What is in a title?

And being found in a fashion as a man, he humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross. Phil 2:8

I didn't know what to title this, but does it matter? Hopefully people read this anyway. :)

Not much knew is going on. Our son Malcom surprised us from Germany a couple of weeks ago. What a surprise blessing. He is back home in Germany and we are back to missing him. 5 more years, 5 more years. :(

We got a new dog. She is so sweet, even if she likes to run away. She has definitely made our house busy - again.

Life is good, busy, and packed with love. I was talking with my bible study on Monday about my "older" boys and the "younger" boys. I asked them if it is wrong to have your 7 yr old and 6 yr old sit on their big brothers shoulders and "chicken fight" in the mall like they are in the pool. They seemed to think it would be better than to be a boring, strict, no fun family. Well that is DEFINITELY not us. Do you think it is wrong our girls have tiaras, earrings, and phones? Thanks Malchi! They love it!

The boys continue to amaze me with their reading and math. They are so smart! I just wish their family and friends in Ethiopia could see how smart they are. Ahnika continues to amaze me with her language and smart brain. Do you know that at 3 1/2 she has comprehension of what being poor is? We were in Target weeks ago and she asked me "Mommy, I not poor anymore?" It broke my heart that she knew what it means to be poor. Then I realize what a blessing it is to fully understand what it means to go without. I will, prayerfully, never have to know the deep harshness this world offers. My 3 little children will hopefully always appreciate the blessings God has given them.

I pray our little one will learn this appreciation as she can't remember her life before our home. Yet, constantly repeating to them the Love of Christ, to have Him in your heart, to love your friends, to be sorry and humble by our actions, and to teach them about God will keep her humble. Yesterday we were walking through our neighborhood when a car drove by with loud "rap" music. There was some derrogatory language in it and I heard the car flip around. My mom radar went up, but of course he was only parking. Yet when he parked and turned the car off Sophia yelled as loud as possible in her 2 yr old voice "JESUS COME TO MY HEART! JESUS!" as she looked to the sky. Wow! They do listen and I pray that man will someday open his heart to Jesus.

Today I am humbled again to the life God has blessed me with. My heart is bursting with the love I have for my awesome, drop-dead gorgeous hubby, ALL my kids, my friends, my family, and most importantly MY GOD! I have friends in Ethiopia picking up their new children. I received an email from one of them and my heart ached to be on a plane back there. I miss my friends and my new family there, the people, the food, the culture, God's presence, the coffee. If you can - go there. You will forever be changed.

Here is a picture of Sophia's birthday.

Thank you to all my friends and family. Thank you for sharing your lives with me. I can't imagine being anywhere else in life. You are all blessings to me and I love you dearly. Be in Christ in all you do - daily - seeking Him and loving Him just as He loves you.