'Tis the season for sneezin'

Softball is well underway and Doodle has her first game tomorrow night - I can't wait! She really hasn't played much since the season ended last May up until practice began at the beginning of this month, so she's quite rusty, but improving.
She has some great coaches, I think there are two official coaches then about three other dads that hang around to help with the kids. It's different than T-Ball last year, some for the better some not.. but they're also 'more grown up' now - they don't need snacks every game/practice or their names on their shirts even if I think it's cute :)

The kids and I have been reading through their children's Bible in the morning time and they've learned the first five books of the NT and are learning the first five of the OT. We have a CD by "The Bible Song Band" that lists the 66 books of the Bible, so I've been using that to teach them the books, it's great!

School break is over now and the kids are learning all about toys this week. Toys?! I thought this was school? Well it is, they're learning about the history behind their favorite toys like Barbie, GI Joe, Lego, etc. Learning about how they're made, how they've changed over the years and about what toys were popular 60 years ago and what's popular now. Can't wait to hear about it when I get home! Ryan's been having a blast getting it all prepared for them. All I have to say is I'm SO glad we have YouTube, the internet, and a computer at home. It enriches their learning so much.

I'm finishing up a study on Esther by Lenya Heitzig and Penny Peirce Rose. It's excellent! This is a book I've studied many times before, but the insight and self exmaination they show in their study is wonderful. I'm also reading through "Living by the Book" by Howard Hendricks and it's pretty great. Gives you quick and easy ways to study through the Bible. Some of my favorite tactics include reading the same book or chapter for five days - you always get something different out of the chapter, disect the text - look for prepositions, joining words, etc because they've been put there for a reason, and listen to the Word in audio format. Great stuff.

Spring is here and it's beautiful in deed, but as Doodle said "'Tis the season for sneezin'" In fact Lulu is at home sick today, not sure if it's 'hay fever' or a cold, but she feels rotten. Hopefully she'll feel better soon so she won't miss out on Doodle's games this week or the Spring parade this weekend.

I want to end on this verse, it was in my Esther study last week and just really spoke to me. It says it's good to receive wealth and health from the Lord, sure. But it's an actual GIFT to find joy in your work and to accept what He has graciously given to you in life. "And it is a good thing to receive wealth from God and the good health to enjoy it. To enjoy your work and accept your lot in life—this is indeed a gift from God." Ecclesiastes 5:19 (NLT)

Thankful

Last week my husband, out of the blue, took all four kids and went to Walmart and Publix- while I was at work, an amazing feat. He called me while they were there and asked what I needed "Um, lots of things, why?" I said. "Because we're here, getting all of our groceries," he replied. "OH! Did you take my list and coupons?" I asked. "No, I didn't know where it was." "Oh ok, just get whatever we normally get then." I said, trying not to be frustrated. I had about $8 worth of coupons for things at Walmart and Publix and a very detailed list of what was needed. But I decided that whatever he got would be great. It's not like it's his first time shopping for the family. He's had to do it plenty of times when I've been sick or after I've had one of the babies, so he had a general idea of what we get each week. Did he get everything on the list? No, but he did get a lot of things we needed. Did he use coupons? No, but they don't expire until Thursday--maybe I can make a trip to the store to pick up those items - if not, it's not going to break our bank.

Then, he did two loads of laundry. Washed, dried, folded, and (here's the shocker) put up. He also had dinner ready for me when I got home. Did aliens invade and take over his body you ask? No, he's just an amazing man and I'm one lucky lady. :)

Yesterday he washed our windows, window sills, and the walls next to the windows (some had gotten moldy--but I haven't been able to get to due to regular chores). He is just awesome!!

He says he's been lazy for way too long and wants to ease my burden by helping out. He's done this a few times before, but it only lasts 2-4 weeks. I'm hoping he's able to continue this one for a little bit, it is wonderful.

The kids are on their two week break right now and start back to school next week. I told him that he won't be able to do as much with them in school, to which he replied "I know, but I can at least do one or two things." This is just fantastic!

The Lord is really working in his life and it's so beautiful to see.

We've been together for 10 years this week and to see how he's changed over those 10 years is awesome. He went from talking the talk to actually walking it. He has such a heart for the Lord and it encourages me. Don't get me wrong, he's not the only one who's changed - I have too. And it's wonderful to be changing, learning, and growing together. What an amazing journey God has for us.