What We're Doing

Well, things are moving right along here. Josh just started his fourth semester of seminary... we are already half-way done and on the downward slope! It's crazy!! Sometimes I feel like we've been here for forever but most of the time it feels like Josh just started not that long ago.

The rest of us are keeping busy as well. Howie spends most of his days reading books, playing with trains, saying hilarious things that make us laugh, smothering Justice with hugs and kisses (sometimes literally), etc. Here are some funny things he's said lately.

Me: Howie, do you want to pray for lunch?
Howie: Dear God, thank you for God. Amen.

Me: Howie, do you want to pray for lunch?
Howie: No, Betsy pray.

Howie (following a period of time in which Justice was quite unhappy): He just won't calm down.

It's so funny to see him growing and changing. The other day just the two of us were at the grocery store, and he calmly informed me that we needed peanut butter, practically his favorite thing on the planet... and he was right! Today he told me that we needed to go get some lotion at Target!?!?! At least once a day I ask him, "Howie, where did you learn that???" With the fun definitely comes parenting challenges, but that forces us to seek the Lord's wisdom, so that's a good thing.

Justice is also busy growing and changing. He's almost 5 months already!! Hard to believe!! I've tried to feed him cereal a couple of times, and it's been a resounding flop. Definitely not ready, though it's funny to see him chew on the spoon and let all the cereal fall out of his mouth. He is very ticklish and loves to be played with. He's starting to interact with Howie more and not just get a concerned look on his face when the crazy little guy gets in his space. He loves all things Mama and is a joy.

I am also busy, between taking care of the kids, laundry, cooking, cleaning, shopping, attempting to exercise once every six months, Bible study, dishes, etc. I'm learning how to knit thanks to my aunt Martha, which is really fun!!! I've always wanted to knit. I'm also reading a book called Choosing Gratitude by Nancy Leigh DeMoss, and it has been so good. I've realized in the past few weeks how quick I am to complain and feel sorry for myself when Josh has to study a lot or when Howie has a bad day or when the kitchen looks like it threw up dishes or when Justice has a bad night and I don't sleep very much, etc. I'm learning that I don't need to put on a happy face all the time and act like things are great, but the overall theme of my life should be gratitude to God for all he has done in my life, which overflows into joyful living. Instead of complaining and griping and giving way to bitterness and resentment (Josh didn't notice that I cleaned the toilet AGAIN!!!), I can choose to live with a grateful spirit, thanking God for his many blessings in my life and even the circumstances I'm not crazy about because they bring me closer to him. It's definitely a book I recommend!!

Here's some pics to let you know what we're up to.

Justice, lounging on the couch with his lambie, taking it all in.

How bout that HAIR??

Howie playing outside on a slightly more tolerable cold day. It's just so nice to see the sun I think we were all fooled into thinking it was nicer outside. He came in with some seriously cold hands, but at least he got some nice fresh air. He also got a kick out of stomping on some ice that was on the deck.

Is this guy cute or what??

This is very typical of Howie these days... no, I didn't require him to stand in the corner for being naughty... this is what he did when I said I wanted to take his picture.

Justice with a mini horse on his tummy, given to him by Howie in case he wanted to play

How Howie passes many mornings

Walking in Mama's slippers