What Will is Teaching Me About God.

This evening I understood something about God a little bit more. I was sitting on the couch nursing Will, and he was looking up at me with those beautiful eyes that make my heart just melt. He is really into grabbing things as of late, so the object of interest was my hand, specifically my fingers. Sometimes he pulled them close to his face, then he would push them away, and then grab them again. It struck me that I often do that with God. I draw close and then push away. When I realize that I am in need, I draw close again. But the amazing thing is that God's closeness to me never changes just like my closeness to Will never changes, regardless of what he is doing with my hand. I am there, holding my son close to my heart and providing for his emotional and physical needs while I nurse him. Doesn't God do the same? This evening I learned that drawing near to God can take the form of soaking in his presence.

All Aboard The Potty Train

Potty training has been an interesting experience for us. Max did so well when we first started seriously potty training. However, we went backwards quite a bit after our initial success. Part of the reason was that he has always had a hard time with number 2.
But I am pleased to announce that we might have had a break through this week. He has gone number 2 in the potty twice this week!!! I was screaming for joy both times. The second time around he did the whole thing like he was a professional. I still can't believe it. I am so thankful for Skype because my mom and dad helped with the entire process. My dad actually told Max that before he could ride the U-Bahn in Vienna, he had to go poopy in the potty. Who knew that the solution to all of our potty training woes could be found in the title of my blog posts, "All Aboard the Potty Train," which actually means: "poop in the potty or no train rides!" I think the M&Ms helped quite a bit, too. I'm sure this process is not yet over, but I had to share the excitement.

Favorites of William

Good Bye Old Friend

It finally happened. After being melted, dropped countless times, sucked on, pulled apart, lost, sat on, stepped on, and riding around in one of the most dangerous places in the world, namely a diaper bag, our dear little camera is no more. Sadly, I discovered that Max pulled the last little tiny tab off the bottom of the camera, which held the battery in place. So what this exactly means, I do not know. I would like to think an upgrade. However, that might take a little while to happen. In the mean time I'm going to try to get all of the pictures off of the old camera, and start posting some really cute pics of the boys.
Good Bye little Sony Cyber-Shot. We've made some good memories together.

Thankful

I am filled with gratitude and thankfulness right now. Honestly I wish I would have this mindset more often, or that I would be more aware of all the things I can be thankful for. Today has started out great. We haven't done anything exciting, but I am completely content. I've got to hang out with my two precious boys, skype with my mom and dad, pay bills and bake bread with Max. Even though paying bills is not the most fun activity in the world, I actually enjoy doing it. By mailing of checks, I am reminded of how God is providing for us. Sometimes I mail them off asking God to provide for us and trying to trust him, and sometimes I am overflowing with gratitude for how he has provided. Today is such a day. Thank you, Jesus!

The Itsy Bitsy Spider

The Zuch/Ketcherside Orchestra

While driving to the bank today, Max informed me of all the instruments that our family will play together.

Here's the line-up:

Violin- Max
Cellos- Mama and Opa
Flute- Uncle Mike
Trumpet- Daddy
Trombone- Will
Oboe- Rich
Clarinet- PopPop
Guitar- Omi
Tuba- Tati
Conductor and Singer- Gigi

So there you go! I bet you can't wait to hear us play.
:-)