The Invincible Baby

OK...our friend Peter told us this was out there, but I had to see for myself. What is this world coming to?!

Breakfast

We tried this easy, tasty, super-cheap, super-good-for-you rice porridge this morning. Yum yum!!

The night before, soak 1 cup brown rice (not quick cooking) in 4 cups water. (Soaking increases the nutrition and helps your body absorb the good stuff better and easier.) In the morning, just turn on the stove and simmer the rice about 30 minutues, or until done. It will be a bit watery, like oatmeal. Add a bit of sweetener and some raisins...milk for a complete protein. Our kids gobbled this up! I wish I had made more!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, AMY AND BRIAN

Amy and Brian, Happy Thirty-Something Birthdays this week. Hopefully, you haven't been too busy to realize that you are now a year older and wiser and entitled to eat cake. We celebrate another year of life with you. (Wish I had an appropriate picture to post for the occasion) As I read somewhere, when you're busy raising children, "The days and nights are long, but the years are short." Hope you also have some short days in the coming year. Love, Mom

Dance Baby Dance

We know you may not think this is as funny as we do, but we thought you would enjoy it anyway. Just remember, you saw it here first. It is funnier when you watch it multiple times...check out that hip action...and make sure you have the volume up.

Mothering Musings

A good friend emailed the other day to say they are now expecting their fourth child. This while doing everything in their power to prevent another pregnancy. I joked with Brian to beware, because everything that happens to them seems to come our way next. Her mother-in-law had some amazing wisdom: “Embracing children is one way we are different then the world. Seeing children as a blessing makes us stand out.” I have to remind myself of this today as it is 2:24 pm and all I have to show for it is one load of laundry, three bathed kids, and a grumpy attitude. I told Brian that I am so discouraged because every day I realize that what I want to see changed in my kids I first have to change in myself. It is very hard to change. God help me. Maybe this is why God reminds us that children are a blessing. They have touched deep, unexplored parts of me that would have otherwise been ignored. They are his instrument of sanctification, I truly believe. So, although we are hoping it will be quite a while until another one comes along, please, God, help me to see how my children are a blessing and to know that no matter how hard we might try to avoid it, you want to bless us.

It's Christmas Again

Just thought I'd post a few pictures I got of the Wolthuis Christmas. We pushed for a "slumber party", and were all really looking forward to it this year. We meant to take a picture of us all playing Wits and Wagers, but were having so much fun that we forgot.
Kevin turned into a human jungle gym for kids in pajamas.









Dad and Amy read a couple really good Christmas stories to the kids.
Sam thoroughly enjoyed his conversation with Gabe.

We all stuffed ourselves silly on egg casserole, sticky buns, and pigs in a blanket (my personal favorite). Everything was delicious!! I'm really glad the sleepover worked, and I hope we will do that again next year.