Rejoice!

This morning I was reading in Philippians 3. The first verse says "Finally, my brothers and sisters, rejoice in the Lord". Usually, I would read this quickly, as an intro to the chapter, and kind of skim it to get to the "meat".  But today, God stopped me there. I was thinking about it, and wondering how often throughout my day, I actually rejoice in the Lord. After looking up the word 'rejoice', I decided (if I'm being honest), not very often. (FYI: rejoice- delight, celebrate, glory, revel, be overjoyed, triumph). I think I rejoice in certain circumstances or in blessings that are obvious. But that's not really rejoicing in the Lord. If I'm truly rejoicing in Him, it is constant. Regardless of situations, circumstances, blessings or trials -I am celebrating, delighting, reveling, and triumphing in Christ my Savior. #thingstoconsider

All that being said, I have some adorable kids that are easy for me to rejoice in (most of the time.). But this past week was a trial. Addison was teething something awful. Bella never teethed like that. We're talking high fevers, screaming, drool that could fill a swimming pool, and crying -lots of crying. She was beyond miserable. The worst part was there was nothing I could do for her. Motrin was given around the clock as soon as it could be given...but it could only bring the fever down. It couldn't relieve the excruciating pain in her gums. Poor girl. Oh and did I mention, the only thing she was absolutely sure she wanted was me to carry her 100% of the time. It was long week.  But I'm happy to report she is on the mend, and slowly returning to her happy, go lucky self. Praise the Lord.

Bella was such a good big sister during whole thing. Last Thursday (aka, the beginning of our disaster) I came into the living room where Addison was lying on the couch, and saw Bella bending over her giving her a hug and kiss. She also reassured her sister, "When I am sick, Mama takes very good care of me, and then I feel better."   Ummm...Melt. My. Heart.

So, yesterday we decided to play in our new sprinkler (shout out to Grammy Matchett) for a little while. Isabella was in pig-heaven (I think that's the saying right? I'm so bad with sayings...). Louis (our shih-poo who usually hates water) even joined in...Addison on the other hand, was not the biggest fan of water falling on her head. She apprehensively checked it out then ran back to where I was sitting on the porch, and grabbed a towel. She proceeded to place said towel over her head and return to the sprinkler -covered and safe. Maybe I should give the child an umbrella next time?

I'll post some pics...from my NEW CAMERA!!! Jon finally got me the camera I was supposed to get for my birthday (which was in May). In all fairness to him though, he had bought me one on my actual birthday. But it didn't work. So we returned it, and being the incredible procrastinators that we are, we just got around to buying another one to replace it. But I love it. It's a Canon Rebel T3i. It's my new baby.

Poor, sick Addison :o(

Beautiful Bella!

Haha, I can't look at this without laughing! Louis -after some sprinkler mayhem!

Well, that's all for me today.... enjoy your gorgeous Wednesday! :o)