Flashback

May went in such a blur! We were quite busy for most of it. Here are some highlights from the past month:

Olivia at 8 weeks:

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Scott and I again coordinated the NICHE (Network of Iowa Christian Home Educators) Conference Children's Program.

This year's theme was set during WW2, so the costumes were all for that time period. 

It was a wonderful conference, and we came away both tired and refreshed. :-)

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Memorial Day Weekend was the annual Vessels of Honor conference in Kansas City.

Ava and Lucy stayed with my family, and had a great time while Scott & I took just Olivia and enjoyed the conference!

The conference theme was prayer, and as we traveled home we discussed how, as a family, we could clean up, de-clutter, and spend more time on things that matter. 

This is what we came home to:

 

God definitely had us prepared for 8 inches of water in our basement, and gave us hearts of joy as we cleaned up the mess.

It was a great opportunity to get rid of things just lying around. Things that were now ruined and even more useless to us.

This was a blessing--no disguise on it. For all the hassle and sweat and work put in, I never felt frustrated or angry. Scott said the same. It was absolutely incredible how we never were upset about this.

 There are things we would like to replace. Things it would be nice for insurance to cover, since that's kind of their job, right? But still...so thankful. So blessed by the Living God!

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 Miss Olivia is now practically 3 months old.

She wiggles and scoots around on her back, on the floor.

She talks to her toys and coos with delight over just about anything.

When she is mad or scared, she really gets dramatic about it.

Even her mad, crying face is so cute.

Her smile lights up the room when she sees someone she knows!

Olivia is still very even-tempered. And clearly a 3rd child. Just today as I was running the vacuum Ava and Lucy were running around shrieking and Olivia just calmly played in her bouncy seat. Pretty impressive stuff, I have to say.

 All the girls love each other! Olivia adores her big sisters, and they dote on her. 

Can you tell??

 Strong baby, growing up so quickly!

Lucy and Ava--the "very bestest big sisters EVER!!!"

Highlight of the day, captured:

The exact reaction as Daddy walked in the door!

Because my Husband loves God, because my Husband has given his life to Jesus Christ, our home is blessed. I can only say that the loveliness in our home, in our marriage, in our children, is only because of the Living God working in our lives. Can I get an AMEN?!