Isabelle

I always wanted girls,...just not as much as I wanted boys. Since I was a self proclaimed "anti-girly-girl" the thought that I might end up with an emotional, pink-loving, drama-making, manipulating little thing living in my house...well, it was pretty scary.

With all of our kids we waited to find out the gender of our newest blessings. As we waited for baby #4 everyone was excited and hoping for a girl. Even me! August 22, 2011 dawned bright and beautiful, we were in southern Spain after all. We got to the hospital, got settled, surgery underway and suddenly she was there! Our little princess. I remember asking a few times if it was a boy or girl - they said it in Spanish first and I couldn't really focus enough to understand. She was beautiful and sweet. One of my easiest babies. Crazy brown hair sticking straight up. I was hooked.

Don't get me wrong she so far has proved to be everything I was afraid of. Emotional- always, and obsessed with all things pink (I had NO idea it started so young!), she can create drama out of a speck of dust and her Daddy and brothers would follow her to the ends of the earth. All of this and she's not even 3 yet! Lord help us as she gets older!

But Isabelle is still sweet and beautiful too. I love watching her care for babies and kids smaller than herself. She is amazingly helpful and can actually see a way to help before I ask her! She likes having things in place and pretty organized, but makes a mess with the best of them. She is shy and a bit of a diva, but once you've won her over she's your friend for keeps, unless she's in a bad mood, then just stay out of her way! 

I am so  blessed to have Isabelle in my life and to have the opportunity to be her Mom. I am learning so much about myself watching her grow and thinking about what truths are vital that I teach her. I find myself talking with God about what sort of girl she'll be and begging him to protect her heart and mind. We've only just begun this journey of raising our girls, there is so much more to cone and loads I am pretty scared of, but I can say without a doubt I am SO thankful God gave me girls, especially my Izzy.

Benson

I am often thinking about what to write here on this blog. I have even written full posts in my head only to realize it's not that kind of blog and I'm not that good of a writer. So, I use this blog to update and inform family and friends about life wherever we happen to be living at the moment. The thing is, life, it's pretty routine and I can't imagine anyone really wants to hear about laundry, dinner and sweeping the floor. And I really don't want to write about it...

I've found myself thinking about my second oldest a lot in the past few days and thought I might as well tell you about him. Since all of you are far away you don't get to know him or see him like I do and I think all my kids are worth knowing...even taking into account my obvious bias.

When Benson was born he looked like an old man.

Seriously, the oldest man. He had huge ears, a big nose and NO chin. He goes on record as being our worst sleeper and least likely to cuddle or snuggle. He was usually happy though and content to watch Josiah do whatever he was doing. With only a year between them they have always been together. 

Benson is 6 now and he has maintained his big ears. He thinks his ears are great, and so do I. Lots of people stare at his ears, some whisper to me about them, some just reach out and touch them. He is affectionately known as "satellite ears" by some of the Moroccans, but he could care less. What's the big deal, big ears or small ears, they've got nothing to do with your value as a person, right?! It's what I've always wanted for my kids, that they would see themselves as they honestly are and be content. Knowing that Man looks on the outside, but GOD looks at the heart. Benny gets that. I know that the chances are pretty good that those ears might get him heartbroken someday. People are mean. I pray though that he remembers what he knows now and that he clings to his God.

Benny has the softest heart of anyone in our family. He is quick to break in light of his sin and constantly checking in to see if he's on the right track. He takes his punishments quietly and immediately runs to your arms after being rebuked. I remember Uncle Daniel getting on him about something and being enveloped in a bear hug from Benson after the rebuke was over. It's a special and challenging thing to witness and be a part of. I wish I could be more like him.

I imagine that Benson will grow up to be a radio sports guy. He talks non stop and is a master at the play-by-play. He'll tell you about the very moments you just witnessed and why they were funny or who said what. He wakes up with a story on his lips and falls asleep with something he is dying to tell you. Somehow, though I still cannot figure out how, he has an New Jersey accent. No, really, he does. It is sweet and funny just like him.

He adores his brothers and sisters and can be found hugging, kissing and playing with anyone of them at any given moment. People give him energy and he wants to be with them at all times. For every time that I am frustrated or annoyed with Benson, I am also incredibly blessed by his love for all people, his ability to accept criticism and his confidence that has nothing to do with self esteem, but has everything to do with Christ. May it always be true.

He seems to be truly happy here in Morocco. He stumbles over Arabic and forgets what he's learned almost the moment he learned it but he's trying and not bothered if it's not right. He's made friends at school and loves running around with any kid who will. He is most happy with missimon and chocolate, but really, who isn't. Like I said, he is a blessing and I love him.

Thats Benny. Maybe I'll get a chance to write about the other 4 in the next couple weeks.

Potty Training and Other Lessons in Grace

We started potty training Isabelle this week. She's been ready for a while, but I've delayed because honestly it's just easier to change a diaper than to run to the bathroom at a moments notice. But, alas, it was time. So we got some special underwear, a bit of candy and treats and away we went. Since she was already pretty ready it hasn't been nearly the work I was expecting, but it has required lots of grace and humility. 

In America training a child to use the bathroom takes foresight and planning. We get everything ready and we strive to train them in a short amount of time. Our schedule us clear, or cupboards full and our resolve steadfast. Here in morocco training a child to do anything is extremely foreign. Children do what they do and you keep them happy as best you can. Yes they train their children to use the toilet, or cactus as the case may be, but as a matter of necessity, not a right of passage into toddlerhood. One day they wear a diaper, the next they don't. Accidents and messes abound, but it's really quite simple.

I can tell you my methods are a bit weird to my friends here. I've gotten loads of questions and suggestions and stories of why I should or shouldn't do something. It takes a whole lot of grace, and humility to not snap at people, or tell them their story is the most rediculous story I have ever heard. That on top of the grace it takes to encourage Isabelle to keep at it, do her best and move on to this new stage. 

I find myself smiling at the Lords ways. I've been praying for more love, humility and grace. He in his never ceasing faithfulness is bringing about these things in me. I kinda hoped it would just happen, that it wouldn't take any effort. But I am tired from the effort changing takes. It's a good tired though, a good peaceful tired and I can't really say that I'd have it any other way.

Home

I love our house here in Morocco. I love that it is close to a little village so I can get veggies and things I need quickly. I love that it is a bit out in the countryside so I don't have to listen to my neighbors through the wall. I love that we are surrounded by the Rif mountains and not too far off is the Mediterranean sea. I love the garden and yard for the kids to run around and get their wiggles out. But what I love most is the layout of the house itself. Joey spent many an hour looking at our funny shaped piece of property and trying to sort out how to get the most out of every square inch. He did an excellent job! 

 

On the bottom floor there is a guest house for the volunteer teams who come. There are four small bunk rooms, a kitchen, 3 bathrooms and a salon where we do our eating and general hang out.

 

On the second floor there are two apartments. One is a small one bedroom little spot for people who come with families or longer term trips. Our apartment is a two bedroom spot that is just right for our family right now. All the kids cram into one room - and love it I might add!

 

 This is the view out the front door of our apartment. So pretty!

 Our living room and kitchen. 

The view out our front window. Extra beautiful this time of year because its still green.

Our roof where we hang laundry, play in the summer, and slip away to soak up some sunshine.

 A beautiful almond tree in bloom just outside our wall. It greets me every time I come down the stairs.

This house is a special blessing for us and a testimony of God's goodness. 

I'm so thankful to call it home.

Back in the Land of Olive Oil and Bread.

We've been back in Morocco for exactly a month now. It has been so good to be back and see old friends, familiar places and to enjoy the most wonderful food ever! 

Everyone seems to be settling in and making this home. We are so blessed to live where we live surrounded by beautiful almond trees covered in new blossoms and hillsides full of growing peas, wheat and beans. This is the time of year when morocco begins to shine and I admit I LOVE it.

Today the three boys begin Arabic school. They are excited and nervous. It will be a challenge I'm sure, not really knowing any of the language, but I trust that through this challenge they'll be blessed with new friends and a grasp of the language that I can only dream of.

Yes, it's good to be back. I'm looking forward to the many adventures coming our way.

A Picture is Worth a Thousand Words.

Deer Season

We have two cameras, and one smart phone, not to mention we live with my in-laws who also have cameras and smart phones. You would think then that I could get a picture or two to show you whats been happening around here. That is what you would think, but you'd be wrong. I can't. I won't bore you with the various reasons why I can't. Just trust me on this one. Photos will be coming soon. I promise. Maybe tomorrow? Soon. 

This past weekend was opening of deer season. Joey headed out with the three boys and did what they do when they go hunting. Eat lots of good food (prepared by their wives) and walk around, shoot stuff and catch up on life. I am so glad they got the chance to get away. Joey has needed a break, I am thankful for all his hard work on our families behalf. He deserved the chance to go shoot stuff. 

I have to confess I really enjoy hunting season. Not only do I get to have time with just my girls, but I don't have to cook an organized dinner or wear matching clothes. I can spend the whole weekend in sweats if I want to. Folks, that is an amazing thing. 

Every hunting season us women try and think of projects to keep us busy. This year I tackled the "too much stuff" project. I ran across this blog post a couple weeks ago and ever since it has been marinating on my brain. I decided to go for it and gutted the toy room and both kids rooms. You should see the back of our van, overflowing with stuff we just don't need! It is liberating to say the least. And don't worry about the boys they came home, looked at the toy room asked where a specific toy was, accepted that it wasn't there and then joyfully began playing with their matchbox cars - one of the few sets of toys I kept. See they never needed that ol whatchamacallit anyway.

It sounds like the boys had an excellent time hunting with Dad. I love hearing all the different activities they loved. Eating yummy food, sleeping in the tent with Bert, our outdoor only dog. And my personal favorite story is about the kids playing hunting with Josiah being the dead deer. The details of this game are ridiculously hilarious and involve rolling down a hill. This is one of the main reasons I LOVE having boys.Where do they come up with this stuff?!

All in all life is good. I do hope I get to document some of this life soon. Like I said I promise to show you when I do :-)