A time for growing?

Some may think I'm talking about growing a garden, but today it's about growing spiritually.  Scott preached on having joy during difficult circumstances and I think the Lord is testing us this week.  We're on Day 2 of being snowed in.  I think we're doing okay with that.  Scott tried to get to town for work this morning, but was unsuccessful in leaving the yard.  The sun came out turning things all sparkly and bright.  After putting the boys down for a nap, Scott decided to see if he could get out of the yard again.  This time the car stalled and died.  He checked under the engine and it looks like the fan belt slipped off.  Now, we're looking at towing costs, plus whatever the dealership does work on.  Then on Thursday we're supposed to have the work done on the van.  Today, I choose to have joy anyway.  There's really nothing we can do, especially since most cars have to have the dealership do the electronic diagnostic test now.  I really don't consider myself a spiritual giant or anything, but if this is a test to see where my trust lies, I REALLY want to pass it.  I don't want to give the accuser any reason to claim victory.  We can have Joy in the midst of difficulties and whatever comes we KNOW the Lord will provide, because He always has. So, like the song I heard this morning, I'm going to keep joy knowing that God will take care of us:).  I hope that everyone else that is snowed in right now is having half the fun we are!  These 4 kids are all the entertainment we need to get us through the winter.
  Elyssia now has a tent on her top bunk.  I think she would spend the whole day there, if we let her.  She's on track to finish her first Math book on Friday, which I'm very excited about!  We've all been learning a lot from her history lessons and look forward to many more years of the same.
  Garrison finished his first math book and is very close to finishing 2 of the others.  He continues to surprise us with how fast he picks things up. I didn't think he'd want to sit in school or write as much as he does, but he keeps asking for more. 
  Caleb continues to find his way into everything.  A phrase I hear often these days is, "sorry I dint mean to." He is quickly mastering the art of putting puzzles together.  I found Elyssia a puzzle last week and he has put it together at least 6 times!  His stories are usually short, sweet and too the point, but I really enjoy watching him try to come up with the word he wants. Today he told me, Daddy's gone, so you can be the boss now.  I'm glad he's here to remind me:))).
  Kiersten has had a hard time going down for naps and bedtime the last couple days.  She had a bit of a rash, but I couldn't see anything else causing her to sleep so little.  This morning I was checking her mouth to see if she put a little toy in it.  What I found was quite a surprise.  She has 2 molars and 2 upper teeth coming in.  Poor baby!  I know they all have to go through it, but she's probably had the hardest time with it.  I put a bit of teething gel on them and she seems to be doing better now.  Today she was saying, "Mama, up!" Here are a  couple pictures from today. I'll save the devotions pics for tonight's post.

Gotta have good eye protection:).

Not to be left out...

These things are cramping my style!

He signed up already!  Where has the time gone?

I'd like to request a bigger boat, sir?  The one you issued is a little small.