today, we remember.

5 years ago today, the unthinkable claimed the earthly lives of some close friends. while we continue to miss them, we cling to God’s amazing promises.

Brothers and sisters, we do not want you to be uninformed about those who sleep in death, so that you do not grieve like the rest of mankind, who have no hope. For we believe that Jesus died and rose again, and so we believe that God will bring with Jesus those who have fallen asleep in him. ESV 1 Thess. 4:13-14

http://www.boundless.org/2005/articles/a0001294.cfm

hunt #1

Jonah got an easter basket (box) from Iowa--complete with eggs for a hunt. Here are some videos (mostly for his Grandma) of how his first hunt went. I think he had a pretty good time...

good friday

How deep the Father's love for us,

How vast beyond all measure
That He should give His only Son
To make a wretch His treasure

How great the pain of searing loss,
The Father turns His face away
As wounds which mar the chosen One,
Bring many sons to glory

Behold the Man upon a cross,
My sin upon His shoulders
Ashamed I hear my mocking voice,
Call out among the scoffers

It was my sin that held Him there
Until it was accomplished
His dying breath has brought me life
I know that it is finished

I will not boast in anything
No gifts, no power, no wisdom
But I will boast in Jesus Christ
His death and resurrection

Why should I gain from His reward?
I cannot give an answer
But this I know with all my heart
His wounds have paid my ransom

'How Deep the Father's Love for Us' - Townend

we had a shower

the baby kind--at our house on saturday. A fun day to celebrate my friend diane and her baby boy! It was cozy, but I think overall--successful.

where have we been?

OUTSIDE.

and since it's suppose to snow tonight (?!?!), we're glad we've been taking advantage of the nice weather. come on spring...

I did something I said I never would.

Bought a minivan.

So I think now I have officially done everything I said I wouldn't. I married Ben (#1 farmer, #2 pastor)--which I'm pretty happy about btw-- and I bought a minivan (#3). Never say never again?

We're now the proud owners of one of these:

confessions of a (normal?) mom

Sometimes I wonder if life around my house is more dramatic than others. Either that, or people just aren't talking (cue comments, perhaps?)

I mean, take a couple weeks ago for example. When Jonah locked himself in the guest room, and after a significant amount of time of no response from him, knowing he was really into wrapping the shade cords around his neck (??), I became convinced he had strangled himself and kicked the door in (impressed?). I promise...damage was minimal. And I'd do it again if I was in the same situation...I mean, it does make for a good story (weeks later, when I'm over the trama). And my husband does still, on occasion, affectionately refer to me as churck norris (isn't that sweet).

Or try today. Ben's day off--leisurely breakfast at Panera and a stroll through World Market. Turned dramatic when the little adventurer--whose hand I was holding--tried to make a break for it but I held on. As we left with him crying/whining, and not willing to move his arm, I had a flashback. Circa 1994? As a doctor's kid, you become privy to information/diagnosis such as nursemaids elbow. And I remember vividly my dad putting a neighbor kids' elbow back in place. So, a little phone call to Iowa, a quick step by step tutorial from Dr. Grandpa, Ben playing orthopedist, and voila! We saved ourselves an expensive trip to the ER (thanks, Dad!).

And now we sit. With a couple of our loves: veggie tales and apples (don't we sound healthy? maybe...except we really LOVE doughnuts, too.)