Our New York City Date

Despite the wild snowstorm, Paul and I did manage to head into New York City on Friday morning. We did some shopping (mostly for me!) . . . went out for dinner at a cozy little Indian place . . . saw the Celtic Woman at the Radio City Music Hall . . . a delight for both the eyes and the ears. . . forgot we had kids . . . not really but did pretty well without them for the 30 hours we had. . . took everything real slow . . . like we haven't done since . . . well, since the last time we went away alone, I guess.
Thanks, Grandma and Grandpa! (who had to deal with Josiah's stomach virus and Shifrah's "busyness".) And thanks, Aunt Rebecca! (who took Hadassah in despite the stress of having Phil stuck in Atlanta). You guys are wonderful!

Winter Weary

By the end of February, the snow has got to be thinking about saying "bye-bye!" But at least it makes for pretty landscapes.

Where We Found Shifrah

In the car. In the garage. Wings ready. Necklace. Purse. Boots. Glasses. "Going to a party, Mommy! Come on!"

Looking Upward

Today was Hadassah's final basketball game of the season and we are sad to see it end. It is always such fun to watch her play and she wouldn't miss it!

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We love the Upward program of teaching the game, the skills and the sportsmanship all at the same time - combined with coaches that love the Lord. Highly recommended! http://www.upward.org/

I Can Do It All By Myself

I can get my own drink of water from the kitchen sink:

I can get the keys to unlock the van:
I can make my own lunch:

I can put on my own DVD:

I can put my own diaper on:

I can put myself to bed too - in my crib, that is!

And I can even put myself in the corner: Who needs Mom?

A Cat Person's Dog

I am a cat person but I have met a dog that could change my mind. Meet Chloe. First of all, Chloe is little (like a cat). And she doesn't demand my attention (like a cat doesn't). And she'll sit in her bed and lay there for hours (like a cat). Maybe she is a cat. Works great as a pillow too:

So, I told my children. If you want a dog, maybe I could be talked into a dog like Chloe. Only one condition. We have to name her "Kitty"!

Canadian Cousins

It was wonderful to have visitors this past weekend - my brother and sister-in-law, Jim & Audrey and their four kids - Peter, Sam, Mia and Claire.

This is what happens when 3 young girls make pancakes without adult help:
Of course, Sam was dared to eat the whole thing. And of course, being a young boy on a dare . . . he did.

Shifrah's endless quest to find yet another person to read to her also had a bit of success this weekend. Here she is with her cousin, Peter:

. . . and her cousin, Claire.

Will you read to me, please?

Young Visitors On A Fun Snow Day

This afternoon, Sophia and Christiana came over to play with us. Had to go sledding, of course. And Hadassah made a big cookie for Josiah's birthday and then Sophia and she decorated it with icing and sprinkles. Too bad Sophia didn't get to stick around to eat it!

The finished product:

And Josiah was thrilled.

Happy Birthday, Josiah!

Today is Josiah's 9th Birthday. Where have all the years gone?!
As a baby, he was quite a big lug. Who would've thought he'd turn out so "lanky"? Josiah's Baptism Day. Always friendly.
Those eyes!
Maybe taking an active 4-year-old boy to the Grand Canyon wasn't so smart . . .
And here's the summer he chopped his hair off so bad, we had to give him a brushcut:
Turned out to be a rather handsome young man, don't you think?

I love this boy. I love his hugs and his readiness to give them. I love his easy going attitude that takes everything in stride. I love how he makes friends so easily wherever he goes. I love his imagination and the way he keeps me on my toes. I love how he howls at the not-that-funny parts in movies and doesn't understand why everyone else isn't. I love his eyes . . . beautiful. I love his cheerfulness in the morning and his eagerness to please. I love how he takes even hard things with a happy heart and doesn't consider for a moment limitations or impossibilities. I love how he gets into every minute of his life and always sees the cup - not half full - but running over.

Just For Fun

I have never had a kid so into changing her clothes! Has its advantages, I have to admit.

Snow Day!

What's 94 Years Between Friends?

This morning, Aunty Ada took Shifrah on her second visit to see her 96-year-old great-great Aunt Catherine. She looks a little nervous, I think. Shifrah, I mean. Visiting is one thing but sitting on her lap?! Don't you go anywhere Aunty Ada!

"My mouth is filled with your praise,

and with your glory all the day.

Do not cast me off in the time of old age;

forsake me not when my strength is spent."

Psalm 71:8-9

It Is Not Death To Die

It is not death to die
To leave this weary road
And join the saints who dwell on high
Who've found their home with God
It is not death to close
The eyes long dimmed by tears
And wake in joy before Your throne
Delivered from our fears

O Jesus, conquering the grave
Your precious blood has power to save
Those who trust in You
Will in Your mercy find
That it is not death to die

It is not death to fling
Aside this earthly dust
And rise with strong and nobel wing
To live among the just
It is not death to hear
The key unlock the door
That sets us free from mortal years
To praise You evermore

By Henri Malan (1787-1864). Translated by George Bethune (1847).

Woke Up To A Blanket Of Snow

Little Sweeties

Well, maybe not so sweet. Josiah was basically tying Shifrah up in a blanket and doing all sorts of other wild things with the girl. Hadassah thought she'd "rescue" Shifrah (who was having a blast despite the danger), thus causing an all-out tug-of-war and tickle fight. What else could a mom do but say, "Stop! I need a picture!"