They are now truly big girls

About a month and a half ago we began putting this yucky tasting polish on Anna & Maggie's thumbs to discourage their deep-seated habit of thumb sucking. We also let them choose a gift that they could have after they hadn't sucked their thumbs for a solid month. As you can see by the smiling faces, they were very happy to become non-thumb-sucking-big-girls-with-fun-new-toys!

Elaine Updates

The past couple of weeks have been crazy for so many reasons... but one of the biggest is that Elaine celebrated her 1/2 birthday, got her 1st and 2nd tooth, started solids, and although she isn't crawling on her knees, she can army crawl with the best of soldiers! She is still the sweetest & most smiley baby, but she really wants to get around! Also, her favorite sound these days is "dada."

Never in January

I have soooo soooo many things to post about, but I need pictures! Soon, I hope! Until then I'd love to direct you to this method of reading through the Bible that Noel Piper encourages: Never in January. I just started this and I am searching for everything related to the joy of the Lord. It's very exciting!

DBC Short Term Team

Here's a picture of the team (except Cheryl) that came in to help put on the Women's Retreat & Kid's Camp. Thank you guys so much for your endless serving!

Kid's Camp

On Friday Night & Saturday part of the DBC team, the missionary dads & other church members had a Kid's Camp to help out the dads who were taking care of kiddos while their wives were at the Women's Retreat. Thank you Wes for not only taking care of our children, but many others also! Thanks to all the coordinators & helpers.

Sunday was Children's Day

Here in Mexico they celebrate Children's Day. Our church had a Noah's Ark themed evangelistic service to celebrate the day.

Group Shot from Sunday

Here's a picture w/ the team from DBC as well as most of us Monterrey missionaries.

Recommended Books on Marriage & Parenting

sebo - used book store
Originally uploaded by bluevelvetbr.

Well awhile back I told Kimberly that I would get her a list of recommended books on Marriage & Parenting. Sorry that I haven't done it before now Kimberly... but finally, here it is... This is defintely not a complete list (I've had 4 kids in less than 6 years, so I don't have the brain power to remember all that I've read, nor have I had enough time to read all the wonderful books out there). Please post any great books that you've read also! For really great reading check out Amber's blog... She is always reading great stuff! Thanks for sharing your books with us Amber!

I don't necessarily agree with every single point of these books. I just really enjoy seeing other people's faith applied in their families. I love the uniqueness of each home! May we all live out the WORD in our homes.

These are in no particular order, and I'm sorry, but I didn't link them.

Marriage:
Reforming Marriage by Douglas Wilson
Sacred Marriage by Gary L. Thomas
The Excellent Wife by Martha Peace
On the Other Side of the Garden by Virginia Ruth Fugate
Creative Counterpart by Linda Dillow
Intimate Issues by Linda Dillow
Fruit of Her Hands by Nancy Wilson
Treasuring God in Our Traditions by Noel Piper

Parenting:
Shepherding a Child's Heart by Ted Tripp
Mission of Motherhood & Seasons of a Mother's Heart by Sally Clarkson
Raising Children to Adore God by Patrick Kavanaugh
Don't Make Me Count to Three by Ginger Plowman
Teach Them Diligently & The Heart of Anger by Lou Priolo
Standing on the Promises by Douglas Wilson
Sacred Parenting by Gary L. Thomas

Photos from Women's Retreat Forthcoming

Last weekend I was blessed with attending our church's 1st ever Women's Retreat. It was a sweet time of fellowship & encouragement. About a year ago most of the women here said that there was no way they could be gone from there homes overnight. They are very serious about their homemaking duties! Since then, Phuong & Placy from our team and some other stellar ladies from the church organized a wonderful overnight retreat with a team from DBC serving at the retreat & hosting a Kid's Camp to help out the dad's caring for children. It was a great picture of the Lord using the Body to bless the Body! I didn't take any pictures, but everyone else did... so I'll borrow some & get them posted!