Sunday, May 30, 2010

Lake Fun

We took a short trip to the lake this weekend. Andy and Z entertained each other well on the way. ; )

Gran with Westin styling in his shades
Z enjoying a little snack
Us
Is it even possible for grandfather, son and grandson to look this much alike!? I guess so. ; )
Shannon & W
Andy throwing Z "way up high"
There was several beautiful butterflies flying around, and Z loved having one on his finger.
Oops! Caught in the cookies again. ; )

I thought so much of Reese and how cute she would have looked in her little swimsuit and cover up. On big family days I miss her even more (if that's possible) because the place she should be filling is that much bigger. The LORD gently reminded me that if Reese were here, then Colson wouldn't be. I am so thankful for both of their lives. GOD is good even through the pain.

I hope you are all having a wonderful Memorial Day weekend. I love seeing all the flags honoring those who fight for our country. Thank you, Lord, for the women and men willing to give their lives for freedom.


You have prepared praise from the mouths of children and nursing infants.

Matthew 21:16

Friday, May 28, 2010

School Days


First day of school
September 10, 2009

Last day of school
May 26, 2010

What a year! Z loved school and has learned so much. I'm proud. ; )

We made it on time the first and last day. They are so relaxed thank goodness. Jason will definitely be taking our kids to school. Ha! Or I may be getting up at 4 a.m. to make sure we are on time. ; )


Your ways, O God, are holy.
What god is so great as our God?

Psalm 77:13

Wednesday, May 26, 2010

This is What Happens...

when grandparents visit. ; )

Boo-boos kissed

Donuts eaten (one in each hand, of course!)

Swinging

More swinging

Play play play!

It's fun to have my grands around because they do the silliest things. ; )


In Him all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge are hidden.

Colossians 2:3

Monday, May 24, 2010

A Year Ago

I can't stop thinking about how at this time one year ago some of you heard of our little family and began praying for Reese and me. I was six months pregnant with her, in the hospital with meningitis and encephalitis and close to death. In GOD's sovereignty and by countless prayers we pulled through that terrible time to face another devastation in August with Reese.

I am convinced GOD prompted people to begin praying for us last May in order to build a FIRM foundation of strength, peace and love that we would need in the months ahead and still now. Only He knew what we were going to face. The Lord knew we would need many mighty prayer warriors when our daughter was born.

I remember like it was yesterday being so thankful that they did not have to deliver Reese when I was sick. We were praising the Lord she was ok. Our little fighter. She had three more months to grow and thrive inside me. Besides, I had an entire summer planned with Zach before his little sister arrived. He was at such a fun stage, and I wanted to savor every moment with him. ; )

At that time the worst thing in the world was for her to have been born three months early and have to stay in the NICU at Children's. What problems would she have? How could Jason and I spend three months apart while he worked and I stayed with our daughter? Who would take care of Zach? Knowing what we know now we would have been begging the doctors to deliver her.

I really can't go there, but it's strange living through this spring and looking ahead at summer remembering so easily everything that happened up to Reese's birth. So many details.

GOD is here. He was with us then. As I became disoriented and lost motor skills. On the mediflight to a different hospital in another city. While I was pricked with countless needles. During those painful sleepless nights in the hospital. As I drifted in and out of reality. When the doctors threatened a feeding tube because I wouldn't eat. When I couldn't stand, walk or bathe alone. When I told Jason that if I went to Heaven at least he would have Zach.

His quiet presence. He sits with me as I look back. He holds my hand and allows me to sift through my feelings. He is the same GOD. He is still working.

It's amazing to me that you continue to care so much and reach out to bless our family. We are changed because of GOD's hand shown through you. Thank you thank you.


Why must I go about in sorrow..? Send me Your light and Your truth; let them lead me. Then I will come to the alter of GOD, to GOD, my greatest joy.

Psalm 43:2-4

Saturday, May 22, 2010

Happy Birthday, Jason!

Friday night for Jason's 31st birthday I threw him a surprise party. I have never done anything like this in my life! I was in the hospital the day he turned thirty and was barely able to say, "Happy Birthday," so this year I wanted to do something extra special.
Friends waiting...
Decorations set...

The golf theme was easy and fun. ; )
Cake ready...
Surprise!!
He had no idea. I'm so thankful because surprises are hard work!
Us
Jason & Davin
Rachel, me, Meredith & Jennifer
Our sweet moms

Our parents, Shannon, Cody & Andy helped pull everything together while Jason and I were out to eat. Thank you so much!
Jason, JJ & James
Clint & us
Shannon, Jill, Lindsey, Stacy, Abby & me
Sara, Sarah & Meredith
Kristi & Cari
The cake cutting was a little crazy. ; )
Kendy & Ashley
Kendy & Cameron
Sara and Nick came from out of town to see us. We miss them so much!
Elizabeth, me & Shannon

Z was at FNO (Friday Night Out) at our church, and Westin was a trooper during the party. Too bad he can't eat cake yet. ; ) I caught a quick smile before he went home.

It was a perfect night spent with wonderful friends. I'm glad all the secrets are out. Thanks for helping me make Jason's birthday so special!


...for the Lord will be your confidence.

Proverbs 3:26

Thursday, May 20, 2010

Riley?

Wow, I'm always blown away by your encouraging words and prayers. Thank you! I've had a rough few days so your kindness goes a long way.

Riley our German Shepherd loves to be outside and play in a pond close to our home. Her coat gets thick in the winter so she was starting to look very mangy. Even our neighbors started to smell her. ; ) So I took her to the pet store today to get a really good quality bath and brush.
We think they confused her with another dog who was there for a shave. Is this our beautiful dog!?
At least she is looking cute with her bows!
I'm completely kidding, although this was Jason's idea. We wanted her to be cooler this summer, but I wasn't quite convinced we should go this drastic. At least it will grow back, right? We love you, Ri.


The LORD does not look at the things man looks at. Man looks at the outward appearance, but the LORD looks at the heart.

I Samuel 16:7