Sunday

Lately life has been extremely busy for us. I'm usually trying to do so many things at the same time, that I find myself aimlessly wandering around the house, unable to decide what to do first. So I've really started looking forward to our Sunday afternoons. Life is purposely slower and we are all together. Here's what this past Sunday looked like:

Finger painting Wouldn't be complete without a vehicle involved in some way!

Kip watched the festivities from the comfort of her Johnny Jumper

(her current favorite hangout).

Then a sightseeing trip to check out the military vehicles at the armory. Unfortunately, the gates were locked, so we had to be content with peering through the (quite formidable!) fence.

Then some wide open spaces at the cemetary.

The weather was beautiful, and the day was made even better when we rolled up at the house and dinner was already made for us, thanks to our meal coop friends. Yahoo for no dishes and a laidback evening.

"Dunn, Dunn...Dunnnnnn"

Dear Faithful Blog Readers,

We need your advice. We think we're just about ready to take the potty training plunge with this sweet boy.

We've informally given it a shot a few times (with no lasting success or enthusiam on anyone's part!), but we'd like to get all the helpful advice and tips we can before we get seriously started. So, please, wow us with your bathroom knowledge:)

Baptism

Psalm 103:17 "But from everlasting to everlasting the Lord's love is with those who fear him, and his righteousness to their children's children."

We celebrated Kip's baptism a few weeks ago on March 14th. She did a wonderful job and looked beautiful in her baptism gown from Grandpa and Granny Deterding.

We enjoyed our time with all the family members from both sides who were able to come down. Thanks to everyone for making the trip!

Grandma Judy & Papa GusOma & OpaNonnie

Grandma K

4 generations

I had to include this picture! They both look so happy:) It was so sweet to have my grandmother (and Gus & Kip's great-grandmother!) with us. She was a huge help-ironing table clothes and Kip's gown. It was wonderful to see her again.

We love you so much, Kip.
"The Lord bless you and keep you; the Lord make his face shine upon you and be gracious to you; the Lord turn his face toward you and give you peace."

Numbers 6:24-26

Thank you

Benefits of 2

They can entertain each other:)

Line 'Em Up

Gus is fascinated with lining up things. As I go around the house, I often stumble over (literally!) random objects, all lined up and, usually, all facing in the same direction:)

Choo Choo Lunch

Thanks, Oma!!

WOW.

"Father, I'm so delighted that You are both loving and sovereign, and that You cause all things to work together for good to those who love You, to those who are called according to Your purpose. So I thank You for....each problem or hindrance, for each thing that triggers in me anxiety or anger or pain. And I thank You in advance for each disappointment, each demanding duty, each pressure, each interruption that may arise in the coming hours and days.

In spite of what I think or feel when I get my eyes off You, I choose not to resist my trials as intruders, but to welcome them as friends....

I rejoice that You plan to enrich and beautify me through each problem, each conflict, each struggle...that through them You expose my weaknesses and needs, my hidden sins, my self-centeredness...Thank You that You use trials to humble me and perfect my faith and produce in me the quality of endurance...that they prepare the soil of my heart for the fresh new growth in godliness that You and I both long to see in me....

I'm grateful that You look beyond my superficial desire for a troublefree life; instead, You fulfil my deep-down desire to glorify You, enjoy Your warm fellowship, and become more like Your Son."

~31 Days of Praise, Day 18, Ruth Myers

Testing, testing...1, 2, 3

Well, I've finally admitted defeat in the quest to determine what Kip is allergic to/can't digest. I've cut out all the major (and some minor) allergens for over 8 weeks and it's not making any difference. Her symptoms come and go randomly, just like Gus' did. It's been mentally and emotionally exhausting, not to mention expensive. So I've decided to go on a rotation diet instead. The idea is to rotate your diet so that you only eat certain things every 4 days. I've decided to try and spread it out even more at first (every 8 days) so that if she is allergic to something, she won't be exposed to it as often.

This is taking a lot of planning ahead of time, but it has been SO wonderful to be able to eat "forbidden" foods again, sparingly:) And so far (this is day 4), I haven't noticed any change for the worse in Kip's symptoms.

We'll keep plugging away and trusting in the Great Physician.

"I'm melting....melting!!!"

Every day Gus walks by our snowman and says, "Frosty is still here!" Well, not for long, buddy.

Snow Day