I want to thank all of you for praying for Ben and the family. Ben is heading home today from the hospital after a long 10 days. He has a lot of recovering to do but this is a huge step. We know that God has caused us to grow vastly during these past weeks and also that this experience will be used for His glory. We are so grateful for our family and friends who have helped us, encouraged us and prayed for us during this time. Thank you! I will try and post some pretty gross pics from Ben's surgery this week. If you can't stomach it, sorry!

Prayer Request

Many of you know that Ben had an emergency appendectomy on Monday night. He is recovering now but we could still use lots of prayer. Please pray that all of the infection is removed from his body. Pray that he has a quick and total recovery. We are asking for a return of his appetite and energy. He is doing everything he can to make the recovery process go faster but it is painful. Ben's strength is starting to return and everyday it is getting better.

Love, True Love

A Good Ol' Smile from Buddy

Good Times

The kids ready for a Purim party. Chloe is a bride and her accessory is a barbie doll from my childhood.

Chloe and Elijah are dressed as a bride and groom. Tirzah is wearing a fun ball gown.

Happy Easter

It has been nearly a month since our last blog. Sorry everyone! It is something on the list that just doesn't seem to be getting done. Here is a quick update on the family. Elijah has earned his badge in teething this past month. He has his fourth molar making an appearance. Chloe is healthy and busy as Momma's little helper. One of her favorite activities is making sure Elijah is doing what he is supposed to be doing. Ben is working and going to school and I am up to the usual. How is that for interesting? Really, we are so grateful to be celebrating Easter and even more so because we know of Christ's grace and mercy He bestowed to all people on the cross at Calvary. May you be blessed with knew depths of understanding regarding our Father's tremendous love and concern of you.

Elijah Loves the Camera

Elijah Smiling For the Camera

He smiles but we never can seem to get a great shot. He gets this cute grin but almost always closes his eyes and starts to walk towards the camera. Buddy just can't stand still.

Elijah eating yogurt

Chloe and Aunt Jeni

Chloe turns 4

Where did the time go? - That is the question I am asking myself all the time. My little girl is now four and it hardly seems possible. She and three of her friends went to Build-a-Bear. The girls "made" these bears like their were pros. What suprised me the most was Chloe. She found a stroller for her bear and then went shopping. She hung outfits on her stroller like she had done it a million times. I know what you are all thinking. Kids do emulate their parents. She often forces me to take a good look at my own habits.

Finger Painting

As you can see from the photo, Chloe finger paints. Elijah mostly eats the paint.

BATH TIME

Above are some precious pictures of bathtime at our house. I think bathtime is one of the best times of the day. The smell of a clean baby is one of the greatest joys in life. I pray that I never forget that scent.

Elijah miserable with the flu

Yep, this is what Elijah looked like for nearly a week. We got very little sleep and had to deal with whining pretty much all day. He finally started to become his usual, happy go lucky self on Sunday.

Party in honor of Ry

Aunt Jeni and Kodi

Ben and I recently had some of my precious family over to visit and catch up. It had been too long and we really enjoyed the visit. Here Maynard, Richelle, her daughter, Sadie, and Chloe - not visible except for arm - look at Ryan's map of Greece and his pics. My new lamp ($5) from the Goodwill is visible in the upper left hand corner. Yes, it is yellow and I love it!!!

My Grandmother painted this picture and it is lovely. The picture (with the glare) does not do it justice.

Elijah eating his favorite crackers.

Uncle Mike, Aunt Jodi and Aunt Jeri

Chloe is wearing a handmade shawl (thank you, Janet)

Uncle Ryan and Elijah on Christmas Morning

A sweet picture of Uncle Ry and Elijah. When Ryan first arrived, Elijah would have nothing to do with him. By the time this was taken, Elijah was saying his name and playing with him. Christmas was so good this year. Ben and I are grateful for our family and friends.

Snow Day

The kids had a great day in the snow. It was very cold outside and you can see the rosiness in Elijah's cheeks. We did a short walk all bundled up. Elijah kept getting frustrated because he was unable to pick up anything with his hands due to the bundling.

My new table and chairs

I finally have a table big enough for our family and guests!!!

Little Cindy Lou Who

Chloe reminds me of Little Cindy Lou Who

straight out of Whoville in this picture.

The Times... They are a Changin'Elijah sports a new haircut. It's a bit sad to see his curls go,
but now we can see his gorgeous eyes.

Speaking of gorgeous eyes, this shot shows a nice pair of peepers on my sweet little girl. Chloe's red hair inspired us to dress her
as an old favorite...Pippi Longstocking.

Elijah was dressed as Einstein for our little party (this is one of
the last photos of him with his cute, curly hair).

Fall Fun

Chloe digs for seeds in the ooey, gooey pumpkin

in preparation for carving.

Our visit to the zoo was a big hit with both Elijah and Chloe.

Elijah finds himself a midday snack.

This photo cracks me up. I could hardly hold the camera still. Chloe doesn't yet know how to read, but you know what they say about kids emulating or imitating their parents...

Savor Every Day

Seth, Chloe, and Tirzah hanging out.

Elijah kicking back.

Chloe stretches before dance.

Elijah loves to play, and he loves to get a laugh.

Chloe enjoys a laundry break.

A Trouble Sandwich

Avery, Chloe, and Ethan pose for a camera shot.