The results

Testing went so well! The boys both proved that they are smart :) Alex tested at the level of an 8th grader in Math, and Chase also tested above grade level. I'm so pleased to know that they are doing well. It gives me more confidence that I can do this! And, I think it gave them both more confidence.

I did get the Wii Fit going, and I'm so glad I did! It's fun to exercise and keep track of my time. I've set my goal (to lose 5 lb in one month) and so far, I'm doing well. I lost over a pound already! And, I feel better. Just knowing I'm doing something to better my health makes me feel good. So far, my favorite is the step activities. But, the Hula Hoop is pretty fun too. :) The only problem I've encountered so far is that the ceiling in the basement is too low to do some of the Yoga moves. LOL Maybe I'll just have to take out a ceiling tile...

The hives got better, and then returned with a vengeance. Thankfully they seem to be under control with the Xyzal. So, I'll take that for a couple more days. If they come back again I'll have to dig a little deeper for answers.

Saturday was a busy day, but was so good! Of course, the testing went well. Then, I took all the kids to church while Tim worked and hung out with some friends that were there for a Craft Day. Later, we had a birthday party to attend so there was more time with friends. (And a clear reminder that I'm not as young as I used to be!! LOL I tried to climb the rope and only made it about as far off the ground as I could reach standing.) After the b-day party I was able to find a sitter. So, while Tim went back to work I went out with the same friends I'd spent time with at Craft Day. It was a wonderful time of fellowship. We laughed. We shared stories. We laughed some more. We stayed out way too late... But it was so worth it! Can't wait for the next time. :)

Well, I'm off to get lunch. Oh, and it's snowing here! Lots!! So, I'm stuck at home, but I'm thinking it's a great day for the kids to go outside. I hear the snow calling to be made into a snowman! :)

The week

It's been an interesting one. Tim was sick (probably influenza), I got a nasty case of the hives (still no idea what that was about!), and Jericho has been really cranky. Tonight has not been a good one. She just cries. Doesn't matter if she's being held or not... just crying. And since I developed a whopper of a headache this evening it's not a good mix.

On the upside... Jericho was 11lb. 1oz. at her checkup. She's healthy. So, if we could just figure out this crying thing, we'd have it made! We also got a Wii this week. Lots of fun in store :) I'm looking forward to getting the Wii Fit up and running so I can try to get in shape a bit more.

The boys will be taking the Peabody Individual Assessment Test on Saturday, and I'm looking forward to seeing the results. It will help me get a good grip on where they are at as far as schooling. And, it will meet the state requirements for yearly testing.

All in all, life is good. I'd appreciate prayers for health! Off to play Wii :)

"You Danced"

More sweetness...

In the background you can hear Shiloh saying "hi" and "baby". :)

So Sweet

I changed Shiloh's diaper after lunch today. Then, I told her to get her blanket and go lay down. I didn't follow through, and just figured she was playing nicely in the boys room with the other kids. I happened to walk past the girls door and this is what I found...

It was just too sweet not to share :)

And, since I'm sharing sweetness...

(Above: Chase & Jericho; Below: Tim & Levi)

We are free

We are free, living here in America. As Christians here, about the worst thing that might happen to us is having someone tease us or ridicule our beliefs. The Voice of the Martyrs is a group that works with the persecuted church around the globe. In their monthly newsletter they included a quote from their founder, Richard Wurmbrand, who would have been 100 years old this year. It caught my attention, and I wanted to share it with all of you.

"It must be understood that there are no nominal, halfhearted, lukewarm Christians in Russia or China. The price Christians pay is far too great. The next point to remember is that persecution has always produced a better Christian -- a witnessing Christian, a soul-winning Christian. Communist persecution has backfired and produced serious, dedicated Christians such as are rarely seen in free lands. These people cannot understand how anyone can be a Christian and not want to win every soul they meet."

This quote is an excerpt from Wurmbrand's book, "Tortured for Christ". I'm am convicted of being a nominal, halfhearted, lukewarm Christian. Reading stories about Christians in other nations who endure torture, imprisonment, and are often killed for their faith, makes my lack of enthusiasm for sharing Christ seem so much more appalling.

Want to push your own boundaries? Be convicted of your lukewarm Christianity? Become a more dedicated Christian? Check out Voice of the Martyrs by clicking the link above or visiting www.persecution.com. They also have a site for children -- www.KidsOfCourgae.com.

"A faith that can be destroyed by suffering is not faith."

"A man really believes not what he recites in his creed, but only the things he is willing to die for."

(More quotes from Richard Wurmbrand)

Just Because...

I think my kids are adorable. :) So, here's a couple pics.
(Chase has been taking the camera a lot, so most of these are his work.)