Looking out our front window, I am in AWE of the beauty of creation. Fresh snow everywhere.... absolutely STUNNING. So often we miss out on the little things of creation that I call 'jaw droppers'! How is God so PATIENT towards us? I once said I would name my child Patience... but now I fear that the name would require my patience to be tested tooooooo much.. so that's a no go!

So in my devotions tonight, I stopped and asked myself why we only seem to see the hand of God when we look back on our lives? How do we miss it on a daily basis? I can see how God led me from one place to another, from one relationship to another, from one job to another... and it all seems so clear. But now I look- anticipating the same clarity looking forward, and yet in the darkness I can't see. I know that we are only supposed to take it one day at a time... trusting God, but I must admit that I can't wait to see the BIG picture (when I look back!). I hope my life has evidenced me taking steps of FAITH... and even in the darkness, looking to the LIGHT.

Another dramatic night in M's and my play date. Makaela has developed a LOVE for books. So tonight I laid down on the floor in her room and she came over with a book and said "ki-ka". (Kitty cat for those who do not speak "mom"!) And sure enough... there was a black and white cat on the page. Turns out, that on every page of the story there is a cat in a different place. So... I tested her intelligence (ha) and we searched for the cat on EVERY page... and sure enough... she found about 7 out of the 10! SO CUTE!!!!! She was right proud of herself too. I did not really know what to feel... my baby girl is growing up... but at least she is smart:)

manda