Aren’t boys supposed to wear shorts with no shirt? Elijah hasn’t figured that out yet. Nothing like a little sand in your cheeks.
CLERGYGIRL
"for I am with you." Judges 6:12
Category Archives: Pics
Merry Christmas
From our family to yours, have a very merry Christmas.
Last Bits Of Sun For The Winter
He puts poor people on their feet again;
he rekindles burned-out lives with fresh hope,
Restoring dignity and respect to their lives—
a place in the sun!
1 Samuel 2:9
Sit, Look, and Smile
This is the very reason why I’ve had a picture frame from Ikea laying in my room now for almost two years. No matter how many pictures I take SOMEONE is always misbehaving. Just look at him! I don’t know whether to be mad at him or feel sorry for him. He looks as if he thinks his sisters are the biggest headache EVER! Just wait buddy. They’re not even teenagers.
I really wish I knew how to get everyone to sit still, smile and even sort of look at the camera would work. Am I asking too much? Friends who have five children send me pictures and all I can think is “how many pictures did it take to get everyone to sit, look and smile?” A true parental feat if I do say so myself. At some point Jeremy usually has to take the camera away because I start all sweet like ….”kids come sit down.” I have candy for everyone who sits still and smiles for the camera. And then, a second later I’m all like “if you don’t sit still and look at the dang camera I’m going take away all the video games in the house, starve you for a week and lock you in your room.” And as you can tell this works like a charm every time.
Presentation and a Domestic Goddess
I was feeling creative today with my kids. Lunch was octopus in a sea of green beans. I know….how can a cancer surviving mom feed her kids hot dogs? I’m happy to report that these are nitrate-free from Trader Joe’s:) We are huge fans. They ate every last bit and wanted more. I guess it’s all in presentation, eh.
Our Family Christmas Letter
Where do we start! What a year it has been. “Challenging” might be the best word to describe it! Most of you know that Jen was diagnosed with inflammatory breast cancer on February 3rd. So most of last year has been focusing on life with cancer and getting her better. Her treatment entailed 6 rounds of chemo, a double mastectomy and 6 weeks of radiation. We are happy to say that the pathology report came back completely clean after surgery, which indicates the chemo worked and the cancer is completely gone from the lymph nodes and everywhere else! She will be going through reconstruction surgery sometime this spring. They don’t say she’s cured till the cancer has been gone for 5 years, but we are thankful it seems to be gone and are prayerful and hopeful it will not return. Jen also blogs about her experience at www.clergygirl.wordpress.com
Jeremy started his second year at Parker Hannifin in Kalamazoo this fall as a quality manager and continues to enjoy it. This year he’s had a lot to juggle with a sick wife and a new job. He had to put a lot of his life on hold. Jen and the kids think he might qualify for “super dad” after this year.
Charis is 7 and started second grade. She loves everything to do with creativity. She loves to write and draw and comes up with all kinds of stories and creations.
Meleah is 4 and enjoys preschool and ballet. She loves everything girlie….dresses, make-up, cutting her own hair, princesses and anything pink.
Elijah has been such a joy this past year to Jen as she has struggled with her health issues. He is an extra cuddly little boy and spends a lot of time hugging, kissing and sitting on her lap. He also adores trains, trucks and balls and has an impressive throw for a one year old. His sisters are often the recipients of his tosses (even when they aren’t ready!).
We are especially thankful for our family and friends who helped us immensely this year. We are grateful for your love and support.
“May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace
as you trust in Him, so that you may overflow with hope
by the power of the Holy Spirit.”
Roman 15:13
CLERGYGIRL 