Bathroom Business

I shared this story at group last night, so I thought it would be funny to share on the blog as well. It might be too much information for some of you, though! Yesterday, Jordan ran into the bathroom because she had to go poopy. She climbed up on the toilet and sat 'pushing' for just a second and then said frustratingly, "It won't come out!" Looking down between her legs, she demanded, "Poopy, come out! Come out poopy!" She looked up at me, "It's not coming." After a few more demands to come out, she got a delighted look on her face and said, "I hear it...it's coming...here it comes!" Out plopped several little balls of poopy, to which she exclaimed, "They're baby poopies!" (by the way, are not normal for her...she usually has one big fat one!) I laughed the whole time...too funny! This picture is from almost a year ago, but I thought it appropriate for this post.

Rylie's Walking!

Justin's Father's Day Present

Justin wanted to go bike riding at the park for father's day. We went to the Sedgwick County Park and Justin, Rick E., Calvin, and I (pulling the girls) biked for just over 3 miles. Calvin did a good job...his longest bike ride yet! I had a lot of fun and I hope Justin did too. Oh, did I mention that in order to go bike riding together, Justin bought me a new bike for father's day?

Unpacking the truck.

Jordan and Rylie in the trailer before the ride. Happy and ready to go!
The trailer didn't work on Justin's bike...
...so we hooked it up to mine. It was a great workout!
After the ride--hot, sweaty, and ready to get out!

Father's Day and a Baby Dedication

This year for Father's Day was the baby dedication at church. We are so blessed to get to be Rylie's parents. We are so thankful that she's been given into our care.

David and Rylie! What a great "uncle!"

Her Best Friend's Birthday Party

Jordan and Kail were born 9 days apart. Kail and her sister Elli had a joint birthday party this past weekend at the park. These are the expressions I got after telling the two girls to smile! Too funny!

Playground Fun

Climbing like a big girl! She was super proud of herself for climbing up this all by herself. She did it like 10 more times after that!

Walking to the Park

We walked to the park the other day and played on the swings. Rylie and Jordan both LOVE to swing. Every time I take Rylie out of a swing, she screams and cries and throws a big fit.

Jordan such a great big sister...she pushed Rylie for a while until she decided she wanted to get in, too.

All tuckered out.

Rylie's Birthday Party

Rylie had a birthday party on May 29th. Here are some pictures of her with her cake. She made a huge mess! It was pretty funny. The next day she had pink poop:) We grilled out enjoying family and friends' company while the kids played on the slip-n-slide and sprinkler ball outside. It was a fun day!

Lukewarm? I Hope Not

Here is an excerpt from Richard Wurmbrand's book Tortured for Christ. Wurmbrand was tortured in a communist prison for his faith for many years and was also the founder of Voice of the Martyrs. I actually haven't read the book, though I plan to someday. I got this quote from one of "The Voice of the Martyrs" magazines.

"It must be understood that there are no nominal, halfhearted, lukewarm Christians in Russia or China. The price Christians pay is far too great. The next point to remember is that persecution has always produced a better Christian--a witnessing Christian, a soul-winning Christian. Communist persecution has backfired and produced serious, dedicated Christians such as are rarely seen in free lands. These people cannot understand how anyone can be a Christian and not want to win every soul they meet."

I think back to this quote often, wondering if I really understand the depth of sacrifice and love of Christ. Am I just a lukewarm Christian? Do I want to win every soul I meet to Christ? I pray that I'm not...I pray that I do. I pray God increases my heart for others, so that this would be true of me.

Jason Gray - More like falling in love

More Like Falling in Love

I'm not a writer...I'm not very creative when it comes to posting. I pretty much just put pictures of my kids with a few words to describe the occasion. But today, I felt inclined to write a little about how God has been working in my heart recently. Have you ever read Captivating? I read it about 5 years ago and it was amazing. Since then, I've all but forgotten anything it said. Well, one of my friends and I have started going through it together and I'm reading it again with new eyes, a more mature heart, and a better understanding of who God is. One thing that has stood out to me (I've only finished reading through Ch.3 so far) is that men and women were designed to bear the image of God, yet in very different ways. Women want to be loved, pursued, and desired. The book describes the many romance novels and chick flicks that are completely based on this fact. But, until reading this book, I never saw it as a reflection of God longing to be loved, pursued, and desired. God wants us to want Him, just like I want my husband to want me. It makes perfect sense: Love the Lord your God with all of your heart, mind, soul and strength. The greatest commandment! Pursue God! Know Him intimately. Give HIM your heart.

I have heard this song (Jason Gray--More Like Falling in Love) on the radio several times that seems to align with this revelation. The chorus goes like this: It's gotta be...more like falling in love, than something to believe in...more like losing my heart, than giving my allegiance...caught up, called out...come take a look at me now...it's like I'm falling, oh...it's like I'm falling in love.

Christianity is deeper than a religion. It's like "falling in love!" I love Jesus and want to desire and pursue Him all the days of my life! He WANTS me to desire and pursue Him. How could I not?