Jael turns 4!

 Our baby girl turned four at the end of the year. . .

 Jael's BFF (!), Miss Megan made her day special by coming over and enjoying time with the birthday girl. 

 Birthdays are best at Chuck E Cheese. . . Lolo and Lola were able to join us for some fun and lunch with the giant rat himself!  As much as she loves going, Jael is still uncertain about his motives. . .

Jael and her modest mermaid cake.  She thinks we should call the new baby "little mermaid". . .hmm.  Doesn't quite fit the Bible theme. . .

True love

 These were taken when we were taking Christmas photos.  I love how Amanda caught true sibling love in action!  Poor Joey!

 Ok, Jael kisses and makes up for the wet willy. . .

Final result:  posing like an angel:)

Ouch!

Children bring pain.  There's no way around it.  Their very entrance is marked with pain - and that's the easy part!  They painfully point out our sin, weaknesses, selfishness, failures, and shortcomings.  They push us toward the cross to find strength and forgiveness found only in Christ. 

Sometimes they bring physical pain.  Most, if not all, parents can relate to the "head butt" pain.  The other night at bible study I was changing Joey's shirt.  Sitting on the floor, he squatted in front of me.  All was going well until he, suddenly and with great force, pushed upward colliding with my face.  Thankfully, he missed the nose shove, but did manage to produce a nice puffy, bloody lip.  Even after almost 15 years of parenting, my first reaction was to scream.  God's grace allowed it to be silent and inward.  I'm always surprised at the reaction physical and emotional pain brings to my soul. 

Of course, it was an accident.  I got the blood stopped and Joey dressed.  Now I've been humbled this week as I talk with people realizing that my lip has a huge looking sore on it.  I want so badly to explain how it happened. . .but it really doesn't matter, does it?  Who cares if it's a cold sore, herpes, or an "ouchie" anyway.  It's there.  A reminder of my continued dependence on One so much greater than myself!