Thankful...

I just got off the phone with a dear friend that I went to college with my freshman year. We were wondering why we don't talk on the phone more often. What a blessing friendship is! Bearing one another's burdens. Sharing in eachother's joys. I am so thankful for it. It is always the "bearing of the burdens" that seems to draw you closer. The joys are wonderful, but isn't it true that the pain is what really cements your friendship? That sure seems to be the case in my life. I've had some friends apologize for the fact that Ben and I have had to walk through the mud of life with them. More and more I am learning that being able to walk through trials with people is a gift. I wouldn't trade it. So, if I have walked through a trial with you, big or small, know that it truly is a joy for me to walk beside you. And for those of you who have pulled me through some of those deep waters, thank you! Our God is so gracious to have put you in my life!

When the Cat's Away...

Music to my ears :) I ran out to the store quick the other day, and I came home to this evidence of what goes on when I'm not around! What a good daddy my children have. I'm so thankful for a husband who loves his family, teaches us the Word, and also enjoys spending time with us! We are blessed beyond measure.

Sweet Sleep

I so easily forget how exhausting having children up in the night can be. For some reason I haven't been able to sleep well for a few nights. My sweet husband, being the hero that he so often is, had me tucked into bed by 10:00 last night with high hopes that I would snooze the night away! It appeared to be a success! My head hit the pillow and I was out. Well, at about 10:20 Luke started whaling. Ben got him calmed down pretty quickly and was still pretty happy that we would be snoozing by quarter to 11. At about 11:10 Luke began again, and I didn't get him settled til about 2. Now it is nap time, and just as I got snuggled down on the couch for a nap myself, Luke began his piercing cries. He is getting two teeth right now, so we think that is the culprit! Goodbye sweet sleep. Someday I will know you again :) I have a few friends right now with newborns, and God is reminding me how much they need my prayers. So, I am committing my sleepless times in the nights to praying for these friends. Those first couple weeks can feel daunting to a new mom. They are precious days, but can be so draining! Funny how we forget those times so quickly. I guess God wanted to give me a little reminder so I would better sympathise with my sleep-deprived friends.

He Reigns!!!

Revelation 5:9 says, "You have redeemed us to God by Your blood out of every tribe and tongue and people and nation." Amazing!! What a beautiful truth that God's offer of salvation through Christ is for EVERY tribe, tongue, people and nation. What is our responsibility in this?? This is what Ben and I have been pondering.

Kara has a new favorite song lately. We've listened to it at least 6 times today, and it's not even noon yet :)! Enjoy!
You can listen to it here:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=twuLr5rQmp0

Summer Bliss

Today it was FINALLY warm enough here in Holland to break out the kiddie pool. This was Luke and Ellie's first time, so we were all super excited for them to experience this summer time delight!

Well,

it took Luke a little time to get used to the idea,

but, as you can see, he quickly came around!

Ellie loved it too, and quickly became a pro!

And of course, Ben and I loved taking in every moment of it.

Now we are just hoping for a few more warm days to be able to pull it out again! We love summer!!!

Welcome!

Our most recent attempt at a family picture! Welcome to the crazy life of the Gerths!

We've had a great summer so far. The highlights have been Kara getting glasses (she's doing great with them!!), a trip to Tennessee to visit my dear friend Jennifer and her family, a quick visit from Ben's sister Mary and her hubby Steve, a wonderful visit by Ben's parents and now we're just waiting for Luke and Ellie to start walking to end the summer with a bang. We wonder some days if they will ever take their first steps, since they will be 18 months old in just a week! Life is exciting with three kids three and under! We are so enjoying their personalities and God is graciously walking us through this adventure of parenting.

We hope that this will be a way to stay in better contact with friends and family! Love you all!