Easter

Easter was great! The week of Easter I got some crafts in with Malachy. I love to craft. I was remembering that when I was a child my Mom always decorated a ton for Christmas. She even had these paper cut outs that were illustrations of the Night Before Christmas. She would tape them up in different places. (Usually the shoe hall) but I loved it! I was recalling that and decided I want my kids to have those kind of memories of the holidays. So even if it's a little hokey my house will be the one with little marks on the wall where the scotch tape took the paint off when I put up the holiday decor. We colored eggs and talked a lot about Jesus. Malachy understood a ton I was impressed. He also had a lot of good questions and thoughts. One being that he hoped the Holy Spirit (which I told him is God in us) has a little couch, TV, and lots of food in us.

I went to Easter service Saturday night. At the Easter service we talked about walls in our lives and that Jesus had overcome the greatest wall in our life (the mortality wall) and how that put all the other walls in perspective. Bill said that all our problems (even though some were quite serious) they all had an expiration date. We were invited to write down what our current wall in life was and place it in a basket and we would receive prayer. Mark and I have a lot going on right now regarding our finances and trying to sell the house and all that. I would have thought that situation would be my obvious wall. But in reality what I wanted prayer for more then anything else was to be a better, more patient, and joyful mother and wife who did right by my kids and hubby. Upon later reflection that gave me a lot of satisfaction because it said to me that I have my priorities straight. It was good to once again reflect on the tremendous sacrifice God made to offer us the free gift of grace! What a joy and a blessing it is to follow Christ. Bill reminded is as Kim did in her Bechnuer quote that when we are Christians we do not have to wait till death to start living in the eternal. Praise be to God!

Then Sunday family came over and we celebrated Easter together at my place. It was perfect...except Mark was at work. Mark now has 2 days off! Yay! All in all a really great weekend!

I have been thinking a lot this morning on what it is I want my boys to see in me. One of the things that I really admire about Mark is his faith. Mark's faith in Christ is a part of him like his arm or his head. it's not really an option or something he has to remember to do it is just there. I think a large part of that is because that is how he was raised. Christ was always present in the big decisions his parents made and just the normal everyday life. That kind of faith is such a blessing. I love that Mark knows beyond a shadow of a doubt that he is a child of God. While I certainly share in his faith and the blessings and joy it is to follow Christ it is not second nature to me. I have to think about it I have to remind myself that God is in control, that I can trust Him, that He is good....I have to work at it. I know another part of that difference in us is our personalities. I for sure am a more anxious person and full of fear where as Mark tends to be positive and trust it will work out. But if there is anything I can do to help my children have the same kind of confidence and hope in Christ that Mark has I want to do it. I want them to just know that God is a very present help in a time of need that He is a shelter. That worshiping Him and praying is not just paying lip service. Jesus is not a feel good bedtime story we tell our children He is the center, the point, the giver of life. He is mighty and reigns on high and that He knows and loves them...the individual them!

I was talking with my Dad earlier this month about his parents faith. Mommo (Dad's mother), as I knew her, was full of compassion and charity, love and dignity. She left a mark on me. I never knew Poppo, Dad's father. Dad was saying that his father was a fan of Frederick Buechner (who Kim and Dad also enjoy) and that his father revered God and was almost offended by the humanity that God choose to take on in becoming Christ. Offended isn't really the best choice of word but I can not think of the appropriate word. I found it an interesting conversation and it got me thinking because I do believe people have become too comfortable with Jesus and lost respect for the authority of God. We talk so much about Jesus loving us and being our friend and we just want everyone to always feel good that it seems some people get too comfortable with God and forget he is also Lord, that he is mighty and powerful and full of justice. I wonder if that is what Poppo found distasteful. While Christ is our brother we should not assume we are his equal and get too comfortable assuming we are more knowledgeable then God or his word.

"If you have any encouragement from being united with Christ, if any comfort from his love, if any fellowship with the Spirit, if any tenderness and compassion, then make my joy complete by being like-minded, having the same love, being one in spirit and purpose. Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit, but in humility consider others better than yourselves. Each of you should look not only to your own interests, but also to the interests of others.
Your attitude should be the same as that of Christ Jesus: Who, being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be grasped, but made himself nothing, taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness. And being found in appearance as a man, he humbled himself and became obedient to death— even death on a cross! Therefore God exalted him to the highest place and gave him the name that is above every name, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father" Philipians 2

I don't know, I don't claim to have it all figured out. But these are my thoughts today and I do know that God is real and I have been saved by grace and I want my children to live in and share that grace too.

Sorry I have not blogged in so long! Life is still feeling a bit stressful and I didn't want to look like a big complainer! You know...the whole if you can't say anything nice don't say anything at all rule. =)

Today was a nice day for me and the boys because my BFF Crystal came over and hung out and brought Madison Jane and Frank Robert to play with Malachy. Malachy was so happy he LOVES the Kunzes. In his heart they are his brothers and sisters too. Which is special and awesome and I'm thankful.

I have not taken many pictures lately because I'm not loving my camera. BUT I do love Crystal's camera and here are some photos she took of my gorgeous boys and posted on facebook.

I have definitely had spring fever lately. Here are the things I'm looking forward to doing this summer.

1. A trip to Iowa...of course. Iowa has become my home away from home and I really miss and look forward to seeing my family there. I also want to go back to the living history farms!

2. For my 30th birthday in August me and Crystal (and anyone who wants to join us) are going to party...like 30 year old Mamas... and go to a scrapbooking B&B in Wisconsin. Oh yeah baby!

3. When I get my little Owen pants weened (hopefully in early summer) Mark and I are going away for a long over due romantic weekend! (which will include sleeping in and will NOT include changing diapers!)

4. If Mom feels better we are hoping to go to Georgia and visit family. We will take Owen pants but leave Mal with his other family, the Kunzes. =)

5. Trips to Mortons Arboretum, Faybian Park, Wild West Town and the Zoo!

Not sure if I can fit all that in but I'm willing to give it a try! Yee Haw!

I made a post, but then I had to erase it. I'm not sure what to say anyways. I'm tired and I'm doing bad and life is hard today. Maybe I will feel better tomorrow.

Too much SNOW!

There has been way too much snow lately. Thankfully the last time it snowed my awesome brother (Malachy calls him the guy who says dragons)was in town and shoveled so Mark (or I) wouldn't have too! The guy who says dragons got a little "help" from Malachy too! =)

Nothing much to report. Mark has been great about working with our financial advisor and trying to figure things out. I'm very greatful for him. Were both a little tired and grumpy lately but still really appreciative of all we have. Our boys are very exhausting but we know this is a special time and we are doing our best to value this time because we know it goes by in a blink of an eye. Owen is alredy crawling and trying to say words! And Mal is asking me everyday if it's time to go to Kintergarden yet. So cute, neither of us can wait. Haha!

Im not a big fan of winter but I do enjoy it up until Christmas though. Mark and I have been making the most of every moment we get together and it has been fun! This weekend Mal and Mark played in the snow a ton and even built a snowman. Mal was super happy! We also went down town Elgin to see the lights it was a bit wet and chilly but felt like an adventure. Owen was pretty suprised by the cold, poor little guy! We also got to watch 2 movies as a family! Prince Caspian and Horton hears a Who! Fun! When I was at Moms house Friady night Mark and Mal watched the Gremlins! Still not sure if that was a good idea but Mark seemed to think so. =) Mal did like it, he loves scary movies. And the boys saw Santa! Tomorrow the boys and I are going to bake cookies at Kims with Mom!

We are working hard on our finances. Mark has been working with a woman the church got us in touch with and she has been a great help as far as getting a plan together. There is something comforting knowing that you have someone to give you advice and hold you accountable. It really helps and we feel blessed that she is willing to take the time to serve us in this way.

We are looking forward to going back to Iowa on the 26th. Iowa has become my second home and I really enjoy being there and seeing the family. I also love how much it makes Mark happy.

I think thats it for now. I have coffee brain so its hard to post! Haha!

Owen Pants

Owen is nearly 6 months old already! Here are some pics of his latest developments!

Owen is trying very hard to crawl! I think we will be in the next 2 weeks. (but I could be wrong) He gets up on his hands and kness and can scoot forward and backwards.

He has started doing this funny tounge curl thing ALL the time!

The camera was dirty here. =) Sorry! This was his first rice cereal experience. He didn't like it to much but was curious enough to give it a try!

Here Owen is with his Uncle Jason and Uncle Noah. Jason, Noah, and Joey took Mal to see Bolt Saturday. Owen stayed with me but I was sure to get a picture. =)

Here little Owen is sitting! What a big boy. Time flys. =)