School

I think we've gotten into a rhythm of getting up, getting ready, and out the door.  We've been so happy with Isabel's school and her teacher.  She is learning so much and is like this sponge that just soaks everything in.  She'll come home and tell me an entire book that she has memorized just by listening to it read to her for like two days.  Or randomly she'll burst out things like the Pledge of Allegiance, and I'm like wow.  I mean, not to say I didn't think she'd learn anything in school, but it's been really great to see her learn these things.   I think the best part is she really loves going.  Sometimes I'll ask her if she wants to stay home just to see what her response is, and she never once has said yes.  She wants to go to school.  I mean the girl loves homework...come on.  It's definitely been different, but a good different. 

Ana is enjoying preschool as well.  She LOVES doing preschool and will ask me pretty much everyday if we can do it.  Lee and I joke how we think Ana is really a genius.  Sometimes we wonder where she comes up with things or think she isn't paying attention, and then all of a sudden she can tell or explain exactly everything you were talking about. 

And Klara Jane...I'm pretty sure I told her verbally today, "I don't think it's a good thing you are walking now.":)  If she wasn't so cute, she would probably get in a lot of trouble, a lot of times.  She communicates in grunts with a few words mixed in here and there.  99% of the time she gets her point across. 

I'm a blessed momma who tries to keep up with the craziness of life. 

This girl

This girl, sometimes I don't even know what to say about her!  She's the baby, all 12 months of her.  I love her so much.

Not my words

These are not my words, but the words of a sweet friend.  I wanted to share them because they were SO incredibly encouraging to me.  I hope they encourage you.  I only wish I had a ounce of her wisdom.   

The Lord has been working in me, I too like 

to think I  have control and think I am strong.  I had a rough day with 
physical therapy, and even broke down in tears. It is very painful. I am 
so grateful our Lord didn't leave me there.  Like Peter as we have 
often spoken of I took my eyes off our Lord and I started to drown as 
the sea of worldly fear crept in along with self pity. When were these 
trials going to end? Only by His grace and loving kindness did He nudge my mind

to the promises and treasures He is allowing me to store 
in my heart, the heart of flesh that He gave me in place of my heart of 
stone. Ezekiel 36:26.  He promises that His grace is sufficient for me, 
for His strength is made perfect in my weakness.  2 Cor 12:9.  He 
reminded me in 1 Chronicles  29:11-14 that it is in His hand power and 
might, In His hand it is to make great and to give strength to all and 
to therefore thank Him for all things for all things come from Him and 
to praise His glorious name. These trials are a gift, my job be content 
in all things, in my own strength that will not happen I must draw on 
His strength for it is with the enabling of the Holy Spirit that I will 
have strength and reassurance to know He is at work in me, 
conforming me to the image of His Son and that is something to rejoice 
over. Hebrews 12:10  reminds me that our Heavenly Father disciplines us 
sanctifying us "that one day we may share in His holiness." Now that is 
amazing.  2 Cor 3:18 tells us He is at work in us,we progress from one 
stage of glory to the next. To look to Him first and foremost and 
remember He is my first love, that I am dependent on Him are the 
important lessons He is graciously teaching me at this time, I am 
thankful He is so patient with a hard nose like me.

Psalms 62:5-8
find rest oh my soul in God alone,
my hope comes from Him.
He alone is my rock and my salvation; He is my fortress, I will not be 
shaken.
my salvation and my honor depend on God. He is my mighty rock and refuge.
Trust in Him at all times, o people, pour out your hearts to Him, for 
God is our refuge.

Headed home

It's one of those days you try to have a good attitude, but it's a bit of a sad day when Lolo & Lola are headed back to the Philippines.  We're praying they have a safe journey back to their home there.  We've enjoyed having them states side the last few months, and are thankful for all the times we got to see them.  We joked last night while skyping, "Well, you can visit us here, or we can visit you there, or we can just never see each other again, except for Skype."  And Skype we are thankful for you!

I was talking with my brother a few weeks ago (who also lives in the Philippines).  He was joking, "yea, you have a savings account, and then you take a trip to the Philippines and you don't have a savings account anymore."  Unfortunately, it is expensive and it is a LONG trip, one I hope we get to make again very soon though.  

Just a few memories from our summer and the times we were together.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

O-N-E

Klara Jane is one.  What a blessing she is to our family.  She always exudes so much joy.  She is a happy girl, but likes to get her own way sometimes too.  She puts up with her sisters doting over her, and often loves it too.  She loves to climb.  Her favorite thing to climb in is our rocking chair in our living room, in which she will climb in and just sit there.  She took her first steps (3, maybe 4) at her birthday party.  Help me!  She says a several words, but likes to say them on her own time (ball, baby, mama, dada, bye, slug bug, more, papa, etc).  She will often answer you in yes or no nods.  Her favorite toys are big kid toys, and she LOVES music.  We love you Klara Jane! 

It's my party & I'll cry if I want to.

I'm happy now.  The most delicious chocolate cake ever!

How dare you take my paci away for a picture

Super special to have Lolo & Lola here to celebrate with us