The Never-Ending Birthday

It seems like we've been trying forever to "officially celebrate" all our April birthdays.  With Rachael's job shift change and Katherina's birth, all our hastily-put-together parties didn't ever seem to quite reach the mark we had in our minds.  And with all the usual circumstances, Essie and Benjamin still had several gifts that remained unopened.  So this past Saturday, we decided that our evening together would be the grand finale.

Naturally, it was no surprise when Dad asked around the dinner table that evening, "Whose birthday are we celebrating next weekend?"  (I have to say, there is one kiddo who probably thinks we should have a party this weekend even though her birthday isn't until May 31...)  :)

Balloons, cake pops, and jelly beans made the perfect centerpiece.

Big brother who shares the same birthday as his little sister can always be heard asking, "Can I hold her now?"  It's almost becoming necessary to have "Katherina tickets"!

For the present opening, Essie was gracious in allowing a very exuberant red head help her unwrap the treasures.  Little Grace felt sure that some of the presents were for her.  Poor girl.  She's the one that has to wait until May 31...

Although this last one isn't the greatest picture, I just had to try and capture the brilliant idea that our reserved little man enjoyed implementing much to our surprise.  After opening one of his gifts that came packaged in a padded manilla envelope, he proceeded to open both end of the envelope, put it on top of his head like a hat, and then put things inside and "deliver" them to the intended recipient.  Genius idea, don't you think?  After all, someone like Benjamin has to come up with creative ways to keep all his sisters entertained. 

All in all it was a great evening together!   Now we are eagerly anticipating Kathy's arrival home in a little over a week.  And it appears as if we'll be helping the Turner clan move to a new house this next month!   These are busy times.  We are thankful for God's provision in every way.

Wisdom's Words

If God sends us on stony paths, he provides strong shoes.

-Corrie Ten Boom-

Wisdom's Words

The ultimate ground of faith and knowledge is confidence in God.

-Charles Hodge-

Spring Rain

I was out walking this evening right after a spring shower (or should I say deluge).  It was beautiful - the skies were beginning to clear and the sun setting between broken clouds.   As I passed our dogwood tree in full bloom, I couldn't but help notice the pink flowers graced with droplets of rain.  I dashed inside and grabbed my camera...and here are the results:

Our God's handiwork is beyond description!

Wisdom's Words

I am no longer anxious about anything...for He, I  know, is able to carry out His will, and His will is mine.

-Hudson Taylor-

April Days

It's hard to believe that it's already mid-April!  The days continue to pass so quickly.  I thank the Lord that his mercies are new every morning and that his faithfulness lasts forever.  Here's a little picture of  His continued grace and goodness in our lives.

The first of the month Dad and I made our way down to Jackson, Mississippi to visit Kathy at school.  It was a wonderful visit and SO good to see her again!!  We enjoyed observing her classes, meeting her new friends and professors, worshipping with her on the Lord's Day, and having heart-to-heart talks face-to-face once more.  It was difficult to part ways again, but we are looking forward to having her home for about five weeks next month!

Rachael had me deliver a new furry friend for Tiptop and Tiger:  Tuby, the hamster.  You got to have those essentials, right?

Right after we returned home, we threw an early birthday party in honor of our April birthdays (Rachael, Essie, and Benjamin) since Rachael had to work at the hospital the next week.  Little Grace wanted to include candles for her May 31 birthday, too - and you can't just tell a two year old no :)

Little did we know that the very next weekend we would welcome a new precious life into the world (and add another April birthday)!  Katherina Elaine Turner surprised us all with an early birth on Saturday, April 16, 2016.  It was a joy to meet her and hold her for the first time!

Laura and Katherina went home from the hospital just yesterday.  The siblings are greatly enjoying their new sister.  This will be one loved little girl to say the least!

Other changes this month included saying good-bye to two cars that served us well for many years.

  

We are grateful they were sold to individuals who were in need of vehicles and will care for them well.  In the meantime, I am enjoying my new Honda CR-V!  

This weekend we look forward to completing the April birthday celebrations since Katherina's birth last week changed everyone's plans, so be looking for pictures of the fun event in the near future.  In the meantime, we all look forward to Kathy flying home on May 9! 

Katherina Elaine Turner

Katherina Elaine Turner

Born April 16, 2016 | 9:32 a.m.

5 lb. 18 in.

Wisdom's Words

Your worst days are never so bad that you are beyond the reach of God's grace.  And your best days are never so good that you are beyond the need of God's grace.

-Jerry Bridges-

Wisdom's Words

What comes into our minds when we think about God is the most important thing about us.

-A.W. Tozer-