The best sister in the world

That is right I have the best sister in the world - I'm sorry for those of you who think yours might compare but Julia Alday is in a league of her own when it comes to sisterness. I don't know what I'd do without her. She is truly one of the saddest parts about leaving the country.

Binge Blogger

ugh - I have been threatened by my husband that he is going to kick me off his list of blogs he reads if I don't become a little more serious. It just becomes so tough. Right now we are trying very hard to focus on potty training Brady, it's going pretty rough. He is so sweet and cute though. They tell me at church when he is in the nursury he is always comforting crying kids. He tells them "It's okay you're mom will be back." I am so pleased with his little personality. He is starting to test boundries, like when I ask him to come over to put his shoes on he runs away (every time, it gets so old) but as soon as I count to 3 he comes over real quick, saying "I'm comin mom" with the look of fear in his eyes. If I ever do get to 3, I act real mad - probably more mad then I really am, I just don't want it to loose it's power - then what will I do? Mac is walking - PRAISE THE LORD!! He is moving slowly but learning each day. Brady and I are trying to teach him words too. Yesterday we did COW and MOO and today he was trying to teach his cousin Kaiden who was born on the same day. I think he is trying to get back at him for walking circles around him for 5 months.

A thought on Communion

I absolutely love reading the Bible. The best part is that each time
you read a passage you can learn something new. When I was in Bible
Quiz I memorized a large portion of Corinthians but now it is speaking
so deeply to my spirit, especially in the light of what we are about to
do in Greece. One thing that I notice is how often Paul speaks of the
power of the Holy Spirit and how much he condemns all human efforts. To
me that is so key to what the foundation of our ministry will be. This
is why everywhere we go we ask people to pray for miracles -extreme miracles. However, today I was reading 1Cor.5 and was smacked in the face with a great thing to remember with the rapid approach
of my favorite holiday, Easter. 1Cor.5:6-8 speaks of purging the yeast (sin, malice) from our lives in
light of our Passover Lamb who was sacrificed for our reconciliation.
Often times I approach Communion only looking back at Christ's great
gift when I should look inside as it says in 1Cor.11
"examine myself" and look forward to how I can become more like him in
order to bring him all the glory and honor he deserves. It reminds me
of a sermon P.Jamie preached while in was in youth - approach Communion
as a traffic light he said.
Red - stop and look back
Yellow - cautiously examine your own life
Green - move forward changed
A
great reminder for the most precious time for all who believe. The
Resurrection is the greatest thing - Death has been swallowed up in
Victory!

Tony's Travels

Tony is in D.C. with Andrew and Brian this week. They have several meetings and people to connect with. It is moments like these that I realize what a nice life I have with Tony working at home. I take it for granted so much and I hate it when he is away. But we all need to get away once in a while and there is no better situation for him then hanging out with one of his favorite people in the world. I'm glad that he able to go and grow and promote our missions endevours, but also I look forward to Friday. I am so blessed to have such a fantastic husband!

Sammy the Snowman

Brady and I made his first snowman. We had a fun little snow day actually. First we built 4 snow castles one for Mommy, one for daddy, one for Brady and one for Mac. Then we made Sammy, which Brady thought was really fun. Unfortunately, the snow was hard to pack and we got quite a workout making it stick, that is why he seems a little short. When we were all done we headed inside for some chocolate coffee and popcorn. It has been really fun watching the snow in the front yard melt away and Sammy and the castles remain. We may have a day or two left in Sammy's short lived life but it has been a good strong relationship and Brady has been taking good care of him.

Corn Starch

So now Mac is into everything. I was cleaning up the family room while he was messing up the kitchen. It's hard to be mad since for one it is my fault and second he is just so cute covered in corn starch. He ended up wreaking 3 outfits that day and now I have to buy a new box of cornstarch which is kind of annoying because I'll never remember that and then when I want to make some baked mac&cheese there won't be any.... ug the drama of being a mom. ha ha

Mac's first haircut

Mac got his first haircut despite the fact that he didn't want one. He hated it, but I think it turned out pretty cute!