Lydie

 Lydie loves to stick out her tongue- so we tried to take a picture of us both sticking out our tongues- guess she thought I should look goofy and not her.  :)  Today- Lydie is officially done with nursing.  I think sometimes it is sadder for the Mama than the kiddo.  She is a good eater though and loves her sippy cup of milk.

Rain Rain...

What does a boy do in April when it is raining- go out and jump in puddles or look for worms to touch...

Fun Crafts...

The other week- with our "O" theme- we made an O octopus- even Katy helped us with our craft.  Jeremiah loves octopus!  They are funny looking creatures- we even used "o" cheerios to glue on for tentacles for his legs! :)

Crafts & Gifts...

This is a gift for my sis- the baseball hanging and one for my dad- pictures of the kids footprints and a verse about how beautiful are the feet of those who preach good news...

One Month Until Exam Time...

This is an intense season of our lives- and we are thankful it is a season!  I was challenged by a woman yesterday to think through how the Lord is growing and stretching me through this season and know that it is good- we are not just trying to make it to the other side- we are growing and learning and embracing all God is teaching us and growing us in this season in all its craziness!  In one month- Michael will be taking his first comprehensive exam at Hebrew Union in Akkadian.  Last night he was showing me "some" of the tablets he will have to translate- it looks like chicken scratching but I believe him that he can read it!  He will have 3 exams each Thursday in May- May 8th, May 15th, May 22!  It is coming close- Michael is kicking his studies into high gear and we are trying to "let him go" and think of fun things to do on our own!  I am so thankful for how the Lord has given him great dedication and diligence to persevere this year and balance time with his family well- we are not neglected.  Though- I am feeling a little bit like a solo parent at times this Spring and at times, I have to admit, I do get tired and want a break- but praying that in this season I will serve my husband and my kids with joy- even when I am tired and think in my head- "I deserve a break!"  Pray with us for Michael in this last month as he studies for the biggest 3 tests he will take in his whole life!  He has started last summer and has been studying for 1 whole year for these exams- now that is a long time!  Lord willing, by May 22 (which is Michael's birthday-poor guy)- we will be sighing a sigh of relief- we are hopeful!

Visit with my sister!

 We had a great visit with my sister in PA!  Saturday- we took Jeremiah to Tumbletown in the mall to play and we visited!  We also took Lydia shopping with us and tried on some bunny ears!  It was good to spend time with my sis before she has her first babe and life will be changing for her!  She will be a great mom though- she is so good with kids!  We had fun!

Our Road Trip...

We arrived home a week ago from our road trip to Pennsylvania with Mrs. Engle from our church!  Jeremiah keeps saying everyone should go on a road trip with Mrs. Engle!  She was so sweet to drive us to PA- we went to visit our family and she went to visit her daughter who lives close to my parent's home.  So I don't think I could have driven by myself for 8 hours in the car as much as I thought I could. :) I definitely had to entertain most of the trip!  So even when you are still visiting friends and family on a road trip, with no hubby along, I was on duty 24-7 as far as parenting goes!  The first night- I think I got 3-4 hours of sleep as I struggled to sleep and then when I did fall asleep- both kids woke up and were up until 3:30am.  Thankfully they did better other nights- though Lydie was a fussy girl most of the time.  The surprising of my parents was great. I got to spend a lot of time with my sister before she has her baby in another month.  I got to hear Steve Green- who doesn't love that guy's voice and it was sooo encouraging and his music pointed me to the cross of Christ again and again!  And what a blessing to see so many dear Cross Cultural Workers that I have grown up with their kids and families!  When we were young, my parents always had missionaries come stay in our home-we grew up knowing these precious families and it has been a blessing to journey with them on this side of the ocean along life's road!  Some have suffered greatly and it was neat to hear how the Lord is growing and teaching them!  It was good to be reminded of those that go- that give up living by family and friends because the gospel compels them to learn a language, and reach a culture that does not love Christ- to share God's glory among the nations!  As a mom- I get so focused in my own little world, my worries, needs, my little family- I need reminders of the world- the nations!  It was a refreshing weekend and good for my soul!  I also got to spend time with a dear friend from high school who is going to the nations this summer with her husband and 3 children- her husband working on Bible translation to a language that has never heard!  We are thankful for them going but I was sad thinking I would not see her for a long time.  We love you Js!

Our first hike of the season...

 We are an outdoors family- a hiking family!  So we are not hardcore backpackers in the barren wilderness but we just love getting out in the woods for a hike.  And on a beautiful day- I would much rather do an outdoor project like wash the car, go for a run, a hike or anything but stay inside!  The other day when it was almost 70- we couldn't resist but head to the nearby Mt. Airy Forest (just down the road) and go for an hour hike before dinner!  Can't wait for this spring weather to be here to stay!

The Big Boy Bike

 We are enjoying taking Jeremiah and his bike to the park lately nearby on warm days.  I found a helmet at a rummage sale and once he was convinced he had to wear it to ride his bike- we were off.  We are still working on breaking down hills but he is having fun.  Though this weekend, we have seen a few rainy days!  Jeremiah's latest discovery- worms...  His latest proclamation in the car- "I love worms- you touch them and they wiggle..."  I love seeing the joy of new discovery in little boy's eyes!

The Train Yard...

 We went with the Samads two weeks to the museum and found a hidden treasure- the train yard!  It was so fun to take the kids up to the overlook and watch the trains beneath us- they even had a fun train table up there and the boys got to ring the bell and for ringing the bell- they got an old train magazine which Jeremiah loves!  I think we will be heading back there at some point.