New Life

O wow.  The kids discovered brand new baby Robins today.

"Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature:

old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new."

2 Corinthians 5:17

Tulips

Cousins

Here's a few pictures yet from last Saturday's anniversary celebration - my kids with a few of their many cousins.

Serena is 2 months older than Shifrah.  Last time they got together, Serena didn't want to play with Shifrah because as she said, "Shifrah doesn't talk!"  Can you believe that!?  But, Shifrah made up for it this time and I'm thinking Serena will not be saying that again!  Here they are just warming up to each other:

 And Hadassah with her cousins, Brianna, Danielle and Erin.

And you'd think these boys never saw a DSi before.  Here's Josiah with his cousins, Alex and Caleb.

And by the end of the day, Shifrah and Serena were running around hugging each other and dancing together like they'd been friends for years.

My Beautiful Kiddos

Happy Anniversary !

This month, my Mom and Dad were married for 50 years and we are in Canada celebrating.  God has been so faithful to my parents and to our family over these many years; I am in awe of His love for us.

Here is the whole lot of their covenant grandchildren with them.

"Know therefore that the LORD thy God, he is God, the faithful God, who keeps covenant and mercy with those who love him and keep his commandments to a thousand generations."  Deuteronomy 7:9

The Simple Woman's Daybook

Always wanted to do this. . . it's Monday.

Outside my window - birds!  Every imaginable New Jersey bird is chowing down the seed I left for them.

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I am thinking about a kazillion things.  I should get moving on dinner.  Paul's in Nashville.  I should check on Dassie.  Where's Shifrah?  Tornadoes predicted for Nashville tomorrow.  Got loads of packing to do...
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I am wearing - this should be easy but it involves a decision.  Should I avoid the question or run upstairs and change?
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I am listening to the sound of a toy car driving up my family room wall, some imaginary mumbling to go with that and some rummaging from the second floor as Josiah collects the garbage.

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I am going to Canada on Friday!  Celebrating my Mom & Dad's 50th anniversary.  Can't wait to see the family.
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I am currently reading too many books at once:  Saving Leonardo by Nancy Pearcy, The Reason for God by Tim Keller, Still Alice by Lisa Genova and The Adventures of Tintin - Volume 7.  And the Bible, of course.  Always.  Just finished Ecclesiates.  One of my favorites.

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I am hoping that Hadassah is actually cleaning her room upstairs or doing her homework and not just listening to stories on CD.

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On my mind - Hadassah's biopsy and doctor visit this Wednesday and wondering how long she has to go carb-free.
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Noticing that my kids are taking full advantage of my computer-induced absentmindedness.
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From the kitchen - BBQ something and veggies.  That's as far as I got.  And a glass of Merlot.
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Around the house - I took apart our crib the other day and plan to change Shifrah's room from the place to dump extra furniture and stuff to Shifrah's own room with her own bed and toys.  It's about time.

Hope

Perhaps we'll be getting a Spring after all...

"All that is gold does not glitter,

Not all those who wander are lost;

The old that is strong does not wither,

Deep roots are not reached by the frost.

From the ashes a fire shall be woken,

A light from the shadows shall spring;

Renewed shall be blade that was broken,

The crownless again shall be king."

J.R.R. Tolkien

Nothing But Trouble

Remember Josiah and his rope pulley?  This week, he got a bit more elaborate and attempted to install an elevator.

Then I simply asked Josiah to bring my tablecloth to the laundry and he felt the need for transporation.

I caught Shiffy scissor-handed trying to give her doll a haircut.  It took her awhile to finally believe that the hair would NOT grow back but she did, in the end, choose not to wreck her Barbie.

And one day, my student went missing...though it does make my heart sing to see her play basketball again.

Good thing we have Aunty Ada's big antique bell to call them back inside.  Poor neighbors.  Shiffy's taken a fancy to it.

Backyard Birds

It's been a few years since we put out bird seed.  I love the birds but am not too thrilled about the bears playing with my children.  Nothing like a home school study on Flying Creatures of the Fifth Day to change my mind.

Here's a few of our backyard birds.  For starters, a Black-Capped Chickadee:

And a Dark Eyed Junco (in the snow even).  This picture was obviously not taken today but unfortunately, was not taken that long ago either!

Downy Woodpecker:

The all too common Common Grackle (though I thought it was cool that he had food in his mouth).

And finally, a Tufted Titmouse.

We have Mourning Doves and Robins too, of course.  And also an elusive Cardinal that I just can't seem to get on camera.

Gotta Keep A Better Eye On This Kid

More Joy

This past Wednesday, Hadassah had another biopsy and the result was another "zero rejection"!  Her pulmonary pressures increased a bit but by a small amount that could also be attributed to other factors - such as her blood pressure, her breathing, how well she stayed asleep, the humanity of the doctor, and more.

I am still in a bit of shock over the events of these past 7 months and in awe that such a thing as heart transplantation is even possible.  It could be (and is) a great testimony to mankind's intellect.  We have met some incredible people along this journey.  But even they are humbled to know how much they don't yet know and have told us so.  What we are left with is fallible finite man - working hard to figure out what an infallible infinite God has already made and done. 

"Know that the LORD, He is God

It is He who has made us, and not we ourselves."

Psalm 100:3

Always On Her Head

Um . . . don't always believe everything you see . . .

It's March.

Wasn't it just last Friday that I was wearing a tank top, skirt and flip flops?  Haven't we been watching the robins and opening our windows for the fresh Spring air?  And wasn't yesterday the first day of Spring? 

But, this is Jersey.  Anything can happen.  It's March.

Pretty, though.

Gym. Nas. Tics

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Sabbath Keeping

This past Sunday, Shifrah wanted to do something that we would normally not allow on the Lord's Day.  So, we said "no" and then explained that it was the Lord's Day and that we are to keep it holy.  A few minutes later, she declared her need to use the bathroom facilities, then paused and said, "Mom, are we allowed to use the toilet on the Lord's Day?"