A Chuppdate-- The Sequel

"Sequel"

For some reason that just doesn't
look right to me.

But I've checked the spelling twice and considered changing it to

"Update"

But--

A Chuppdate Update ???

...maybe a bit too much.

Just in case you missed the
first Chuppdate...

         It's where I get to fill you in on
             life with the Chuppies in
                 whatever way it

         splashes out onto the page...

First,

let's talk about daffodils and how happy they make me.
A tiny taste of spring...

Valentine's-Card-Making...

And my husband's Valentine's Day gift--

smoke bombs for paintball.

I was just thankful the fire dept. didn't pay us a visit.

Speaking of the fire brigade...

Do you wear bi-focals, enjoy swim fins, use the library, or play the armonica?

Ar-

Not Har.

Then, please thank our friend Ben Franklin.

I've also been getting to know the heart of Scotty Smith

through his book Everyday Prayers.

And his prayer about Lent got me thinking...

"Over the next forty days intensify our hunger,

our assurance, and our longing for the day of your return--

the day of consummate joy, the wedding feast of the Lamb.

In light of the banquet, we choose to deny ourselves

(fast from) certain pleasures for this brief season. 

But we're not looking to get anything from you, Jesus--just more of you."

Some resources for Lent

in case, like me, the idea is relatively new to you...

Noel Piper's Lenten Lights  (an 8 week family devotion leading up to Easter)

Ann's beautiful posts on Lent and what it truly is all about

My friend Shannon's post about Lent (one that I can very much relate to)

Jessica's beautiful Lenten gathering-- Contemplating the Cross

Talking to your kids about Lent-- from What's In the Bible

The Cross.

Keep me near the cross.

Always makes me so thankful for Him, my Savior.

And it also makes me thankful for those

who have walked closely in His footsteps.

This month we also studied Adoniram Judson & Burma (now Myanmar).

I've read his biography several times,

but the way he asked for his wife's hand in marriage...

always hits deeply.

Take a moment and just read through his words to her father--

"I have now to ask,

whether you can consent to part with your daughter early next spring,

to see her no more in this world;

whether you can consent to her departure,

and her subjection to the hardships and sufferings of missionary life;

whether you can consent to her exposure to the dangers of the ocean,

to the fatal influence of the southern climate of India;

to every kind of want and distress;

to degradation, insult, persecution, and perhaps a violent death.

Can you consent to all this,

for the sake of him who left is heavenly home,

and died for her and for you;

for the sake of perishing, immortal souls;

for the sake of Zion, and the glory of God?

Can you consent to all this,

in hope of soon meeting your daughter in the world of glory,

with the crown of righteous...?"

The eggs have arrived.

Last time we hatched ducks.

And yes--I bought the eggs off eBay again.

And so the 21-day-countdown begins...

I also discovered inter-library-loan...

And took home a book that many of us have been looking for--

Natural Science Through the Seasons.

It's from Winona State College, Winona, Minnesota...

So--if you live around there, my copy is due back on March 7th.

This afternoon I found a picture of the big kids

in front of the Pittock Mansion in December

and Colson's photo of

our beautiful Portland, Oregon.

The Better Mom Pinterest Page is up and running...

for those of you who are looking for one-more-thing-to-follow  :)

But in all honesty,

it is a great resource and I love writing for

The Better Mom (as in--I need to be one) website.

Face paint...

Because--why not?

(by our artist-in-residence-Colson)

And today's field trip through

Wells Fargo Bank.

The kids loved it !!!

Does this bird even look real?

I had forgotten how much I love the zoo.

Lydi's favorite animal was the cow--

Because it looked "yummy!"

She's clearly her daddy's daughter.

And finally,

we'll end with a note of

Amazing Grace...

So thankful.