It's a Matter of Life and Death

With the election only a few short days away, I wanted to take the time to remember the least of these and remind us all to think of them when we cast our vote. If you're a visual person like me, sometimes it helps to see pictures.

A precious baby at 8 weeks gestation

A precious baby at 12 weeks gestationA precious baby at 14 weeks gestation

Fortuantely, this baby will live, but not all little ones will. It's hard to imagine, but approximately 4,000 precious lives are aborted each day. Did you hear me people? 4,000 lives! These numbers have just torn me apart lately and I've been trying to spend more time in prayer for those women who have the ability to choose life.

How do I know this little one will live, because this is our little one. That's right, baby #4! He or she will make their appearance around the end of April. Each time I have seen this munchkin, I am struck by how amazing God is and how precious each life is. This is not a fetus or a blob. It's our baby!

In case you're wondering how to vote, please let the rest of my chatty clan help you out.

Bedtime Chat

The death of a little boy at our church has brought about many questions from our chatty clan. Tonight we were talking to them about God, heaven, the devil, and hell. They wanted to know about the devil and why he was kicked out of heaven and Emily asked if he "got his wings chopped off." HMMM! This always reminds me of 1 Peter 3:15, "But in your hearts set apart Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have." After many more questions, I tried to explain to them that's why it's so important for us to tell people about Jesus, just like the missionary Paul. Emily said with a very serious face, "Maybe tomorrow we can be "Michigans" and tell people about Jesus. (It's hard to keep a straight face sometimes) She also said, "I can use my picture Bible to tell people about Jesus." Grace also had some input and said, "Mom, I think I'm going to be a missionary some day. (OK God, if you really say so--words of a mom's heart) 5 year olds can be missionaries. Right mom?" I'm thankful for their interest in the most important things and I just pray I'm able to continue to give them answers when possible.

Another Day at the Park

Here are a few pictures from an afternoon at the park earlier in August. I attempted a mini photo shoot. My sister-in-law's blog has been inspiring me in the photography department, along with a couple other blogs I stalk. Enjoy!

Life Lesson:Never Put Anything Smaller Than Your Elbow in Your Ear

Dedicated (that's right, this blog deserves a dedication) to all of those people over the past almost 5 years who have told me "I always wanted twins!"

As you can imagine, this one is a doosey. These things always seem to happen when I'm all alone. Doug was on his way home from his Boundary Waters trip and I was batheing the girls in the tub. I never heard any altercations, but it may have been as simple as "the look." All of a sudden, Grace was holding her ear and saying, "She poked me in the ear with that." "That" was the pointy end of a fingernail clipper. Seriously! I thought I could just watch and see what happened, but a little while later, Grace matter-of-factly said, "Mom, I know why my ear hurts, it's because it's bleeding." WHHHHHAT?!? I guess it's off to urgent care before they close. Did I mention Doug was gone?!? Thankfully we have grandparents around the corner. On my way to the clinic I'm thinking, "How in the world will I explain this one?" I always feel like they think I'm making these things up. Thankfully we had the same doctor I had this winter and during that visit he informed me he had 5 children. Surely he would understand! Just as I thought, he didn't even bat an eyelash at my story. Diagnosis: Perforated ear drum. (Boy, does that girl have aim!) There will likely be no long-term problems, but hopefully there will be some long-term life lessons learned.

A Bit of Heaven

I have been listening to this song on my friend's blog. I just love it! Hope you enjoy this moment of worship. (P.S. Dana, this is the same song by Laura Story)

Bloggie Bragging

I just have to tell a cute little story about Grace. We were at the doctor's office for the wee one's 22 month check-up and were being shown to our room. Grace said to me, "Mom, this is the same room we were in when we were here the last time. (said with extra enthusiasm) We always have this room. It must be because it's the only one that's available." Wow! Where does the time go. First I had this tiny little baby (well, actually two) and now they're almost five and able to use available in the proper context. Boo-Hoo!

Does Life Get Any Better...

A day spent at Como Zoo with 3 of the girls' most favorite people...their cousins!

Hayley and Emily soaring through the air on their magic carpet.

Grace zooming along in none other than a blue car.

Jensen cruising the streets in his yellow jeep...WATCH OUT!

Ivy and Grace out for a twirl in their lovely blue (guess who picked that one) teacup.
Finally, Grace, Ivy and Emily out for an afternoon ride in their cool convertible (in the picture it looks blue, but I didn't think it was).
"AHHHH...I'm finally out of my stroller," says Lydia.

A day spent at the Minnesota Zoo...just the 5 of us! Lydia loving the sea otters at the new Russian exhibit.
Daddy and his littlest girl enjoying the wild boars.

Mama and the big girls riding the wagon to the farm. Watch out goats, here we come!

Grace and Emily lovin' on the goats.

Lydia...future goat farmer of America (the goats are shuddering).Daddy and his big girls!

Finally, one of the last things we did was watch this adorable baby monkey and its' mother. It would hardly ever leave her side and she seemed so patient as it tried to jump on her and get under her feet while she tried to walk. Very sweet!

We had a great day as a family. We were there for almost 6 hours! As we were leaving the zoo Grace said to me, "Mom, how come we didn't stay very long at the zoo?"