Got this pic from a friend.  These guys are over there right now.  Defending my freedom.  Protecting me from terrorists.  Protecting my freedom to vote.  My freedom to worship.  My freedom to right this post and have my own opinion.  They rock.  If you have ever served or currently serve in our armed forces, THANK YOU!

Brian

And now, a story from the imagination of Brotey C., just as he wrote it:

The Magic ball by Brotey C.

Once upon a time there was a Magic ball. and then Victoria picked the ball up.  and then Victoria kicked the ball and the ball flew and Flew.  and then Victoria threw the ball and the ball Went to the sky.  and then the ball came alive.

the end

That’s my boy’s new hobby.  Story writing, not magic balls.

Brian

This Sunday my family and I will be enjoying some time off and resting before the holiday season kicks into full swing.  But it is still going to be an exciting day at MeadowBrook as we continue to dive into the book of Luke and lift songs of joyful praise to our Savior.  You will sing:

Let the Praises Ring

The Solid Rock

Friend of God

In Christ Alone

Come and worship with Pastor Randy, Patrick, and the Worship Team.  Get into the Word and seek the Lord!

Brian

Every parent of a kid who watches Dora the Explorer knows that saying.  Whenever Swiper the Fox approaches, Dora, Boots, and every kid watching has to yell it three times to make him go away.  If you don’t do it fast enough he swipes something and usually throws it into some sort of pile so that they (with your help, of course) have to sort it out.  Really, he’s sort of mean.  Anyway, Victoria, the oldest one in this picture, was really into Dora about the time this pic was taken.  One day at the park, we heard Victoria yelling, “Swiper, no swiping!  Swiper, no swiping!  Swiper, no swiping!”  We looked to see Victoria pointing her finger at a friendly squirrel approaching the stroller holding her sister.  Good memory.

Does it bother anyone else that Dora seems to yell all the time?

Brian

That’s my mind right now.  Got several blogs posts in my head but no time to put them down.  Several To-Do lists running and things I haven’t even written down yet.  Praying, seeking, waiting, working.  And waiting.  Oh, waiting.

Seeking God for answers.  As a family.  As a church staff.  We are asking God to speak and to move in so many areas.  All the while, we wait.  But we wait like the disciples in Acts chapter 1.  We gather and we pray.  They didn’t sit on their hands and do nothing.  They actively waited by seeking God.  And so we wait.  Read Isaiah chapter 40 again.  Not just the part at the end that you know so well.  Read the whole thing.  Aaaaaaaaa, just go ahead and reread this post that discusses it.  It’s from early October.  We have been in this mode for awhile.

And, Ellie went for a check up today.  Just before her shots we found out that she weighs 14 lbs. 12 oz.  She is in the 75th percentile for length, 50th percentile for weight, and, contrary to her siblings, her head is in the 25th percentile.  The three in the middle had (have) big heads.  She is such a beautiful rebel.

And now, three of the five have been thumb suckers.

You know your family is big when you start keeping stats.  Hope you have a great Wednesday.

Brian

And this was after our big 5k.  More on that later.

Brian

Our journey through Luke has been great so far.  I’m sure it’s only gonna get better.  God is moving in so many lives and in so many ways.  It’s very exciting.  This Sunday:

Hallelujah, You’re Worthy to Be Praised – new song from choir

Be Glorified (in Me)

Come Thou Fount, Come Thou King

I Will Rise

I can’t wait.

Brian

Brotey went to school as Clark Kent turning into Superman this morning.

I must admit it was rather comical watching Krista pull Superman from the car.

Happy Festivus!

Brian

I am so proud of my kids but it’s been a while since I posted any updated pics.  So here you go:

Even though it’s a PC (I mean, they can’t be perfect), Kate is definitely a girl after my own heart:

I love Victoria’s personality:

Emma with her best friend Caroline:

Kate’s smile (how many dimples can you count?):

Vic with her jump rope team:

Emma with her jump rope team:

Brotey with me in my “quiet time”:

Brotey is an awesome big brother:

Ellie’s smile:

What can I say?  I love my kids.

Brian

Remember this Festivus feat of strength from last year?

A new version is coming this Saturday.  Anyone want to join in the fun?

Brian