Do Yourself A Favor... Read These Books

I just finished this book yesterday, and it was truly amazing. It was written by a man from southern Sudan who fled his home to escape the attacks of the northern Sudanese government and lived for several years in refugee camps in Ethiopia and Kenya before immigrating to the US. The thing that amazed me about this man was his faith in the Lord. This is not a book that is setting out to be Christian, but he talks about his undying faith in God through all of the difficulties in his life... all the bloodshed, loss of his family, extreme hunger and thirst, real poverty, and so many other things that would reduce me to nothing. I think any middle-class American can really learn from people like John because we're so comfortable. We have beautiful lives with so many things going for us, and yet I so often choose to complain about such minor things and doubt the Lord's goodness when confronted with the little challenges of every day life. I think reading books like this has reminded me that I have MUCH to be thankful for and also have an obligation as a Christian to remember those in poverty, as Jesus said, and live accordingly. It's so easy to forget about those who are hurting in our world in the rhythm of our everyday lives, but reading about people with experiences such as these has been a reminder to strive to live with the priorities of Christ.

War Child was another one of my favorites- this one told a horrific story about this man's experience as a child soldier fighting in the same war in Sudan and his painful journey out of that life. It was so sobering to read about how this man's life unfolded. I realized yet again how blessed I am, how blessed Howie is to live in a land where he is free to grow up in peace with plenty of food to eat, clean water to drink, good healthcare, the freedom to play and be a child, family who loves him, and a future that will Lord willing include a good education. Both of these books really served to broaden my view of the world and also give me more reason to thank the Lord for the many blessings of my life. Also, we as Christians must fight to see justice for the oppressed!! May we be moved to act on the behalf of those who need us!

Man-Party in the Pool

Howie had the time of his life in the pool this afternoon with his pals Nathan, Noah, and Isaac!! Too bad these pools aren't parent-sized.

Post-Hebrew Relaxation

Josh just finished his summer Hebrew course this past Friday, and we could not be more thrilled. I think this is my favorite break that Josh has had since coming to seminary because he worked so hard during Hebrew. I'm SOOOO glad that at least for now neither of us has to look at those annoying little notecards (Josh to study, me to sneer at on the kitchen table), we don't have to feel pressure for him to study when we'd rather do something fun with Howie, and we have complete freedom to just enjoy being together before Baby Bowie arrives.

I'm officially at 37 weeks and 2 days, so I'm not thinking that I'll deliver any time in the next few days- I'm almost positive I'll be late like I was with Howie- but our thoughts are moving that way. Bowie's car seat is already installed in the car so Howie could get comfortable with a fellow passenger seat back there with him, complete with his baby doll Bojangle (please know that JOSH named the baby Bojangle, not me), or Bojo as Howie calls her from time to time. Bojo is acting as a placeholder until Bowie arrives to occupy his/her car seat, which looks a little weird, but is hopefully helping Howie come to terms with the fact that his life will be turned upside down in a few short weeks. It's hard to know how much he understands, but we're praying that this will be a good transition for him and we'll all know how to help him adjust to his new role as big brother. Josh and I are both thinking that he'll adore his new brother or sister once he gets used to not being the only one, but the transition may be a bit rocky for him, as it will probably be for all of us.

But for now, here are some pics of what we've been doing with our free time!!

Eating peanut butter and banana sandwiches while barely able to see over the table

Playing trains like it's going out of style

Eating watermelon constantly, and I really mean that

Playing in the crabby sandbox, regardless of the humidity level

Reading endless rounds of books, often the same one repeated 3 or 4 times in a row

Getting another big old haircut! Josh talked me into an even closer buzz than last time, but I guess it will grow out fast. It's good for the heat.

Just To Whet Your Appetite

Football season is almost here, Friends! Here's a post dedicated to our favorite face in the NFL.

Um, Howie, That's Slightly Unorthodox

Howie's 2nd Birthday, and Wow, I'm Really Behind

Hey Friends! It's pathetic, really, how long it's been since I've blogged. This has been a very full and busy summer. Basically, the biggest updates are that Hebrew stops owning Josh's life this coming Friday (can I please get a hallelujah, people??), and we have a baby due in 29 days!! Please notice the complete lack of belly shots during this pregnancy versus when Howie in utero pictures. Pregnancy 2.0 is just a different beast... Howie is as busy as you can imagine, so the camera does not come out very often unfortunately. I'll do my best to post some updated pics for your viewing pleasure. Much has happened since my last post, so buckle your seatbelts. We're going to kick it off with pics from Howie's birthday party/July 4th cookout that we hosted at our apartment last month! It was a blast with lots of family members!!

Howie's no fool... digging into the birthday cake



How cute is Pax??

Two sleepy cousins, having a nap slumber party

Josh getting some little baby-holding practice on Pax

Typical Poppy pose post-lunch

A remote-controlled backhoe? Is there anything cooler??

Nana and Howie with a mouthful of hamburger

Howie's Car Finds a Home In Josh's Curls