How Did We Get Here?

I really can't believe we're here....on this day....celebrating our oldest child's....7th Birthday.  It really seems just like yesterday that he was born.  How did we get here...seven years later....in just a blink of an eye?  For those who might not know him, here's our Benjamin in just a few words:  smart, kind, gentle-hearted, particular (also read as anal), organized, concerned, former dinosaur-lover turned animal-lover, consistent, rule-following, momma loving, daddy admiring, first-born beautiful son. 

Benjamin's birthday is February 7th (I know, I know....I'm a couple of weeks late getting pics up).  Here are some pictures from his birthday celebration:

One of the Joys of Living in West Texas

From sunny and bright...

To cold and dreary...

In 2 days.  Don't you just LOVE West Texas?!!?

When the Cats are Away....

Jacob is our strong-willed, stubborn child...but you'd never know that when he's by himself.  When the older two are at school and Noah is asleep, Jacob is quite content to be by himself...playing, sitting, coloring, exploring, jausting, eating, just being.  He stays in the playroom (usually without having to be asked--unlike the older two) and he just plays.  I love it.  He's so entertaining to watch and to listen to.  And he takes full advantage of having the playroom to himself.  Here he is playing with pirates and knights...

Such a fun boy!  And, believe me, he is ALL boy!!!!

Discerning God's Call

Lou and I got back on Friday evening from a 6 day trip to Fayetteville, Arkansas.  We attended a training for church leaders.  It was a really good conference, but a very emotionally draining one.  We are trying to discern God's call for our ministry and our family.  He is opening up some doors for us that we are praying about.  The conference that we attended helped to clarify SOME things, but also "muddied" some others.  It will be interesting to see what God has for us in the future...praying that we will hear Him clearly.

Anyways, while at the conference, we got to spend time with two couples who are also in minstry.  One of the couples we already knew pretty well and we enjoy spending time with.  The other couple, Lou knew, but I had never met.  But you never would have guessed it.  We had a blast!  I haven't laughed that much in a very long time.  And it's so great to be able to talk with people who know exactly what you go through as a pastoral family. 

It was also nice to get a much needed break from the kids.  Lou and I hadn't been able to get away (not even for one night), just the two of us, since November 2007.  It was so great!!!!  But, I missed my kids after 24 hours.  Funny how that works!  The Saturday before we left I was so ready to get away...24 hours later, I was missing them like crazy.  24 hours after we get back home and back to reality, I'm ready for another break.  What is up with that?!!?  But I was so glad to see them and get loved on by 4 of the best kids ever!!!

Such a fun week!  Now if only we could see the direction God would have us go in ministry...He's definitely teaching me patience.