The Hardy Berry Farm Play Patch October 2012

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 



The Willingness to Suffer

 

 

Happy Mother's Day to me!!  All three babes are sleeping and I have a few minute to blog...I sure have missed it!  After a 6 month blogging hiatus I hope to be back to my regular routine and am praying I can some how find time recap the past 6 months. But in a nutshell this song does a wonderful job of portraying what the Lord has done in our family. We have experience some our most joyful moments  and we have also had some of our darkest days.  But we have seen that "in the trial and the change" His love never fails. 

 

 

As a mom this season has been the most trying yet.  There have been big changes that have made it so easy for the little trials to seem monumental.  Each time I think, "Lord, there's no way it could get harder."  It does.  And each time I think, "We won't survive."  We do.  He is there with strength and grace to get me through the day.  On a sticky note next to the kitchen sink I have written a quote from Ann Voskamp "Love always begins with patience.  And patience is the willingness to suffer."  I am learning that there is a distinct difference between just suffering and be willing to suffer. It comes so naturally to suffer and then complain about.  But suffering with a smile is only done with grace.  This morning as I was scrambling to get to church alone (Josh is working) I found Mary Kathryn smearing toothpaste all over her legs and smiling at me saying "lo-losh" (lotion).   When I picked up Levi from Sunday school, I asked how he did. The teacher responded with, "He's wild as a bull, but he did alright."  My heart calmed each time as I thought "the willingness to suffer, the willingness to suffer... that is LOVE." As I suffered hunger from no time for breakfast and my pride as a momma this morning, it has made me see in a whole new way how Christ suffered so much more for me.  Because of His suffering I have been given everything I need for life and godliness (2 Peter 1:3). 

 

 

  "One Thing Remains"

Higher than the mountains that I face
Stronger than the power of the grave
Constant through the trial and the change
One thing… Remains

Your love never fails, never gives up
Never runs out on me

On and on and on and on it goes
It overwhelms and satisfies my soul
And I never, ever, have to be afraid
One thing remains

In death, In life, I’m confident and
covered by the power of Your great love
My debt is paid, there’s nothing that can
separate my heart from Your great love...

      

Family Pictures 2012

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

the dentist

 yesterday, after watching mommy have her teeth cleaned, 

Levi worked up the courage to get in the chair.

Mrs. Terry was very kind to give a VERY thorough explanation of her tools.

 first, she cleaned and polished

 second, she rinsed with her squirt gun and

sucked it out with her vacuum...the vacuum was his favorite

 third, she flossed and counted his teeth

 by the end Levi was very relaxed in the chair.

  

he could not wait to get home to brush his teeth with his new blue

toothbrush and bubble gum toothpaste.   



Sunday Morning Dress Up

 

The Lord knew we needed a girl!  

 

Fall Fun

  a little bit of hard work, plus...

 A science lesson...apple blossoms have 5 petals and each apple has 5 seed pockets

Equals, our family's 1st batch of applesauce

 

 

 Pom Pom box!

 

 

Growth spurts call for Nutelly sandwiches before bed :)

 Aunt Mary comes to visit!!
Mary Kathryn not only get her name and curly hair from Aunt Mary, but her joy of laughter.

Marie, officially becomes famous!!
 



Yeah, Daddy!

Josh promised Levi that when he shot the first deer of the season he

would bring it home for us to see. 

 

Levi's first response was, "Yeah, Daddy!  That's a big one!!"

Mary Kathryn said, "Deer, pow-pow."

Levi turns 3 with a Pumpkin Patch Party!!

 This was by far our most fun birthday party to plan for several reasons...

 

Levi was so eager to be my helper. 

 

 

He learned his birth date, Oc-tover 11.

 

 Josh decorated our pumpkin cake.

 

 Levi helped with party ideas, a cupcake decorating station!

 

He was so appreciative...anything "pumpkin" that entered the house he would squeal with excitement, "Is that for my party?!?"
 

 The generosity & hospitality of Trinity UMC was unbelievable!


 

  The relay race was a flop, but the "grabbers" were a hit none the less. 

 

 Everyone enjoyed jumping. 

 

Levi had 2 party requests: cupcakes and juice boxes



 mmmmm!

 



 

 

"Create in me a clean heart, O God." Psalm 51:10

 

 

A sprinkle of fun for the year ahead :)

 We ended our evening with a Pizza Party at Mellow Mushroom with Gigi & Papa, Bella & Bear-Bear, and the Thames.