Life

This week has been a somber one. I visited the cemetery and remembered the life of Darlene. It was almost as if all of the air was sucked out of me. I still cannot fathom that she is gone. I see her so vividly and hear her say, 'Now you aren't going to get on my last nerve are you?' I probably was - it didn't take much. Her last words to me as I sat by her bedside as she drifted in and were, 'You are sitting here while I sleep. Now that is a true friend.' I knew it wouldn't be long and it wasn't. She knew that too.

Last night - potential of a new life in the form of a baby. Such a precious life. As the young mother told me she hates to think of terminating her baby, I just couldn't fathom it. Praying. Praying. Praying.

Dedication Day

Today was Jenavieve's Dedication Day. Of course, it was more a time of Jordan and Patrick dedicating themselves to raise her to honor the Lord. She is a gift. On Mother's Day, it was also a gift to see my children gift their daughter back to the Lord. I pray that she will find success which is one thing - finding God's will for her life and then accomplishing it!

First Recital

Jocelyn had her first ballet recital! In celebration of 'American Girl', each group represented one of the American Girl dolls. Jocelyn's group represented 'Rebecca'. It was fun to see the different groups from 'Bitty Baby', the three's, on up to 'Kaiah', the twelve year olds. They were so cute!

Spring Has Sprung

Just as we celebrated His being alive a few weeks ago, the earth is showing signs of new life. I love it when Winter turns into Spring. When death turns into life. When brown turns into green.

It doesn't take special effects to thrill my soul. It takes the hand of a Creator.

Birthday Boys x Three

Dryscha had the first birthday party ever for the boys. They were so excited! She chose a farm theme and had so much fun decorating and planning. They got some great gifts including roller skates which will probably lead to their first ER visit - times three of course!





















A treat for the adults - with cow pattern ribbon.

ENGAGED!

Yesterday, in the midst of inventory, Max and Angie came into the store to tell me that they are engaged. They've been together for a long time. They've had a lot of ups and downs. It is hard to imagine them with anyone else. A beautiful ring. A Summer 2011 wedding. Time to pray. Time to hope. Time for God to work in two lives that will make an oath before Him.

"Today is the day"

Four years ago I went to work and got a phone call that I hoped would not come for a few more weeks. It was Mike. He simply said, 'The doctor was in to see Dryscha and told her that today is the day.'

Today - at 31w, three little boys would be born. Three little boys who were longed for. Who were prayed for. Who were about to be a gift from God. A gift that only He could give.

Surgery was to be at 4:3o and Mike asked us not to come before 3:30, allowing them that time alone. It was 31W 1D, a few weeks shy of what Dryscha's goal was but I knew over the weekend that she would not hold out much longer. At 4:30, she was wheeled into surgery and the rest of us waited. And waited. And waited. At 5:30, I had a feeling they were born, but no one came to tell us anything. At 6:30, the anesthesiologist walked through and said all went well and someone should be out shortly. Finally Mike came out and told us that Robert Mackenzie, James Philip, and Edwin Michael Kenneth had been born at 5:14, 5:15, and 5:17 . At almost 8:30 we got our first glimpse.

That was four years ago. Things have never been the same. We love you boys!