Christ is Risen!!!

Today, we created our fourth annual cul-de-sac Easter chalk drawing.

Christ is Risen!!!

It was Kaikai's first year to participate.

David was the main designer.

And he had some great supervisors!

No disrespect intended here, but Kaikai is really starting to understand who Jesus is and this was how he responded when the cross was drawn.

 

 The whole chalk-drawing crew.

You can see the past three years of chalk drawings here, here, and here.

Have a blessed Easter, dear friends!

beautiful writing

I still remember the day when our precious daughter, Yana, joined our family. She was scared, and shy, yet also a little bit wild and crazy, all rolled into one package. The one thing that calmed our little girl's fears during this transition-time was drawing. We discovered quite quickly that she especially loved to draw pictures of Jesus. David and I were a part of an Orthodox community, and Yana, being Russian/Ukrainian was famliar with Orthodoxy, as well. Thus, began her journey writing icons. From the time that she was eight years old, she has had a special love for religious art and icons became a part of her drawing (or writing) repretoire. Throughout the years, she has created many beautiful images, including this one, which I believe was the first real icon that she "wrote" at 8 years old:

Yana's most recent icon was "commissioned" by a neighbor and friend. It is Pacomious, meeting an angel of the Lord. Yana spent many evenings, working on this painting. I think that it turned out beautifully and I can sense the love that Pacomious has for the instruction of our precious Lord, as he leans in to hear the angel's words.

As Yana grows, I pray that her love for this beautiful writing of God informs and penetrates her heart more and more. May these images lead her into a deeper relationship with our precious Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. May she sense His great love and kindness as she continues to learn to use this gift for His glory and honor.

A dozen...

amazing years!

Happy 12th Brithday, sweet Jadon!

You are so loved!!!!

I have been having the best time, with Jadon home again. Homeschooling him is great fun! And it is also super-fun to see Jadon with his little brother. He has always adored his big brother, Adam, and now Jadon gets the chance to be the older brother. He has been a tremendous help to me at home with Kaikai and with Grace. He is really growing up!

We are so proud of Jadon. He had a few rough months in the fall and early winter, but we have really seen him grow and mature just since January. His affectionate nature is back, as is his desire to help both me and his daddy. He has worked through a number of difficult things and is coming out on the other side victorious. Hearing the heartfelt praises come out of Jadon's room during his prayer time is a beautiful reminder of the One who is the cause of this victory!

Jadon, you are such an amazing gift to our family. We love you so much and are grateful to be able to celebrate this 12th birthday with you. Your affection and love bless us each and every day. Happy Birthday to our handsome, wonderful, precious son!

little mommy

Grace has such a gentle, nurturing spirit.

She loves helping me with Kaikai.

But, since Kaikai is five pounds heavier and eight months older than her, Grace is limited in her mommy duties.

So......

 

she makes due with what we've got.

 

Yep. That really is Maple in there, all bundled up.

And believe me, Maple actually loves it almost as much as Grace!

She took a long nap in this stroller, long after Grace was done playing with her.

 

 

I guess that not only do I have a little mommy in my house.

I've got a makeshift baby, as well.

 

 

And now...(drum roll please)

Kaikai (along with big brother, Adam) singing in English!

Same song,

different language.

 

For some super-sweetness,

click here

a whole lotta germ-sharin' going' on

Lily came home, sick, from school yesterday.

 

 

As you can see, Kaikai enjoyed having her to snuggle with him!

 

Then, last night, during our family reading time, there was a crew of snugglers.

 

Poor Lily felt worse this morning.

But, not so bad that she couldn't cuddle with her little brother,

 

I'm thinking that there is a high likelihood that after all this togetherness, I may have some more sick kiddos on my hands.

 

But, I'll you what, it'll be worth it.

I wouldn't trade all this lovin' for the world!

 

childlike worship

Okay, I know I'm biased, but you have to watch this video. Unfortunately, I couldn't get it to upload directly to blogger, but just click on the link and enjoy our little guy, worshiping Jesus.

biking babies

Even though it's with training wheels,

I think that it's pretty neat that this little guy can now ride a bike!

And here's his biggest cheerleader and helper (watching out for UPS trucks and cars, driving into our cul-de-sac).

I sure love my biking babies!

the highest privilege

“…adoption is…the highest privilege that the gospel offers: higher even than justification… Adoption is higher, because of the richer relationship with God that it involves… Justification is a forensic idea, conceived in terms of law, and viewing God as judge…Adoption is a family idea, conceived in terms of love, and viewing God as father. In adoption, God takes us into His family and fellowship, and establishes us as His children and heirs. Closeness, affection and generosity are at the heart of the relationship. To be right with God the judge is a great thing, but to be loved and cared for by God the father is a greater."

J.I. Packer, Knowing God, pp. 186-188