so breathtaking.

Water quenching thirst.

Thousands of species.  We catch barely a hint of your imagination...

Creatures great...

... and creatures small...

You are the One who made them all.

Day 3

Father, how could I be adequately grateful.... for grace?

I am that cheat hanging next to you.  Exposed and pitiful.  My guilt laid bare.

Angry words.  Bitter heart.  Impatient. Unloving.

All the while you are taking the blame, covering for my inadequacies.  Despised and rejected of men... a man of sorrows, acquainted with grief...

And yet you looked at me, seeing my repentance, and offered me.... grace.

Unmerited favor.

Something I couldn't be worthy of.  A gesture I could never repay.

Every morning, it rises again.  A new, refreshing covering.

Clean.  Healing.

Despite the inadequacies I tallied evening prior.

Faithful.

Unwavering.

How could One's mercy be so vast?  Unchanging? Immeasurable?

Because you are incomprehensible.

You are the Potter, and I am the small vessel not yet made.

Thank you... for grace greater than our sins, which number beyond the sands on the shore.

For though I was as scarlet... I am white as snow.