Little Updates...Little Encouragements

Well, I do have a few minutes of free time as of right now. The boys are at baseball practice with Daddy and the girls are watching a movie. I have not planned a "meal" tonight, it will mainly be hot dogs and chips-easy, easy!!!

As for my foot-people have inquired about this-I am sorry I have not had an opportunity to update people. I think the Lord is healing it. I have been allowed to walk on it. Because I am doing so much on a daily bases at home, it is swollen at the end of the day, and still hurts in the morning. So we shall see if I need to go in to see Dr. Paul. I know sprains/torn ligaments can take a while to heal.
The Lord has been using this time of not being able to do as much on foot, to really help the kids and I step up in the areas of serving and relying on one another. This morning I had all the kids in what we call our "circle time" before school. This is where we all gather together to review things, teach new things, where I give the kids an idea of what the day will look like, or simply share things together. So I took this time to really encourage each of them where I had seen God's grace at work in their lives, especially during Mommy's injury.

I must say that Kayla has truly stepped up and taken the role as Mommy when needed. I am amazed at God's kindness!!! Here is an example-
One ongoing area of weakness/sin for me is laziness/disorganization. It can be very difficult for me as a Mom and housewife to order my day, as well as keeping an orderly home. Last week we were at a point once again, where because of my lack of orderliness this was a cause for restlessness, anger, lack of peace within our home. So I began to once again apply a cleaning routine in our kitchen and dining room area. Trying to develop something that was easy for the kids and I to understand and seek to be consistent with. Well, this is where Kayla comes in... she loves the new cleaning routine and has been consistent in applying it since last Thursday! It's working!!! This is a milestone for us!!! My thought was if we began to work really hard with one room at a time and try to be consistent with that one, then we can move on to other rooms. So prayerfully we will not slack back. I am realizing with a big household, you have to keep a good rhythm going, I am just really trying to learn how to. The boys are also doing well with their little jobs for the kitchen and dining room. They know more of what is expected.
The fruit of our labor has been evident: it is helping me to be more patient throughout the day, I have more time to play with the kids, rather than be constantly hurriedly trying to "keep up" with the cleaning. Most importantly Stefan is also appreciating it!! It really blesses him. I have had difficulty keeping him as a focus in this way many times. So with much encouragement from older women, I am soo trying to keep this perspective at heart, it serves Stefan and makes our home more peaceful for him, as well as for all of us.

This is such an act of God within our home that I had to share!!! Small beginnings that will hopefully last.

Anyway back to all the kids, Kayla is doing so well in caring for her siblings, doing housework, keeping the kitchen clean.

Gavin is doing excellent in making yummy bottles for Isabel, serving Mommy when I need help. That Gav, God has granted him such a sensitive spirit towards people, especially his mother. He always is quick to give me his arm or hand when I am limping or need help up the steps.

Carson boy, he is doing sooo well in his chores. He is always cheerful when he wipes our table and clears it off. He obeys so cheerfully too!!

Ava May, is learning and wanting to be a servant and helper. Whenever I ask the other kids to get something for me, she tries to run ahead of them to do it herself. So I am really trying to make sure I pay attention to what I am asking because it may be something she can do.

Lastly, miss Isabel. Well? hmm. I know she has grown to LOVE Kayla more through this time. Kayla is holding and caring for her so much that she prefers her over Mommy at times. What a blessing and sweet!! I always tell Kayla that God has placed her as the oldest for His purposes and it's a very special place, having to be the oldest. Even though at times its hard, there are so many blessings that come from it, as she seeks to serve and bless others.
Though yes, Isabel is doing great-wanting to stand and trying to walk. She ate Chicken nuggets and tater tots (cut up of course) for the first time today! That's fun-she loved it too!!
As for Ava and Isabel together? They are becoming great friends already. They love to make each other laugh.

Lots of evidences of Gods grace these past few weeks. I love how the Lord floods us with His blessings and grace even when we are not faithful in praying for it specifically or even expecting it. They are sweet surprises from God that remind me that He is at work in our lives regardless-it's not because of what I do or what I don't do-it is because of HIS continuing work in me.
He is our loving God and HE cares for us. It is because He is a faithful God...

All the paths of the Lord are steadfast love and faithfulness, for those who keep his covenant and his testimonies.
Ps 25:10

For the word of the Lord is upright, and all his work is done in faithfulness.
Psalm 33:4