Happy Healthy Heart Day, Sweet Boy!!

Today we celebrate LIFE and a healthy heart!!  Two years ago today we handed a most precious gift over to our cardiac team.  I remember those moments...they will be engrained in my memory forever.   With tears streaming down my face and sobs arising, I watched the team walk away with our son cradled so tenderly in the anesthesiologist's arms.  Hours later we joined him in the Cardiac Intensive Care Unit with a WHOLE HEART!!  

Praising the Lord today for our guy and the entire team who allowed God to use their hands that day.  Father, we owe it all to you!!

In Him,

E

What I am trying to read...

These are the books I am trying to read.... "trying" being the key word in that sentence.  Now I just need know where I can either 1. Find someone to read them to me while I fold laundry, change poop and clean floors or 2. Find where I can purchase approximately 4.3 hours to add to each of my days.

This is the short stack right now.  I actually just remembered 2 others I am working on- "Lessons at Blackberry Inn" and "Radical" (again:).  And I HIGHLY recommend "Orphanology"(4th book in my stack).  It's a book that I pray changes many, many hearts and lives.  Thank you to my dearest friend, Dawn, for blessing me with a copy.  

What are your favorite books that are a must read?

In Him,

E

Because I have more pictures than words....

My mind can't seem to spit out the words but the tangible photographs and ones that have been captured in my mind are priceless.  

This boy.  Why?  He seemed to think that it would be a good idea to place himself inside Celia's bumbo.  He soon realized there was one problem...getting out.

But, after several moments, he figured it out.  He had been left in the care of his older sister, and needless to say, there was no assisting going on ...only pictures!  And don't tell me I am the only mom who loves that the pictures were taken!!

Also, please ignore the mounds of laundry surrounding this cute little bundle.  When things are folded and not put away in 29 seconds, you see what happens.:)  

My second to oldest decided to actually try something she discovered on Pinterest and her nails turned out so cute!

This is one of my favorite fine motor exercises.  I have had Charlie doing this for quite some time but he never tires of it.  It's a great way for him to work on something productive while I am getting dinner ready.  I do cut the pipe cleaners down because they bend too much if left long and frustration soon sets in. 

And guess where I found this cutie this week?  Sitting in her sister's desk chair peeking at me sheepishly.  In the picture you do not see said sister giggling and holding onto her from under the desk.

The girl loves strawberries...the bigger the better!  I cannot wait to take the gang to the strawberry farm in the next couple of weeks to pick gallons and gallons and gallons.  Such a treat!

Some sister lovin'!  I really don't think this guy is lacking.

She decided it would be a great idea to jump out of the swing.  Praise the Lord for no broken bones!

The simplest things....a fort on the sofa.  Look at his face...cracks me up! 

ANTS!!  Charlie called his friend over to check them out at a recent ballgame.  Loved watching the wonder and awe these two showed me.  Reminded me to pause and soak in every single moment.

On the way to our annual family vacation in the mountains with Mimi, Papa and all the aunts, uncles and cousins.  We are thinking that a big van is in our very near future.

MC with our God daughter, Ella.  Beautiful girls!!

Apparently, this is what boys do.  Dirt bike games.  

More sister love!

Okay, after seeing the photos that our 11 year old took of her sister last week, I am convinced that the 2 of them should go into business together.  They are both so creative and the photos are turning out amazing!!  Anyone want to volunteer to let them practice with your family?:)  I am serious- they are very excited to capture God's wonder with their lens.

Praying each of you have a blessed Sunday basking in His glory and grace!!!

In HIM,

E

Say YES!!

I originally posted this about 2 years ago, but I find myself incredibly burdened for the children....our children. The ones living right here....in our own communities who have noone. NOONE. How can this be? Aren't they all "ours" to care for? Where have we gone wrong?

Please, watch this video in it's entirety. Think about your own children.

This is our call. Not something we dreamed up. Not something we feel we need to do to be cool. Not something we do to gain attention 'cause let me tell you.....it is very hard sometimes to put on the face of Jesus when people are cold and thoughtless with their comments and questions! It is something we do because He commanded us to. It is in the Bible. Period.

I pray that God will use our family. Advocacy, prayer, support, fostering, adoption...all are real needs. And while we aren't sure where He has us headed yet, we are eager to find out!

In Him,

E

Why, Oh Why?

It started nice and calm. An afternoon dying eggs and spending some quality time together.

See, what a sweet sister showing her inquisitive brother how it's done.

Then...he had to lick it. Why, oh why, does he do that?!?! Hand sanitizer, soap,

freshly Clorox wiped tray.......egg dye?!?! Weird.

Nervertheless, I decided to let him give it a try.

And I was impressed. He watched and followed directions perfectly.

Oh, and the sweet, calm sister works on.....oblivious to what is about to happen.:)

Still working...

SO YOU SEE ME....THERE....IN THE BACKGROUND?!?!?!?!

RUNNING FOR COVER!!!

He decided to dump out most of the orange dye and THROW/SWIPE it all over the room!!!

Just look at him!! WHY, CHARLIE?!?! WHY?!?!

After the clean up, she continued and finished the eggs without her trusty sidekick because....

......we decided it was safer for everyone if he sang and shook to Veggie Tales away from the table.:) And he acted like nothing had happened.

In Him,

E

I Surrender

PRAISING HIS GLORIOUS NAME THIS BEAUTIFUL DAY!!

AND ON THIS DAY.....I SURRENDER ALL!!

FOR HE IS RISEN INDEED!!

In Him,

E

ONE MORE THING....IMPORTANT!!

I believe you can vote for Kelly ONCE PER DAY!!! DO IT, PEOPLE!!:)

(said with the love of Christ!)

In Him,

E

Kelly Needs Us

Kelly and I met a year or so ago through blogland. I have been sitting here trying to remember how we met and I suppose it has something to do with the fact that Kelly has a little guy blessed with DS, Boston, who is Charlie's age.

In addition to Boston, Kelly is the proud momma to Brooklyn, a beautiful 6 year old girl. Sadly, Rett Syndrome has stripped away from Brooklyn many of the daily functions and tasks we never think about (walking, talking and hand use). And as hard as it is for Kelly to watch her precious girl become more and more dependent, she continues to fight for Brooklyn every single day.

Kelly is so strong but now she needs us. Her twin sister has nominated for a NEW ADAPTIVE MINIVAN!!!!! Brooklyn's wheelchair is heavy yet Kelly lugs that thing around because that's what Mommy's do. And Brooklyn continues to grow and get bigger yet Kelly lovingly carries her in and out of their vehicle because that's what Mommy's do. How amazing this gift of a new van would be for the Butler family!!

Please, view Kelly's post here. Midway in the post you will find the link to vote for Kelly and her crew. Remember to use PROMO code 971 to gain the Butlers 5 extra votes.

Now......GET VOTING!!!

Praying for a new van for the Butlers!!

In Him,

E

Waiting...

Waiting now for the day to celebrate HIS RETURN and REJOICE IN HIS PROMISES!!!

In Him,

E

Scraps

Wow. Read this post. Here is just an excerpt. Do my kids only get the scraps?

"Do the children get fed first, before phone calls and dishes, before errands, emails, ministry, to-do lists, hobbies, cyber-surfing, before all things seen? Does life stand in line behind the young and the needy, take its turn after their hungry souls? Are my children deep nourished?

Nourished with me. With laughter and hugs and shared stories, with music and dancing and poetry and literature and art and nature and wind and sky and all of the God-Glory.

Or do I feed them scraps off the floor?"

In Him,

E

Spy Party

We had a blast at cousin Eli's "Spy" birthday party this weekend. Just had to share pictures of 2 of my most favorite spies.:) And yes, I know, that boy desperately needs a haircut!

She was too cool for a mustache.:( Why, oh why, does she have to grow up?!

Hope your spring is full of love and precious moments!

In Him,

E