earrings and suits

Here are my latest creations :-) I don't take very good pictures of jewelry -- I haven't quite figured out how to get the best lighting and backgrounds. I'll get it right someday, but these give the general idea.


Without even discussing what they were wearing to church today, Jason and Luke picked matching suits :-) So of course we had to get a picture!


I've started going to Deaf church on Sunday nights now, too. Tonight for the first time, I understood a lot of what was signed without having anyone interpret for me! It was VERY exciting to me when my teacher's wife asked if I was getting everything, and I could honestly answer YES! That was in the first ten minutes, though; after that, my understanding quickly went "downhill." The first time I ever went there, I understood less than 1% of the conversations and lesson. Tonight, I'd guess that I understood about 10%. That's a great improvement in my opinion for three months of study. I'm pretty pleased :-)

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today's song: "Say the Name" by Margaret Becker

A more sweeter sounding word
These lips have never said
A gentle name so beautiful
My heart cannot forget
Just a whisper is enough
To set my soul at ease
Just thinking of this Name
Brings my heart to peace

May I never grow so strong
That my heart cannot be moved
May I never grow so weak
That I fear to speak the truth
I will say this holy Name
No matter who agrees
For no other name on earth
Means so much to me

With all the honor I can find
With all my heart, my soul, my mind
I will say the Name
Without defense, without shame
I will always speak the Name
Of Jesus

Say the Name
Say the Name that soothes the soul
The Name of gentle healing
And peace immutable
I'll say the Name that has heard my cry
Has seen my tears and wiped them dry
From now until the end of time
I'll say the Name

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today's verse: Isaiah 32:17
The work of righteousness will be peace;
and the effect of righteousness, quietness and assurance forever.

i WISH

This picture is so spring-ish, but outside my house is NOT. It's cold again along with all the snow we got yesterday.

The boys went to see the Star Wars exhibit at the museum today. Then Makenzie joined them to see a model train exhibit. And then the boys went with their Uncle Richard to see all the excitement downtown -- ice sculptures, snow boarding tricks, carnival rides, fireworks . . . They are just now going to bed (almost 10 p.m.), so I'm really hoping for some sleeping in tomorrow!

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today's song: "Perfect People" by Natalie Grant

There's no such thing as perfect people
There's no such thing as a perfect life
So come as you are, broken and scarred
Lift up your heart and be amazed
And be changed by a perfect God

twin superheroes

This is just funny -- you've GOT to be at least chuckling right now!!!!! They went to school dressed like this -- both of them!

Remember the picture of Luke chipping ice in the driveway yesterday? Now the driveway's completely white again. We got several inches of snow last night and all day today. We all knew it had to come -- this IS Alaska and it IS still winter. But the little taste of spring makes the snow seem like an intruder.

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today's song: "Took my Place" by Third Day

Lost like a little child
Helpless as a baby
Searchin' desperately to find
Someone who could save me
Then along came from out of nowhere
Precious as the light of day
You gave me something no one could take away
When You took my place

Chained like a prisoner
From the day that I was born
Blamed like a criminal
For the things that I'd done
Then along came from out of nowhere
Precious as the light of day
You gave me something no one could take away
When You took my place

volunteer???!!!!!

Today was GORGEOUS outside!!!! The sun was shining, the snow is melting, it feels like spring! When we got home from school today, I noticed after a few minutes that Luke hadn't made it inside. I figured he was playing outside in the sun. I was close, but not completely correct. He was CHIPPING ICE! I didn't even suggest that he do this. I didn't even know he was capable of doing this. He just did it. This child amazes me in so many different ways!

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today's song: "My Days are Better" by Overflow

Sometimes the past comes back to haunt me
Sometimes the future seems unknown
But today has enough worries of its own
Sometimes I'm deep in the valley
Sometimes I'm high on the mountaintop
But today none of that matters

Sometimes it's hard to believe that I've got You
And You're all I need
My days are better, my days are better with You
Every day I wanna see, more of You and less of me
My days are better, my days are better with You

so much

So many Thomas Kincade paintings inspire peace. I love those!!! They give me the feeling of actually being in that beautiful, tranquil garden or cottage or (in this case) bridge. They remind me that life won't always be this hectic. Someday, I'll find some peace and rest (hopefully before Heaven, but if not -- definitely in Heaven).

There's always something demanding my attention right now, either from the kids or the house, or my own interests. I guess that's "normal" life for a mom with kids at home. It's best, I know, to enjoy all the good times and making good memories with these four precious little people.

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I'm kinda copying an online friend for today's song. She put this song on her blog; I heard it, loved it, went right to amazon.com to buy it: "All I Want" by Michael W. Smith

All the journeys I have walked
I know You've walked them, too
All I want is to be faithful
All I want is You.

To be a friend of God is all that I desire
All I want is to be faithful
All I want is You.

moose -- homework

On the way to speech therapy this morning, Seth and I saw THE craziest sight!!!! Two moose were crossing a 65 mph highway! They just climbed up the little hill from the ditch to the highway and jogged across, not caring that people were probably inches away from killing them. I was cutting it close on time, so I couldn't slow down to make sure there wasn't an accident (they were climbing up the ditch as I passed them, so I didn't have to stop). Crazy animals!!!!

After therapy and errands, I started a little project to help me remember my ASL vocabulary -- flashcards. I bought 3x5 index cards and started writing all my vocabulary on the cards so that I can quiz myself. I was using a list on paper or flipping through the book, but that's not working very well for me. Apparently the easy way is not my way this time. So I'm gladly taking the more time-consuming way if it means learning more.

I tried to take a picture today while Seth was watching a movie, but he heard me get the camera out and ran over to jump in the shot. So this is his "mischievous" face -- I can just see the "ha! I AM going to get in this picture, so THERE!" look in his cute little eyes :-)

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today's song: "Every Day" by Joy Williams (if that link doesn't work, try this one and click on the "play song from Lala.com")

Sometimes life is like a roller coaster
Flying away
I get caught up simply just surviving
From day to day

But in the midst of all the lists to do
I need some help to change my point of view

Every day I'm giving You everything
Every thought, every word, every song I sing
It ain't no matter what life may bring
I lay it down
Every day You make sense of me in the midst of my insanity
Give me hope, give me love, give me strength, make me free
Every day of my life

If I love You with my heart, my soul, my mind
Then my life has found a new direction
It was never mine
Cause when my heart is truly fixed on You
I find meaning in the things I do

Not simply just surviving
There's so much more I'm finding
Than living life so blinded and confused
Cause where I find my freedom is serving at God's feet and
I'm listening, searching, just waiting, working
Every, every day

tired eyes

God loves righteousness and judgment. The earth is full of the goodness of the Lord. (Psalm 33:5)



God's way is perfect. The Word of the Lord has been tested. He is a shield to all who trust in Him. (II Samuel 22:31)


My eyes are tired and want to sleep, but I can't take naps or (just like a little kid who is outgrowing naptime) I'll be up way past my bedtime. I haven't taken any pictures of my gorgeous children today, so I'm sharing some of my favorite paintings by Thomas Kincade. I'm not sure if it's legal to post pictures of his work on my blog, but since they are all on a website called "kincadeartwork," I'm thinking it's ok. I have a calendar this year that has a different Thomas Kincade painting for each day along with a Scripture verse. I'm hoping that whoever published this calendar makes one every year because I'm REALLY enjoying it!!

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today's song: "Rejoice in the Lord" from Glory Revealed II

Whatever is true . . . noble . . . right . . . pure . . . lovely . . . praise-worthy,
Think about these things.
Rejoice in the Lord always.
The Lord is near -- there is peace.
The Lord is near -- He is with you.
Rejoice in the Lord always.