To God be the glory

2 Corinthians 9:8 And God will generously provide all you need. Then you will always have everything you need and plenty left over to share with others.

For those of you who don't know: Our house in Iowa has still not sold. I tell you this now because I recently had a conversation that provided new insight to me on this trial. We, of course, continue to pray and wait. BUT I have gained new perspective on what to do while waiting on the Lord and His plan to come to fruition.

A friend said to us this last weekend: Doesn't matter when God sells the house or how, what matters is that the glory goes to God in the process. And so I post this in order to give God the glory for the miracles in our life while waiting for the house to sell.

Let me be very clear about something: Wyoming pays teachers fairly well and if it weren't for our mortgage in Iowa we would be quite financially comfortable. But even with Marc's extra income here and there (for pep band, musical, class sponsor, private lessons, etc) we do NOT have enough every month to pay the bills required of us. We sought the Lord before moving and before having children and each time we had complete faith that God would provide and we are confident that we have followed His will for our lives. He is providing, he is just doing it differently than we are used to. The following is my attempt to relate to you how He is working miracles in our financial life because even though we don't have enough money... somehow every month all the bills get paid. Even our credit cards get paid off every month.

We have been blessed by financial gifts from friends and our church who were obeying God's prompting to help us in our time of need. We have received gift cards, gifts for our boys, food "hand me downs" and care packages from family and friends that have helped immensely. We have yet to spend any money out of our own pocket for clothes or toys for the boys because of these gifts. God has provided for our medical expenses by working small miracles in the insurance process. In one case the process took so long (because of back and forth communication between hospital and insurance) that they just "adjusted off" the left over cost saving us over 200 dollars. God provided, through miracles, for us to pay for Desmond's surgery (our responsibility was about 800 dollars) and to pay for a supplemental insurance that paid everything on Desmond's birth except about 300 dollars (from a $13,000 bill). We have also been provided with enough to pay for Jax's birth. Our responsibility was more for him but God still provided the means to pay. Another medical provision that God provided was an eye care gift certificate for my optometrist visit.

Not only has God provided for our necessities but He has been kind enough to grant a few luxuries here and there. We have received gift cards for dinners out, gifts for Marc and I to enjoy some finer things in life (including that massage I wrote about earlier).

The most amazing part of all these financial miracles is that God has protected us. Our boys are whole and healthy - which is not only a blessing in itself but also financially. Many parents spent thousands of dollars every year for a range of illnesses - ear infections to surgery to trauma. We have two cars that run smoothly and get us from A to B very safely. Our heat and running water always work. We have very few "surprise" bills from month to month. Marc and I are also blessed to have our health intact.

It would take a long time to individually list all the small (and big) financial miracles in our lives over the past two years. We are very grateful to all of you who have contributed, following God's leading, and to all of you who have offered understanding. But ultimately we give God the glory for showing how powerful He is and that He is truly in control of our lives.

Two of our greatest blessings.

You Might Be A Redneck If....

Yes, you might be a redneck if your date looks like this:

Or if your post-Easter recreation looks like this:

Or you workout like this:

We had a lovely Easter here in Redneck country. Marc's parents came and sufficiently spoiled the boys for a couple days. Their Easter baskets from Gma and Gpa had gardening tools in them which Demond put to work right away.

They also 'sat' with the boys while Marc and I sang in the Easter choir at church. (Really Gma bounced Jax and Gpa ran around with Desmond.) Everyone thought they were cute in their "Easter" outfits.


Big Easter dinner prepared by Gma and Marc. With a small contribution by myself (Tressa eat your heart out!):

Then we all shot BBs at pop cans in the backyard (yes, living out of town has its perks, see above for pic) while some took part in another Easter activity - naps:

Even the kitties napped (surprise surprise):

Then after Gma and Gpa left Sunday evening Marc and I had a "date" where we sat and shot BBs to see who could hit the pop can the most times in a row - I'll let you guess who won! =) (hint: I'm not saying to save someone some embaressment). =)

Also of note: We officially do not have a guest bedroom anymore. Jax went from bassinet to crib last night and so if you come to visit us you will be privileged to use our fantastic fold out sofa bed OR the ever preferred air mattress on the floor! Despite the accommodations breakfast at the Graham Chateau outweighs any nightly discomforts so we encourage all to come experience redneck country! =) Hope you all had a great weekend!

A picture says a thousand words.

Had a fairly uneventful week. Just wanted to share a few pictures and video.

Playing in his favorite box.

Jax has started playing with toys.

Tummy time!

Starting to have 'play' times together! =)

Yes I know I'm singing the words wrong but its still cute! =)

Watching his first thunderstorm. He is saying "boom boom" from Dr. Seuss's book Mr. Brown can moo can you? The other sound he is making is the sound of lightening that Gma Annette taught when reading the same book.

Catching Up.

Its been awhile. Sorry! Life has been flying by lately. I can't even readily recall what all has been going on!

Des and I decided this last week on a last minute whim that we needed a trip to Costco so we hurried and packed and headed north. (Jax didn't have an opinion.) Turned out by coincidence that the circus was in town! So Des and I got to go see tigers, ponies, elephants, bears, poodles, motorcycles and clowns. Des was pretty much in awe of the whole thing and just sat absorbing it all. He was, however, quite excited about the dogs performing. At first approach to the elephants (we were literally only feet away) he looked at me and said "all done" but the second time observing he just stared and stared. We had to leave before it was finished (Jax was hungry) but he thoroughly enjoyed what he saw and behaved so well, too. People kept staring at him and then I would hear them say "he's sooo cute" as we passed. We had to hurry home as choir was having an extra rehearsal.

I had quite a few realizations while observing the crowd. The biggest: I came to understand why events can get away with charging an arm and a leg for services and goods. Ie 60 second pony ride: 6 dollars, Photo with dogs or bear: 10 dollars, Cotton Candy 5 dollars, etc. ITS KIDS!! I so would have loved to to give Desmond photos, rides, food and toys. I, of course, resisted temptation but barely. I couldn't believe the lines of people paying through the nose for second rate novelty items and short lived animal experiences all for their children.

Jax is showing more and more of his personality and has started reaching for toys/objects. He has a great laugh just like his brother and (when he's happy) is quite the little babbler! Desmond shows more and more positive interest in Jax. Helping him with his pacifier, rocking his car seat, bringing him his blanket. He always bends down to Jax's level and says "hi." Des also thinks its hilarious when I stand Jax up and make him walk toward him.

Marc has stayed busy taking his groups to different events. Jazz Festival, Music Festival... He got to see the Horn Heads at the Jazz Festival, which he really enjoyed (as did the kids). We are also getting ready for Easter with the Church Choir.

Well, here are some photos of our day to day. I'm sure there are other events that are worth mentioning but for the life of my strained brain I can't think of them!

Dad and Des on their daily outdoor adventure.

Jax having his morning cup o' joe.

Des helping Dad with some yard work.

We are in a recession?!

My boys!

More progress on the Tana front... I made a kitty toy that is long enough for Tana to play with, without getting too close to Des - which just enthralls Desmond!

Des has learned to wiggle.