Mary, Mary Quite Contrary

How does your garden grow? 

 With silver bells,

 And cockle shells,

 And pretty maids all in a row!!!

Last year we invested some time and money in digging out a vegetable garden in the backyard. It was a total dud.

We finally got tomatoes too late in the season and everything else never made it. 

We are giving it a second go this year!! We bought plants instead of trying to start from seed (what were we thinking with that one!?!) And kept in mind nothing grew in the back towards the fence. Hopefully with not making those two key mistakes we will have some more success this year!!

Fingers crossed!!

 The kids were of course excited to help!

 They have been watering an "acorn garden" next to our garage for days now, so I guess we may as well put that work to good use on something that will hopefully actually grow! (We will be in big trouble if said acorn garden did grow ;-)

 Hannah Grace loves watering with her watering can!

I told her as we were walking out of Lowe's, maybe the green thumb skips a generation and she will get it!!!

(Unlike brown thumb mama!!)

 In the garden we are trying: tomatoes again, red bell pepper, sugar snap peas, broccoli, yellow squash, and strawberries. (If you are a garden expert, you may be laughing at us right now- I have no idea what of that will actually grow!!)

In pots we did herbs: basil, cilantro, and mint.

Mary, Mary quite contrary,

Here's hoping this garden GROWS!!!!!

"His Dying Breath Has Brought [Us] Life"

 We had a wonderful Easter Sunday, as we always do, celebrating the Resurrection with the family. And what's a family holiday without the joys of trying to get family pictures and pics of the kids... This Easter was no different!

How could you not want to take pictures of all the cute little munchkins everywhere- all decked in their Easter finest!?!?!

 Bennett makes me laugh in this pic. When he got dressed I laughed and told him he looked like a little accountant. He told me "Don't say that mom... that's not nice." Haha, don't tell your daddy that son! ;-)

 I posted this on Facebook and got such nice comments about how great of a family picture it is- Which, kind of makes me chuckle. Correction: really makes me chuckle. Hannah was throwing a fit, Sadie was going all limp leg on us not willing to stand up, Ryan was just frustrated at why we even bother, I was giving guff to Ryan about his frustrated attitude while I was sandwiched between the anything but pleasant two girls, and well... atleast Bennett was just chillin' all "hand in pockets" and all....Oh and I photoshopped an entire car out of the picture... ;-) So yeah, it's a really awesome family pic. Hahaha. I guess the end result is all the matters, eh?

 All waiting for a flower.

 If your a fan of candid, un-posed shots- this one is definitely a framer in my book!

 Like father, like son.... for- sure.

 Another one of those candid shots I thought was super cute!!

 Banks had had enough picture taking!! But, it didn't take away from the studliness of his outfit, atleast! =)

 And let the long awaited egg hunt begin!

 Showing "Steppy" her egg. She sure is getting so grown up and beautiful!!! 

 Banks was on. the. mission.

 Sorry Lori, I made this black and white to try to be more gracious to myself. I wanted to include it since its so rare to get one! 

 My absolute-favorite-person-on-the-face-of-this earth. Always.

 Banks, you look suspicious.... ;-)

 So Sadie.

 This is a great picture!

 Scoping the findings. I like something about this one!

Taking some time to just chill out together. 

 

And diving in to some Easter basket goodies!

What another wonderful year of blessings we have had!

I have had this song stuck in my head since Friday, so I thought it would be a fitting way to conclude, 

this is the reason we celebrate is it not?

How deep the Father's love for us,
How vast beyond all measure
That He should give His only Son
To make a wretch His treasure

How great the pain of searing loss,
The Father turns His face away
As wounds which mar the chosen One,
Bring many sons to glory

Behold the Man upon a cross,
My sin upon His shoulders
Ashamed I hear my mocking voice,
Call out among the scoffers

It was my sin that left Him there
Until it was accomplished
His dying breath has brought me life
I know that it is finished

I will not boast in anything
No gifts, no power, no wisdom
But I will boast in Jesus Christ
His death and resurrection

Why should I gain from His reward?
I cannot give an answer
But this I know with all my heart
His wounds have paid my ransom

by: Stuart Townend

Good Friday Thoughts

Good Friday- a day that each year, for me, passes by looking all too much like any other. My prayer is that today the reality of the cross would be heavy on my heart an mind. Then of course, it always should be. It should always make each day look different than a day for someone who doesn't know the reality of the work of Christ on the cross. And this truly has been weighing on me for the last several weeks. I've "known" and loved God all my life. I have wanted to live a life pleasing to Him for as long as I can remember. But just recently have I realized I want to live a life that is more than pleasing to Him. I want to live a life that is given up for Him. 

I have had these thoughts about living a  life of abandonment to self, but have questioned how He intends for me to do this? I don't feel we have been called to get up and move out family to a far off country, I don't believe God has gifted me as a leader to head up an awesome ministry, how is it He intends to use me? There are a lot of stirrings going on, I will tell you that. 

Here is what I do know:

• Sacrificing my whole life to God will be the only life of true contentment, satisfaction, and joy. 
• Sacrificing my life to God does not mean just taking easy roads, and that's okay. In no way shape or form has he called us to live easy lives. 
• Sacrificing my life to God is the only way to teach my children of His love for them and all His children. I want my kids to know Christ more intimately than Sunday school story books- while I love to see them learn these things... I want them to be raised in a home that lives out the Gospel each and every day. That the nature of God becomes second nature to us all. How else can we fight the lifelong battle our sinful nature? [Only by His grace.]
• Sacrificing my life becomes my desire when I keep my mind on the Ultimate Sacrifice that was made for me. Even my greatest offering becomes so small. 
• Sacrificing my life to God will bring focus to things eternal. Slowly.... God is working on shifting my focus, and changing my priorities. They are ever so slowly, and often reluctantly, shifting from material things of this world that are so fleeting, to things that matter for eternity. I have a feeling that this will be a lifelong work in progress, but isn't that what sanctification is all about? 

This doesn't mean a legalistic life, a life without sin and pain, and utter failure. This doesn't mean looking like a particular formula of "10 Steps on Living for God". It means a heart that overflows with thanks for the Life that was sacrificed on our behalf- that nothing else makes sense but to give all of ourselves in return for something we can never pay back. Wow! What beauty in the cross!