Joe's Home!

A huge sigh of relief came on Saturday afternoon at 4:45 when Joe's flight landed in St. Louis. He made it home safe and sound! What a greeting his team got at the airport, too! So many smiling faces ready to hug their loved ones.

From Joe's perspective the trip was amazing. A once in a lifetime experience. So many people in need. Now, to find a way to help.

We made it!

Thank heavens we made it! I got all three kids to my mom's house and I was on time getting to school! Plus, I started my morning off with an email from Joe, so I knew it would be a good morning :)

Tomorrow brings a new challenge- carpool! Here's praying everyone is ready to go and I make my confrence on time!

Uganda Mission Trip

Joe's in Uganda on a Mission Trip with our church. It's something I whole-heartily believe he was called to do. We've spent (ok, I'VE spent) the last few weeks preparing, shopping, and packing for this trip (if it were up to Joe he would have hit Wal-mart on the way out the door to the airport). I don't know what God has in store for Joe while he's there, but I know it's big.

While Joe visits villages in Uganda, my challenge is surviving with the kids until he returns. So far, so good. Today was the first day that we had any behavior issue at all. But I'll be honest, it's not being at home with the kids that worries me, it's getting all of them up, dressed, fed, and out the door to my mom's house without being late. Yikes. The thought of it frightens me. I've done all I can do to prepare for our first day leaving in the morning. Clothing is ready, alarms are set, bags are packed. I'm just praying we get out the door by 7:15. Think we'll make it? I'm undecided.

So tonight I ask for your prayers. Prayers for our Uganda team as they travel from village to village. Prayers for wisdom and guidance, that God's will is carried through by our team. That they are God's hands and feet, that each and every person be touched by the Holy Spirit and be moved, drawing them closer to God every step of the way.

You can follow Joe's team here: www.januarytriptouganda2010.blogspot.com

Tim's Track for Ben

DSC_0384
Originally uploaded by cricket99x

Tim loves his wooden train set. It's by far one of his favorite toys to play with. He loves creating elaborate tracks that are elevated, have bridges and tunnels, switches and crossings. The problem comes when Ben wants to play with Tim's track. It starts innocent enough. Ben gets out an engine and starts pushing it down the track. Soon enough the fussing starts, and Tim is telling us that Ben broke the track. We always encourage sharing, but sometimes it's just hard for the two to play together.

To fix matters, Tim decided to build Ben his very own track. Ben was so excited. "Tim build track me!", he told us when he pulled us into Tim's room. Tim was so proud, too. He showed us how he gave Ben his very own engine and very own track so Ben could play and he could build his track without Ben knocking it over. It was so sweet, I couldn't help but take a picture. I was one proud mom.

Yummy

DSC_0376
Originally uploaded by cricket99x

Tomorrow Tim brings his birthday snack to share with his preschool class to celebrate his 5th birthday. Just like last year, he based his decision on a girl. That's right. A girl. Last year he told me Lilly liked pink, so he wanted pink cupcakes. This year it's Brynley. Brynley likes pink AND chocolate, so we need chocolate cupcakes with pink icing. Sprinkles, too. I asked him what he likes and his response was "I like what Brynley likes, mom". Sigh.
What's a mom to do?
Make pink cupcakes with sprinkles, I guess :)

The View From Up Here

The View From Up Here
Originally uploaded by cricket99x

Tonight I found myself staring at Alexis while she was finishing her evening bottle. Feeding a baby in our house is fairly routine, and tonight was no exception. The boys were fast asleep and Joe was working and I just found myself staring. I found her studying my face as she finished the last bit of her bottle. Normally the boys are running around when I feed her and I don't really have time to look back, but tonight I did. I never want to forget what the view is like from up here, looking down on my sweet baby girl.

Big Brother Tim

Big Brother Tim
Originally uploaded by cricket99x

Tim adores his sister. I'm not sure what it is, but they have a very special relationship. Today we had our last Christmas celebration. While Tim was waiting for gifts to be handed out, he blew raspberries on Alexis' belly and made her giggle and laugh. He's such a sweet kiddo (when he wants to be!)