Brooke's New Wheels

We have two little neighbor boys that LOVE Brookelyn. Every time she is outside they come running out to play with her! They tell me all the time how they wished they had a little sister. The other day they brought over a little play fire engine that they had found out on the curb because the owners did not want it anymore and gave it to her. She was so thrilled!!!!!

I love her angry face in the picture on the right. She was quite frustrated she could not get the car to move by herself so instead of asking for help in a sweet little girl voice, she continued to wave a fist, yell and scream at us. It was one of those moments you are shocked she is so naughty but trying so hard not to laugh because she is just incredibly too cute. After we worked through the tantrum and showed her how to move the car she was once again excited and wanted to share with Bubba.

These two are my favorite of the whole day....

It is so awesome how the Lord provides for us! I love toys, a trait which I MOST DEFINITELY inherited from my Mother, but sometimes practicality takes over what I wish for. These cars can be spendy and the kids really don't play with them for that long, but I still wanted one.  Asking the Lord to provide toys for your kids seems so odd because why would He be concerned about toys?? But  I believe when you have faith that can move mountains, anything is possible. Trivial or not.  He loves us so much and loves it when we cast every care or concern on Him. Providing this little red car for Brookelyn reminds me that when big trials or concerns come my way, I need to go to Him!!!!!!!! If He is willing and able to provide the little trivial things, isn't He WILLING and ABLE to provide big things?

John 14:13-15

 And whatever you shall ask in my name, that will I do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son. If you shall ask any thing in my name, I will do it. If you love me, keep my commandments.


1 Peter 5:7-11
Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, that he may exalt you in due time:  Casting all your care on him; for he cares for you.  Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walks about, seeking whom he may devour:  Whom resist steadfast in the faith, knowing that the same afflictions are accomplished in your brothers that are in the world.  But the God of all grace, who has called us to his eternal glory by Christ Jesus, after that you have suffered a while, make you perfect, establish, strengthen, settle you.  To him be glory and dominion for ever and ever. Amen.

Got Milk and some encouragement

Brookelyn's newest accomplishment - getting into the fridge! I never thought the fridge would be something I need to child proof but after the past two days, I think I need to. Yesterday I heard some noise and called for her to come here.. this is what I saw

She had found the bottle of heavy cream and drank it!!! Today I dozed off on the couch while she was watching her morning movie and I awoke to a gallon of open milk sitting on the floor. I picked it up and started looking for the cap when I realized there was cilantro floating in it!! Thankfully the cilantro wasn't in there long enough to infuse the milk but still, she can drink that milk and I will drink from the fresh gallon :)

A friend of mine posted this on their facebook and it encouraged me so much I want to

share it! Hope you are encouraged as well.

(courtesy of Keith Trevolt)

This reverse of Psalm 23 sent to me by Mr. Nick Middleton was a solid reminder to me of God's goodness and benefits that we have in the Authentic and Unchanging God. Sometimes I think we cherish the real thing when the opposite is compared and contrasted.Though, it's not necessary to have to experience the opposite of God's goodness to embrace His richness. I included the real Psalm 23 below. David Powlison wrote this anti-psalm 23:



I'm on my own.
No one looks out for me or protects me.
I experience a continual sense of need. Nothing's quite right.
I'm always restless. I'm easily frustrated and often disappointed.
It's a jungle — I feel overwhelmed. It's a desert — I'm thirsty.
My soul feels broken, twisted, and stuck. I can't fix myself.
I stumble down some dark paths.
Still, I insist: I want to do what I want, when I want, how I want.
But life's confusing. Why don't things ever really work out?
I'm haunted by emptiness and futility — shadows of death.
I fear the big hurt and final loss.
Death is waiting for me at the end of every road,
but I'd rather not think about that.
I spend my life protecting myself. Bad things can happen.
I find no lasting comfort.
I'm alone ... facing everything that could hurt me.
Are my friends really friends?
Other people use me for their own ends.
I can't really trust anyone. No one has my back.
No one is really for me — except me.
And I'm so much all about ME, sometimes it's sickening.
I belong to no one except myself.
My cup is never quite full enough. I'm left empty.
Disappointment follows me all the days of my life.
Will I just be obliterated into nothingness?
Will I be alone forever, homeless, free-falling into void?
Sartre said, "Hell is other people."
I have to add, "Hell is also myself."
It's a living death,
and then I die.

------------------

Psalm 23

I. A Psalm of David. The LORD is my shepherd; (That's Relationship!)

I shall not want. (That's Supply!)


II.He makes me to lie down in green pastures; (That's Rest!)


He leads me beside the still waters. (That's Refreshment!)


III. He restores my soul; (That's Healing!)


He leads me in the paths of righteousness (That's Guidance!)


For His name's sake. (That's Purpose!)


IV. Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, (That's Testing!)


I will fear no evil; (That's Protection!)


For You are with me; (That's Faithfulness!)


Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me. (That's Discipline!)


V.You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies; (That's Hope!)


You anoint my head with oil;(That's Consecration!)


My cup runs over. (That's Abundance!)


VI. Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me All the days of my life; (That's Blessing!)


And I will dwell in the house of the LORD (That's Security!)


Forever. (That's Eternity!)

Goodbye Summer, Hello Fall...wait.. where is the cold weather??

  It has been a crazy adjustment getting used to this weather in October! I am used to pulling the North Face and jeans out of the closet and putting away all the summer clothes. Now we are planning what days to go to the beach, realizing we need to buy more summer clothes and loving the fact we won't have to shovel snow!!!!!! There have been a few "chilly" days where we bundled up... it was 55-60s and if you were in the sun, a sweatshirt and jeans made it too hot! With fall being this horrible, we are really dreading what winter will bring ;)

We also have a new addition to the family.. a new camera!!!  It captures the most beautiful pictures of the kids! It also is fast enough to capture Brookelyn, which you have to be Speedy Gonzales to keep up with her!! We are still learning how to use it and will probably take a photography class to really learn the full potential of the camera.  Even with a small knowledge, we have been able to capture some amazing pictures of the kids!! It is SUPER hard to pick just a few photos to put on this blog because I think my kids are THE CUTEST ever but I finally managed to narrow it down to my favorites..

These two photos really capture the kid's personalities. Brayden is calm, content and very happy!! He always has that sweet look on his face and then it breaks into the biggest smile when you start talking to him or kiss him. Brookelyn is mischievous, adventurous, talkative, monster and sweetheart all wrapped up into one little package. One minute you are frustrated with her for being so naughty and the next you want to just squeeze and smother her with kisses because she is so adorable in the way she looks and acts!! It is an amazing  honor to watch theses beautiful children grow into their own person.  Everyday there is a new thrill, heartbreak, emotion or experience. We pray that we can show them Jesus and the wonderful life He offers! It feels overwhelming at time to know that we are responsible for these little souls but with the Lord's help we will make it. Thank the Lord for grace!!! We sure need it....

Aaron is settling into the college life. He is gladly trading standing watches, ships, uniforms, inspections, under-ways and duty days for  homework, class, tests and quizzes! Being around home alot more has been wonderful!!!!!!! Brookelyn loves her daddy and is definitely a Daddy's girl!!! He has to lock himself in a room to study because as soon as he leaves a room she chases him down and climbs in his lap :)

I am working on getting a day-care set up! The process is complicated but not impossible... It will be nice to be able to stay home with my kiddos yet help provide for the family so Aaron can focus on school. I found a mom's group through our new church and love it!! The Lord is teaching me a lot about being a good wife, mother and testimony to those around me. It is also so nice to finally be able to talk "mommy talk" with other moms! Aaron is wonderful at listening to me but I think he would rather talk football than hear me ramble about stuff ;)

Speaking of football I have finally got the football fever! I don't really have a choice as the weekends in the Rolandson house are devoted to football but I couldn't fight it forever and it is better to just join him in the fun and start caring. Which now I am caring too much!!  Five letters sums it up... FAVRE!!!

ok some more pictures of my beautiful Gift's from God!!

Doesn't Bubbs look just like his Daddy??? My dream was to have a little boy that looks exactly like my Love and I got him!!! I hope he gets Aaron's dimples...
Thats all for now!! Hopefully it won't be weeks before I blog again..