The Spirit Moves

Tears welled up in my eyes this morning when my Community Bible Study core group leader told me she prayed for me and my daughter. Sounds simple, right? There's more. She specifically prayed for us on Friday night exactly 2 weeks ago. The Lord brought us to her mind that night and she fervently prayed. She didn't know why, so she asked me this morning how things were going.

I had missed CBS last week due to Judah's runny nose. During the last two weeks, a whirlwind tore through our daughter's heart and brought her back to us slowly. I shared with Christianne briefly that the night she prayed was the first night of our daughter's bout of depression that went on for days, affecting the whole family. We've definitely needed prayers! God truly carries us through the tough times, providing the love, prayers, and fellowship of other believers...even when we don't even know it! Wow, I have NEVER experienced the Holy Spirit moving so specifically in my life before!

We discussed John paving the way for Christ's ministry and touched on the Fruits of the Spirit being a manifestation of true faith. Yet it's not what I do, it's what Christ does in me. If He were not in me, why would I bother with love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control? What would be the point? How could I even come close to succeeding if it were not for Him? May others see Christ, not me.

One lady from my core group mentioned using the Fruit of the Spirit in disciplining her children. What a great idea! I had learned about "catch them being good" when I pursued my teaching credential, but how wonderful to connect it with God's word. Every time one of her children show that they are being loving, kind, etc., they get a little craft puff ball added to a jar. When the jar is full, they get a special outing with Dad. How cool is that?

It is SO much easier to administer discipline for the negative things. I don't want the kids to come to expect a reward for every good thing they do, but it is nice to get a treat every once in a while. This way, they also learn what the Fruit of the Spirit entails!

Here is little Jadon taking a piano lesson from me last night just before bedtime. I was trying to help him follow along with the music by pointing to his spot on the page, but he said, "I do it myself, Mama." He requested that I get the camera to take a picture and video. :)

Judah stands!

My 9-month-old stands for about 10-15 seconds! :) He also learned how to hug by putting his head on the shoulder of the person holding him.

This is what I found yesterday morning after I came back to the dining room from getting changed in my room. That Jadon is always messing around! And Judah suffers...or profits from Jadon's lack of discretion.

into September...

I gotta say I love the routine of school finally starting this week! We started 10th grade, Kindergarten, and Preschool. God has given me the wonderful opportunity of homeschooling Josiah this year. Don't know if we'll continue, but we'll take it one year at a time.

As we were doing some school work yesterday, we had a little conversation:

Me: Do you like that I'm your teacher?
Josiah: Yeah, I wish you could always be my teacher.
Me: Do you like me being your teacher better or going to preschool?
Josiah: I like it here because I can have a lollipop. (while doing his work)

It has definitely been a challenge trying to get organized. I still haven't succeeded, but thankfully the Lord gives grace! I just hope Josiah learns all he's supposed to learn this year. :)

Jadon loves Mrs. Perrin, his new preschool teacher. Yesterday he told me he played with a new friend named Sophia.

Our daughter "Jerry" has been making tons of friends at her new school. Praise God! We're so happy she's enjoying her "white" school. Hehe. Last year she went to a predominantly Asian high school so she wasn't sure what to expect.

Little Judah had to go without my milk for the past few days. Poor guy is all out of sorts with gross diapers, etc. Since I had to get a radio isotope injected in me on Wednesday for a few diagnostic scans, he couldn't drink my milk. Hopefully he will get better soon. No more pumping beginning tomorrow! Yay!

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One night this week after Josiah showered, I threw his robe on him and he told me to dry his head first.

Josiah: "Baba said always to dry my head first, not my legs."
Me: (laughing) Baba has all sorts of rules, huh?
Josiah: Yeah, sometimes he's wrong; sometimes he's right.

I got such a kick out of that! Jer cracked up when I told him later on.

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Me: What's our state flower?
Jerry: Cauliflower, right?
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Jer has been working so hard these days. September and October are really busy for him at work. It works out perfectly that he drops Jerry off at school, then heads off to work early for some uninterrupted time to get things done! I love my husband.

Tomorrow is our 11-year anniversary of the day we started dating. Yes, 9/11. Not a wonderful day to remember since 2001, but still our anniversary. My how the Lord has grown us through marriage and life! Who knew we would argue a lot? Who knew we would have sadness? Who knew God would put in us a desire to foster children? Who knew we would have a family of 6 in our house right now? Who knew God would strengthen our love for each other more than we had ever known before? Who knew our youngest son would have Baba's exact dimples? GOD knew!

I love you, Jer Bear! Thank you for loving me and putting up with me all these years. :)

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Been working on our Japan photo book the past few days. It's fun to relive the memories of our March trip with Judah. Felt like another honeymoon since we were able to pick up and go as we pleased!
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Excited about CBS starting next week! I absolutely love this local Bible Study and how God uses it to keep me accountable to reading His Word. Forgot what we will be studying this year... The boys love it, too, since the children's program is like a preschool Sunday School. They are split up by age and the lessons are written accordingly. Their teachers pray for them each week and truly love their little souls.


...no photos this time. just many thoughts...

What a waste

"What a waste," Josiah commented as he walked into the bathroom and probably noticed that Jadon left a bunch of toilet paper in the toilet.

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"Why does Baba not want you to go to sleep?" Josiah asked when I told him I didn't have a good night's sleep. I told him that it was probably too much caffeine in the drink that I drank. Jer had bought me and J a boba drink the night before.

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Wow, it's been quite busy! 3 little boys and a teenage girl doesn't leave room for much free time. We're enjoying everyone, though!

another tangent...

As I was helping Jadon (age 3) finish lunch today, he said:

Jadon: I want to wash the dishes!

Me: Ok, one day you can wash all the dishes and I won't have to anymore. Would you like that?

Jadon: Yeah!

Me: *chuckle*

Josiah chimes in: And then you won't have anyone to take care of anymore...except Judah. THEN you can have another baby!

Me: *laughing* You'd like that, huh?

Josiah: Yeah, I want a girl.

Me: Well you'll have to ask God because I'm not in charge.

Look-alikes

I bet you all wish they would dress like this everyday so you can tell them apart! :)

It did it by itself!

One morning while we were still asleep, Jadon walked in and stood next to my side of the bed.

J: My pants are wet.
M: Oh no, did you pee in your pants?
J: No.
M: Did you pee in your bed?
J: No, it did it by itself.

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Date nights were a distant memory for Jer and me until last week. Jer collaborated with Todd, asking him to babysit every couple of weeks or so. I started seeing random dinner dates posted up on my google calendar that Jer and I share. Hmmm...we've never talked about going out, I thought.

Last week was our first date night and will be followed by more every couple of weeks or so. What a sweet husband I have! Thanks so much, Jer! It gives us time to re-connect without the distraction of tending to our little ones' needs.

The night began with Jeremy being awarded a photography prize at the Placentia City Council meeting. We never even knew this room existed!



The council was gracious and presented the awards at the beginning of the meeting so we were able to leave without having to sit in on the rest of the political matters. :) Our friend Thea urged Jer to enter by bringing the entry forms to our house. Thanks, Thea! Here are the first-place winners in each category and division:



After the award presentation, we went to Wood Ranch for dinner. I had a yummy prime rib, although nothing beats the prime rib at The Shadows! Jer had ribs and something else that was also enjoyable. I love my husband!

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My first little baby boy is done with preschool. His last day was Thursday and all the families were invited for a hot dog lunch. Josiah had so much fun this past year with Mrs. Killian and his new friends. Now homeschooling Kindergarten awaits me. We'll see how it goes. I trust God will give me whatever it takes to teach this little boy and guide him in the ways of the Lord. I will be on my knees!