Free Legos

Jared has always been a great example of always trusting the Lord with our money. (I mean the Lord's money that He entrusts us with!) Recently, we've been doing a little more of that.  I've seen our grocery budget stretch and make it.  One paycheck period it just seemed to multiply like the Feeding of the 5,000, there was just always enough.  God stretched us and then it was as if He say, "See, you can trust me."

"What does this have to do with Lego's?", I'm sure you are asking by now.  Well, Jared had the day off and we decided to get out of the house for some family fun.  We wandered on down to Ikea and then over to the Sacramento Mall where they had a Lego store. 

Before going in we decided Thomas could fill a small bucket with the Lego bins they have on this amazing wall.  It's all sorts of round bins with the Legos separated by shape and color.  They even have ones with the flowers, steering wheels and fancy connectors.  It's so cool!!  Thomas hadn't made it that far because he was fascinated with all the sets.  While looking at one, this couple came up to us with an offer.  They had a coupon they had been given for a box to fill off the lego wall.  They had two of them.  They wanted to GIVE one to each of the boys.  They were so sweet and just wanted to share it. We were so excited!!  I told Jared, "It's like God just handed us free Legos!!"  But seriously, it was such a fun blessing, a cool little gift to be thankful for!!

The boys had a great time walking along the wall picking out the shapes they wanted.  Jared and I sprung for a blue square plate to build on!  We got home and the boys spent the next 3 hours building away!

Jared managed to count the Legos... about 420!!

Sweet Service

My sweet almost 4year old served me breakfast this morning! He wanted to get his own waffles out of the toaster, but I said no. The toaster was hot, the waffles were hot, he might make a mess... so many reasons. So, I served him. When mine popped up, I didn't respond since I was feeding Benjamin. Thomas informed me that they were ready and when I didn't move he said he would get them for me. He's done it before, they had sat there long enough so everything was no longer too hot. He pushed a stool over got them out, found the plate and brought them to me. He then asked if I wanted the knife and a fork and what I wanted on them. HE brought me everything that I needed! What a special blessing from the Lord to see my son serve me.

We talked about how that brought glory to the Lord. A saying we talk about as adults, but one I heard a friend say to his daughter over the weekend. I thought to myself, "wow! they can understand that!" Our children hear us telling them to honor Jesus, but they don't know what it looks like. I need to point that out to Thomas when he does do things that bring Glory to the Lord!

I think a heart of service is growing in my son. I pray this is true. It's something I've prayed for him. This last Sunday we had some friends over for church and he helped me bring the food to the table. He wanted to do it by himself and it was so rewarding to see. Later, he passed out the dessert with a smile on his face, leaving his own plate sitting there while he served everyone else at the table!

Thanks you Lord for your many blessings given to us through small children!

So Blessed

I try everyday not to take this sweet little boy for granted. He is a joy. He is a blessing. This sweet boy, whose birth sent my hormones into craziness, is a blessing I do not deserve. He wakes up happy, plays happy and generally, goes to sleep happy. He has the sweetest disposition and just loves to smile. He is so easily entertained and often times, entertains himself. I know this is not always normal, I am reminded by people all the time. He is just the sweetest blessing and I will cherish him forever!!

He will contentedly sit in front of his toy box and play away. He will even sit in his room and play as happily as can be.

Now with that said! He is on the move and my life and Thomas's are about to change!!

Precious Baby

Yesterday I got to be part of God's precious miracle, the birth of my 2nd cousin. Jakob Paul Nelson was born to Molly & Jeff and big brother Timmy at 9:45am 19 inches, 7 pounds and 12 ounces. Everyone is overjoyed and healthy. I stood in awe of God as I was reminded of just how amazing His creation is. Our bodies, as women, were made to give birth. The body knows just what to do! And that little baby that comes out is a pure picture of God's hand in creation, right down to the smallest detail. I was so blessed to be a part of this special day!!

I joined Molly and Jeff at the hospital Sunday morning ready with breakfast for Jeff and something yummy waiting for Molly. I got to visit with them and hear just how the night had gone (she checked in around 10pm Saturday night). It had not been a comfortable night, but filled with rest, the hospital room-contraction-epidural kind of rest, and delivery wasn't too far away. She was progressing steadily, the doctor said at 8:10 but only at a "6". We chatted some more, made some phone calls and Molly even put on some make-up and brushed her teeth, it was a great distraction. 9:15 the doctor was back in and said it was time to push!! Uncle Allan (molly's dad) and I took our place behind the curtain and waited for that precious cry.

Molly amazed me through this! I could hear that contagious laugh of hers between pushes. The nurses kept her happy and distracted and God blessed her with strength (and a great epidural!). By 9:45 Uncle Allan and I had our eyes filled with tears at the screams of Jakob. The best sound in the world!!!

The next hours were filled with family and all the new baby check-ups. Big brother Timmy got to meet his new baby, which went just great and we all got to take turns holding him. I had the blessing of getting to stay behind with Molly and Jakob as everyone else left to get lunch. The room was quiet for a whole 30 minutes, no nurses, no visitors, just the three of us. Molly took advantage of this and slept, she so needed that!! I took advantage of it by holding the new bundle. I was able to pray blessings for him and all of our boys as they grow up, sit and bask in the glory God's creation, and just simply enjoy my new cousin. It was a great day!

Welcome little Jakob, your life is blessed already! You have wonderful parents, a great big brother and an extended family that loves you to pieces. God has blessed you with a house filled with laughter and love and I pray he will fill you will a love for Him, our Savior!! May the Lord truly bless you and keep you!!