Adele's 4th Birthday

I can't believe Adele is four. She is now a little girl. She's always singing and dancing about. Her life is like a musical! It's pretty funny to listen to the soundtrack. For instance, last night, she was playing with her dolls. The doll she was playing with is made so that you can pop the head off to get the clothes off and on. Well, she's sitting there singing so sweetly and then we listen, "I'm going to cut your head off...so I can dress you...mhhhhm" Can you tell she has brothers?! Anyway, I realized I haven't blogged about her birthday yet, so here it is. The day before her birthday we went down to the other side of Orlando to visit with my cousin, Denise. She was in town for a conference. We went to Chilis for supper and Denise had the waitress sing to Adele...she was THRILLED...and shocked. None of the kids had ever seen anything like this so all of their eyes were popping out of their heads...and the dessert made Adele especially happy...chocolate brownie with ice cream. She was kind enough to share with her brothers! (see the last picture).

The next morning was Adele's birthday. She woke up to the house decorated and some Princess jelly things on the sliding glass door that our friend Lisa gave her. We gave her one gift at breakfast which were shoes with Princesses on them...and then the rest of the morning she tried to wait patiently for lunch when she would receive the rest of her gifts. Lunch came, homemade pizza with Princess cupcakes I found at WalMart. We got her a Sleeping Beauty dress for her big gift...she LOVED it. It lights up a little and it doubled for her Halloween costume, too. All the kids love dressing up..and so this is a wonderful addition to the dress up bin.

One of her other requests was for the Jasmine and Tiana dolls. I found Tiana, but couldn't find Jasmine. She was happy with the Tiana doll, but then a few days later, God blessed her with the Jasmine doll as well from our pastor's family.

We ended the night with a fire (pictured above) and roasted marshmallows. All in all, it was a good day, full of pretending and make believing and lots of princesses for our Princess. The most important thing I want Adele to know is that she is a child of the King...and that is what makes her a real princess. It's not her looks that make her beautiful but it's what she allows Christ to do through her that makes her beautiful. This is my prayer for her and I trust the Lord will be faithful to complete the work He has begun in her life. I am so thankful for my little girl...and I remember so well being terrified of having her! The Lord certainly has taught me a lot through her and I know I'm not done learning the lessons He has to teach me through her...but I am so very thankful for this child, this strong, independent, persistent child! May the Lord be pleased to use these gifts to bring glory to Himself and to further His kingdom.

(That first picture is of Elizabeth and me during the fire...I though some might thing it was Adele as a baby...but no, it's E!)

The Last few weeks

A cold swept through our family last weekend. All four kiddos sick at the same time. It wasn't too bad but it sure makes you feel badly! Elizabeth had to sleep in her carseat so that she could breath...and I snapped this picture for Grammy...she loves her little dolly you gave her! She's begun grabbing for things and dolly is one of her favorites!

She also enjoys holding her head up and looking around. She has plenty of folks to keep her entertained around here. PJ's favorite thing is to hold her while Calvin enjoys jumping around singing and Adele takes care of her beauty needs by rubbing lotion on her legs! This little one has lots of teachers!

And, we did go trick-or-treating this year. Paul's sister, Grace, knitted this little hat for Elizabeth, so we made her a "WHO" from Dr. Seuss. Doesn't it just remind you of a Who hat??? She was a hit as a Who. The cutest little Who you ever did see...in my humble opinion!!!

Here they are all together. PJ was Captain Rex (clone from STAR WARS) and Calvin was Anakin Skywalker while Adele was Princess Aurora...also known as Sleeping Beauty.

Here's the lineup before heading out. Our friends, who also happen to be neighbors, went out with us. He's dressed as a guy from the 70s and their little boy, Teddy, borrowed a kimono onesie from us and went as a samurai warrior. Paul was someone from South America!

Pumpkin & Coconut Soup from Cookshelf Thai cookbook

2lb. 3 oz. pumpkin (I used butternut)

1 Tbsp. oil

1 tsp. mustard seeds

1 garlic clove, crushed

1 large onion, chopped

1 celery stick (I didn't add this)

1 small red chili, chopped (I didn't add this)

3 3/4 c chicken stock

1 tsp. dried shrimp (I didn't add this either!)

5 Tbsp. coconut cream

salt and pepper

chopped fresh cilantro to garnish

1. Halve pumpkin and remove seeds. Cut away the skin and dice the flesh.

2. Heat oil in a large pan and fry mustard seeds until they begin to pop. Stir in garlic, onion, celery and red chili and stir-fry 1-2 mins.

3. Add the pumpkin with the stock and dried shrimp and bring to a boil. Lower the heat, cover and simmer gently for about 30 mins, until ingredients are very tender.

4. Transfer to food processor or blender and process until smooth. Return to pan and stir in coconut cream. Adjust the seasoning to taste with salt and pepper and serve hot, sprinkled with chopped coriander.

Enjoy!

Rough Days

*I wrote this post last Thursday, pressing on to know Him more.*

It's days like today that I hate. Days when I wake up late because I was up too late with a baby who wouldn't sleep well. And, my other three are all outside playing happily but breakfast hasn't been served yet and home school hasn't begun yet and laundry is piling up (just small heaps) and it's already mid-morning. The prayers I said through the night seem faint...and the pleading with my Savior to carry me through today seem dry and unrealistic. Oh, the optimism 3am brings! So, with harsh words spoken, sighs and groans and a bad temperament I start the day, even with the prayers said before leaving my bed. I grovel for some self-control as I press on through Language Arts. Questioning with impatience why the eldest son got the plural of some pronoun wrong...and the Spirit quickly checking me...with a gentle reminder that he is just learning these rules...go gentle on him and with love. Yes, He softens me and reminds me not to bring on myself a later sorrow that I will regret and to teach him lovingly. So, in obedience I submit. I sacrifice that selfish heart once again though it needs slaying every day, every moment. We are sin. It's not so much acts that we commit or not commit as much as it is WHAT we are. It's ingrained in the fabric of human nature...it comes so naturally, so subtly. My good friend often reminds me, "It's a broken world." Yes, indeed and I am a broken vessel. So, after reading the stories of Esther and Job to the children I find myself irritated again. I find a quiet place while the children are outside playing in the ashes of our fire pit, and I cry like a baby. I cry out to my Savior and He hears me. I know He hears me because I sense the Spirit reminding me of our discussion last night. Several ladies from our church gather together once a month to discuss Sunday's sermon. Last Sunday we heard Matthew 10:16-25. It's all about how Jesus' disciples will suffer. He suffered and we will too. We have the Word to encourage us, we have the presence of the Father, Son and Spirit to encourage us...so press on. Oh...is this my suffering? The daily laying aside of myself to serve my family. Serving meals, doing laundry, cleaning up messes, teaching pronouns, and the alphabet, and history, music and art. It doesn't seem much like suffering, does it? Many women would LOVE to have the opportunity to stay home with their children and count it all joy and here I am seemingly complaining about the "suffering" set before me. But, it is a daily laying down, a daily death, there's no room for me and I feel like I am losing myself. I forget, too soon, this is the goal. This is the fire...this is the refining, this is the metamorphosis, the transformation of the old into the new. To live is Christ. I see so clearly the vain glory I seek (another point we discussed). I want to be praised and the only promise Christ gives me is to press on to share the Gospel and dont' worry about the rest. Acts 1:6 is the clear reminder...the disciples wonder when Christ is going to restore the kingdom....they still didn't get it. And, here I am, wondering when am I going to get the glory. Yeah, I still don't get it either. Lord, help me to remember that this work is about YOU and Your church, of which I am a part. Your beautiful story of redemption through your Son, Jesus Christ. How I want Your grace to be the very essence of our home and life, not having some magic potion but just simply knowing You and bringing You glory. It's so easy to make Jesus the magic potion. To make Him work for us. To fit Him into our boxes. I am so glad He won't let us do that too long until He brings us to our knees. So, at the end of the day, I lie down in bed renewed by His Word to press on for His glory, not my own. To love Jesus for Jesus, not for what I can get from Him, but just simply because He's enough.

John Piper Interviews Greg Livingstone and David Sitton on Desiring God

John Piper Interviews Greg Livingstone and David Sitton on Desiring God

Paul and I had the privilege to meet Greg and Sally Livingstone a few weeks ago. I do count it a privilege because this couple has worked for years with Muslim peoples and have a wealth of wisdom and experience to share. I wish I had an entire week to spend with them! This interview was incredibly encouraging to me as I look forward to the work to which God has called our family. A common theme in this interview is team. Please pray with us for God to raise a team of folks to join us in Thailand. As Greg mentions in this video and he said it when we met him too, we need to work in teams...one person/family can't do it all...and we're weak, we need each other. So, please for all of you who pray, pray to the Lord of the harvest for laborers to join us in S.Thailand. Thank you and if you have the time, watch this video!

Update on Elizabeth

Elizabeth continues to be a joy and blessing to our family. She is well loved and her brothers and sister keep her well entertained! She recently started smiling...which we all LOVE to see. Each of us try our best to get her to smile but Nanny was the best at it!

Aunt Nancy made Elizabeth this adorable hat...she knitted it and added a flower pin. I just LOVE it but Elizabeth isn't too sure about it! Granted, I tried to take a picture when she was ready to sleep. I'll try again another day.

She's pushing herself up like a champ and she even scoots herself on her belly...which I have to be careful when I leave her on my bed because she travels fast! She loves sticking out her tongue and especially likes to mimic others doing it! It's pretty funny.

She's quite the little lady and we are so thankful for her.

Nanny and Pappy's visit Part 2

(The first two pictures were taken at Fort Christmas).

Adele checking out where the homesteading family washed and got ready for the day.

Mom and the kids on a front porch of a homesteading home.

I love this picture of my Dad sleeping as Adele "reads" to him!

Thanks to Grammy and Grampy, we were able to spend a couple days at their condo on the beach. It was SO nice and my parents enjoyed the beach life...I wasn't sure they would! Unfortunately, this is the only picture I got from our time at the beach. We ate at South Beach Grill before heading home.

We were trying to find cheap things to do in the area and Paul reminded me of Fort Christmas. So, we took a trip out there and saw old Florida homesteading homes as well as Fort Christmas, pictured to the left.

The kids enjoyed seeing all the weapons and artifacts displayed in the fort.

We also traveled out to the Canaveral National Wildlife Refuge but didn't see much wildlife...only a skink. We did go to Manatee Cove Park on Merritt Island and some many manatees. So, it wasn't a total bust! Again, I don't have any pictures from that day.

All in all, we had a nice visit...thanks for coming to see us Nanny and Pappy!!!

Pappy and Nanny's visit

My folks traveled down to see us a couple weeks ago. When you have a newborn, it's always good incentive to get the grandparents to visit!!!

We had a really nice visit with them. Mom and Dad enjoyed the kids and the kids enjoyed them...they are still missing them a week later!

Mom found a porcelain tea set for Adele and so immediately they had a tea party (pictured below).

I requested some apples from Way's Fruit Farm near State College, PA. Mom brought me two HUGE bags of apples (the cost was just over $7...and here in the grocery store apples are selling at over $1.50 per pound!) and so apple pie baking was underway the day after they got here! The kids enjoyed helping Nanny peel the apples with her cool apple peeler from Pampered Chef (I also requested she bring it along too, for it makes the work of peeling apples much easier..and more fun!)

Our Weekend

Well, there are some firsts to record here for Elizabeth's sake. Today was her first Sunday in church. Here is a picture of the kids...yes, we were running late, but I still snapped a quick pic...that is why no one is really looking, except Calvin who has inherited Paul's photogenic-ness. And yes, Elizabeth was NOT happy...I woke her up from her sleepy slumber and she was livid...and hungry! But, here it is, her first Sunday getting dressed up and worshipping the Lord who created her and has given her life. What a joy it was for me to join my family in worship this morning.

And yesterday, we headed off to Cocoa Beach for the afternoon. The kids had a blast boogie-boarding and Daddy had a blast surfing. Elizabeth and I just hung out on the beach...she slept and I watched the other three making sure no one was getting sucked away! I am so proud of Adele who is honing her boogie-boarding skills...she still has to get swimming down (as you can tell from her swimmies on her arms) but she's well on her way. Of course, the boogie-board is not called a boogie-board rather it is her pet dolphin who is teaching her how to surf. Quite the imagination that one!

Calvin also enjoyed the waves as did PJ. After a while out, Calvin came in and we threw the frisbee disc around a bit...and the PJ and Daddy joined him.

And, this was Elizabeth's first trip to the beach outside the womb. She loved it. How do I know this? Well, she slept the whole time!





Adele experienced a first as well this weekend. She was invited to a Princess Birthday Party for her friend who turned 4. She was SO excited to go to this party. It was all she talked about all week. Each girl was to dress up as a princess and since we don't really have any princess dresses we made Adele into a blond headed Thai princess...I think she's beautiful...what do you think?! She had such a wonderful time!

Well, that's all for our weekend! School starts tomorrow...and Paul's full load starts on Wednesday. Prayers are appreciated!

More Elizabeth

I know this picture is a bit blurry, but I love Adele's facial expression whilst looking at her baby sister.

Elizabeth giving the Asian "V" for victory sign!



Another shot of Elizabeth.

Grammy meeting Elizabeth for the first time. Grammy and Grampy traveled down to meet her two days after she was born! We were delighted to see them!

Then, we got to see Grammy again late last week as she stayed with us two nights...she brought Teddy along this time...and the kids LOVED having him around. She read them stories both nights and Teddy was sure to listen in as well. Thanks so much Grammy for making the trip down and staying with us. We so enjoyed your being here.

Elizabeth had her second doctor's appointment today. At first the scale read that she weighed 5lbs. and some odd ounces. At first, my heart stopped (she weighed 8lbs. 5 oz at birth) and wondered what was wrong with my baby and how did I NOT notice this drastic weight loss? Then, reason kicked in I told myself, there's no way she weighs 5 lbs...she's definitely more chunky than she was two weeks ago...and sure enough the scale wasn't reading accurately because of the way they had it positioned. So, her actual weight is 9lbs and .05 oz. She is getting bigger every day. They really are so small for only a short time.

She is doing well with sleeping at night. She does wake up at least one time, usually twice but then she's back to sleep..and so am I!

We're gearing up to start our school year on Monday. We'll see how it all goes with a newborn and all...and I am starting a certain 5 year old in Kindergarden this year! And, I am almost certain his nearly 4 year old little sister is going to want to do school, too, so basically I'm going from one to three this year with a newborn to boot. Yeah, it should be interesting..but God's grace is sufficient. I am trying to loosen up and remember why we homeschool and keep the important things important and all that other stuff...well, it's just stuff.

Elizabeth Ann Henry

Here are some newborn pictures of Elizabeth and our family. Elizabeth Ann was born at 8:48am on Thursday, July 28, 2011. I will share more in a later post...but for now, here are some pictures for your enjoyement!

40 weeks

Today is the due date. I really hate that we are given a day, a given 24 hour period in which our child is supposed to come. All of my children have come right around their due date...none of them came on the actual day given them. I am hoping this one is different! For some reason, I am so impatient with this pregnancy. Yeah, it might have something to do with the fact that I was up throughout the night last night with steady but non-progressing contractions. I was sure that by 6am I would be well on my way to holding a newborn...but no, here we are at 2:19pm and still no baby. I am fairly bummed and discouraged though I am thankful for my friend, Lisa, who reminded me that I am close...so I need to keep that perspective and remember that in God's good timing, this baby will eventually come!
Pray that I would be patient!

Showers of Blessings

[Brittany with Calen.]
[Careth with Lincoln.]

[Pictured from left to right, Pamela, Mrs. Kemp, Catherine. Catherine is our good friend who is home from Thailand for the summer...her trip to visit with us coincided with the shower...it was a blessing to have her there as well!!]

[Pictured from left to right, Andrea, Leigh Anna and me.]



Look at all those diapers...and the CUTE blankie! Can't wait to swaddle baby in it!

Adele and Anna Maria enjoying the morning playing.


[Lisa, one of my dearest friends, with the watermelon baby carriage she made! Isn't it adorable?!]

My sisters at Reformation OPC gave me and our baby a baby shower a few weeks back. I was approached by my dear sister, Lisa and I said, "no, there's no need for a baby shower...but I have had prayer showers in the past...I would love that." So, she had a prayer/diaper/wipes shower for us! It was a wonderful morning of fellowship, joy and prayer as we wait on this newest Henry baby. I was overwhelmed by the generosity of my friends at church and so thankful to God for the many ways in which He provides.

[Pictured above from left to right, Brittany, Annie, Joy, Kathy and Rocio.]

Our church has had somewhat of a baby boom the past year or so. We've added at least 5 babies in the past year or so (that I can recall!). It was so fun to have a few of these precious babes at the shower.

Here is what we prayed for and please feel free to add some of these to your prayers for our family as well!

*comfort, peace and perseverance during the final days/weeks of your pregnancy.

*a safe and smooth labor and delivery- peace and calm for you.

*rest and strength for you in the early weeks of Baby's life.

*Baby's baptism

*Baby's faithfulness to the Lord

*Baby's growth in Christ

*Our family as we continue preparations for our return to Thailand.

*the strength of our marriage as Paul and I adjust to the new baby.

*time management as I continue to homeschool

*Paul as he continues his studies at RTS.

*PJ, Calvin and Adele as they adjust to Baby.