Being a mother of two is nothing short of a full-time job (hence such infrequent blog posts.  I have sat down many times to try to at least get some recent pictures up, only to be summoned away from the computer. :)  I have found God's grace so faithful in those moments of meltdowns and and frustrations and so sweet in those peaceful times when everyone is content and happy (or sleeping:).  Being a mother is a gift of joy and sanctification.  I pray not to waste those hard moments, and that God will indeed use them to sanctify me and chip away those parts of me that still do not reflect His image.  And in those moments when I think to myself, "This is the life!" I want my heart to always overflow with humble gratitude knowing that every good gift is from above (James 1:17).  I want to be quick to give God the glory, from whom all blessings flow.   

As my husband told me last night, (something to this affect...quotation marks can be risky:) "On the Potter's wheel is right where I want to be."  My heart totally agreed.  I know that whatever the Lord daily allots for me - whether difficult or delightful - is for His utmost glory and my greatest good; what He ordains is being used by Him to mold me into what He desires me to be.  

The familiar promises of Romans 8:28 - "And we know God causes all things to work together for the good of those who love Him and are called according to His purpose" - and Philippians 1:6 - "being confident of this very thing, that He who began a good work in you will be faithful to complete it until the Day of Christ Jesus" - bring such sweet comfort and smiles, even if I feel like crying...or if I do cry...I can know the tears are not in vain.  God uses them in His kind, wise way to accomplish His purpose and will for each of us.  

Well, time was allowed today ... so here are a few recent pics of the kiddos.  They are both growing so much each day, and I am so thankful to get to be their "Mommy"!  

John David in his "game day" uniform...

we have greatly been enjoying watching Bama this season!

Clean and cuddly :)

Sweet smiles

Ready for Disney World!  Claire already loves Minnie Mouse :) 

Our big boy no longer sleeps with his paci - we tied it 

to balloons and sent it soaring in the sky!

"Bye-bye paci!" John David cheered.

He was pumped about the idea...until naptime came.

He's doing great now and has only asked for it a few times since. 

(sorry the pictures aren't clear; of course my camera

battery was dead on the day of the "launching".

These were taken with David's phone.) 

"Up, up and away!" 

We watched the pacifier and balloons fly

 until we couldn't see them anymore.

I must say, it really was a cool experience :)