A few moments at school...

Isabella and I go to school all week but one day. 

Even though it's a lot, we enjoy it and know that it won't always be this way. 

She's a little behind in her English, but she's making excellent progress!!

Happy Birthday, Isabella!

On November 20, Isabella Jean had her first birthday. She has been such a joy and blessing lent to us from the Lord. With help from friends, we are definitely learning how to raise her in the fear and admonition of the Lord. We want her to grow not only in her knowledge of her naturally sinful nature but in the graciousness and mercifulness of her Savior.

I keep being reminded of Keith Green's "Song for Josiah"...

Here a few birthday pictures!

Isabella loves her Grandpa!

Don't ask me what that balloon is...

Someone Likes to Laugh!

Happy Cowgirl!

Joanie just lent us this rocking horse and Isabella enjoyed the first ride so much. I simply had to share the pictures and video clip with you. I'm so very thankful for friends who are committed to us in practical ways.

Thine own friend, and thy father's friend, forsake not; neither go into thy brother's house in the day of thy calamity: for better is a neighbor that is near than a brother far off.   -Proverbs 27:10 

Vacation Pictures

Just sharing a few photos from our Hicks' family vacation.

A man that hath friends must show himself friendly: and there is a friend that sticketh closer than a brother. Proverbs 18:24

One of My Favorites...

Songs that is...

The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases. His mercies never come to an end. 

They are new every morning. Great is Thy faithfulness, O Lord!

Two random pictures...

While all the men-folk went camping, we girls took a trip to the Puyallup Farmers' Market. 

 Isabella has a new tongue trick! Aren't they so sweet when they first wake up?

Baby Growler!

I'm not sure where Isabella picked this one up but it had us in stitches! Enjoy!!

Praise the Lord!

I just thought I would let you all know that my mom's surgery went well. We are very thankful for all your prayers, thoughts, and phone calls. We are so blessed to have so many friends without which it would be impossible to live. Thank you!

Praise ye the LORD. O give thanks unto the LORD; for he is good: for his mercy endureth for ever. Who can utter the mighty acts of the LORD? who can shew forth all his praise? Blessed are they that keep judgment, and he that doeth righteousness at all times. Remember me, O LORD, with the favour that thou bearest unto thy people: O visit me with thy salvation; That I may see the good of thy chosen, that I may rejoice in the gladness of thy nation, that I may glory with thine inheritance.            Psalm 106:1-5

Motherhood is a Calling

My dear sister-in-law, Letha, graciously shared this article with me this morning. She must have known I needed to read it! :-) Actually, her dad, Pastor Taylor, shared it with her. Afterwards, I just couldn't keep it to myself so I'm sharing it all with you. I hope it encourages you and builds you up.

Motherhood Is a Calling (And Where Your Children Rank) - Desiring God

I know that picture doesn't seem to fit the rest of the post but I couldn't resist sharing it with you. Isn't it too sweet when they fall asleep in the most awkward positions??

Burfoot Park...O That Men Would Praise the Lord!

Psalm 107

   O give thanks unto the LORD, for he is good: for his mercy endureth for ever.

   Let the redeemed of the LORD say so, whom he hath redeemed from the hand of the enemy;

   

And gathered them out of the lands, from the east, and from the west, from the north, and from the south.

They wandered in the wilderness in a solitary way; they found no city to dwell in.

   

Hungry and thirsty, their soul fainted in them.

Then they cried unto the LORD in their trouble, and he delivered them out of their distresses.

   

And he led them forth by the right way, that they might go to a city of habitation.

Oh that men would praise the LORD for his goodness, and for his wonderful works to the children of men!

   

For he satisfieth the longing soul, and filleth the hungry soul with goodness.

A few moments...

These are just a few short clips I captured of Isabella in everyday life. She is growing so quickly, I hardly can believe it! It is such a blessing to have a vocation restored to me every day. If not, I would certainly not enjoy little moments like these half as much as I do!

She thinks her mom is SO funny!

I think she's trying to crawl...oh no!

What a nice girl!

Food for the Spirit!

Psalm 113

   Praise ye the LORD. Praise, O ye servants of the LORD, praise the name of the LORD.

   Blessed be the name of the LORD from this time forth and for evermore.

   From the rising of the sun unto the going down of the same the LORD's name is to be praised.

   The LORD is high above all nations, and his glory above the heavens.

   Who is like unto the LORD our God, who dwelleth on high,

   Who humbleth himself to behold the things that are in heaven, and in the earth!

   He raiseth up the poor out of the dust, and lifteth the needy out of the dunghill;

   That he may set him with princes, even with the princes of his people.

   He maketh the barren woman to keep house, and to be a joyful mother of children. Praise ye the LORD.

Like our pastor has been asking this last week, what is praise in one word? "Shoes"! WHAT? Shoes you might ask? Luther defines praise as (I'm paraphrasing here) doing one's vocation with joy! Can you see now why the answer is "shoes"? Or can we wives/mothers put in another word? You get the idea. Enjoy praising your Maker today!

Here is a baby enjoying her food!!

Our 2nd Anniversary!

Today is our 2nd anniversary. The Lord is truly amazing! 

We have been blessed with a life-changing little girl who is such a joy. I sometimes get a glimpse of how the Lord must look at us.

Here is a little quote from "What Luther Says" that I really liked...

"The best thing in married life, for the sake of which everything ought to be suffered and done, is the fact that God gives children and commands us to bring them up to serve Him. To do this is the noblest and most precious work on earth, because nothing may be done which pleases God more than saving souls...God lays souls into the lap of married people, souls begotten from their own body, on which they may practice all Christian works. For when they teach their children the Gospel, parents are certainly their apostles, bishops, and ministers."