We have a Gymnist!

Ben and I are so thankful we were able to sign Emma up for Gymnastics.  She's in a class called Twinkling Stars.  It's great!  Her face beamed the whole time we were there!  She listened to the instructors extremely well, waited her turn, and loved swinging on the bars.  We can't wait for next week!

Gymnastics here I come!

Listening to the instructor

Having fun with stretching

Stretching...bending down and touching my toes

Swinging from the bar

Going over the bar!

Easter!

We had a great Easter.  We didn't travel as much as we usually do, which is nice.  We were able to spend some time with Ben's family in Racine.  Jess' mom and grandma came up Friday and stayed through Saturday.  Emma had lots of fun hanging out with them!  It was a full weekend, so we are excited this weekend is just us.  =)

Emma went on her first Egg Hunt and found two that made noise...she really enjoyed the presents inside!  

Catching bubbles with Aunt Lynda!  It was hilarious!

Emma's Favorite dog Murphy

Emma and Anahi ready to visit Oma's House

Emma and Grandma Gracie

Worry and Stress....

(This is how I felt inside most of the week...worried.  Future stuff always gets me in a tizzy!)

I'm reading Crazy Love by Francis Chan again.  (I love finding books that inspire you every time you pick them up).  

Well, this week has been a battle.  Battle of the mind.  Battle of the spirit.  Pretty much a battle in every way.  I (Jess) struggle with worry and stress.  If you know me at all this is no surprise.  By the grace of God, it's getting better.  Ben doesn't call me dooms day anymore, so that's definitely a good sign.  Anyway, as I was reading tonight, I came across two definitions that stood out to me and pretty much knocked me on my face.  Here they are:

"Worry implies that we don't quite trust that God is big enough, powerful enough, or loving enough to take care of what's happening in our lives.

 Stress says that the things we are involved in are important enough to merit our impatience, our lack of grace towards others, or our tight grip of control." (p.42)

Even now, I'm speechless.  WOW...the only word that comes to me to describe how small I view God when I worry and stress about things.  I look at my "problems" as these HUGE things, and make excuses for the way I behave towards those I love.  Sad!  

I also read Job 38 today.  I stood in awe of God!  Read it....it helps put many things in perspective, or at least it did for me today.

Papa's going to get you a diamond ring....

Apparently Emma has already made her decision about the size of her engagement ring.  On Wednesday nights, two high school students watch Emma while Jess is a leader at the Junior High ministry.  She's always really good for them, and seems to really enjoy her time playing with them.  PRAISE GOD!  

Last night, some how the topic of boys and rings came up.  (Funny how they go together)  Well, Emma said she'd like a 7 Karat ring and then she'd give a Karat to mommy.  Then she would have 6 karats....Yes!  Our daughter did subtraction!  Basically what I just wrote was what came out of a 2 1/2 year olds mouth.  Genius!  

Ben and I are constantly amazed at the little things she says...as well as the BIG things.  This is definitely one of the BIG things!)  

Not only is Jess excited that Emma did subtraction, but also that I'll get a 1 karat ring some day!  =)