By His Grace, for His Glory...

A Few of my Favorite Things

2011-11-19T09:25:00.001-05:00

One of the weirdest things about blogging, in my opinion, is that's it's hard to do without feeling incredibly self-promoting. There are many blogs I follow and feel super challenged and encouraged by, but each time I pick up my proverbial pen to write a new entry of my own, I feel... well... off. There is this tension of wanting to share the light-hearted happenings of my family and yet also to write encouraging, uplifting, Christ-exalting things. The later of these two, I feel utterly inadequate to recommend myself for. I don't write as one with authority or claiming any expertise, nor do I have any special gift towards communicating things divine.

If you want any of those things, please go visit the blogs of these incredible ladies.

All I know is I love Christ. He graciously saved me when I was dead in my sins and fought against Him with every fiber of my being. He's captivated my heart with the profound love He displayed on the cross. He makes life fresh and new and full of hope and longing. He gives me joy in raising four crazy, wonderful little children. He sustains me living far far away on a tiny island far from family and familiarity. He fills my heart with ooshy gooshy love for the man I was blessed to marry.

So, that being said, sometimes I may just post pictures of my family and silly anecdotes. Other times I may try to wax poetic and pen the profound, but feel free to view them as just the mere musings of a nobody. For that I am, and that I'm content to be. A nobody saved and loved by somebody.
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That being said :-) Here are a few light-hearted things I've been wanting to share.

If you're looking for any good books to buy someone for Christmas, here are three of my current favorites:

"1000 gifts" by Ann Voskamp. This book is hard to put down. It reads like a novel though it is really a very meaty spiritual book looking at the practice of giving thanks in all circumstances. It has truly been life-changing for me to put into practice the art of being thankful even in the minute. You can find the book here.

"Give them Grace: Dazzling your kids with the Love of Jesus" by Elyse Fitzpatrick. This is one of the best gospel-centered parenting books I've ever read. It is very practical (it's co-authored by Elyse's daughter) and full of examples. What I appreciate about it is how it takes the gut-wrenching meanness you can sometimes feel when disciplining and parenting and replaces it with a true compassion and gospel-centered hope for your kids. You can find it here.

"Voices from the Past" edited by Richard Rushing. I've never been a big fan of devotionals. I've always thought my time was better spent reading the Bible itself instead of other's thoughts on the Bible. However, this treasure of a book has won me over. It's a compilation of Puritan writings, given one page per day. They are short but incredibly profound. Not one day has passed where that day's reading hasn't deeply impacted me. If you're a fan of "The Valley of Vision," you'll LOVE this book. (but you should still read the Bible too.) You can find it here.

As I was reading another blog about buying Christmas presents for kids, I was impacted by something she said. She said the best gifts are those that inspire exploration and not adoration. For an example of what she means and links to some great toys, go here.

Finally, just this morning, I came across some new music I just love. His name is Josh Garrels. The best part is, you can download his newest CD for FREE... right here. If you're not sure you want to download it, here are youtube videos of two of my favorite songs: "Rise" and "Farther Along."

Encouraging Music

2011-10-04T16:09:00.002-04:00

Lately I've been so blessed by some "new" songs that I've added to my library. They are new to me, but I'm also probably at least a decade behind on the music scene. All the same, I wanted to share these gems with you in case you haven't yet heard them. Hopefully they are an encouragement to you...

All I Have is Christ (Sovereign Grace)

Remind me Who I Am (Jason Gray)

The Reckoning (Andrew Peterson)

Never Once (Matt Redman)

You can Have Me (Sidewalk Prophets)

Sadness

2011-09-20T07:17:00.004-04:00

Today I am sad. It is completely a selfish sadness, and it swirls about with so much joy. How the two can intermingle so entirely without canceling each other out, I don't know.

But, there they are.

I rejoice today, because my sweet niece, Ellie, turns seven! Nathan and I were there when she was born, just one month after our wedding.

I also rejoice as on this same day, I gain a NEW niece, Emily, according to the law (though she's already been my niece for two years irregardless of the law.)

The last two years of her life have brought SO much uncertainty, tears, and hope. I'm so thankful that God has chosen to allow Emily to be my sister's daughter. She has been apart of her forever family now since she was 11 months old. She's now just over three years old. It's been a long time coming, sweet girl! Welcome! You couldn't ask for a better family!

You're probably wondering why I'm sad. Days like today make me feel to my bones the weight of living away from family. I'm on a little island on the other side of the world, 8 hours ahead of all of the celebrating. I want so badly to be in the courtroom today when Emily is declared "ADOPTED." I want so badly to see my sweet Ellie Bell blow out seven candles.

Days like to day remind me of how sweet Heaven will be.

In over my Hair

2011-09-14T09:37:00.001-04:00

I wasn't a very girly girl growing up. I couldn't even put my hair into a decent pony tail until college. (Please don't embarrass me by finding any of my high school yearbooks). I can't blame my mom... because I love her. And I won't blame my sister... because... I love her too. But, I can say, it's been a slow yet fun journey learning how to embrace femininity and also instill that quality into my little girl.

Eliana was born with a LOT of hair.

Her hair is soft and slippery, and it grows forward in a constant effort to hide her beautiful face from the world. I've tried clips, rubber bands, bangs, head bands- you name it. And while conceptually, Eliana likes the idea of looking like a princess, she has a severe case of the wiggles and apparently a VERY sensitive scalp (and by "apparently" I mean, the girl could fall off of a small cliff, break bones, need sutures, and still dust herself off and say, "I fell" and then run off into the sunset. So, I'm not buying her "you're hurting my head!" act.)

Anyway, inspired by my dear friend Brittany's faithfulness to braid and care for her daughter's hair, leaving Sophie the constant love of my dear Elijah's life... I thought I'd try to braid Eliana's bangs this morning.

After a fairly sloppy attempt at a french braid, the hair behind it launched a massive offensive and plunged right over the braid and promptly hid Eliana's face. Undeterred, I grabbed another wad of hair, and with equally deliberate sloppiness, I forced it into a braided line. The hair behind that decided to try something new. It launched itself straight up in the air then fell in a disorganized heap down the back of her head.

So, one thing led to another, and Eliana ended up with a head-full of five sloppy braids. I think it suits her. It's cute, spunky, and despite all attempts to contain it, it still marches to its own beat.

If any of you women out there, seasoned with femininity want to offer me any bi-racial hair care advice, I'm all ears! (or thumbs).

One Beautiful Rock

2011-09-12T15:19:00.001-04:00

My sweet boy came home from school today and declared he had a surprise for me. He was so excited... and so I was a bit befuddled when he pulled a rock out of his pocket.

My "um...oh...." turned into a mushy "Awe!!" when he explained it's purpose.

He said, "Now when you miss me or think about me during the day, you can put the rock in your hands and pray for me, since I'm where the rock came from."

**SOB***

The Biblical Role of Women

2011-09-10T07:23:00.000-04:00

I listened to a sermon this morning, which was a breath of fresh air for me, yet I know the topic is a very controversial one. What should the role of women be in the family? Should they be the bread winners? Cook and clean? Are they less important? More important? The pants wearers? Heck, is there any need for a man or husband in the home at all? As suggested by so many, would my kids really be better off being at school at 2 or 3 years of age? With a nanny? Can a teacher teach my kids to share? Not be picky eaters? Be independent and well adjusted? In today's culture, it is super offensive to suggest that a women belongs at home. Even yesterday, I met with blank stares and gasps of shock when I suggested I actually LIKED being home with my kids, and I didn't want them to go to school at 2 or 3 as I LIKE to be the one to teach them, nurture them, discipline them, and yes, help them not be picky eaters. I also LIKE to take care of my home and my husband. Even more importantly, who else could better model to a child a life lived to obey God, to love Him and serve others (apart from dad, of course!) I am so thankful that God has blessed me with these five people to love, serve, and minister to. I'm frankly tired of feeling like I have to apologize to people for my choice to stay home and serve my family and seemingly waste my education.

I encourage you to listen to this sermon and think about it. If you don't believe in God, or you don't think that God's Word, the Bible is true, then this will more than likely make you angry or it will just seem ridiculous. But, for me, Alistair's sermon was a breath of fresh air as I get so tired of feeling pressured to bend and twist God's Word to look like our culture. I would much rather see our culture bend and twist to line up with God's Word. Imagine what a world that would be?! Husbands leading and loving. Wives loving, nurturing, and respecting. Children obeying and honoring. Workers working hard and being honest.

Oh how grievous sin is, that it's mangled God's good plan for us. I'm so thankful that God sent Christ to die for our sins so that we no longer have to be slaves to sin, and we have a hope in Heaven, when all will be made right again.

And in case you're wondering... by being a mere house wife, I don't feel enslaved, hindered, or devalued. I feel FREE.

Here's the sermon: http://www.oneplace.com/minist
ries/truth-for-life/listen/the-biblical-role-of-women-part-b-215993.html

A rather long post...

2011-09-08T16:16:00.003-04:00

This week has been nerve wracking, sad, joyous, victorious, and entirely covered by God's grace. On Wednesday, I watched my baby (wasn't he a baby just yesterday?) walk out the door for his first day of school. I know this is nothing new to parents around the globe, but for me, it was hard(er) on many fronts. I remember my first day of kindergarten. Both of them.

(That's me with the mullet and coke bottle glasses)

I began one every-other-day class at the beginning of the year, but then had to join the other, every-other-day class half way through the year to be able to continue my meeting with the school speech therapist (yes, I had the "cute" habit of saying, "I'm sowy, did da thiwy wabbit go dat way?") Anway, I hid in the closet, petrified as to why on earth MY classroom was filled with DIFFERENT kids. Thankfully, my big sister grabbed the closest girl she could find, flung open the closet door, and said, "Look Julie, this is your new friend, Gina!" I got over my shock fairly quickly- after all, everyone spoke English, looked similar to me, and played outside on the same huge playground and grassy field.

For me, Elijah starting school has been me putting to death a lot of my own expectations and familiarities. He is probably the only American to ever attend his school. He is the only toe-head in his class. He speaks approximately 20 words of Spanish (thankfully, "may I go to the bathroom" being among them"). There is no playground (only a concrete patio with toys parents donate). There is no grass. Really. He doesn't go to a cafeteria for lunch (they eat a snack at 10am, then eat lunch at 2pm when school is out). He is now being told that all of the letters of the alphabet sound completely different than his mommy taught him. He sees bullies picking on little kids and doesn't know how to say anything, so he just hides. He also has to remember that his name is now Elias (Aye-Lee-Us) and not Elijah.

But, you know what....? He loves it! He hasn't cried once! He is excited to leave and excited when he comes home. Isn't it a blessing if he can't get grass stains on his pants? The boy will be bilingual by next June! He will learn to listen, read people, be sensitive, be intuitive. I imagine there will be tears shed this year (by more than him), but I believe God is sovereign, and in control over every aspect of our lives. God knew, before he was born, that Elijah would be raised cross-culturally. I can trust that God will use all of these circumstances to form him into the man he's supposed to become. It is my role to, with an open, yet close hand, watch and support as God does a work in my little man's life. This school adventure is just another opportunity for me to "be still and know that HE is GOD."

I remember one wise, weathered mother telling me that it's good to create an environment in your home that makes your kids happy to return after their day at school. I wanted yesterday (Elijah's first day of school) to be special, so I baked his favorite sugar cookies. I made him a dolphin, as they are his favorite mammal.

(but now the problem is, he expects baked treats every day... sigh)

What has been an unexpected and wonderful discovery is that the other kids are THRIVING in their new found roles. Levi LOVES being the "oldest" for part of the day. He is so much calmer than his big brother. He takes his school time with me very seriously, and is very motivated to learn to read right now. He likes being put in charge of things that used to fall on Elijah. He could spend the whole day doing art.

Eliana, who normally found her role in being the pesty, disruptive little sister who zinged in and out while the boys tried to do "school" with me, LOVES getting more focused attention, and so has jumped right into her role as student. Despite her apparent short-attention span, she is quite bright. I'm realizing that when it appears she's indifferent or not paying attention, she's secretly learning and retaining. Sly little thing :-) She and Levi have gotten along considerably better with Elijah gone, and she's been much more joyful since she's receiving a lot more of my undivided attention.

Lucas, the silly fellow, spends 98% of his day in two activities: Trying to stand up on objects (and getting stuck there upon, until I come and rescue him. He's spent some sleepless nap times due to his relentless urge to stand up) and eating any and every object he finds on the floor. Please don't call CPS, but today I had to fish TWO more thumb tacks out of his mouth. At the same time. Pray he survives this "explorer" stage. He is quite vocal. He has repeated a lot of words, but his three official, self-initiated words are "hola," "Lijah," and "acala" (which is chocala..."give me five" in Spanish). Oh, and as a side note, he now weighs a pound more than his sister!)

Nathan and I just celebrated our 7th year of marriage! We love each other dearly, and I still have to pinch myself that God blessed me with such a godly, humble, hard-working, servant of a husband.

Times They are a Changin'

2011-08-24T16:02:00.001-04:00

Life had changed. Why? Lucas has changed. My once, snuggly, stationary, content little man has turned into a 26 pound freight train on the go! I'm not saying it's all changed for the bad... The dear chap has finally figured out that solid food is for eating, and there is MUCH more to life than mommy's milk. This discovery has led to two HUGE blessings. Lucas no longer blows out diapers, and (this is my favorite), he sleeps 12 hours at night.

With this new fetish for eating comes a definite downside. He eats everything. I think my other kids must have put things in their mouths, but man, it's my constant plea that God graciously keeps Lucas alive despite all of the odds and ends his siblings leave on the floor for him to encounter.

(These are items I fished out of Lucas's mouth in a 24 hour period)

In two short weeks, Lucas has gotten four teeth, began crawling, attempts to climb the stairs, eats three square meals a day, and is starting to prefer daddy. I'm beginning to realize how fun life is going to be with four "big" kids.

(Lucas now leaves out the front door at will. Our door is always open to provide a breeze as we don't have air conditioning)

(He's also now trying to climb the stairs... and these aren't soft wooden stairs covered with carpet.

Can you say marble?)

(Lucas isn't making much effort to walk, but Elijah is trying to help motivate him. But, as you can tell, lugging 26 lbs of "dead" weight isn't easy!)

(Peek a Boo!)

A Kid's Just Gotta Have Fun...

2011-07-20T06:32:00.000-04:00

It's been a bit rainy here, and since we don't have our car, and I can't easily walk the mile uphill to the park with four kids....

.... This happens:

(p.s... Eliana participated in the insanity, but since she was only in a diaper, I'm not going to post her groovy moves online :-)

Eliana

2011-07-15T17:37:00.000-04:00

While Eliana may be small, she has got BIG personality. She is energetic, athletic, fearless, outgoing, opinionated, and nurturing.

Eliana loves to have fun.

She loves to be given big girl duties.

She is so full of life.

Her smile brightens my day.

Her energy exhausts me :-)

She is very sensitive.

She is often intense.

And she LOVES her daddy.

More Vegetable Soup...

2011-07-12T10:49:00.002-04:00

More family faces are sure to come, but since I had these pictures, I thought I'd share with you another delicious, easy, healthy veggie soup.

I started with raw pumpkin, red peppers, zucchini, garlic, and onion (what I happened to have in my fridge)

And after cooking it till it was mushy in veggie broth, I pureed it and added salt and pepper before setting it to simmer.

What I'm not mentioning was the large dallop of cream cheese I threw in there :-) This was called "healthy" vegetable soup, after all! This soup was equally as yummy and probably more warmly received than the green one last week. I usually give it to the kids in a mug with a straw, and they have it drank down before I can even sit down.

Before pureeing it, I pulled out some of the ultrasoft veggies to give to Lucas. He still won't eat off of a spoon, but he was quite delighted to try the red pepper and pumpkin.

As a side dish, I thought I'd cook the corn on the cob Nathan had found.

Is it normal for corn to have so few kernels? I felt like each ear had only half the kernels it should have had. But, Levi had fun helping me shuck, all the same.

And I discovered that already-eaten corn cobs make great teethers!

For desert, Lucas ate a lego. Lucas pretty much likes to eat everything.

We have entered the "danger zone."

So, to end, I issue you a challenge. I dare you to pull out your crock pot, throw in whatever fresh or frozen veggies you have. Cook them in broth (veggie or chicken), and then puree them. Part two of the challenge is to take pictures and tell me about it :-)

A Family with Many Faces

2011-07-11T16:47:00.000-04:00

As I take pictures, I realize how expressive my kids are. I'm sure everyone is expressive, but I love how you can see their hearts, emotions, and thoughts written on their faces.

Just for fun, here are some of the many faces I see on Levi.

Levi tends to be moody.

Little things make him go inside of himself.

But, thankfully, if you talk with him...

He comes back around.

And returns to his joyful self.

Levi is my artist. I think his moodiness and this art-propensity go hand in hand. He loves to build with legos, and he could color all day long. Those are all of his pictures in the background minus the dog in the grass.

I love this little face.

Levi has one of the most expressive noses I know. He can contort it more than the average person.

Tomorrow, I'll post some of the many faces of Eliana.

Meal Time Revelations...

2011-07-01T12:53:00.002-04:00

In the life of a family with four small children, there are many battles each day. I'm sure many of you can relate to the wars that are waged each meal time.

"Take another bite!"
"Keep your hands to yourself!"
"Your food is NOT a toy!"
"Eat your vegetables!"

.... well, to say the least, meal time training is a long suffering endeavor with that shows little fruit. For me anyway. Until this week. I'm not going to get into the details of our discipline methods at the table, but I will tell you a couple little things that have revolutionized the way we eat.

1). I started playing classical music softly in the background during meals, and it is amazing how the kids calmly eat without bickering! I can even leave the room for a few minutes and return, and they are just sitting there... eating! (we have a great set of CD's called, "Classical Music for People who Hate Classical Music.")

(note the ipod on the table and the full mouths of food!)

2). Regarding vegetables. My kids eat them. Somewhat begrudgingly, but they eat them. But, it remains a challenge to get in the daily recommended amount. I've started making vegetable soup (or "potaje" as it's called here.)

I start by dumping an assortment of frozen veggies in my crock pot.

(This particular time, I added garlic, onion, broccoli, carrots, spinach and garbanzo beans.)

Then, I add veggie broth.

After it's heated through, I use my nifty Braun hand mixer (which I love WAY more than a blender- yet another thing people here on the island do right :-) to puree all of the ingredients.

Then, I fiddle with it, adding more water, pepper, bay leaf, and/or cheese, till it tastes just right.

The kids, miraculously, LOVE it. They would (and may) eat it every day.

(Oliver...err... Levi, even asked for a second serving.)

3). After 4 kids and three high chairs, I've decided that the BEST high chair one can buy is the $19.99 one at Ikea. You can find it here. I like it because, (a) it is super easy to wipe off. Who needs all that frilly, fluffy, pain-to-clean fabric anyway? Your kid's going to eat in the chair, not sleep in it. (b) you can put your baby in it without having to use the strap, and they can't fall out. (c) it's just the right height -the table doesn't come to the baby's chin like a lot of seats. (d) Eliana, my gymnastic Houdini, cannot escape it, hence, I can put her in it during movies and she has to stay right there, safe and sound. (e) it's small and lightweight, and hey, it's $20!

(on a side note, see my baby-food-hating, toothless baby LOVING to eat food through his mesh food thingy. It was worth the money as well.)

4). Fun, educational place mats have lent to fun, educational conversations during the meals. (Thanks Grandma!)

And now, just for fun, here are some random pictures of the kids, so that Nana (etc) can get her fix.

(The kids love being read to)

(In fact, they rope anyone they can into reading to them. Here is Joe Grewe - participating in a short-term team, taking precious time to read to my kids.)

(They wanted Alcides to read to them, but then they realized he only speaks Spanish...)

(Being carless, the kids are getting to spend a lot of time monkeying around the yard.)

(They climb...)

(They jump)

(They hang...)

(And they have a general good time...)

(Since Lucas isn't much of a climber yet, he just stands around outside.)

(But inside, he's beginning to roll himself into precarious positions!)

(Well, I just think Eliana's beautiful, so I'm adding this picture :-)

P.S... If you've read this far, I have to share something that I found humorous. I'm putting it here as the person it involves only speaks Spanish, so I'm hoping to they don't see it. The other day the team that's here went on a little trip and packed a picnic lunch. One of the fellows from a different country offered to pack my sandwhiches. When we got there, I was pleased to partake of my first ever peanut butter, jelly, ham, cheese, and lettuce sandwhich. Yes, all on one sandwhich. Yum.... Try it. I dare you.

A "must have" children's Bible

2011-04-23T10:21:00.000-04:00

We've developed quite an assortment of children's Bibles over the last five years, but recently some friends recommended one that we've fallen in love with. Our boys literally can't get enough of Bible time. I've actually heard, "Moooooom, can't I read the Bible for a little bit longer?!"

It's called, "The Action Bible," and you can get it here.

Enjoy!

Upon one Year...

2011-04-08T09:24:00.003-04:00

One year ago today, my little family of five (with Lucas in the oven) landed in Tenerife with just our 12 suitcases. We were a bit jet lagged but full of anticipation for this new journey God had brought us on. I wish I had taken a picture of us in the airport with our bags, or us upon arrival, but apparently I had too many other things on my mind :-) (but, if any of you from MBC who were at the airport happened to take pictures, I'd love to get them!)

It's hard to sum up an entire year in a word, a sentence, or even a blog post. I think I can say this has been one of the toughest years of my life, but also one of the best. Transitioning the children to a new culture and language has been one of my biggest heart-felt struggles. It tugs at my heart to hear them talking about all of the friends, family, and toys they miss from across the ocean. For the most part they are resilient, but for our eldest, the battle has become deep and painful.

I say the year has been hard as we've faced such a barrage of physical, spiritual, and circumstantial trials. Our bodies have not done well responding to a whole new ethnicity of germs and viruses. I also gave birth via cesarean, been hospitalized for a stomach virus, learned my pituitary tumor had moved to a more dangerous part of my head, then disappeared, then reappeared back where it should have been (it didn't really move... it's just that radiologists here apparently have a lot of creative license when reading MRIs.)

Elijah's eyes went haywire, Lucas had RSV for 3 months, and we've all had our fair share of colds, strep throat, migraines, and stomach bugs. Our van has taken up residence in the mechanic's shop (living there about 50% of the past year). We've had to learn to live "quietly" with four children next to a neighbor who wants silence at all times. I've struggled to control my post-pregnancy hormones, especially when applied to our new habitat, and in response to four cute, cuddly little sinnerling children. I've NEVER in my life been so painfully aware of my propensity towards anger, especially in response to my children. I daily have to battle having a right response in all of the split-second occurrences that demand my attention. We've also struggled to reconcile our expectations for how we'd like to spend our time verses how we are supposed to spend our time during the first year (going to driver's school, studying language and culture, etc).

But, I can say this has been one of the best years of my life in this- God's Word promises that trials produce endurance, and endurance makes us more complete- more like Christ. One thing that has been so heavy on my heart the past couple of years is seeing so many people walk away from a relationship with Christ. In our post-modern culture, we seem more prone to elevate our own thoughts and understanding above what is clearly written in the Bible. I've wondered... what keeps someone from abandoning their faith? Who can endure until the end? Well, for the first time in my life, I'm understanding James 1, and why I can and should count it all JOY when I face trials. Why? Because it produces ENDURANCE. And endurance, when it has its perfect result, will make us PERFECT and COMPLETE, lacking in nothing. Too often I wish trials away instead of staying in them, quietly, expectantly, waiting for God to do the work in me He set out to do. When life is easy, and we're never sick, and our car never dies, and our kids are always perfect, and we can go to Walmart and buy whatever our mind can imagine, and our home is SO comfortable, and the bank account is full--- then we should be FEARFUL! In those times, it's to easy and natural to turn our dependence from Christ and see our sufficiency in our self. Our muscles get soft, our hearts get weak, and our motivation to get of the couch to run dwindles. We won't endure. We will lack much and be marred by imperfection. I'm preaching to the choir here, and I hardly have responded with joy in each of our trials. But, after one year of seemingly constant trial, I am beginning to understand how and my I truly can count it all joy.

I hope that one year from now, I can write about year two, how it was so full of great ministry moments, people turning to Christ, spiritual growth, etc. But, that is up to God- and I will chose to be content with whatever kind of year He brings. As Hudson Taylor said, God often "wants to produce some choice, fragrant fruit for His coming glory, which can only be produced in the shade."

Victories

2011-02-23T15:58:00.003-05:00

It's true. Parenting can be filled with hardships, worries, and challenges. But, there are moments that fill you with such joy that it all becomes worth it. Today I had two such moments...

For two years (yes, her whole life), Eliana has fought us when it comes time to drink her milk. We've tested her for reflux, milk allergies, and muscular problems that could prevent her from swallowing correctly. It just became our battle. Every day, twice a day. We say "drink." She says "no." Some days it would take close to two hours. But, today, God gave great grace. Eliana drank her milk (twice!) without fighting us! And she drank it quickly! Here's the proof...(ok, so in the first pic, she was debating a battle... but then....)

The second moment came not much later. Elijah began to read. He read me two beginner books. I even covered up the pictures so he couldn't cheat and guess at what it was saying. He also began writing his name well, and drawing stick figures. My boy reads!

Great Quote...

2011-02-04T05:08:00.000-05:00

I recently heard this quote in a sermon by Spencer DeBurgh, which I strongly recommend you listen to if you have the time. You can find it here. I like this quote as it seems to speak directly to the question of should we "redo" church, evangelism, and ultimately Christianity.

"Woe to him therefore, who preaches Christianity without the possibility of offense. Woe to the person who smoothly, flirtatiously, commendingly, convincingly preaches some soft, sweet something which is supposed to be Christianity!

Woe to the person who makes miracles reasonable. Woe to the person who betrays and and breaks the mystery of faith, distorts it into public wisdom, because he takes away the possibility of offense! Woe to the person who speaks of the mystery of the Atonement without detecting in it anything of the possibility of offense."

~Soren Kierkegaard

Self-Control

2011-02-01T07:49:00.000-05:00

Do I control my desires, or do my desires control me? Today, during my time with God, I was greatly convicted and encouraged by this question. I was reading in Colossians 1, and kept mulling over verse 10, which says “…so that you will walk in a manner worthy of the Lord, to please Him in all respects, bearing fruit in every good work…” Paul is praying for the believers in Colossae that God would give them knowledge of Himself and spiritual wisdom so that they can walk in a manner worthy of the Lord and please Him in all respects. Wow! Are my actions and thoughts each day worth of the Lord? Do I please Him in EVERYTHING I do? Immediately certain areas of my life (not pretty ones) started coming to mind.

Afterward, I picked up “Respectable Sins” and read the chapter on Self-Control. The Holy Spirit continued to bring to mind SO many areas in my life where I let my impulses and desires control my actions! My love of ice cream, my longing for Pringles in the afternoon, my desire to rest instead of exercise, my tendency to give vent to my angry heart towards a rebellious child, my speed at checking email or facebook instead of opening my Bible. Now, this may all seem DIScouraging, but what really brought me joy amidst the conviction is that “self-control” is a fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5:23)! And since God, by His mercy has saved me, and given me faith and a desire to make HIM King instead of myself, I can trust that by HIS strength, I can have self-control! His redeeming work in me is WAY stronger than my own sinful self.

Looking back at Colossians 1, I can have the same hope and faith that Paul had when he prayed for the believers in Colossae, that God would help them “walk worthy and please Him in all respects.” In verses 3-6, Paul speaks of a hope which is laid up for us in Heaven, and that is the GOSPEL—and that gospel is constantly bearing fruit and increasing (v. 6) I can have hope, and really have victory over my nature to be lazy and seek comfort, and exercise the muscle of self-control, because JESUS CHRIST humbled Himself and came to earth, lived a perfect life, died for my sins, and raised again, and today sits at the right-hand of God in Heaven. And one day, I Will stand before Him and give an account for my life. And He will judge the motives of my heart, and He will reveal whether what I’ve built upon was wood, hay, and stubble, or gold, stubble, and precious stones. (1 Corinthians 3:12-15)

So, my hope for you is that today you might question yourself….are you living in a manner worthy of the Lord? Are you pleasing Him in every respect? I know I will have to keep asking myself that question every day, every hour, and then prayerfully ask Him to help me have victory over my desires. I have some ideas about how I’ll be applying this, but I won’t tell you yet :-)

Beyond Measure

2011-01-31T16:30:00.000-05:00

The last two weeks were a taste of what it is to be given more than you deserve. We flew to "The Peninsula" (what we islanders call mainland Spain) for a mandatory, TEAM Spain conference. It was a joy getting to meet all of the other missionaries who are here with TEAM, hear their hearts, and get a better picture of what God is doing in Spain. One thing that took us by surprise was the COLD. I didn't realize how quickly my blood had turned warm being in Tenerife. We didn't move with our winter attire, so we made lots of mad dashes from one building to another.

Here we are with our Tenerife coworkers braving the cold near Toledo.

Another huge blessing was that we were able to lodge for the cost of utilities in the home of a missionary family on home assignment in the US. They have three small children, so my kiddos were elated to be able to play with new toys, and have a swing set in "their" back yard. They spent hours playing with a Thomas the Train set. I also discovered that Eliana has a deep love for dollies now! She fed, burped, soothed, disciplined, and instructed the dolls with a loud "OBEY GOD!"

Since we also were able to use the vehicle of this family, and housing was taken care of, and we could cook our own meals vs. eating out-- and since one of our huge focuses this year is language and culture acquisition, we made a "vacation" out of the conference. We were able to stay for a total of 2 weeks in the peninsula. We are cheap skates, so we saw the outsides of lots of pretty castles and cathedrals (even the cathedrals charge admission unless you are attending mass). We were extra excited to see Toledo, as one of our neighbors who we've talked with quite extensively had told us he really wanted us to see the place. He even called today when he saw us return home to see if we made it there. Nathan purchased this gentleman a small sword letter opener as a souvenir. (Toledo is known for their swords).

A bird's eye view of Toledo.

So, not only did we get to finally meet our coworkers in Spain, have free housing and vehicle, and get to know more about the culture in Spain--- but, God even took care of a few secret desires....

I was struggling in my heart a bit with covetousness as I watched my kids play with the train set at the home we were staying. I was also lamenting how much more expensive toys like that cost in Spain. And, to set a back drop, Levi has been really wanting a white tiger figurine ever since he saw the white tiger at the zoo awhile back. It's been a topic of many conversations with him. Well, one afternoon we were blessed yet again to be at the home of a wonderful missionary family, and the wife asked me, "would your boys like some Thomas the Train toys?" She then gave them several toys and enough track to make a good loop. I was so shocked, as just the day before I was wishing we had that very thing for the kids. Then, she pulled out some figurines, and low and behold, asked, "anyone want a white tiger?" God is good, good indeed!

The white tiger at Loro Parque

That brings up the last thing I'm super thankful for from this trip. Several families courageously invited our crazy family of 6 over to their homes for a meal. That's no small thing. It was encouraging to me to get to know people better, pick mothers' brains on raising kids overseas, and forge new friendships.

So, thank you, Lord, for the ways you bless us beyond measure!

Luna!

2011-01-15T16:38:00.002-05:00

My baby girl turned TWO this week! Our tiny little surprise daughter has grown into a vivacious, outgoing, athletic, talkative, very determined wonder woman. To be truthful, the last few years have been full of ups and downs as we've grappled to parent such a lively personality. But, I've been so encouraged of late remembering that God's sovereignty covers even the personalities of our children. Hopefully, I am more like Christ as a result of having Eliana in my life, and hopefully, she will end up more like Christ from having me as her mother. God's grace is so good, and so deep. I can truthfully say that I wouldn't trade my daughter for the world. I'm excited to see what she will become. Despite her immeasurable drive and energy, she is such a nurturer. She adores her baby brother, and she cares for her little dollies as if they were real. She is fearless, and she LOVES people.

For months now, Eliana's favorite word and favorite object to hunt for, has been the "luna." Every time she sees it (even if it's the 17th time in one hour), she still exclaims at the top of her lungs, "LUUUUUUUUUUUUUNA!"

Here's a glimpse of the fun she brings into our lives...

A Bit of Catching Up...

2011-01-10T17:58:00.003-05:00

Well, uninspired or not, I press on (namely for the three of you who encouraged me to do so).

We are thankful to be entering another year, just as in need of God's grace as ever. 2010 was certainly a year of transition, trials, blessings, joys... and any number of other adjectives. But one thing is certain- God remains on the thrown, and we remain His grateful adopted children eagerly awaiting His return. Maybe 2011 will be the year!

We have now been in Tenerife for 9 months. I am buttoning down and becoming more serious about getting my driver's license and passing my Spanish proficiency exam. Nathan is an incredible husband and father and is constantly serving us, but for both of our sanity, I need to be able to do some grocery shopping and take kids to the doctor by myself.

We are thankful to be building stronger friendships with some of our neighbors. If you think of it, be in prayer for David and Sonya (and children Carlos and Sarah) and Federico and Sylvie (and sons Simone, Rafael, and Jean Marie). We were blessed to spend the evening last night with the latter family, enjoying their exceptional BBQ skills and some good conversation. We are hoping to have David and Sonya over to dinner some time in the next week.

For me, I think most of the work I've seen God do in the last nine months has been an overhaul of my own heart. I used to always marvel, when I'd go on a short-term missions trip, at how God seemingly flew me thousands of miles away just to show me areas of my own life that needed change. Well, living overseas now is no different. So many different things are constantly bouncing through my head, I'd be awake all night if I tried to put them to paper right now, but it all boils back down to this: He's big, and I'm little. Parenting four kids 4 and under shows me that. Moving to a new culture shows me that. Trying to share the best news in the world with people who aren't interested shows me that. Dealing with more sickness than we have ever experienced in one year shows me that. Spending holidays away from family and loved ones shows me that. Watching two young friends die leaving behind devastated families shows me that. Looking out the window at the vast ocean every day shows me that. And living in the shadow of an active volcano shows me that. I think of the famous C.S. Lewis quote from the Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe where Lucy asks the Beaver if Aslan is a tame lion. He replies, "Safe? Of course he's not safe!.....But he's good!"

So, to sum it up, I've learned a lot this past year- about myself, about God... mostly I've learned that I'm oh so far from perfect, and oh so in need of God. Not just His help or his grace, but Him. I need Him for every breath. I need God. I desperately need His Word. He allows me times of shade, times of lonliness, times of wandering in the valley, followed by times of victory, of amazement, of refreshment- all because He wants me to see Himself.

A theme He has repeatedly brought back into my life over the years is learning to "see" his fingerprints in my life. It's utter foolishness to think that a hair falls from my head without his knowledge or concern. Yet, I so often don't look past my own nose as I wallow about in my circumstances, emoting every which way that I turn, and looking only at how I might alleviate my sufferings or fix my own problems. Yet not one broken transmission, sick baby, lost wallet, or unruly child is outside of His sovereign control or design. I hope my thick skull will eventually remember that lesson.

Ok... I better wrap up my meandering thoughts and end with some pictures, as that's really what people want to see anyway.

Uninspired

2010-12-12T17:44:00.000-05:00

I think it's an unfortunate truth, but facebook is killing my blog! It's hard to put energy into clever posts and pictures when in a flash I can put a mini version on facebook. Plus, is there really anyone left in the blog world who isn't on facebook? I hate being redundant. So, I need to give it a good think as to whether or not to keep my fingers dipped in both worlds...

I guess if you are a blog follower who isn't on facebook, let me know, so I can factor that into my decision on whether to keep blogging.

In the mean time, enjoy Christ this Christmas!

Learning... so many decisions

2010-11-03T08:13:00.003-04:00

We continue to be amazed at how God provides for our needs... even the ones we haven't put much thought into. Our van has now spent over three months in the shop. Through 16 weeks of house guests, we haven't been able to transport them together with our family. Now that our family has six people and our car only seats 5, we are in a bit of a bind, seemingly, as we can't go anywhere as a whole family. Yet, the Belches and Albrechts have been gracious to trade vehicles with us when it's necessary, and we've yet to miss an appointment. God has also laid it on people's hearts at various times to give us gifts at just the right times that help pay for van and hospital bills. God truly provides!

Nathan has passed half of his driver's test, and will hopefully pass the second half next week so he can continue to drive legally here. I am officially enrolled in driver's school. To be repeating such a class fifteen years later makes me thankful for one thing in particular. At least I have less acne now!

Just last week I was realizing that while we've graciously been given an abundance of hand-me-downs for our three youngest kids, Elijah was without a jacket, long-sleeved shirts, and tennis shoes. Just a few days later, a friend from church came by with two bags of clothes... for Elijah... full of long-sleeve shirts, a light jacket, and tennis shoes! To put a cherry on top of God's goodness, there was even a pair of shoes with the built in wheels... something Elijah has wanted!

We continue to wrestle with the question of schooling next year. Any time we go into public during the day, we are repeatedly asked why Elijah and Levi are not in school. Our response that they are only 2 and 4 only meets with blank stares and more quandaries as to why they aren't in school. After trying to explain to some neighbors about home schooling, they felt prompted to go on their own to the local government to ask if we could do such a thing, or if our kids should be in the public schools like everyone else. SOOOO... keep praying for us, that we'd make a culturally wise decision that doesn't exclude what's best for our kids.

I have begun more proactively teaching Elijah at home. My goal is for him to be reading by the end of this school year. He loves to learn. Today wrote his name for the very first time as well as the word "mom." He was so excited, he asked if I could buy him a book that had the words "Elijah" and "mom" in it so he could read it to his siblings. When I told him that soon he could be reading ALL the words in his books, he gave me a giant hug and just beamed!

He also enjoyed learning about magnets a few days ago, thanks the kids breaking one of my necklaces that had magnetic beads in it.

Lucas Daniel

2010-10-28T17:15:00.000-04:00

I am not sure how many people read my blog, that don't also have facebook, but to be fair to my poor fourth born, I will do a post about his birth.

Lucas Daniel came to us at 4:40am on 10/11/10 (but in all U.S. time zones, it was still 10/10/10). I was scheduled for a c-section at 9am that morning, and had been admitted the night before, but during the night I went into labor, so Lucas managed to make it out a few hours ahead of schedule.

I'll spare you all the details of delivery, as I can sum it up by saying, we both are alive and healthy, and thankful for God's goodness. Giving birth overseas included a few fears and vocabulary building, but all in all, we are thankful that everything went well.

Lucas weighed 6lbs 8oz and was 19". He seems so tiny! But, everyone keeps commenting that he has really long arms and huge hands. Perhaps he'll take after his Dupda, Andy, and be the tall one in our family.

Now Lucas is 2 weeks old, and a lot more alert and hopefully putting on some ounces.

We were able to smuggle the kids into the hospital room to see their new brother, and they were immediately
smitten!

Elijah loves his little brother so much. He loves to hold him, talk to him, and read books to him.

Now that we have 4 kids, we keep getting asked, "You DO know how this happens, don't you?" (referring to babies.) But, all I can say is despite endometriosis, a pituitary tumor, and a vasectomy... God clearly wanted little Lucas to be part of our family!

Bunkbed made to Order

2010-10-04T16:21:00.002-04:00

We've had the blessing of Nathan's parents being with us the last few weeks. They are here for the birth of Lucas and have been super helpful with the kids and around the house. Since Lucas seems content to stay inside for the time being, we were able to go enjoy Loro Parque last week. Here are Nana and Dupda with the kids watching the Killer Whale show.

We put to use Dupda's painting skills and decided to paint the boys room.

The boys have been begging for a bunk bed, and since we've decided to move Lucas's crib into the boys' room (instead of making him endure trying to sleep with a very curious 20 month old sister...), Nathan surprised me with his woodworking abilities and made a very sturdy bunk bed. Here is a glimpse of the process...

And now we have to decide if this indeed too high of a bunk bed, and if the cost of an ER visit outweighs the cost of altering the height and adding a slanted latter... But, the boys are thrilled, none the less!

Also this week, our neighbor's god children came by for an unexpected play date. Elijah had fun playing memory with them and assembling puzzles.

Child-Like Faith

2010-09-13T14:29:00.001-04:00

Lately I have been so encouraged by how soft Elijah’s heart has been towards the Lord, and also how genuine his faith appears to be. While I’m hesitant to tell him I think he’s “saved” or to encourage him to pray a prayer, I think that to the extent that a four year old can have faith- he has it.

Lately when he disobeys, when we send him to the bathroom to await discipline, he prays during that time (audibly where I can hear), “God, please help me to obey!”

Yesterday, when Nathan was giving each kid an obedience challenge for the day, he asked Elijah to really work on not arguing or answering us with “But…!” After Bible time, Elijah said, “When I get to Heaven, God will take away all my buts! And all my other sins!”

Today during Bible time, Nathan was working through the Old Testament, and went through the 10 Commandments with the kids. He explained stealing (which the kids have had a bit of a problem with. If they like a toy from the church nursery, for example, they just put it on their pocket and take it home.) Last week while we were at the Belches, Elijah really liked a certain plastic toy soldier, and brought it home. I explained that it was stealing, but then he lost it, so we took one of our soldiers over to their house in exchange. After Bible time today, Elijah exclaimed , “I’m sooo sorry that I took that soldier from Buelo and Buelas house! I shouldn’t have done that!” It was so encouraging to see him apply scripture and feel conviction over sin!

A few minutes ago, while watching the movie "Prince of Egypt," Elijah turned to Levi and said, “Levi, Moses doesn’t want to be a king anymore, he wants to be a new man, who God likes!”

On a lighter (and maybe t.m.i.) note, Elijah is in the habit of describing his poops every time he finishes. There are turtles and sticks and rocks, and wet and dry, etc. Yesterday after finishing his business, he cried out, “HEY! This poop is like Jesus walking on the water!” (it was a floater).

Oh how I long to see all of our kids walking by faith and letting Christ be their King. I'm so thankful for encouraging glimpses of seeds taking root in our eldest's heart!

Cactus Balls

2010-09-10T16:28:00.000-04:00

Nathan took the three kids on a hike behind the house to retrieve the sundry of items that had fallen (eh hem... been thrown) over our wall. Namely, we needed to fetch Levi's precious Nalgene water cup that came from "across the ocean" and is irreplaceable here.

Eliana found what looked like a fun little ping-pong ball, but in reality was a cactus ball that appeared harmless, but upon further examination (or grasping), appeared to have hundreds of nearly invisible, hair-like thorns that embedded themselves into poor Eliana's hands and fingers. When she got home, I had the fun task of using tweezers and duct tape to extract the dozens of little pokers. Many of the thorns transferred themselves into my fingers, Nathan's arms and chest (from carrying her home).

Lesson learned... nature doesn't produce any safe ping-pong balls.

So, how have we been doing?

2010-09-02T13:29:00.003-04:00

So, a few people have asked how we've been doing lately, and I realized I haven't done any blog updates for several weeks, so I thought I'd post a somewhat lengthy update on how how each of our Thiry Clan are doing...

The kids are doing well. Elijah is super soft spiritually, which is a huge encouragement to my heart. I know he's very much a people pleaser, so I'm not at all encouraging him to "pray a prayer" or anything, but we talk a lot about making Jesus his King and obeying Him each day in each circumstance. He loves to pray! I catch him praying throughout the day on his own... praying that Jesus will help him catch a lizard, praying that Jesus would help Levi obey so he won't get thrown into the lake of fire... etc. Every time he sees the sunset, he jumps up and down and exclaims that Jesus is coming back. He has such a strong child-like faith. He has this cool evangecube keychain that unfolds to the different pictures of the gospel. He loves to wear it clipped to his pocket every day, and he's even shared with some strangers using it! Elijah continues to miss his best friend, Sophie, and talks about her quite a bit. I'm hoping their Spanish improves soon so he can start relating to kids on a different level than just running around screaming insanely. (screaming and insanity seem to transcend language barriers.)

Levi is getting a bit softer spiritually. He's at least more responsive to me, more affectionate, and more teachable. He still has a strong independent streak, but I'm learning better how to interact with his personality, and seeing how my response to him greatly affects how he then responds to me. He's a very dear boy who is brave, daring, independent, and yet loves necklaces, bracelets, shoes and "looking good." I know the day is coming when he'll be 14 and starts begging for an earring! He has become quite a bully to Eliana, so we're working on that. Both boys are SUPER excited to have a new brother soon and fight over who will be his best friend. Levi is our most grateful kid. He sincerely thanks us for nice things he receives. Yesterday he got his first black eye as a result of a run in with a slide... or so I've been told.

Eliana is as gorgeous as ever on the outside, but her insides are showing some very ugly corners. She has the most hideous angry temper. If one small thing isn't done "her way." She screams and pitches a most horrendous fit. For example, today, she wanted to sit on the potty and try to go pee and wipe herself. Nathan let her try for 5 minutes or so (she's never actually gone potty yet), but then told her to be all done as he had other things to do. She got so angry that she was flailing, hitting, screaming, and writhing. I'm not talking about a sad, "oh I'm sooo disappointed" cry. I'm talking about an, "if I were bigger and had a weapon, you'd all be dead..." scream... a rage from the inner depths. We discipline, teach, hug, repeat over and over. Honestly, I some times think she has a medical condition that makes her not feel much pain. Several people have commented at how she can fall, take a hit, receive very firm discipline on the backside and seem unaffected. I'm not sure if she really can't feel it or if her will overcomes her pain. By faith, we're just trying to be obedient to what God's word says about discipline and trusting that in time, we'll see fruit in her life. You could pray for patience and a genuine love for her when she's being unlovable. Apart from that, she's obsessed with pretty things- purses, bracelets, shoes, lotion--- oh vanity, here we come! She abhors anything that looks like it may be a toy, and much prefers to scour the house for anything that looks inappropriate for her. It cannot be soft or made of plastic. It's best if it's breakable, stains, or disgusting. On the bright side, she's our best eater and eats literally whatever is in front of her. She knows I have a baby in my tummy, and loves to see babies, but I have a feeling she'll be Lucas' greatest danger. I think she'll be quick to poke, pinch, hit, pick up, and feed Lucas at every opportunity. I'm so convinced of this, that we're actually contemplating moving his crib into the boys room and letting Eliana have her own room. Eliana also continues to love Nathan more than life itself. As much as I was looking forward to having a daughter to follow me around and to teach how to be a godly young lady, I'm thankful she has a daddy who is such a good role model of what to look for in a future husband and leader.

Nathan continues to work hard, by serving us as a family, taking on responsibilities at church, studying Spanish, working on getting his license, and loving on the lost guys in our area. He is truly a great man. We were blessed on Saturday to celebrate our 6th wedding anniversary together.

I am as big as a house, tired, cranky, etc, etc. I'm thankful for God's grace in the daily tasks, and that He gives me a love for my kids each day. I'm getting excited to start homeschooling Elijah this year, but I'm also torn as I'd love for him to be able to go to a GOOD public school here to learn Spanish and make friends. Continue praying for God's wisdom in that arena. I'm pretty tired these days. After the intestinal illness went away that had me in the hospital for two days, we got hit with a horrible cold/flu bug that's lasted 5 or so days. Nathan and I have it the worst-- super tired, achy, tons of sinus congestion... now it's in my chest, but at least I can breathe, and so sleep at night a bit better.

In case you don't think I qualify as being as large as a house, this pic is now a month old.

We just ended 10 weeks of constant house guests, which was a blessing but also taxing as a family. Nathan's mom, Trina, comes in 11 days, for which we are thankful, as she loves the kids as her own and works so hard to serve us and help around the house.

Our van is in it's 11th week in the shop. I hardly remember what it looks like. Lord willing, we'll get it back before Trina or Lucas arrives, otherwise, we'll need a rental to be able to haul more than the 5 we already have. Everyone asks when Lucas will arrive, and of course, I have no idea... but if I had to guess, I'd say around the 20th of September. I'll gladly take votes though. The winner can come fly here to see us (travel expenses not included :-)

Our Kia (aka, K.illed I.n A.ction)

This morning, 2 ladies from church came over to deep clean my kitchen and living room. It was humbling, but a blessing too. They cleaned parts I didn't even know existed! Now I don't want to ever cook again so my kitchen stays this shiny.

Anger

2010-07-06T12:21:00.003-04:00

Lately I've been horrified to see how much anger resides in my heart. I would have never described myself as an angry person before having kids... or shall I saw, before having 3.5 kids 4 and under. All previous "spiritual accomplishments" or thoughts of my "great" maturity fizzle away into mist when I daily see how much my heart gravitates towards a wicked, self-seeking, prideful anger. In the midst of all my attempts to "fix" my problem, I've come to realize I will NEVER have victory over this sin... without an active, aggressive, war-like attack on it using God's Word as my main weapon. I am so weak, but thankfully God is strong. Of course, each day I have to try to look past the enormous red wood tree sticking out of my own eye as I try to shepherd my kids through their own outbursts of anger.

What's been the most convicting is realizing that perhaps my own sharp words or knee jerk responses to their misbehavior has served to fuel the fire of their own anger. How can I ask them to lay aside anger and put on patience and kindness when I so readily model the opposite. At the core of my anger, I see a simple root that runs to the heart. PRIDE. When I am angry, it's because one of my children has dared to defy ME. They have ignored ME. They have disrespected ME. How dare they! So, in my attempt to control them, I lose utter control of myself.

These simple yet VERY true verses have been my weapons this week. If you struggle with anger, I encourage you to memorize them with me...

Proverbs 15:1- “A gentle answer turns away wrath, But a harsh word stirs up anger.”

Proverbs 29:11- “A fool always loses his temper, but a wise man holds it back.”
What's more, I'm finding that a mother's anger is easy to conceal. It's possible I can be hiding a red-hot heart from Nathan, from my kids, and from onlookers. I can put on a sweet smile, say soothing words, and have the appearance of a nurturing heart, when really I'm seething inside. Philippians 1:27 has been convicting in this regard:

"Only conduct yourselves in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ.” (In the Spanish translation, it says, "Whatever happens, conduct yourselves in a manner worthy...") I want my heart to honor Christ and my life to be one that is worthy of the gospel EVEN IF NO ONE IS LOOKING! To all my fellow mothers out there, I pray that we take this verse to heart, and we begin waging war against the sins that are threatening our families...

Proverbs 14:1- "The wise woman builds her house, but with her own hands the foolish one tears hers down."

Masters of our own Destiny...

2010-06-23T19:32:00.000-04:00

Tonight I was blessed to have a young lady from the community over who is a new professing believer. We were able to spend a few hours going over some verses relating to the gospel and talking about God's sovereignty, works vs. grace leading to salvation, etc. She had just asked me what people meant when they said "I am the master of my own destiny," when we smelled an overwhelming amount of smoke. We were investigating the house when she finally realized that today was June 23, the day the island celebrates Hogueras de San Juan. She explained that at night, everyone lights big fires and burns anything that brings them bad luck (blankets, sweaters, books, trinkets... anything). Then, under the moon, they bathe themselves in the ocean to rid themselves of bad luck and negative energy. (All of this is also of course accompanied by a lot of drinking and carousing). What an incredible example of people vainly trying to be masters of their own destiny! We talked about where those people are putting their hope... in a sovereign all-powerful God, or in their own efforts to change their luck. In truth, despite burning all of your possessions today, can you prevent a truck from striking you tomorrow? Can bathing in the sea prevent cancer from spreading invisibly in your body? While it was a great bridge to talk to her about faith in a huge God verses a puny self, it really broke my heart for the people here who live day to day without knowing their sovereign Creator.

"Salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to men by which we must be saved." (Acts 4:12)

"He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn over all creation. For by him all things were created: things in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities; all things were created by him and for him. He is before all things, and in him all things hold together." (Colossians 1:15-17)

Father's Day

2010-06-19T17:49:00.000-04:00

I remember when I was young, and I'd day dream about my future husband, one of the things that was high on my priority list was that my future husband would be a wonderful, God-fearing father. I can say, despite all of my other failures, I have by God's grace accomplished that goal! Nathan LOVES being a daddy, and I am constantly in awe of his compassion, gentleness, and faithfulness to the kids. It shouldn't come as a surprise to me that each of them has gone through a severe "daddy's boy (or girl)" stage. If I were a kid, I'd prefer him too!

Cards

2010-06-14T05:03:00.001-04:00

Someone suggested I put verses on some of the pictures I've taken and turn them into cards or prints people can order. I haven't decided if I'm going to go that route or not, but I thought I'd put up some samples and ask you to vote on your favorites so I have an idea of which ones people like.

Please leave a comment placing your order of favorites (you can either tell me your favorite, or place them in order of favorite to least favorite...) You can click on the pictures to make them bigger.

Fun Collage

2010-06-12T09:17:00.001-04:00

Here's a collage I made today of the kiddos. I feel like it's a bit premature as soon there will be another one to add... but I guess I have awhile before I have a before and after picture of him :-)

Gafas Fijas

2010-06-11T15:33:00.000-04:00

So, according to today's pediatric Ophthalmologist, Elijah is severely far sighted with a significant stigmatism. He said he'll be a glasses for life kind of guy (unless we opt for surgery at some point after 18.) He said when a kid's eyes are as bad as Elijah's the brain reaches a point when it just doesn't know how to tell the eye to focus any more, so the eye begins to cross. That's apparently what happened to Elijah. So, due to the lack of headaches or otherwise weird behavior, we're going to assume he doesn't have a tumor or other bizarre thing causing the crossing. The doc is only going to give him a mild prescription compared to his actual one so that his brain and eyes have a chance to improve. If these glasses correct the crossing, we won't need a patch, if they do not, we'll probably do a patch.

So, glasses should be ready by Tuesday... pray they don't break!

Buns, Onions, and Toilet Bowls...

2010-06-10T14:36:00.001-04:00

I am finding it so much more difficult to update my blog since I try to stay on top of my facebook, but I'm thinking of starting to lean the other way. Do any of you other bloggers know how to upload a video onto blogspot now that they've changed things a bit?

This week I had my twenty week ultrasound and was thrilled to see little Lucas again, and learn that he appears to have all of his fingers and toes. As much as I still find it hard to believe we are expecting another little one, I'm growing more and more excited to have another son. Watching the boys play is such a delight. Seeing their excitement at having another brother on the way warms my heart. They talk to him, "tickle" him, share their blankets with him, etc.

Eliana, as the Tinerfenos put it, "tiene pilas." (She has batteries, meaning she NEVER stops). She is a delightful girl who is incredibly social but also is developing a spit fire temper. With her personality and looks, it's probably a very good thing she'll have three brothers looking out for her. She does have a bizarre habit of eating the most disgusting and unmentionable items (ie, dog dropping off the sidewalk, rotten onions from behind the garbage, a clod of dirt, ok- maybe they are mentionable). Has anyone else had to deal with this?

Levi has come down with yet another fever, and has had all the lovely flu symptoms to accompany it. Selfishly, I love how cuddly he becomes when sick, but it's hard to see him so miserable. He's made some progress this week with potty training and officially hates diapers and desperately wants to be big. He was 90% potty trained in January before we flew to WA state for several weeks. On the trip he lost ground and never regained it. But, we're back on the road now anyway. It's been a week of fishing matchbox cars and stuffed animals out of the toilet that he's inadvertently dropped in while taking care of business. He has loved going to Loro Parque which is like a zoo/sea world combo where we can watch sea lion, dolphin, and killer whale shows.

Elijah is turning into a little man who loves to tell "Once upon a time" stories, talk about Jesus returning one day, and is becoming quite a helper and leader among his siblings. Today after successfully choaking down his dinner of chicken stir fry with onion, broccoli, red peppers, and zucchinni, Elijah proclaimed, "I ate my dinner without needing discipline!" After I praised him, he looked up the ceiling and said, "THANK YOU GOD for helping me eat!" Then he looked at me and said, "Maybe we could go to someone else's house and give them all our onions..." Kids say the darnedest things :-) His eyes continue to cross and seem to be getting worse. Tomorrow he has an appointment with a Pediatric Ophthalmologist to get a second opinion, and then I think we'll move to glasses. Here he is with his pet lizard, Hugo, that he caught in our yard (Hugo has since been let free so he can hunt his own bugs and hopefully not die.)

Nathan and I both celebrated birthdays in the last week or so, and I officially crossed into another decade. While I'm feeling older, here I'm considered to be a VERY young mom- in fact, the OB who did my ultrasound yesterday didn't feel like 30 was old enough to decide to have my tubes tied. With endometriosis, a pituitary tumor, a failed vasectomy, and 4 kids four and under... I think I'm ready to make that decision :-)

Here we are before our bid dinner date last week.

We were super blessed by people from FBC and COHBC who sent some really practical yet hugely appreciated things to us via Claire D. THANK YOU for your kindness! We continue to ask for your prayers as we minister here in Tenerife. Right now we have a big focus of learning language and culture and getting our drivers licenses (which includes going to driving school, doing a minimum of 9 hours of driving with an instructor, and taking a difficult test including the minor mechanics of cars and motorcycle specs). So pray we know how to balance those endeavors with raising our kids and doing ministry. Pray also for wisdom with what to do regarding our kids education- it's a much more complex question than we first realized.

Stay tuned for pics of Elijah with his new glasses- though lately all of our kids have been needing glasses....

Elijah and God's Tender Mercies

2010-05-13T17:17:00.001-04:00

I've been wanting to share one of the ways we've clearly seen God's tender kindness recently. For over a year Elijah has been wanting a scooter. He's begged and pleaded and reasoned. While living in Grand Rapids, we lived on all gravel and had no concrete for him to ride on (not to mention, Elijah can't even ride a tricycle yet, so a scooter seemed like a stretch.) We had told him that maybe once we got to Tenerife, he could get a scooter. But, we ended up getting little tricycles for the kids, and didn't get a scooter. About a week after we moved into our new house, a friend from church dropped by with her 7 year old, and... his old scooter! If you could have only seen the look on Elijah's face! I'd never mentioned to Jhenny that Elijah wanted a scooter. God had just laid it on her heart to get rid of old toys, and she thought our kids might like a three-wheeled scooter. I had a sweet talk with Elijah about how God new his heart and had given him the scooter. He was so grateful. For several days afterward, he asked each day if he could take his scooter to Heaven with him and not take his bike (which he hasn't figured out how to ride yet :-)

Elijah has been melting my heart lately with his excitement at having a new baby brother on the way. For weeks, he's insisted that the baby shall be named "MOSES." When I ask him, "what if it's a girl," He says, "well, it'll be a boy, but I'll call the baby Moses either way." He's even prayed OUT LOUD on several occasions that God would give him another brother, and not a sister. So, it appears God listens to Elijah- so if you have any prayer requests, I'll send them his way :-) If you ask Elijah what he wants to be when he grows up, he'll respond, "A daddy!" Yesterday, Nathan went on a walk with Elijah, and Elijah mentioned that he wanted to be Levi, Eliana, and Lucas's (the name we'd actually like to give our baby) daddy. How sweet is that?

On a more serious note, since the week we arrived, Elijah has been experiencing some eye trouble. One day at lunch, I noticed his left eye was crossing. At first we thought he was doing it to be funny, but as the weeks have passed, the problem has grown more consistent and severe. At this point, we're trying to figure out if he just needs glasses or if there is some underlying cause for this sudden development. Please pray for wisdom as we meet with doctors here and consult doctors in the US.

Here's Elijah's new look...

I am confident that if God cares about a little thing like Elijah wanting a scooter, He also cares about his eyes.

Fun in the Sun

2010-05-07T17:13:00.000-04:00

We had a bright and warm day today compared to the overcast and breezy week we've been experiencing. After a bit of a hike with the kids, I decided to let them cool off in our "pool." They had a blast! But, they each end up wearing three outfits today (not including PJs)... now to teach them NOT to use the hose without asking first...

We are connected!

2010-05-04T12:12:00.000-04:00

Praise God for how much He's done on the last month! Almost month has passed since we landed in Tenerife, and we now are settled into our home, our kids are beginning to speak a little bit of Spanish, we are well acquainted with the people at church, getting to know our neighbors, and our hearts are growing for the work to be done here.

As of today, we have internet and phone! We are so thankful for modern technology.

This weekend, Nathan will be at a youth retreat for church, and he preaches on Sunday. We are also hoping to have a few of the young men who loiter downtown over for dinner. Nathan has been able to share with them a bit, and they have expressed a desire to eat meatballs (of all things). So, I now have some home-made meatballs in the freezer awaiting their visit.

For those interested, our new home phone number is:

011 34 922303759

Here are some pictures from the last week or so, and a couple of videos.

In Tenerife!

2010-04-17T09:53:00.000-04:00

It's been a little over a week now since we landed in Tenerife, and what an adventure it's been! We are so thankful for the countless ways we've seen God's faithfulness, and for the many who are supporting us financially and through prayer so that we can be here.

The kids did fairly well with all of the flights getting here. They actually haven't seemed to skip a beat since we got here. They are super energetic and excited to be in new settings. They are slowly learning the new rules of apartment living (like, though shalt not throw matchbox cars off of the 3rd story balcony onto the restaurant below, and though shalt not scream in the hallways and push everyone's door bells). It's been cute hearing them say, "hola" and "adios" to people as well as learning to give "besitos" or kisses on the cheeks which is the custom here.

We are thankful to the Albrechts who have graciously let the five of us stay with them. We're also excited that God has provided us with a duplex to rent, starting next week! It far exceeds what we were hoping for, and I think it'll provide the kids with a very homey, fun, and safe place to grow the next few years.

Our days have been filled with getting to know people, learning the lay of the land, studying some culture, and mostly- with shopping for housing, transportation, cell phones, and now furnishings. It's enough shopping to make even the most avid shopper nautious!

It's been interesting seeing people's reactions to us having 3 kids and another on the way. In this culture, the average family has 1.1 kids, so they think we are quite the the oddity. We get gawked at and hear many crazy comments. Sadly, the "morning after" pill is readily available over-the-counter here, so family planning is quite simple.

Here are some pictures of the last 10 days...

Tickets and Tennessee

2010-03-28T21:10:00.001-04:00

We have officially PURCHASED tickets after several waves of reserving them for different dates. We officially leave from Grand Rapids (instead of Chicago) on April 7th (instead of the 12th). We are so excited for what lies ahead. Thank you for your prayers!

We have been enjoying a great visit with Nathan's family in TN. The boys are loving the sun (and the rain!). We've gotten time with Nathan's parents, two of his brothers (and their families), and our friends, the Koehlers, (some friends from GR who moved to Atlanta).

Here are some pictures from our time thus far...

Cleared for Take Off!!

2010-03-25T22:28:00.000-04:00

On Tuesday, just four hours into our drive to Tennessee to visit with Nathan's family, we received a phone call from the Chicago Spanish Consulate saying that Julie and the kids' visas are all ready! So, we are cleared to leave for Tenerife! Praise the Lord for His perfect timing and His provision- He moved the hand of those in the visa office sometime late last week, as it takes 48 hours for the news to arrive in Chicago so they can call us. We are very thankful and excited.

We have reserved tickets for April 12th as that is the first date that has reasonable ticket prices.

Thank you for praying with us and for us! We are thankful for you and for our Lord who is in the process of building His church all around the world!

Nathan, Julie, Elijah, Levi, Eliana, and ???

Some Family Fun

2010-03-17T08:34:00.003-04:00

Nathan had some much needed time off of work which afforded us some great family time Monday and Tuesday. We were able to go on long walks, go to the butterfly gardens, eat hot dogs and ice cream, and just enjoy each other. Elijah got what is now his new favorite toy as it caters to his recent obsession with saxophones. He walks around playing music everywhere we go. Elijah brings his new big dinosaur on all of our walks too. We are so thankful for the warm sun and glorious blue skies God has granted over Grand Rapids the last few days!

Control

2010-03-14T21:30:00.001-04:00

I'm realizing, time and time again, that I am not in control. You'd think I'd just learn the lesson, but God graciously keeps giving me circumstances to remind me that HE is the sovereign, and not myself.

Our last two weeks, in a nutshell: Discover I'm pregnant, shock- then excitement, reserve airline tickets for Tenerife as word of mouth was our visas would be ready last Friday, get rid of more furniture, start bleeding, worry about miscarriage (God is good), Levi develops high fever and lethargy, urgent care, antibiotics, blood work, ultrasound, baby is ok (God is good!), Elijah develops strep throat, antibiotics, learn visas are no where near ready, Spain makes it clear it is THEIR decision IF we get to come, cancel reservations, Julie has a melt down, Nathan frantically picks up shifts at Starbucks so we don't lose insurance, I pull out my neck (God is good), Levi draws a mural on all walls and surfaces of his room, daylight savings robs us of a precious hour, Elijah won't eat or drink...

But in all of this, we are seeing that GOD IS GOOD! His ways are truly not our ways, but His ways are good. We covet your prayers during all these transitions and trials.

On the cuter side of things, Eliana now likes to play dress-up! She puts hats on all by herself, and necklaces. I helped with the gloves :-) She even walks around with a purse at times! It's incredible how boys and girls are programmed so differently!

Some News...

2010-03-04T21:39:00.003-05:00

While we find ourselves still in Grand Rapids, and curious at God's timing, we were finally given a glimpse of why He allowed our visas to be delayed. Saturday we learned that despite medical precautions (Nathan is officially in the 1% of men that have super healing bodies) we are expecting our 4th child! We were quite shocked, but we are thankful knowing that God is sovereign, and that He has chosen to expand our family. On Tuesday we were able to have an ultrasound and see the baby and heart beat.

We also learned today that our visas had been stalled as the office in Tenerife awaited a "tax" needed to proceed. So, hopefully tomorrow that issue will resolve, and Lord willing, we'll have our visas next week.

Our kids are excited about the move- so much so, that Levi has officially renamed himself, "Diego." We may let it stick since that's way easier to say in Spanish than explaining why our son is named after blue jeans.

Here are a couple pictures from the last week.

(Our Small Group going away party. We sure love these guys!)

A long needed update...

2010-02-08T22:52:00.008-05:00

I have been confronted with the utmost of love by my wonderful mother-in-law that it has been far too long since I updated my blog. Life is a constant whirlwind these days with trips and visits and goodbyes and sorting through a whole house and enjoying our three little blessings. So, I realize in my flurry of activity I've probably lost all followers of this blog. But, none the less, for Nana's sake, I'll update.

We have been astounded by God's provision and grace over the last few weeks. In two weeks, He provided the $800 a month we needed to get approval to move to Tenerife. We are officially at our minimum $ to go (but there is still more support they'd like us to raise.) We have received Nathan's visa, and we are still awaiting mine and the kids. Once they come, we'll purchase tickets, and Lord willing, travel on March 3rd.

We are so excited for what lies ahead, and also sad as we say goodbye to our wonderful church family and biological families. We were blessed to be able to fly to Spokane for a week (last week) to say goodbye to my family. Upon our arrival to Grand Rapids, Nathan's parents came from TN. Nathan is enjoying a week of Biblical Counseling training (NANC) in IN with his dad, while his mom stays here to help me with the kids.

I know, I know, enough words. Elijah turned FOUR today. Eliana turned ONE last month, and Levi turned TWO on Christmas.

Without further ado, here are a few pictures:

Our family

Me and my dear new friend, Svetlana

Our send off from FBC

Levi's 2nd Birthday... a long reason why we do cupcakes for him!

Our little man

Elijah is taking a sport's sampler class at the Y. He's loving it.

Three kids in a tub... rubba dub dub.

Eliana's 1st Birthday

Nana and her cake maker helpers

Compton-side cousins: Ephraim, Elijah, Emmett, E?, Levi, Ellie, and Eliana

Elijah blowing out his FOUR candles on his cool dinosaur cake

Elijah and Emmett are best buds. They got to have a sleep over at grandma and pa's

Eliana with Grandpa and Daddy (aka "BAAAH"

Merry Christmas & Happy New Year!

2009-12-29T21:15:00.002-05:00

We hope you all enjoyed a wonderful time of celebrating Christ's birth and are looking forward to a new year full of God's graces. We enjoyed spending Christmas with Nathan's family here at our home, and we also got to celebrate Levi's 2nd birthday on Christmas day.

We learned at the beginning of December that Spain was indeed processing our visas as they requested another document from us, which we furnished, and everything is now back in the hands of those in Madrid. It is quite possible that we'll get Nathan's visa in the next few weeks. If so, Julie's and the kids' visas should arrive about a month later. We are hopeful that we could leave at the end of February (at the earliest) or in March.

We have been grateful to have a few more people choose to join us in financial support, so now we are just short of our monthly goal by $700. We are confident that God will provide all that we need in His own timing, and we ask you to continue to pray that God will lay it on people's hearts to support us as we have the potential of moving in the next 2 months. If you would like to support us, please reply to this e-mail.

People have been asking us a lot lately how we feel about our upcoming move. It's been hard to verbalize, but last week an illustration came to mind. We feel like we're in a box car of a fast-moving train. On a daily basis, we move about our box car (home, church, work, kids) doing the daily tasks- so things seem "normal." But in reality, the train is moving forward at a rapid pace. Every once in awhile, we stick our heads out the window and get so excited (and yes, nervous) for what lies ahead. We are very anxious to join the Belches and Albrechts in what God is doing in Tenerife.

Below, you'll find pictured two very good reasons to send us to Tenerife :-) as well as a picture of our kids before our church's Christmas service.

Snow and Christmas Concert

2009-12-06T21:54:00.007-05:00

Tenerife Update

2009-11-22T22:57:00.001-05:00

Two weeks ago we were able to go to the Spanish Consulate in Chicago and apply for our visas! They said that we "appeared" to have all of our documents in order. They also said to expect at least a 3 month wait. The reality is, (and always has been) that our times in in God's hands. The Albrechts (soon-to-be-coworkers in Tenerife) received both of their Visas within 6 weeks using this same consulate. Lois Belch (another coworker) was told this summer to expect at least 3 months, and hers arrived after 6 weeks as well. So, it's possible we could have them in a month or so. It's also possible it'll be 3 months from now. Either way, our time here is short. Our hearts are growing with excitement to be working alongside of the Albrechts and Belches with the people of Tenerife.

Here's a huge prayer request. Whenever we get word that our Visas are ready, we have to go pick them up within 30 days, WITH OUR PLANE TICKETS IN HAND. They stamp the visa directly onto the tickets. This means we have to be financially ready to move when we go pick up our visas. We are still short about $800 a month at this point. We are confident that God will provide in His way and His timing, and we ask you to pray to that end as well. We praise God that He's already provided the bulk of our monthly support, and we basically have all we need for one time support.

We will keep you posted as our Visas arrive, and as we get prepared to actually "launch." Continue to pray for our family during this time. Elijah seems to really understand we are moving to some place called Tenerife that is a volcano and is surrounded by deep water (which he is convinced shelters the infamous "big fish" that swallowed Jonah). He was quite sad this week when we explained it would mean leaving behind our "blue" house here in MI and getting a new place to live. I asked him what he could take to make the new place feel like home, and he said, "my jacks." They are from the dollar store. I wish I were so easily contented!

If anyone reading this would like to receive our updates via email, please leave a comment with your email address, or email me directly.

(p.s.... just to clarify some confusion... the visas we have applied for are NOT credit cards we'll use to charge our way to Tenerife. :-) They are documents from Spain granting us legal permision to do religious work in Tenerife)

Seattle Trip

2009-10-04T14:30:00.003-04:00

Spokane

2009-09-07T16:21:00.003-04:00

We have had an absolutely delightful week in Spokane catching up with family and old friends. The kids are LOVING being in the woods at Grandma and Grandpa's house. The boys are becoming great buddies (but also can fight like you can't believe!) Eliana is very mobile now, which makes like more interesting :0)

God is graciously providing for the funds needed for us to get to Tenerife. We are now for sure at or over the 80% mark, and we've applied for Eliana's passport and ssn. So, once all the documents are in hand, we can start the visa process. Once Spain gives us approval to come and we raise the remaining amount, we'll be able to join the church planting efforts in Tenerife!

Here are some pictures of the kids from the past week.

Eliana is Crawling... Kind of

2009-09-03T14:05:00.004-04:00

Maybe I'll add Captions Tomorrow

2009-08-23T22:37:00.003-04:00

Some Videos

2009-08-15T20:16:00.004-04:00

A sundry of Things

2009-08-11T21:15:00.004-04:00

A week ago, Nathan treated us all to a minor league baseball game here in Grand Rapids. We live a mile from the stadium, and we'd never been there! It happened to be Star Wars night, and it also happened to RAIN... er... DOWN pour most of the evening. Let's just say it was an adventure, but our beloved White Caps won the game, and the boys had a BLAST playing with their nifty light sabers.

Also last week, Eliana's adoption was finalized in the courts. She now has a new birth certificate with her name and us listed as her parents! YAHOO! She has been "ours" this whole time, but now we have the paperwork to prove it! She's such a sweet little girl. She is so content to roll about the floor, and she ADORES her brothers, as seen in the video below...

A Nicaraguan Sunset...

2009-07-29T15:24:00.003-04:00

Nathan got so spend a week with his dad in Nicaragua last week working with a church there that is committed to training young Nicaraguan men for ministry. They went on retreat on the ocean for a few days, and Nathan snapped these pictures of an amazing sunset...

Me and My Girl

2009-07-25T13:46:00.003-04:00

Today Eliana and I had our picture taken out in Nana and Dupda (Nathan's parents) yard. It's fun having a daughter to be girly with!

Today Eliana and I had our picture taken out in Nana and Dupda (Nathan's parents) yard. It's fun having a daughter to be girly with!

Bangs...

2009-07-24T13:45:00.002-04:00

I can't believe it, but I actually trimmed bangs on my six month old! They were constantly getting in her eyes as she rolled about. So, here's her new big girl look.

photos Gallore

2009-07-22T00:08:00.005-04:00

I hate to do this, but because of how many photos I have, and how late it is, I'm going to just have to do a photo dump. As you can see, the last two and a half weeks have been busy! Nathan's in Nicaragua now, so maybe I'll have some of his pictures to post next week.

Travel

2009-07-13T22:56:00.004-04:00

We are on a whirlwind tour of the midwest/south right now hoping to raise support for Tenerife and to visit with Nathan's family. It's been a treat being altogether, and the 1000 miles in the van have just flown by (slight hint of sarcasm).

We had a great week in Chicago doing our last training with TEAM before we head to the mission field. We were blessed beyond measure making some great friends. The two other couples who were in our class are both parents of young children, and are both going to Europe. I hope we can stay in touch overseas.

I haven't had a chance to download any pictures from my camera yet, but here are some pictures of the kids from the last week or two... many are from a fun get together we had with some friends on the 4th of July.

Fun with Photoshop

2009-06-29T10:14:00.003-04:00

Ok, so I think I'm starting to learn enough just to be dangerous with photoshop. How can you ever know if a photo is real any more these day? It's kind of scary!

Anyway, I took an individual picture of each of my kids and put it on a fourth picture from out in our yard and combined them. It may still look a little fake though...

Fishing...

2009-06-23T14:08:00.005-04:00

On Father's Day, we took the kids fishing at the local park. The fish love hot dogs as bait, and we were able to catch some "whoppers!" It was such a refreshing and fun weekend having daddy home and getting to enjoy the arrival of summer (finally!)

Elijah

2009-06-06T22:35:00.004-04:00

My little man is growing up too fast. It's been astounding watching him learn to talk, reason, and even have an attitude! It's such a privilege being his mother, and yet the responsibility is so great. I beg God's wisdom and grace to mother him well.

He's officially outgrown naps (when will I ever outgrow them?!) So I try to think of fun things for him to do while his brother and sister sleep. Today he learned the joy of the hose...

Milestones...

2009-05-25T16:09:00.007-04:00

So much has happened in the last month! On May 3rd, Nathan faced his ordination counsel consisting of Todd Dykstra, Bob DeLateur, Andy Thiry, Fred Williams, and Mike Swinger. He did amazingly well, and by God's grace, is now "ordained" as a pastor. I am so proud of him, and so thankful for how God has given him so much knowledge and wisdom from the Word. We left the next morning for a 4 day training for missionaries to discuss education options for children over seas. That was very informative and thought provoking. Then, on the 8th, Nathan walked accross the stage of Grand Rapids Theological Seminary to receive his Masters of Divinity degree. Amidst all of that, we had lots of family here to visit. So, it's been a full month, and it's not over yet :-)

Here are some pictures of the highlights...

Create a Caption...

2009-05-10T15:12:00.001-04:00

Fun in the Sun

2009-04-28T21:12:00.002-04:00

It's been so nice being able to get outside this week (in between the bursts of torrential rain).

Eliana has her first ear infection :-( and hasn't been too interested in eating. Levi is talking up a storm. New words this week are: no, noodle, up please, buddy, and moe moo ("more milk"). Elijah is continuing to be "Mr. Social" and makes friends in the park at the drop of a hat.

Nathan is busy studying this week as his ordination counsel is this Saturday! As of Sunday, life will be a lot more enjoyable in the Thiry household! Ordination this weekend, graduation from seminary next friday! Woot woot! (I'm a bit excited :-))

It's been so nice being able to get outside this week (in between the bursts of torrential rain).

Eliana has her first ear infection :-( and hasn't been too interested in eating. Levi is talking up a storm. New words this week are: no, noodle, up please, buddy, and moe moo ("more milk"). Elijah is continuing to be "Mr. Social" and makes friends in the park at the drop of a hat.

Nathan is busy studying this week as his ordination counsel is this Saturday! As of Sunday, life will be a lot more enjoyable in the Thiry household! Ordination this weekend, graduation from seminary next friday! Woot woot! (I'm a bit excited :-))

Suckers for a Good Time...

2009-04-18T22:35:00.004-04:00

Check out the suckers daddy brought us from Louisiana!!

They got suckers, and I just got a bath :-(

Notice Anything New?

2009-04-14T21:33:00.002-04:00

He is Risen Indeed!!!

2009-04-12T22:53:00.006-04:00

I hope you that you had a great day remembering the fact that Jesus is very much alive! The kids and I enjoyed church today- a great time of worship, and hearing Todd preach on John 11, that Jesus is the Resurrection and the Life.

Today was doubly special, as Eliana also turned 3 months old! It's hard to believe that we've had her for that long already. She's doing well, and really starting to "come alive" with smiles and interaction. She had an upper GI this week as she's been having some feeding trouble, but I think everything is ok. Her feedings are finally starting to pick up.

For the past 10 days, it's just been me and the kids as Nathan's been in Louisiana on a missions trip. Distance definitely makes me appreciate my dear husband all the more! I don't think I'm cut out to be a single parent! Thankfully, he's supposed to arrive home around 1am tonight.

Gone are the days of the quck and easy cute picture sessions...

Elijah and I made bird nests yesterday (rice crispy treats with green coconut and candy eggs)

The kids are loving the warm weather, and we're taking advantage of going outside. No more snow, please?!

This is how I found Levi sleeping the other day. He "cracks" me up.

The boys love holding hands on walks now. Last week at the mall I asked them to hold hands so I wouldn't lose one of them. Now they think it's fun :-)

I don't feel good....

2009-04-07T22:51:00.002-04:00

I have the Flu, a spider bit my head, and daddy's out of town...

A Visit with Grandma and Grandpa Compton

2009-03-29T21:56:00.005-04:00

This week we had the joy of having my parents visit us from WA. It was the first time they've been here when I wasn't recovering from a c-section, so it was nice actually having energy and getting to have fun around town with them. The kids loved having them here!

Thanks for a fun visit, Grandma and Grandpa!!

Wordless Wednesday...

2009-03-11T11:31:00.006-04:00

Mommy Date...

2009-03-07T16:58:00.006-05:00

One of Elijah's new favorite things is to go on a "mommy date" or a "daddy date" where he gets one-on-one time with one of us. This week, Nathan stayed home with Levi and Eliana so I could take Elijah on a mommy date to the childrens' museum (or "ozeum" as Elijah calls it).

Here are some pictures of the high lights.

Eliana is starting to be a bit more awake, though I'd say she sleeps a good 19-20 hours a day still... can you imagine?!

Levi is becoming quite the ham! His teeth are coming in at weird intervals, and as you can tell, we're probably going to make some orthodontist very happy in the future!

Finally, here are the boys with some of their friends at Todd and Julie's house. This was just five of the nine kids present!

Tenerife Update...

2009-02-25T15:56:00.003-05:00

Some of you may be wondering where we are at in the process of moving to Tenerife. We are still moving forward in the process, and are growing more and more excited to begin working alongside of he Belches and Albrechts in the Canary Islands. We had the joy of sharing a lunch with the Albrechts on Monday as they were in Indiana for a conference. Talking and praying with them was refreshing to us, and energized our hope to be in Tenerife by the years end.

Nathan officially finished seminary last week! So, this is a huge hurdle to be over. Next comes ordination in May, our final TEAM training in June, a six week visit to supporting churches in Spokane in September/October, and hopefully departure for Tenerife in November. (Somewhere mixed in there is Nathan's brothers wedding, a missions trip to LA, a visit to family in TN and FL, and who knows what else!)

We are so thankful that all timelines are in God's hands. We have a "plan" but we know that it will be God that gets us there. It's easy to get discouraged if we focus on our nation and world's dwindling economies, but we know God is a big God, and He owns the cattle on a thousand hills.

Please be praying with us as we:
-continue raising financial and prayer support
-transition our ministry here at MBC
-shepherd and love our children in the midst of our busy schedule
-seek visas which is a tricky business
-figure out how and when to get rid of all of our "stuff"

For fun, if you'd like to get a flavor of Tenerife culture, check out this video on "Lucha Canaria" a traditional form of Canarian wrestling...

Eliana's Hair...

2009-02-20T18:08:00.002-05:00

...takes on many different shapes and styles:

Her wet and somewhat curly look.

Her free style, fluffy look.

Her single piggy.

Her double piggies.

Women Drivers...

2009-02-15T22:14:00.000-05:00

I just had to post this!

Three Years and One Month

2009-02-13T17:08:00.005-05:00

Elijah turned 3 last Sunday! It's hard to believe he's becoming a little man already. This year we threw him a full-on party since he really understood the concept and was excited. We were blessed to have many of his friends and surrogate family there. He was just beaming the whole day.

Eliana turned 1 month yesterday. She's still such a little girl, but she's definitely growing. She is now 19" and 8lbs even. So, she's getting to be the size of a full-term baby (and she's still got two weeks before she's at her due date!) She's very sleepy still, and maybe spends 1-2 hours a day awake. I can't wait for her to be more alert and interactive.

I unfortunately am quite sick. It hit me all of a sudden. I went in to the doctor last night and learned I have bronchitis, strep, and an ear infection. They gave me a shot of antibiotic in the leg that hurt like crazy. It actually made my leg go numb so I stalled out the car twice driving home. I'm just praying that Eliana doesn't get sick!

Elijah went to the allergist last week. We learned he is allergic to: grass, trees, mold, dust mites, corn stalks, cats, oranges, and corn. Now, corn may not seem like a very big deal compared to milk, soy, wheat, or nuts. But, try to find one cereal, bread, or yummy food that doesn't have corn starch, corn meal, or corn syrup in it! The allergist made a big deal about us removing it from his diet for 6 months, but then today at his 3 year appointment, his pediatrician said, "oh, just keep feeding him like normal." Humph... anyone else out there have a corn allergy?

As for Levi, he has double ear infections and he's getting three teeth. He's not the happiest camper ever...

We got to enjoy the outdoors for a few minutes since the temperature rose into the sweltering 30's. Levi LOVED playing on the slide. I can tell this spring we'll have lots of fun at the park!

Puddle Hopper Big Brothers...

2009-02-07T20:19:00.006-05:00

Ok, so here is my new most favorite picture. Tomorrow is Elijah's birthday, so I'm sure we'll have birthday pics galore :-) We are so thankful for our family and are thankful for all that God has done in the last four years.

Dancing Wonder...

2009-02-06T11:03:00.003-05:00

Levi is officially walking... and DANCING. Here's a video of him strutting his stuff at the library.

First Day at Church

2009-02-01T17:29:00.001-05:00

Today Eliana went to church for the first time. I just thought she looked cute in this little outfit my friend Brittany lent us and had to post the picture!

It's Official!!!

2009-01-26T17:53:00.001-05:00

As of this afternoon, Eliana Joy Thiry is officially OURS!

What a journey this has been! God has shown himself to us in such a clear, unmistakable way through the journey of adopting Eliana. We stand in awe of the grace of adoption, and are humbled by the reminder that God adopts us as children and makes us heirs together with Christ-- even when we were so undeserving!

Thank you all for your many prayers! Even today we had a few moments when our heart stopped, but in the end, the birth parents went to court and relinquished their rights.

His Adopted,

Nathan, Julie, Elijah, Levi, & ELIANA

More of the Kids...

2009-01-22T17:22:00.002-05:00

We are adjusting to having three kids in the house. The boys are absolutely enamored with their sister. It's been so fun watching them love her! Please keep praying for the finalization of the adoption. The papers have been filed, and the birth parents are scheduled to go to court this Monday to sign off their rights to us. Please pray that everything goes as planned. As of Monday, Eliana should officially be a Thiry!

Brothers....

2009-01-19T21:22:00.003-05:00

We're Home!!!

2009-01-18T17:35:00.004-05:00

At long last, we are HOME! It was a great joy getting to know the staff, nurses, and other NICU parents at Oakwood, and many of them became dear to us as they walked this journey with us, but I must say, it is wonderful to have our little girl home! She has amazed us with how well she's eaten today. It's like she was just waiting to show off her skills once she was discharged!

Our hearts continue to be amazed at this incredible gift we've been given. I even marvel that she was conceived the same month I started praying for a daughter. God is a big God!

Enough talking... here are some pictures and videos. We are very, very blessed.

Update

2009-01-15T12:06:00.002-05:00

Sorry for the slowness of our updates. We are still in the hospital with Eliana, and the internet access has been difficult. We aren't sure when we'll be able to take Eliana home. She's doing great, but she's been slow to develop her suck reflex, so they have had to give her what she won't drink in a feeding tube. Then they realized her digestive system hasn't been wanting to process the full amount they're giving her, so now she's on half IV to keep her hydrated, and we bottle feed the rest. The good news is, last night and this morning, she's begun sucking much better. But, now her body temperature is a bit low.... SOOOOOO, we just need everything to stabilize a bit, then she can go home. It could be in two days or in two weeks. Pray that God would help her little body to mature quickly!

On the positive side, we had a very encouraging interaction with her birth parents yesterday, and they seem confident in this decision, and we are feeling more confident that she is our daughter!

Thank you for your prayers!

Introducing...

2009-01-13T08:12:00.004-05:00

Eliana Joy Thiry
Born at 11:09 am after 2 pushes
5lb 8oz and 19"

She's in the NICU for observation and to receive antibiotics since her water was broken for several days prior to birth. She's also struggling to suck right now, so they did put a feeding tube in her nose to help give her whatever she doesn't drink. It looks like we'll be in here until at least Thursday or Friday- It all depends on if she decides to start drinking from her bottle.

We are amazed at the gift we've been given, but we remember that nothing is official until the birth parents appear at their court hearing to officially surrender their rights. That will be in one to two weeks. In the mean time, they left the hospital abruptly four hours after birth, so we remain hopeful, but are realizing they are very emotional and could still change their minds. Pray for us, that we would love Eliana for every day that God has her in our care, whether it's one more day, or a life time.

She already has daddy wrapped around her finger!

Pray for us as we make decisions about the boys and struggle being apart from them. If this NICU stay ends up being for a week or two, we have to figure out where to stay and how to best take care of them.

Maybe today?

2009-01-12T08:08:00.001-05:00

Tomorrow's the Day!

2009-01-10T22:40:00.002-05:00

Ok, I know everyone is probably sick of these "she's almost here" posts. But, she really is almost here! They are inducing labor tomorrow morning (around 7am est). So, Lord wiling, she'll make her debut sometime tomorrow afternoon. We are excited, and exhausted emotionally. Somehow we think it's a good idea to take Elijah with us tomorrow to the hospital to await his sister. He's SOOO excited. In fact, today when we picked him up from the babysitter, the first thing he said to us was, "You got baby sister??" Please pray that he's cooperative tomorrow and a blessing of a waiting-buddy for Nathan. (I actually get to be in the room for delivery!) We have no idea what'll happen once she's out... but we're trusting God to work out the details.

Keep checking back, and hopefully tomorrow I'll be able to post good news and some pictures!

2009-01-09T20:52:00.001-05:00

Induction is set for Sunday! So, we'll head back home tomorrow to have a day with the boys, then come back here for the delivery. Keep praying for a healthy baby!

2009-01-08T17:30:00.002-05:00

Thank you for your prayers! We are here in Detroit now, and have been in to visit T & A. While they think that the baby will be here in the next two days, the nursing staff thinks that they can hold her off for another week. Obviously, another week in the oven would be best for the baby, but it could also be better to have her just come out, and get this process moving. Thankfully, it's God's decision to make. Pray for wisdom for us as to how long to stay here and wait. Tonight I'm going to get some one on one time with A and Nathan will get some one on one time with T. Pray for wise words and that we'd be able to show them the love of Christ.

BABY ON THE WAY!

2009-01-08T00:18:00.001-05:00

I just wanted to ask you to pray! Last night we got a call from "T", the birth father of the baby we hope to adopt. The birth mother, "A", is in labor! Her water ruptured last night. This has totally caught us by surprise. She is only 33 1/2 weeks pregnant, so there is much need to pray that the baby's lungs are ready. The hospital is hoping to hold off her arrival until Saturday in the hopes of giving her more time to respond to the steroids and have mature(er) lungs. But, they don't know for sure they'll be able to stop her from coming before then. So, Sandy H. has our boys right now, and we're going to head over to the Dearborn (near Detroit) this morning to be with the birth parents, as we know baby girl's arrival is eminent.

-Please PRAY for a healthy baby.
-Please PRAY that her need to stay in the NICU would be very limited, especially since we live
on the opposite side of the state.
-Please PRAY for Nathan and I as we make decisions.
-Please PRAY for opportunities to share and model Christ to T&A!
-Please PRAY for our boys during this confusing time.

I'll keep you posted as I can!