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.)

family of 3.

Soon to be family of 4!!

Cuthbert Baby #2 should be arriving early November--and we couldn't be more excited.

And here are some pictures of the happy big brother.

(Had to make sure and get this post done before tomorrow so you all didn't think I was joking!)

still here...

...just busy with a whole lot of basketball watching and outside playing. Until the last couple days, when Michigan reminded us that spring actually isn't quite here yet. So...we're just watching from the window--which can also be pretty exciting.