Prayers and Thankfulness

This morning I heard that Steven Curtis Chapman's 5 year old daughter was killed yesterday as she was hit by a truck driven by her older brother who was backing out of the driveway. I can't even begin to imagine the anguish that the family is going through. My heart aches for the mom and dad at the loss of a precious child, for the other children who lost a dear sister, and for the poor brother who's feelings are unimaginable. As I have been praying for them today I am reminded of what a blessing life is. To breath in and out is such a gift. To experience this life with all that comes with it is indescribable. Everyday that we have on this earth is a new opportunity to love those around us and cherish each and every moment that we have with them. I am so thankful for my own family and in light of this tragedy I am overwhelmed with love for my boys. When Caleb was born it took the Nurses about a minute to get him breathing. It was the longest minute of my life as I strained to hear my baby's first breath. When he finally inhaled and gave a little sputter it was the sweetest thing I have ever heard. I am reminded of that today and am so thankful that God breathed life into him. I think I will go give my boys a big hug and squeeze them a little bit tighter than I normally do.

5th Anniversary

This last weekend Brandon took me on a surprise getaway for our anniversary. He is so good to me and amazes me daily with his kindness to me and our boys. I am blessed to know him and even more so to be his chosen one on this journey of life. Brandon took me back to the Napa Valley where we honeymooned 5 years ago. It was really nice to relax and enjoy doing whatever we wanted for a change... (that included a nap in the middle of the day) B had everything planned perfectly. We spent the day at Six flags where he conquered his fear of roller coasters. We ate way too much food, got sunburned and had a great time. Here's to 100 more fabulous years!

I am very tired tonight as I write this and feeling a little bogged down. Just wanted to take a minute to catch you up on our lives.

Zach is back on the nebulizer and we have now added the steroid treatments as well. He is having such a difficult time breathing and it is really hard to watch.. Please pray that he won't have to be hospitalized.

Last night Brandon and I were sitting down to enjoy some much needed "veg time" and catch up on Lost. (TV Show). We watch the episodes on our computer and so every commercial break we have to get up and click CONTINUE to resume the show. At the first break, B got up and somehow knocked me in the nose... hard. Lets just say it hurts and is swollen and our comforter is now stained a bright shade of red. It could be worse.... I love the color red, and if I'm lucky, I might even be able to milk it on mother's day this year.

Keeper of the Bread

The other day Caleb kept asking for a Banana, but they were looking a little past their prime... so we decided to make some Banana Bread. Caleb was a great little baker... very attentive and serious about it. After we got it in the oven He hovered at the oven door peeking in with a huge grin on his face. He hardly left his post for the whole hour... my little keeper of the bread. Needless to say he was very proud of his budding culinary skills (takes after daddy), and I was impressed by the amount of bread he wanted to consume (takes after me).

He's back...and better than ever!

Mommy did it!

That's right. I attempted my first haircut as a mom. Until now I have been scared to try and for good reason. The last time I tried to cut Brandon's hair I only got half way done and then froze... Really... I left poor B sitting there looking rather pitiful covered in hair with one side of his hair a lot shorter than the other and flat out refused to finish it. Not one of my finer moments. Until last week I have had a friend cut Caleb's hair. She makes it look so easy and I guess some of her confidence rubbed off on me because I did it! Such a handsome boy if I do say so myself.

Sweet Little Z

For those of you who have been praying for our sweet Zachary... We had good news at the Doctor's today. Zach is doing much better and the Dr. was very pleased with his improvement. We will continue to do the dreaded breathing treatments for the next week and a half or so, which I think is much harder on Brandon and I then it is on Zach. Other than that he is doing really well and is as smiley as ever. Yeah! I am very thankful today!

I love this picture of Brandon and Zach. Zach is getting so big, he makes Brandon look small. I have been told I am a funny sight to see carrying around one in each arm. Caleb and Zach that is.. not Brandon.. Now that would be funny.

Grace

A friend shared this poem with me and it blessed me. One thing I have noticed about having kids is how God uses them to work on me. I realize everyday how broken and flawed I am and how much I am in need of Christ. How thankful I am to receive His Amazing Grace...


When I say... 'I am a Christian' I'm not shouting 'I'm clean
livin'' I'm whispering 'I was lost, Now I'm found and forgiven.'


When I say... 'I am a Christian' I don't speak of this with
pride. I'm confessing that I stumble and need Christ to be my guide.

When I say... 'I am a Christian' I'm not trying to be strong.
I'm professing that I'm weak and need His strength to carry on.

When I say 'I am a Christian' I'm not bragging of success.
I'm admitting I have failed and need God to clean my mess.

When I say... 'I am a Christian' I'm not claiming to be perfect,
My flaws are far too visible, but God believes I am worth it.

When I say... 'I am a Christian' I still feel the sting of pain..
I have my share of heartaches, so I call upon His name.

When I say... 'I am a Christian' I'm not holier than thou,
I'm just a simple sinner who received God's good grace, somehow!'

Uncle Jake Comes to Town

Last week Brandon's brother Jake came to stay with us for a few days. Caleb took to him right away and was very sad when his new best friend left. Jake is going to be a great dad someday. He is so kind and attentive. He sang to Zach (strange song choice) and even humored me with a facial in preparation for his big interview. Fun times were had by all.