Evolution of a Bananapiller

Every month Isaac gets a magazine from Focus on the Family called Clubhouse Jr. Each issue has a craft project for the kids to do. Last month we made frog so we wouldn't "frog-et" to pray. This month's issue had a bananapiller. So Rick bought the suppplies and Isaac and Rick made a bananapiller. Of course the best thing about the banapiller was that is was tasty. It was a healthy snack, except for the Oreo Stix for legs. It actually called for pretzel legs, but we forgot to get them.





Here is Rick starting to form the bananapiller's body.



And here he is cutting the apple that is for the body, too.

It's starting to come together.

This is one of my favs- working hand by hand.

The body and eyes are together. Isaac put the eyes on (after he ate a few).

And, wahla- here is Mr. Bananapiller!!

Isaac was so excited and was ready to eat it.

I just love Isaac's open mouth smiles.

Take a Walk on the Wild Side

Isabella has joined the world of the walkers! She has been flirting with walking for awhile now and finally has taken the first step, literally. I am really excited for her and it's amazing to see how much she has grown. She's such a joy to be around and there's nothing in the world that can compare to the smile she gives me! Yet, at the same time, it is a little bittersweet. I want her to grow, but just not so fast. Here's a cute video of some of her first steps (please excuse my Howard Deanesque scream at the end).

At the Ladies' Tea we had at church last month, the speaker challenged us to pray blessing over our children. She told a story of Mary Washington praying for her son, George. And how, even on the battlefield, George sent a letter to his mother imploring her to keep praying. I've been trying to pray over my two precious babies since then. Some nights I just plain forget, but it has helped me to remember that they really aren't mine. They are God's and what an awesome responsibility he has given Rick and I as their parents. Part of my prayer is from Genesis 31:49, "May the LORD keep watch between you and me when we are away from each other." I also borrow from Moses as he was instructing Aaron and Isrealites about the priestly blessing in Numbers 6,

The LORD said to Moses, "Tell Aaron and his sons, 'This is how you are to bless the Israelites. Say to them:

" ' "The LORD bless you and keep you;
the LORD make his face shine upon you and be gracious to you;
the LORD turn his face toward you and give you peace."'

"So they will put my name on the Israelites, and I will bless them."