Fun Times

This is just a small sample of the daily fun we have with Kaden. I was actually posting last night's blog when Tim calls from the bathroom. Here's what I see:

That's my sweet baby, with the ONLY bottle of conditioner in the house. He has squirted it all over the bathroom floor. Not just that, but notice my makeup brushes at the bottom of the photo. He has used them as paint brushes. I thought no big deal, we'll clean it up and the floor smells nice now, then I look over at the toilet....

Excellent, now the toilet smells good too.

Thank you Lord, for our Kaden and his ever growing curiosity!

Our mouths were filled with laughter, our tongues with songs of joy. Then it was said among the nations, "The LORD has done great things for them." Psalms 126:2

Blessed

I ventured out today, not to shop but for a little "mommy time." I got a lovely manicure and much needed brain rest! I noticed the parking lot at Target was overflowing with shoppers; getting this and that for Christmas, or maybe just some savings for themselves. I thought today about the families struggling to get their children medical care, those nervous about time off work and lost pay, the families torn apart while one parent takes a child to the hospital and the other has to stay home....

Take time this season to remember the families with loved ones in the hospital and those unable to be home for the holiday, and always remember what you have been blessed with.

Give thanks to the LORD, call on his name; make known among the nations what he has done. Sing to him, sing praise to him; tell of all his wonderful acts. Glory in his holy name; let the hearts of those who seek the LORD rejoice. Look to the LORD and his strength; seek his face always. I Chronicles 16:8-11

Another day

This past Saturday, we said goodnight to another precious family member. Tim's grandfather "Opa" went home to Jesus Saturday evening. It seems that we were starting to move past one loss, and now are facing yet another. However sad our earthly losses are, when we know our loved one is with the Father, you can't help but rejoice! Knowing they are no longer facing the strain of this world, how can you not lift your hands and give Him the glory! In my life, true sadness is losing a family member you'll never see again, one that doesn't know God's gift of salvation. It is "goodbye" when they don't know Christ, but only a "goodnight" when we know we'll see them just beyond the gates of heaven.

Father God, help us to remember to share your love and precious gift to each person we meet. Allow them to see You through our actions and know Your love and compassion through us. Help us to be pleasing in Your sight so that all will come to know You. Amen.

Goodnight sweet Opa, kiss the baby for us, and know we'll see you again.

Your hands made me and formed me; give me understanding to learn your commands. May those who fear you rejoice when they see me, for I have put my hope in your word. I know, O LORD, that your laws are righteous, and in faithfulness you have afflicted me. May your unfailing love be my comfort, according to your promise to your servant. Let your compassion come to me that I may live, for your law is my delight. Psalm 119:73-77

Days of Praise

Check out the party girls!

We had a slumber party for Kaeleigh's 10th birthday! Oh my little girl has reached the double digits!! We started off the evening with pizza and a cupcake cake. Then we all made foam crafts; that was a joy to clean up. We divided the girls into two teams and went on a scavenger hunt through the neighborhood. We played some games, told some ghost stories, and attempted to go to bed... After several trips to the living room to calm the girls, we finally left them alone and closed our bedroom door! I don't think much sleep was going on, but we all had a great time!

I praise God for another year of growing for Kaeleigh.

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Kaeleigh also had her first Honors Chorus concert this past week. She looked just wonderful up in front of everyone with her outfit on! I tried to film it, but the camera was shaking so badly from my crying. I'm so overwhelmed with this child God has given me. She is just amazing. There's really not much more I can say about that.

I praise God for allowing me to be her mama.

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We've had some very emotional situations going on the last couple of weeks. On top of the miscarriage, we found out on our anniversary that Tim's grandfather "Opa" is nearing his final days on this earth. We went to say our goodbyes with the family this weekend. We all cried and are sad, but we take joy in knowing death isn't the end. We'll see you again sweet Opa, in a better place with our Father!

I praise God for knowing there is comfort in the pain and sadness of death.

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Speaking of anniversary, Tim and I celebrated our second one on November 4th. So many things have happened over the last two years of our marriage. We started off with a beautiful wedding and finding out about Kaden coming. Then within a month of the wedding, we found out that Kaden would need open heart surgery to survive. Kaden was born the following April, had his surgery in May and praise God, he is alive and doing better than anyone expected! We decided in late 2007 to file for Tim to officially adopt Kaeleigh and Avery. In January 2008 the paperwork began and we spent the next nine months waiting for a court date. In September, it was official, Kaeleigh and Avery are Tim's children!! We found out about the baby in September as well, and by October, we'd lost her. So many things we've been through in such a short time together. I can't begin to tell the rock Tim has been for me. A father to our children, a provider of our home, and my best friend. Knowing that I get to wake up to him every morning for the rest of my life is enough for me. He is mine and I am his.

I praise God for the blessing He has given me through Tim.

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Thank you Father for your greatest gift, your Son Jesus. Thank you for continuing to work in my life and my family's lives. I praise you God for you give and take away and remain stedfast and faithful to us through it all.

Glorify the LORD with me; let us exalt his name together. Psalms 34:3