That's One Tired Baby!!!

So sweet!

Spot Of Tea Anyone?

When Hannah and I purchased the pink tea set for her party, I began envisioning a tradition of "tea time" with my girls. I remember feeling giddy as I thought about lively theological and relationship cultivating discussions with my girls (as teenagers) over afternoon tea. Hannah's excitement over hot tea has not waned since the birthday party, so after bath time last night, I invited the girls to join me at the table for a spot of tea. They were so excited as I pulled down the pink tea set. Last night I introduced them to a lemon zinger variety with a bit of honey added for sweetness. Random note, I prefer honey in herbal and green tea, but I like cream and sugar in an English or breakfast tea-- just in case you plan on serving me tea. Haha. We had so much fun, and since Daddy was at the table studying, we allowed him to join in the conversation (even though he was drinking coffee). Hannah was so funny-- talking with her hands, asking Jonathan about his day, etc. They wound up in a lengthy conversation about matter (solids, liquids, gas, etc.), and Hannah kept saying, "Daddy, tell me more facts." I look forward to our next tea time! Hannah has decided that her next tea experience will include green tea--hmmmm?


Madeline handles her Asian inspired tea cup like a pro.


Hannah deep in conversation.


Hannah and Daddy discussing matter-- naturally!


Madeline listening intently.

Moving Up & Moving In

During Mom's visit a couple of weeks ago, we decided to go couch shopping at our friends' furniture store. While we were there, we did find a great deal on a set of leather couches (sofa & love seat), which we bought and have been loving ever since (translation-- Jonathan and I find these couches so comfortable compared to our old couches, that we fall asleep most nights on the couches{sometimes mid-sentence} and have to wake one another up later on to go to bed). While couch shopping, we decided to go ahead and check out bunk beds, as Hannah has been not so subtly hinting for a very long time that she would like to climb a ladder to go to bed like Laura Ingalls Wilder (Little House on the Prairie), and she would like to share a room with Madeline. Both Jonathan and I shared rooms with our siblings for a season, and seeing as we do hope to have more children, we decided to take the plunge and go ahead and consolidate the girls and their belongings into one room. The bunk beds arrived today, and it's official . . . Hannah has moved up (to the top bunk) and Madeline has moved in. I'm not sure I have ever seen children so excited to take a nap!!!

This has proven to be about a 2 week process, but we are delighted with the outcome. I have been sorting toys, patching walls, and painting, while Madeline and Hannah slept in Madeline's old room (now the nursery/guest room) for the last 2 weeks. I am almost finished. I just have to hang the girls names next to their beds, and hang and add photos of Madeline to the photo wall. When shopping for bedding, I quickly came to realize that Hannah did not share my vision of a cottage shabby chic room with a muted color palette that would endure through adolescence. She was envisioning hot pink, fairies, and flowers. We were able to find common ground--though I must say this is my most daring paint project yet. I also enjoyed adding some creative touches to the girls room, including free-hand painted flowers and the word "sisters" on the wall, re-covering the bulletin board, and creating a custom lampshade. Before viewing my slide show, please heed the warning! Haha.

*Warning: if you have an aversion to the color pink, if you suspect your health could be at risk, or if you know of any pre-existing conditions that could be aggravated do to sudden shock . . . please do not view these pictures!!!




I told you it was pink!!!

Tea Time

Alas, the pictures you have been waiting for, and some sisters who will remain nameless (Katie) have hounded me about. Hannah's tea party was so much fun. The girls came dressed in their favorite dresses and they were asked to bring a dolly. We ate lunch, decorated straw hats, drank tea, played "Pin The Spout On The Tea Pot" (a Jonathan Brooks original), opened presents, ate cup cakes, and there was still time for the girls to play together (dollies in tow).



"But Lori, where is the tea pot cake?" you ask-- well, let's just say my hubris got the best of me, and by God's grace I handled the situation in a calm and dignified manner. Though I enjoyed success with my marshmallow fondant for the CBC anniversary cake, my fondant did not want to cooperate on the eve of Hannah's party. So, with my mom laughing hysterically as we tried to cover the ball shaped cake (the cake itself was a success) and mold a spout and handle, I asked Hannah if I could have permission to stop, slop some frosting on the ensuing disaster, eat the tea pot that night (her actual birthday) and serve the cute little cup cakes I had already decorated at the party. With her blessing I called it a night and enjoyed my mom's company and time with my birthday girl.



















Hannah and hideous teapot cake. The color combo was even just bluck! But it sure did taste yummy!!!

A Privileged Life Indeed

Those who call themselves believers are not exempt from suffering. The Christian life does not lead (as some have unfortunately taught) to perfect health, wealth, and prosperity. In fact, the Bible is very clear that we will endure hardships and face persecution. I have recently been studying 1st Peter for our Women's Bible study, and I was reminded that we will not only be "grieved by various trials," but they are sometimes "necessary" in order that the genuineness of our faith may be tested (1Peter 1:6-7). As always, God's timing is perfect. In His providence, I was meditating on these verses when Jonathan and I found out (a couple of weeks ago) that we were expecting. Seven days later I experienced a miscarriage. As with our first miscarriage (between Hannah and Madeline) I was able to find hope and comfort in the promise that "God causes all things to work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose" (Rom. 8:28). Not only is He working all things together for my eternal good and His glory, but He ordained each of my days on earth before they come to pass (Psalm 139:16). Though Jonathan and I were grieved for a moment over our loss, our hope is fixed on Christ, and the joy of our salvation. While we will not be sure of God's sovereign purposes this side of glory, I know that my faith was tested and proven (I had recently uttered the words, "I don't really feel as though my faith has been challenged since our move."), and we pray that God glorified Himself through our loss. Additionally, I was able to spend time reflecting on my life and the trials I have endured as a believer. I have come to the realization that I have lived a privileged life indeed! I can only recall three times in my Christian life, when I have been brought to my knees due to suffering. God is faithful to break me often, as I go about my day prideful and puffed up; but, I have not really been called to suffer. I am blessed.

While it is our desire to have more children (both natural and hopefully one day adopted children), we know that God is sovereign over life and He opens and closes the womb according to His plans, so we are trusting Him. Please pray with us that He will bless us again. Secondly, please pray for those who are in the midst of real suffering. Pray that God will sustain them and that He will be glorified.

Lastly, Justin and Jonathan have been preaching through John on Sunday mornings. For the last two weeks, they preached from John 11 (Justin from John 11:1-27 and Jonathan from John 11:28-57). God has used these last two sermons as a faithful reminder of His sovereignty over death, that Jesus is the life and the resurrection, and that as believers we are eternally secure in Christ. This should inform how we make our decisions, talk, pray, and interact with the people in our lives. If you would like to listen to these sermons you can link to them here.

Pumpkin Pickin'

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