I love when the kids play "bedtime" with blankets, pillows, prayers and the like.

I hear soft replies at ANY and ALL whimpers Sophia makes. "What do you need sweetie?" "Oh, some more water?" "Sure."

More water?

The one Gabe and I always get a good laugh about when (for the 100th time) she gets out of bed, "I will give you mercy." (Asher) Love it!

I'm getting the drift this is what they wish their bedtime was like ALL THE TIME!

The best is when Gabe plays the child and Asher and Sophia are "Mom" and "Dad". They aren't so lenient with him! They've got the trip to the bathroom finished with hugs, prayers, and tickles down to a fine art.

It's Tuesday night and Gabe is at Upward. This if what it looks like here.

Gabe took some time tonight to teach the kids HOW to put their coats on, zip them up, and buckle themselves in their car seat (yes he brought those in!). Who knew how FUN and "so easy Mom!" this could be. In the heat of the moment this has been anything BUT hilarious, as Asher now thinks it to be!

I recently found a sewing project I must have started while pregnant with Sophia.This, mostly FINISHED (that's big for me these days!), "blue" quilt will be Liam's! He IS the third child. What can I say?

This morning while vacuuming I was startled to the point of nausea and sheer terror as a dark figure STARED at me through the door window. I still felt sick 5 minutes AFTER I had pity on him and let him in, seeing as it WAS rather cold out. Gabe came back early to do work from home. The 52 degree office just wasn't cutting it! I like having him around.

The conversation at the lunch table today made me wonder. There was agreement on this and I quote, "A REAL princess works hard. She takes care of babies and sometimes blows bubbles up into the sky." ??? Could my kids really think I'm a REAL princess!!??

We are ALL looking forward to a visit from my parents on Saturday! We cannot wait!

Gabe is out cold on the couch. Babes are nestled in their beds, warm and sleeping soundly. As for me, I am taking a break from sitting on the ground engrossed in upholstery sample books. Am I overwhelmed? Yes. Is this fun? Yes, but so far only until I play every scenario out in my head for possible "accidents" to see that the one fabric I finally found and grew to appreciate does not fit the criteria for making the outcome worth the means. Then I am back to square one. My worst case scenario (by the way) is poop. A lot of it! With kids I am finding anything is possible.

Did she have my favorite material? Yes. Was it too good to be true? Yes. Was it because it was too expensive? Maybe. I did not even ask the price. It was thin. Did you  know they run all the fabrics through what are called abrasion tests to see how quickly the very first show of wear and tear will make itself known? I am learning a lot! That blueberry was too soon. I think Gabe would have wrestled once with the kids and 12,000 rubs would have been maxed out!

On a more properly put perspective (since this couch is not coming with me to heaven!) Sophia every morning at the breakfast table asks to talk about her heart. I more or less ask her questions about it, and she knows all the right answers. The day the Lord does that life changing work in her is going to be a grand day. On a smaller scale and to details I do not exactly know of, I do get to see little glimpses of how He may prepare hearts to be ready for the harvest. What a process. What a beautiful mystery. Even in my two and a half year old. What a ministry that takes place here 24/7. He is good. I am thankful how He pursues my children.

His children. Even though I am the "mom" here, I am first in line to be filled with love from this kind of lover. He pursues me to relationship with Him, change, growth and humility. What I find in His Word challenges me to talk less, to give grace more, to forgive, to let things I hear "roll off my back" as I know I myself have at times (intentionally or not) cursed others in a moment of foolish and careless talk. I need that pursuing. I am scared to know what exactly I would be without it!

Sophia will very confidently tell you she is beautiful because Jesus made her that way. She will tell you that she does not have to be scared of the blue dinosaur in the basement because God told her not to be afraid. She is trusting and believing Him for those things. Relationships take pursuing and I can see that He is proving and making himself known to her. It is absolutely precious. It is an absolute mystery. No credit can be taken here. It is a work only He preforms. It is freeing to  know that although I do have a part to play (may He daily grant me the grace to do my portion well!) let's be real in the fact that He alone saves!

While talking and explaining something to Asher more serious in nature....

Interrupts, points, and squints..."Mom! Wait! What's that orange thing on your lip?!"

"It's a cold sore." "Thanks for pointing that out right now."

I can't get away with anything around here.

And how's that for some sneaky manipulation I fell for.

Rats!

1 Corinthians 13

 ¹ If I speak in the tongues of men or of angels, but do not have love, I am only a resounding gong or a clanging cymbal. ² If I have the gift of prophecy and can fathom all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I have a faith that can move mountains, but do not have love, I am nothing. ³ If I give all I possess to the poor and give over my body to hardship that I may boast, but do not have love, I gain nothing.

 ⁴ Love is PATIENT, love is KIND. It does not ENVY, it does not BOAST, it is not PROUD. ⁵ It does not DISHONOR others, it is not SELF-SEEKING, it is not easily ANGERED, it keeps no record of WRONGS. ⁶ Love does not delight in EVIL but rejoices with the TRUTH. ⁷ It always PROTECTS, always TRUSTS, always HOPES, always PERSEVERES.

 ⁸ Love never FAILS. But where there are prophecies, they will cease; where there are tongues, they will be stilled; where there is knowledge, it will pass away. ⁹ For we know in part and we prophesy in part, ¹⁰ but when completeness comes, what is in part disappears. ¹¹ When I was a child, I talked like a child, I thought like a child, I reasoned like a child. When I became a man, I put the ways of childhood behind me. ¹² For now we see only a reflection as in a mirror; then we shall see face to face. Now I know in part; then I shall know fully, even as I am fully known.¹³ And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is LOVE.

Last night was one of those nights where I had to go back in the room after putting Asher and Sophia to bed to ask them to forgive me. I was not patient and I did not speak to them in a kind and loving voice. It was sharp and to the point. I had an agenda and cared solely about keeping that agenda. I know they were sad. More than that I knew it was wrong. Sin.

And I would have NEVER spoken to them in such a manner if someone else was around. How I'm reminded I'm never alone and someone is ALWAYS watching how we speak to "his" children (and people for that matter) and is holding us accountable.

I am always touched by how eager and quick they are to forgive. I'm humbled by my children.

I realize the longer I'm a mom, that a good one doesn't get it right every time and can do it on her own strength or just when she feels up to doing it or only when she's in a good mood and doesn't have a splitting headache, but rather one that knows she can't do it alone, that "feelings" and "circumstances" do not merit a free pass to do exactly what His word says not to do. A good mom is one who knows when she's wrong, acknowledges it and asks for forgiveness and strives to, only with the help of a gracious and well equipping and strengthening God, purge those areas from her heart for good. 

I'm in that process. Daily. Whether it's with my husband, my kids, my thoughts...love is the key that needs to be there. Should I EVER forget what love means I refer to this passage of scripture often and should ANY uncertainties arise of any behavior in question it is quickly answered! It can not get any more plain and simple, black and white.

Are my kids learning of a gracious Heavenly Father that even their mom needs!? Uh..YEAH! Are they learning not only the importance to say they are sorry when offend but forgive when offended and wronged? Why it's so important to always grant forgiveness no matter how big or small or hard or easy because we have been forgiven much. Someday it will hit them just how much. I can only hope and pray so.

In the meantime... it's always a new day and there is definitely a living God who reigns here and does mighty works in us if we let Him.

His grace abounds in this home.

I have had this page bookmarked for quite some time now. This material is what I've had in the back of my mind for ideas to "match" (since I settled for the notion that finding it "exactly" would happen only in my dreams!!) as best I can when time/funds/no other more pressing needs! became available for our white couch, which seem to have happened. It's a good couch and they just don't make furniture like this like they used to. I'm picky and I don't like what is out there these days.

Gabe says..."Just buy a new couch." I say..."Do you know what they have out there??" "Not what I like, and if I DO like it, you can't afford it!" I'm tough.

Not really. I play all big and bad. I've really been perfectly content with what I have! We paid $100 for it when we bought it nearly brand new 4 and a 1/2 years ago; old sturdy bones, BRAND NEW WHITE upholstery. The white always scared me. But my intentions all along were... "some day when it was time" thinking.

Yeah, it's time, and this was Gabe's idea in a round about kinda way!

After getting off the phone with someone (recommended by a trusted source when it comes to this kind of thing) to reupholster it here locally, per her advice I decided to browse her suggested site to get some ideas gathered and hope for the best.

Low and behold!!!

This!

Okay I'm aware that Gabe might not be able to afford this exact one. That would of course be my luck! I'm trying not to get too attached, but a girl can dream right?!?!

Sometimes Gabe just surprises me with these really great ideas. It really shouldn't surprise me. His sometimes rather complex mind in figuring out these seemingly impossible to figure out math problems is actually really practical and down to earth in all reality. It's great for me because although I should be coming up with these ideas myself, sometimes my brain is too fried that I'm just not coming up with any great practical efficient ideas/ways for anybody! Give these guys a problem/scenario/challenge and mine at least goes to town to divide and conquer! It's a gift our guys have you know. I like that!

Side note: Bunny Trail with a little wholesome bragging!!! Gabe is extremely well rounded! It's one thing I love about him. Did I mention he can pull off a suit with a tie, share from his heart in a Sunday school class AND wear a Carhartt with his tool pouch and fix just about anything like it's nothin'??

Enough ga ga ga! Movin' on!

My problem. A TERRIBLE toy set-up! What seemed too many, upstairs, in the way, making my life a constant hectic toy chaos problem. With a one room first floor it's impossible to "get away" from toys. I love my kids. I like some of their toys and will even sit and play with some of them! I like that it "shows" we have kids. However it just wasn't working.

Gabe's genius solution. Toys go in bins as in a specific category ie.. "Little People" and accessories in one, all "Thomas" in another, "Legos" in another etc.... ALL bins go and STAY down in the play room in the basement. Each morning the kids and I go down and pick out minimal toys for the DAY. One bin with a few odds and ends that aren't enough to complete it's own category in a bin.

The goal we are achieving besides some order to my thoughts and house, the kids are playing with ALL their toys and extremely thankful for what they have. By the time we make it around to a new bin during any given day of the week it's like Christmas all  over again. "MY PRINCESS!!" "LOOK Mom, my special little man with his car." That man and car never looked so special! And they play with them all day long until they go back down for the night and the system starts over again in the morning.

Ahhhh!!!!! Thank you Babe!

Our New Year was ushered in surrounded by family. Being with them made it easy to forget the New Year was even upon us at times. Though a New Year is for something new, we've never been real big on resolutions. I have goals and things I definitely would like to change/be better at, finish around the house, projects & ideas to simplify etc... but they're not so much what I consider to consume my thoughts. I honestly don't really want just the idea of something to be on my mind and lips only. I want to be doing it daily and not just a good idea, but what God has for me.

"New Year's" is something that can take place every day because I know Jesus, and his mercies are new every day. There is so much of God to be had for, today. I remember that phrase ringing loud and clear as it ran through my heart and mind while a familiar loved one lay in ICU. How it's just easy for me to rush today for tomorrow, for the future. And I can honestly say that over the years after I had a Jesus moment shortly after Asher was born it has just clicked that true joy and happiness is through a thankful heart and by finding what God has for you for this day, because that's where He dwells. Whether the day is a good one or a bad one He will give you what you need for the day. "Give us this day our daily bread". And He is ever so faithful to do just that.

I thought  she expressed it beautifully for what it really is. What it really should be. And I was encouraged myself after realizing my own "New Year" was later to be welcomed by the stomach bug and that I'm only now, today, feeling like I can pop open that bottle of sparkling white cider from my mother in law and celebrate with Gabe and the kids without any plan of attack in mind!!!! except celebrate today.

But that's okay because back to our time away in all it's specialness because there was much! We stayed with Graham and Randi and the boys. It was FUN, and encouraging to say the least. Each time we see Graham the progress of his healing is ever still present and evident.

As much as I could without it being...awkward!!..... I couldn't help but just look at him or want to hug him the whole time we were there, all while singing "This is Our God" by Hillsong. I don't think I'm the only one either. Graham screams of a God who is faithful, who is present, and compassionate, and full of grace and healing power. It was in one of those moments while sitting around talking after babes were in bed that those tears of thankfulness and sheer awe and amazement of this God spilled forth, as quite frankly they do often for me!

Now for pics of our wonderful time despite the bug that hit....

Prime Rib dinner! SOOO GOOD!

Christmas at the Ockrin's New Year's Day. The bug would hit Sophia first later that night.

We had an "incident". Uncle John Paul and I got a little carried away sword fighting and swinging our arms. Asher (bottom right of the picture) came a little too close and got whacked in the head pretty hard.
 

Taking a break with some ice. John Paul said his hand hurt pretty bad for a while.

Sophia got AMPLE time with Cheebe.

And time reading to Uncle Dan. He was not allowed to touch the book or turn the pages. She enjoyed his company because I saw him subject himself to her bossy ways.

I became strangely attracted to Gabe in this hat. And I shouldn't say strangely. He really can pull any look off. We just don't care enough to buy these things ourselves!

And YES! you have to extend your arm out as far as you can and your tongue in order to get the best possible results while flying a plane. I love how chill my MIL appears! She's had practice!!

"A" photographer, because there are many at the Ockrins.

Is this really necessary? Apparently!

This is Our God....

I may have Christmas already packed away for next year due in part to a tree that was starting to lose needles at a more rapid rate that I felt able to keep up with as well as my own ancy-ness to regain living space, HOWEVER; Christmas is by no means over for our little family!!! We are just as excited to go home in less than a week to celebrate with each of our families as we were to have our own, here.

We had a wonderful Christmas day. It was just what this busy little family needed. Gabe had Thursday and Friday off and it felt more like a vacation (sta-cation since we rarely left the house!) than anything. I had moments of wondering if we were doing the right thing in staying home by ourselves, doing our own thing, but each time I looked at Gabe and the kids those doubts were dissipated. We are starting traditions in this early season of life with little ones and it's exactly what we all need.

Our time together was special. Relaxing. Restful. And each Christmas I'm more aware of how thankful I am for the greatest gift of all. I'm completely struck by it. It doesn't matter what situations or circumstances surround or will surround me at Christmas. Christmas will always serve to remind how blessed I am to have a perfect hope. How loved I am by a God who saw me in my state and made a way, for me, by sending His most beloved. How greatly I've been shown mercy and grace. And how much more I want to live my life to bring glory to His name.

We've been reading through Revelation (Gabe and I, it's a bit deep for the kids!) but we read this last night and I couldn't think but how fitting it was as we wrap up this Christmas season; He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away. Revelation 21:4 That beautiful picture is for the taking.

And I'm just thankful I've been redeemed.

Just a few pics from our celebration; more to come on facebook I'm sure!

Listening to the Christmas story..."Daddy's clarification version"

A Christmas Birthday Cake

Hope everyone felt the warmth and love of a Savior to make any kind of Christmas it was for you this year still a hopeful and bright one in Him and His love for you.

My kids.

Sophia's version of "Hark the Herald Angel Sing"....."Hark the Hairy Manger Scene!!!"

We've gotten her at least convinced now that it's..."Hark the Herald Manger Scene." This of course still KILLS Asher every time he hears her sing it, because of course it's wrong! "Sophia!! I need to tell you something IMPORTANT!!" She just keeps singing it louder. I think to myself... Asher needs that right now!

Gabe is KING of singing the wrong lyrics with such confidence as well. Although he often asks me what my middle name is again too?!?!? Guess the apples don't fall so far from the tree after all. And I always feel the need to correct him with his wrong lyrics. Hmmmm...again, apples don't fall so far from the tree.

This morning Asher slept in a bit after the rest of us. 8 o'clock. You should have seen his eyes when I told him he must be growing because his body needed more rest in order to grow.

Sophia very confidently chimed in telling us she slept in too (which she didn't) so that her bum would grow.