Snakes

I've mentioned before that Zach is big time into "crafts." I'm hoping he can teach me a few things! Monday has become our library day, so earlier this week we checked out some crafty books. ; )

 One book is all about creating things from water bottles, so Zach decided to make hanging snakes out of our empty bottles. He was supposed to paint the "snakes" but was in a hurry for me to hang them. Too funny!

Cutie pies. Cols kind of looks husky here. ; )

So now I have this silly thing creation hanging in my house. Just admit it, you wish you had one too!

Call to Me and I will answer you and tell you great and unsearchable things you do not know.

Jeremiah 33:3

Sweet Prayers

Happy Monday! I don't know about you, but I'm ready for spring. It's getting close to March which means it's time. Not really, but that's always what I think. ; )

My MIL Trish took this picture of Colson, and it's one of my most favorites! Love love love it. Don't you know it must thrill GOD's heart when little children pray?

Keep me safe, my God, for in You I take refuge.

Psalm 16:1

Hiding

This morning I found Cols "hiding" from me in his bed.

He loves to hide (especially when he's in plain view but thinks he's not). I had to run and grab my camera to take a pic of his cute little face.

Hope you have a wonderful weekend!

But encourage each other daily, while it is called today...

Hebrews 3:13

March for Babies

 Some of you like me have heard about March of Dimes, a national non-profit organization that supports moms and babies. Their motto is "Working Together for Stronger, Healthier Babies". 

Ashley is a team leader at Woman's Hospital in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, and she is putting a team together to walk in remembrance of Reese. She works for the Director of Nursing Admin. and also assists the Chief Nursing Officer. We've never met, but she has been touched by Reese's sweet little life. When Ashley asked for permission to walk in her honor of course I said "Yes!" 

I am very touched by her sensitivity yet boldness to take on such a great responsibility. I'm happy to support her and just put her team out there for anyone who has a heart for this organization and its mission.

Her team name is "Steppin' Up for Babies," and they will be participating April 27th in the March for Babies. The link for her team and other information is HERE. 

The money raised supports programs within communities that help moms have healthy, full-term pregnancies. It also funds research to find answers to the problems that threaten babies. All of the proceeds will go to March of Dimes.

Team tennis begins tonight! This is how I feel about my first match because I'm playing singles. ; ) Ha.

Have a great Wednesday!

And GOD shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying...

Revelation 21:4

Funny Face

Happy Monday!

A hope mom made a video HERE of our retreat, and I just love it! It's very special. I thought you might want to see in more detail what Hope Moms is all about. It really gives you a good little glimpse of our weekend. ; )

 Colson has been very mellow today, but he busted out tonight. Ha! It may have been all the bubbles in the bathtub.

I promise with all my heart I did not teach him this! He's never posed like this before or made this face. SO funny!

...turn your ear to My words...for they are life to those who find them and health to one's whole body.

Proverbs 4:20, 22

Full Week

We've been running all week! The boys went to bed at 6:15 tonight. ; ) They are completely worn out.

A few things we've been up to this week (besides too much candy and too many sweets!)...

A little visit to the retirement home to pass out Valentines

Cookie decorating

School parties

And a Friday night Razorback tennis match  - I don't know how they've kept up!

The time has come for me to start emptying Zach's pockets when he comes home from school. This week he started bringing home some "treasures."

This afternoon the boys were playing outside, and I looked up to see this precious sight. We heard Zach teaching Colson letters. It was so sweet! Of course this is not how it is all the time, but I'll take it. ; )

The path of the righteous is like the morning sun, shining ever brighter till the full light of day.

Proverbs 4:18

Happy Heart Day!

 Our dog Riley wanted in the picture, too. ; )

Love, the Rowe boys

You, God, are my fortress, my God on whom I can rely.

Psalm 59:17

Ski Trip

We barely made it out of Colorado Saturday because of all the snow. It always seems to be this way. So thankful to be home in my own bed!

I have so many favorite parts of our week. Being with my family (missed you, sister!). The absolute beauty of the mountains. Not having any type of schedule. Watching Zach ski.

 Z went to ski school four days and then skied with us the last day. He blew me away! He is such a little skier and kept saying "Let's GO!" whenever we would stop on the mountain. In a few years all the cousins will be leaving the adults behind.

We do family devotions throughout the week, and the kids just made me laugh. Their comments are too funny! Two of my favorites:

Zach: "It's story time! I don't like story time."

Garrett: "Why does this always have to be about GOD?"

They had some sweet comments, too. No matter what they say, I know what they hear is sinking into their little hearts. ; )

Allie (my 10 year old niece) skied with us most of the time. I was so proud of her.

The weather was great! Mostly sunshine with some snow.

 Pappy and Bunny with some of their grandkids. 

; )

Another fun week with my family that went way too quickly!

But I will sing of Your strength, in the morning I will sing of Your love...

Psalm 59:16

Snowmass

We've been in Snowmass this week. ; ) After the retreat I flew to Colorado to meet my family. One of my favorite places in the world. I had looked forward to the retreat for so long that I hadn't thought much about our ski trip. We had a wonderful week!

BUT I was so ready to get home to see this cutie pie. 

We'll take him next time we go, but he was too little this year. Thanks Gran and G-Daddy for spoiling little brother this week!

I keep watching this video clip and can't stop laughing. My niece Mary is the first little skier then you see a flash of red who is my son.

Thankfully, it all worked out and she got him back later in the day. ; )

How lovely is Your dwelling place,
    Lord Almighty! My soul yearns, even faints for the courts of the Lord...

Psalm 84:1-2

Hope Moms Retreat

So back to the retreat! Wow, it's hard to even put into words what went through my heart and mind in less than 48 hours. It's a lot to process! It felt like I was there much longer (in a good way).

I met a few girls at the airport and rode with them. This really helped me feel more comfortable when we arrived at Haven River Inn. I had emailed with a few of the girls over the past few years but had never met anyone who was coming. I was a little nervous. ; )

This is where we stayed. So beautiful, right? There were even rocking chairs on the porch. ; )

 I immediately noticed all the Scripture on cards filling the house. I loved this! What better way to welcome the LORD into our weekend than by reminding us at every turn of His truth?

 Erin and Sarah did an amazing job with everything down to the details. They made everyone these candle holders with our babies' initials and birthdays on them.

The weekend was filled with amazing food, worship, sessions, and small group time. I haven't cried and talked so much in a long time. I told Jason I didn't lift a finger the entire weekend. It felt very strange!

 Saturday afternoon we had some free time so some of us went on a little walk. The weather was beautiful all weekend. These women became so dear to my heart! I trusted my deepest wound with them, and they completely understood.

 This was the room where we met for our sessions. See the board on the left side? This displayed all of our babies' pictures and their stories on the back. I couldn't even look at it until Saturday, and even then I could only pick out a few pictures. This was very difficult for me, but it got easier each time.

 Saturday night we put together Hope Boxes for women in the hospital who lose their baby. It includes a Bible, a journal, The One Year Book of Hope, tea, cards, and a brochure all about Hope Mommies.

Ya'll know I'm not crafty, but I loved making this box. Especially because it was in Reese's honor. It only took me about an hour, and I just burned my finger with the glue gun once. ; ) This may have been because I wanted it perfect and also we were up late talking and laughing while we made them. Yes, thankfully one of my new friends was hilarious and made me laugh until I cried!

Jennifer, Mary Beth, & Holly

These are the girls I met at the airport. 

Christin and Anna were in my group. We had another girl who was in our group, but she had to leave early Sunday morning. I was over and above blessed by them!

 This was my roommate Kim. Love this girl. Kim emailed me a few years ago after they found out their sweet Julia Grace had Trisomy 18. She had read my blog since Reese was born. It was so special to finally meet her!

 Sunday morning before we left we released balloons.

 In one of the sessions, we listened to a song "Restoration is Your Song." The chorus is still playing over and over in my head.

Though we may find pain tomorrow
You reach out to catch our tears.
And you make things new,

You will right what is wrong.
Healing flows from You,

And restoration is Your song.

The Lord is not slow in keeping His promise...

2 Peter 3:9

Valentine's Day Idea

I can't believe Valentine's Day is coming up! 

If you need to give your love any hints for a V-Day gift, I want to share with you a Valentine's Day Package that Misikko is doing. I tried their Hana Titanium 1.5" flat iron last year and use it all the time. Love it! Even though my hair is straight, it's kind of fluffy so the Titanium is perfect.

When Brian asked me to review the Elite 1" flat iron before Valentine's Day I was happy to try it out, too.

I was BLOWN away at the packaging and all the goodies included with the Elite flat iron.

What's included:

Rose bath petals
Blending eye brush
Hair brush
Mechanical eyelash curler
Brightening eye color
Nail files
Heat proof pouch
Hand sanitizer
Monkey plushies
Chocolate (my favorite part!)

What I was most excited to try with this very narrow flat iron was to see if it would be easier putting some waves in my hair. I've been thinking I may just need to give up this idea since I never can get it the way I want it (the few times of the year I try ; ) ). I was pleasantly surprised with how well it curled my hair.

I also like that it's small and easy to travel with. It heats up within seconds, and it doesn't take long to use. Which works great for me since I'm usually running to be somewhere on time.

Misikko sells curling irons and hair dryers as well. Brian is always wonderful to work with and I'm happy to recommend Hana products to anyone.

Have a great day!

...pay close attention to My words...keep them within your heart. For they are life...

Proverbs 4:20-22

Marked

This weekend I went to the Hope Moms retreat in Comfort, TX. The theme was "Marked" and I love that so much. I am marked because of Reese and this will never change. 

It's hard to even put into words how much it meant to be with these other women who are marked just like me. We came together as strangers and left close friends because of the hope we share in Christ through our losses. These ladies are beautiful and filled my heart with truths of His Word. 

 Every detail of the weekend was just as wonderful as I had hoped and maybe even a bit more. ; )

I can't wait to share more, but I haven't gone to bed at 3 am in awhile so I better get some sleep!

His tender mercies are over all His works.

Psalm 145:9