How Do I Love You?

When Little Andrew was only 3 years old, my sister-in-law, Liz, brought this book for us from the States. It is one of our favorites, even today. Every time I read it to the kiddies, I get a little choked up, but they don’t notice…they are busy looking at the pictures, and even reciting it with me.

I wanted to share the words to this book with you. I think they are so sweet. I am adding pictures of my own children…..If you have small children, and you come across this book, buy it….It will help create some very special memories with your kiddies!

How do I love you?

Let me count the ways.

I love you on your very best….

And very worst of days.

I love to see you laughing and dancing in the rain.

And even when you lose your shoes,

I love you just the same.

I love to hear you singing...

I love to see you smile.

I love the way you take each day

In your own unhurried style.

I’m happy when you’re happy.

And I’m sorry when you’re sad.

And even though it may not show,

I love you when you’re mad.

How do I love you?

Well, now, let me see….

I love the way you act so brave

When you fall and hurt your knee.

I love to watch you sleeping,

Tucked away in pleasant dreams.

I love to hear you whisper

All your giant plans and schemes.

I love the way you wear your pants

With the front part in the back,

And the way you walk around sometimes

With your head inside a sack.

I love to see you deep in thought.

I love to watch you play.

And though I’m sure you’ll never know,

I love you more each day.

How do I love you?

It’s impossible to say.

For if I had a million days

And time enough for all the praise,

I couldn’t tell you all the ways….

I LOVE YOU!

Happy Birthday, Honey!

Blessed is the man that trusteth in the Lord, and whose hope the Lord is. Jeremiah 17:7

Today is my husband’s 36^th birthday!

He was born to Gregorio and Juana López, the 9^th of ten children. He has told me and our children of many wonderful, exciting stories from his childhood, growing up in far-away villages.

Andrew and his mother in 1976

His father worked very closely with Wycliffe missionaries for 22 years; and his hard-working mother was a faithful helpmeet to his father, and at one time worked with honeybees to help support the family. Truly, Andrew’s life has been an exciting one, and we can see the hand of the Lord in his life. God’s faithfulness and mercy protected him throughout his childhood (he came very near to death in his early childhood) and throughout his teen years.

At the tender age of 12, he left his beloved home in the village and moved to the city to continue his education. He said he cried for his mother every night for many months.

God’s hand of mercy led him to my father’s doorstep, where he was saved in our church here in 1990. He was baptized a week later, and had the privilege of growing under Dad’s ministry.

As his wife, I have lived many exciting adventures with him in the Indian villages, marveling unceasingly at this man who has lived through un-imaginable experiences. It has been my privilege to live alongside this wonderful man.

One of our crazy-fun moments, captured by our Little Andrew

Especially during the past 2 years, I have seen him endure hardships, both physically and spiritually. When my faith has been small, and it seemed I could hardly take another step, he has been there to pick me up; he has put things in proper perspective for me; he has quietly continued to faithfully serve his Lord, whom he loves, thus being an example to me. I have watched him endure criticism, taking it with a godly attitude and not letting it make him bitter. He has come out on top every time, and has pulled me right up there with him!!

It is my privilege to be his help meet. It is my privilege to be the lady who cooks his meals and washes his clothes. It is my thrill to get to listen to his plans and dreams; and it is my joy to watch him father our children in the most loving manner and to see how they adore him!

So Happy Birthday, My Sweetheart! I LOVE YOU, and I look forward to many, many more years by your side!

I'm Back!

Isn’t it terrible when you tell someone, “I’m back!” and he says, “Oh, were you gone?”

You might be asking me the same question. Or another one: “Where did you go?”

I’m not back from a trip; I have gone nowhere. What I mean is that I am back to blogging. About one month ago, our computer suddenly stopped opening the blogger.com site for me, so I could not get into my blog! There were times that I felt inspired to write, but thought, “Oh, what’s the use?” and almost gave up completely on blogging.

Then today, my friend, Charity, took time to help me get it fixed. THANK YOU, CHARITY!

But besides the fact that our computer had suddenly decided not to cooperate, there have been many, many other things that have happened during the last month.

My beautiful sister-in-law, Liz (my brother/pastor, Philip’s wife), had to have kidney surgery to remove a tumor. In her quiet manner, she bravely went into surgery; she came out with a good report and a happy doctor; and she has had a very successful recovery. We are all so thankful that she is doing so well!

Philip and Liz have three boys: Joshua (7), Samuel (5) and Mark (22 months). During the time that Liz was in the hospital, and during her recovery, I took care of the boys (along with our two children). Over-all, things went well, and the boys behaved very well for us. We had fun times together and made a lot of memories.

I took ((some)) pictures during those 3 (busy) weeks, and I even wrote a little something, which never got posted! I was so very busy during that time, and have grown to admire (even more!) all those mommies with 5 (or more!) young children.

Cousin Time.....

Work time...and refreshment time....

Play time....(notice all the laundry on the couch!)

After-bath time.....

Art time....

Movie Time....Quiet time!