Disney World V

The Lord has done some convicting in my heart about what I said in my last post. If He gives me something He wants me to share, He will always give me the strength to do it. I may not have the physical energy to do a lot, but I have learned some valuable things during this time. For instance, I simply can't do a day without starting it with my time with the Lord. He gives me just enough for today and I trust Him for tomorrow. He gave me a beautiful picture as He convicted me about sharing. If I am the vessel and He is filling me, all I have to do is fall down and I will spill out to give to others. When I am spending time being filled with His Presence and Power and "falling down" in humility, in praise and submission to my Lord, there is always something left to give. May He fill you with what you need today!

We took our beautiful princesses to a princess breakfast (that is my niece, Kyndall on the left)

Meeting Belle

I mean, could you just eat them up?!

Meeting Mary Poppins

I tell her every night at bedtime that she is my precious princess, my special treasure

Exploring the beautiful flower beds of England in Epcot

The only thing more beautiful than a rose? A little girl!

Two Sleeping Beauties?

Disney World IV

I'm going to be brutally honest here. I am completely worn down. So, until I have some physical and emotional energy you will find nothing here but posted pictures. No deep, wonderful thoughts or insights. The Lord is giving me those and maybe at some point there will also be enough energy to share them! Until then, hopefully you all really love seeing my kids (cause I'm sure not posting pics of me right now)!

Kailey just kept repeating, "Minnie, I love you!" over and over. You can tell how cute it was by Esel's face in the background. By the way, Esel is my youngest brother's girlfriend who was able to join us for a few days of the trip. She's adorable.

The beautiful castle at Mickey's Christmas Party

Kailey dancing with the mice at the dance party

John had this whole elaborate, imaginary thing going in Donald's boat. He tried to get every other kid that came in to play but they had no idea what he was talking about. Weird when people don't want to be told what to do.

Kailey waving at the princesses in the parade. I love the pointing fingers in half of our pictures. Just the wonder of it all to a young child!

Eating hot dogs on bleachers while watching old Goofy sports cartoons. Can you beat that?

Disney World III

Watching old Disney cartoons in the hotel lobby

Our family had Incredibles t-shirts that day. Of course, Levi had already blown his out. : )

Mike & Sully!!!

We went to a Playhouse Disney lunch. Fun!

John had the most hilarious dazed expression when he met June. She was the only one who had that effect on him!

Kailey doing some polka dancing in Germany at Epcot

Disney World II

The characters were a big deal this year. Kailey loved Piglet.

But no Tigger

This just makes me laugh. I think she only took a few bites but it looked hilarious. She was far more interested in the Toy Story Ride!

It is very difficult to get on this ride right now but Mom got us into this special after-hours thing where we could ride over and over. Here's Levi enjoying a spin.

The after-hours crew! Caitlin was sick that night. : (

Kailey and I get our picture at Minnie's house each time.

Disney World

Well, we are very pathetic over here at the Critz house and have been since before Christmas. We are trying to get well and finally coming up for air a bit so here comes my excess of Disney World pictures to overdo you until I have energy to update on everyone. I pray you are doing well as we enter 2009! I was reminded as I took down my 65+ Christmas cards from friends and family how many people God has blessed us with the opportunity to know and love! We loved hearing from each one of you!

In line for the Star Wars ride. The face says it all.

When you're about to meet Lightning McQueen and Tow Mater, sometimes you just have to break dance. The expressions on the people in the background make me laugh.

This was in our hotel lobby. This is a gingerbread carousel made out of entirely edible ingredients! Beautiful!

I'm going to have to do a product review on this little find. We took three strollers but these two we connected with these stroller connectors when we needed them to be one. Worked great! This was the night Marmee and I went back with the kids while the other adults went to Cirque du Soleil. They loved it!

Coming off a little roller coaster. He rode everything they would let him on! He's just like his mom and dad - loves a thrill ride!

Buzz Lightyear - always a favorite

Our little family - the kids traveled perfectly!

The dancing lights - they're so beautiful!

John had to have his picture with the giant Kermit

Guess Where Levi's Going?

It's Beginning to Look a Lot Like Christmas

The Day After Election Day Thoughts

"Everyone must submit himself to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which God has established. The authorities that exist have been established by God."
Romans 13:1

I know these blogs are a little off of my usual tone, but my heart is heavy for a different reason than those I am listening to today. As I watch the reactions of Christians to the election I wonder if we believe the verse above or not. When it was written, the people reading it were dealing with leaders who were often godless and corrupt. They had a much tougher situation for applying this than we do today. With each comment that comes out of our mouths about our newly elected leader, about the choice of the American people, we need to remind ourselves that we are representing Christ. Our job to choose is now over. Now it is our job to give honor and PRAYER where they are due! I did not pray for a certain man to be elected, I prayed for God's will to be done in our nation. I did not vote for the one who was chosen, but I will honor, pray for, and show respect and Christlike love for the man and his family that God has allowed to have this office. I pray that they will not hear ugliness and pointless babbling from the church, but a Body of Christ ready to love even when they are disappointed, a church who has a God big enough to do ANYTHING through ANYONE! We serve a BIG GOD, people! He can handle this one, too! I say we pray, continue steadfastly in our mission of reaching souls, and watch God show His power. Who knows what He has planned?!

Election Day Thoughts

As I was having my quiet time this morning I read these verses. Once again a reminder of what we all know but can forget as we watch those in power. Even the most powerful man in the world has no power in comparison to our God. Regardless of the outcome today, our mission as Christians remains unchanged. Whether we appreciate the policies and beliefs of the man (or woman) in power or not, we are in the business of souls, of spirits, of what will last beyond the ending of this world and all its kingdoms. It doesn't matter if we meet the physical needs of those around us if we are not reaching them with Christ. Physical needs continue to return, people continue in their ways, and cycles of poverty and wealth will twist and turn again and again. We must be there with Living Water that offers the opportunity to thirst no more. We cannot rely on government policies or the money of others to do our job - WE are the hands and feet of Christ. We pray for our leaders, they can't get into office unless God has a purpose for them there according to Romans. We stop spending all of our energy trying to make those who are unsaved act like they are. Instead we work vigilantly for the harvest of souls and ask ourselves not what others are doing but what we are doing for those around us. Sometimes I wonder whether we should be asking God to have mercy on our nation or on the church. If we spent half as much energy meeting the needs of teen mothers, and sons without positive role models, and those with AIDS, as we do working to have our voice heard on laws on abortion and gay marriage, maybe they wouldn't be such issues in this country. Today I will vote and wait to see what we have chosen, and today I will pray for revival among those who fear God's Name. How can the fire spread when we are not contagious?!!

Psalm 33

4 For the word of the LORD is right and true;
he is faithful in all he does.

5 The LORD loves righteousness and justice;
the earth is full of his unfailing love.

6 By the word of the LORD were the heavens made,
their starry host by the breath of his mouth.

7 He gathers the waters of the sea into jars;
he puts the deep into storehouses.

8 Let all the earth fear the LORD;
let all the people of the world revere him.

9 For he spoke, and it came to be;
he commanded, and it stood firm.

10 The LORD foils the plans of the nations;
he thwarts the purposes of the peoples.

11 But the plans of the LORD stand firm forever,
the purposes of his heart through all generations.

12 Blessed is the nation whose God is the LORD,
the people he chose for his inheritance.

13 From heaven the LORD looks down
and sees all mankind;

14 from his dwelling place he watches
all who live on earth-

15 he who forms the hearts of all,
who considers everything they do.

16 No king is saved by the size of his army;
no warrior escapes by his great strength.

17 A horse is a vain hope for deliverance;
despite all its great strength it cannot save.

18 But the eyes of the LORD are on those who fear him,
on those whose hope is in his unfailing love,

19 to deliver them from death
and keep them alive in famine.

20 We wait in hope for the LORD;
he is our help and our shield.

21 In him our hearts rejoice,
for we trust in his holy name.

22 May your unfailing love rest upon us, O LORD,
even as we put our hope in you.

Encouraged

Thank you so much for your sweet words of encouragement and prayers! I am doing much better as I begin this week. I had the sweetest voice mail from a friend today - just reminded me again of how richly blessed I am. There is something that just wraps your heart up like a blanket when someone calls and offers anything they can think of to help you through a rough spot! Love you, Jennifer!

Something is currently wrong with my pictures but I will get some up here as soon as that gets fixed. Until then, here are some verses God has given me in this trial that I am reading each day and just allowing them to soak into my spirit. May they bless you today!

Psalm 34

1 I will extol the LORD at all times;
his praise will always be on my lips.

2 My soul will boast in the LORD;
let the afflicted hear and rejoice.

3 Glorify the LORD with me;
let us exalt his name together.

4 I sought the LORD, and he answered me;
he delivered me from all my fears.

5 Those who look to him are radiant;
their faces are never covered with shame.

6 This poor man called, and the LORD heard him;
he saved him out of all his troubles.

7 The angel of the LORD encamps around those who fear him,
and he delivers them.

8 Taste and see that the LORD is good;
blessed is the man who takes refuge in him.

9 Fear the LORD, you his saints,
for those who fear him lack nothing.

10 The lions may grow weak and hungry,
but those who seek the LORD lack no good thing.

Momentary Struggles

I had thought about jumping back in with a perky post and pictures but that is just not where I am right now. There is nothing terribly wrong but I'm struggling with my health and my energy level and honestly on some days barely making it from one chance to rest to another. I have had some issues since Levi was born (long explanation required) that could not be resolved without severe dietary changes (at least temporarily) and some other measures. I have now been at work for 6 weeks trying to figure out the best ways to beat this problem. Every spare moment has been spent in research and I have learned tremendous amounts about health, nutrition, and how I want to take care of my family. I have also discovered what an emotional and social issue food is in our lives. I'm sure Lori T. can attest to this, but when there are restrictions on what you can/will eat, everything changes! It's kind of like that feeling when you were younger and asleep and your mom would walk in, flip the light on, and take off your blanket. Argh! You just want to snuggle back down. Well, with absolutely no sugar or sweeteners, wheat, dairy, fruit, yeast, and many other things, all the "snuggly," comforting foods are gone and everything feels out of whack! Especially when taking care of and feeding your family at the same time. Trying to balance this with nursing is an added craziness. However, God has been faithful to answer my prayers as I've cried out to Him in this temporary madness. I am striving to "Taste and see that the Lord is good. . ." I am making progress and hoping to make more before the holidays. I will get some pumpkin patch pictures of my kids up and let you see my growing baby boy. He is such a blessing in my life right now, full of smiles and snuggles for his mommy. John V is growing and his maturity level seems to be shooting up at the same speed as his legs. And we're all getting ready for Kailey's 2nd birthday! Lots of fun, but I would covet your prayers for me. I refuse to allow Satan to steal this special time with my precious children. I will choose to put my eyes on the Lord, rest in Him, and allow Him to fight this battle in and through me!

I was finally able to quickly run through everyone's blogs tonight. So glad to see updates! I've been out of the loop and have missed everyone!

The Siblings Meet

Here are some shots of John V and Kailey meeting Levi the next morning after we had gotten a little bit of rest. It was so nice to have them come in when we were all rested and refreshed. There are few things more precious and exciting than siblings meeting for the first time!

They were excited to show off their goodies from their bags

Levi's Birth Day

I thought I would give all of you a glimpse into why I have my babies at home. I know the cons are obvious in your mind but I thought you might enjoy seeing some of the pros. I know it's not for a lot of people but it has certainly been two beautiful experiences for us! Birth days are full of such special, life-changing memories!!! Kristin Morales took these beautiful pictures and many, many more. It has been so special to have her pictures of my two home births!

Sent the kids off to Marmee's with their big brother/big sister goody bags from Mom, Dad, and Levi

My personal labor chef because I get to eat while in labor!

Several hours into labor and happy that we are getting nearer to the end

John supporting me through a contraction. We laughed because it kind of looked like he was having one too!

John staying awake with his coffee

Sweet Ann trying to get some rest while waiting - she ended up heading to another birth after mine! She had three moms overdue at once that weekend.

My wonderful husband getting me through the final minutes - the room is so calm and peaceful waiting for Levi's arrival. The midwife prays and speaks words of blessing over the baby and delivery as she encourages and comforts me.

First moments with Levi Joshua

Our precious baby boy

My team (minus Cindy who adjusted me during the birth - oh yeah!). They were all there just for me!

Snuggles with Dad

Cleaning up in the herbal bath. The babies love this part and so does Mom!

Baby feet!

Daddy dressing Levi in his first outfit

Comfy in my own bed with my baby - a good way to end the day