Wednesday, October 30, 2013

The canoe

Uncle Donnie owned a canoe... a beautiful wooden canoe.  Years ago, he rescued it from a neighbor's front yard, and a couple weeks ago, he passed it on to us. It needs a fair bit of work, but since our boys are budding outdoorsmen, Chris and I thought they might be up for the challenge!










The wooden behemoth is currently living in the workshop
where it waits for the bitter cold days of winter to chase the boys indoors.
And who knows? Perhaps by summer it'll be water-worthy! 


And because my youngest can't resist a silly face for the camera... these pics.





And my youngest with a few of her own :)



Yep, she's fitting in just fine!



Monday, October 14, 2013

1000 Gifts: Home

We've been back in the states for almost four full weeks...
and life is good!

God has been wonderfully gracious to us-- our little "Tornado" (as the boys have affectionately nicknamed their youngest sister) is doing remarkably well--
she eats everything
she sleeps soundly
she's playful and well-adjusted, friendly and kind
she certainly brings a new energy to the household as she does.not.stop.until.she.drops.

The language barrier has not been nearly as troublesome as I originally thought it might-- yes, she still jibbers and jabbers in her native tongue, but her comprehension is astounding... her new vocabulary list growing by leaps and bounds.

In the past four weeks, I think I've stayed up beyond 9pm two or three times at the most-- we ALL crash in to bed every single night... weary and bone-tired but oh so grateful for all.

Our littlest adores her siblings, and they adore her...
How could I ask for more??

So... giving thanks for the endless graces, the daily mercies, and the newfound blessings, I add to my never-ending list~









Home
And our family of seven... together
A three-year old sister
God's amazing grace
His mercies new every morning
And His faithfulness to all generations
Laughter and understanding
New words and child-teachers
Shared snacks and trampoline lessons
Buddies 
The support and care of loved ones
Meals delivered, refrigerators stocked
Cards and calls-- love expressed in countless ways
God's provision, His most generous supply.
Our cup overflowing...

Thank you, Lord.