tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-280666682024-03-13T12:14:40.730-06:00Small Copper Coins...offering all I have to GodGracehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15688630656038206339noreply@blogger.comBlogger415125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28066668.post-91191445932625652702012-08-30T19:47:00.000-06:002012-08-31T11:21:05.364-06:00Look Who's Talking<div style="color: #274e13; font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">
Caleb is 15 months old and it's amazing how much he is communicating! Here are the words that he knows how to say and other ways he gets his point across:</div>
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Dada</div>
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Mama</div>
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BaBa (brother)</div>
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Hard K sound (drin<b>k</b>)</div>
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Cookie (cookies or crackers)</div>
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Cook (any other kind of food) </div>
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Pees (please)</div>
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Tah-too (Thank you)</div>
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Dues (shoes)</div>
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Uh-huh (along with a head bob for Yes)</div>
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Ah-men (Amen)</div>
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Light</div>
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Book</div>
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Ball<br />
Uh-oh<br />
Ite-der, usually accompanied with a pointing finger (Right there) </div>
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He also knows and uses correctly the signs for "More" and "All Done", and he knows some animal sounds. (Snake says Sssss, Cat says Meow in a high voice, every other animal says Eh-eh in a grovely voice) </div>
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<span style="color: #274e13; font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">The most amazing thing to me is that when you ask him a question, if his answer is "yes", he tells you. He leaves no doubt. So I can ask him things throughout the day and he understands and responds to me! It's incredible how much they learn in just a few short months of life, isn't it? </span><br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-xETxE8Bxh5I/UEAXbrsSPLI/AAAAAAAAA3o/gUq-yovW60w/s1600/Nate+and+Caleb.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-xETxE8Bxh5I/UEAXbrsSPLI/AAAAAAAAA3o/gUq-yovW60w/s320/Nate+and+Caleb.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />Gracehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15688630656038206339noreply@blogger.com18tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28066668.post-61174097752467162642012-08-16T07:33:00.003-06:002012-08-16T07:33:54.617-06:00First Day of Second Grade! <div style="color: #274e13; font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">
I cannot believe my son is in 2nd grade! Here he is on the first day of school, sporting all his cool Western Illinois University wear from his Uncle JD! It's going to be a great year! </div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-kdnxN6bo8Q4/UCz1-sKuFrI/AAAAAAAAA3U/WHzhAAMw3h8/s1600/First+Day+of+Second+Grade+8.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-kdnxN6bo8Q4/UCz1-sKuFrI/AAAAAAAAA3U/WHzhAAMw3h8/s320/First+Day+of+Second+Grade+8.jpg" width="320" /></a><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-BK0YKdVQ61U/UCz12XlWrLI/AAAAAAAAA20/XKRqNd_zXJ4/s1600/First+Day+of+Second+Grade+10.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-BK0YKdVQ61U/UCz12XlWrLI/AAAAAAAAA20/XKRqNd_zXJ4/s320/First+Day+of+Second+Grade+10.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: #274e13; font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Nathan's verse for this year: "For God did not give us a spirit of fear, but one of power, of love, and of self-control!" ~2 Timothy 1:7</span>Gracehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15688630656038206339noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28066668.post-28031589666515812552012-07-20T20:28:00.003-06:002012-07-20T20:28:37.586-06:00<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-jazp__mVGaE/UAoToAik7XI/AAAAAAAAA2E/-7n67kU4MB4/s1600/Sleepy+Caleb.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-jazp__mVGaE/UAoToAik7XI/AAAAAAAAA2E/-7n67kU4MB4/s320/Sleepy+Caleb.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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Be still, and know that I am God. </div>
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<span style="color: #274e13; font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">~Psalm 46:10</span>~</div>Gracehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15688630656038206339noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28066668.post-42344045216621220742012-06-26T10:53:00.000-06:002012-06-26T11:19:02.907-06:00Put It Down<div style="color: #274e13; font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">
One of Caleb's current favorite activities is to walk around the house with a small saucepan in one hand and a plastic spoon in the other. For some reason, he believes that he needs these items as he has adventures throughout the day. He'll hit a ball with the spoon, put something in the pot, and store them in strategic locations that only he knows the significance of. </div>
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This pot, this spoon... they are his <i>stuff</i>.</div>
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Today he had crawled inside his big brother's ball toss game. He played there happily for awhile, but when he was ready to leave, he found he could not figure out how to crawl back out. He had his pot, he had his spoon, he was ready to move on... but he couldn't. He was stuck.</div>
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So, being the good mommy that I am, I went to help. I gently took the pot and the spoon out of his hands and laid them right outside ball toss game. With his hands free, he was then able to crawl out. As he reclaimed his pot and spoon, I said in my gentlest Mommy-teaching-a-lesson-to-a-one-year-old voice, "See Caleb. Sometimes you have to put down your stuff in order to be free!"</div>
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He nodded in his One-year-old-who-wants-to-get-back-to-playing-so-I'll-agree-with-you way and toddled off.</div>
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But I stood still.</div>
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Because as I said those words to Caleb, I realized that they were really for me.</div>
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I could almost see God nodding His head and smiling. Repeating my advice back to me. Relieved that I had finally heard.</div>
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"Grace... sometimes you have to put down your stuff in order to be free!"</div>
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Put down your fear. Put down your burdens. Put down your sin. Put down your plans. </div>
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Put it down and crawl out this place where you're stuck.</div>
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Put it down and be free!</div>
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There are so many things in this life that try to enslave us. It could be pride, it could be insecurity. It could be busyness, it could be laziness. It could be fear, it could be pain. It could be our own wants and desires and dreams and plans.</div>
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Your stuff might look different than mine.</div>
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But the invitation is the same.</div>
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Put it down. </div>
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Put down your stuff and be FREE! </div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-F8tA5Iokf48/T-nu51GKmWI/AAAAAAAAA14/q06AZ2bvLo4/s1600/Pot+and+Spoon.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-F8tA5Iokf48/T-nu51GKmWI/AAAAAAAAA14/q06AZ2bvLo4/s320/Pot+and+Spoon.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
"It is for<b> </b><b>freedom</b> that Christ has set us <b>free</b>. Stand firm, then, and do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery." ~Galatians 5:1 </div>Gracehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15688630656038206339noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28066668.post-79463870967616328712012-06-14T22:15:00.002-06:002012-06-14T22:15:13.264-06:00Nathan Hits a Home Run!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dx46n30nfQ2mPEGEN6BHdrTfjufSc0Tgz9gPKnbrA5x242EpUGI2ajforI5kidZBMH5aXESjdTcb4o' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>
<br />Gracehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15688630656038206339noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28066668.post-24958060781938555132012-06-05T10:32:00.003-06:002012-06-05T10:32:45.036-06:00Bird Family Drama<div style="color: #274e13; font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">
Today I opened the garage door to head to the van, and I was surprised to see two baby birds sitting on the driveway between my van and the garage. I assume they had fallen out of their nest and couldn't fly back up. They didn't look scared of me, more resigned to their fate. But in the moment it took for me to recognize what I was seeing, a huge screeching adult Blue Jay swooped past the open garage door, looking ready to peck my eyes out! </div>
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<img height="375" id="il_fi" src="http://www.leonandsondra.com/albums/Garden/fledgling%20blue%20jay%207.JPG" style="padding-bottom: 8px; padding-right: 8px; padding-top: 8px;" width="500" /> </div>
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I wanted to help the babies, but I had my own baby in my arms, and I had to protect him from Mama Bird, so I quickly shut the garage door and went into the house. We could see the babies from the front door, so we stood and watched them a little. They would stretch their wings out, ruffle them, but nothing would happen. All the while, Mama and Daddy Bird were swooping back and forth, screeching at any real or imagined threat to their babies. I even saw one chase off a squirrel! </div>
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After 30 minutes or so, the babies hopped out of my line of sight, but I could still see the parents flying by so I assumed they were close. I felt bad for the Mama and Daddy birds. They couldn't do anything to help their babies except keep watch and chase away predators. They lack the strength and ability to simply pick up their babies and carry them back to the nest. If these babies can't figure out how to fly soon, they are going to die... and the parents will have to just sit there and watch. </div>
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It kinda broke my heart a little.</div>
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I know they are "just birds". And to be honest, I don't like that this whole bird family drama is playing out on my driveway, because I have been unable to get to the van to run my errands. But I also know that fierce protectiveness that wells up in me whenever one of my babies faces a threat - whether real or imagined. And I've felt that urge to swoop down on someone and peck at their eyes for daring to hurt my child. I cannot imagine having to sit by and watch your child suffer... maybe even die... and know in your heart that you cannot do anything about it. </div>
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I cannot fathom it.</div>
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But God can.</div>
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He experienced that first-hand when He watched His own Son die on the cross. He had to turn His back, because of the sin that Jesus willingly took upon Himself. My sin... and yours. Yes, God could have stopped the whole thing, but He didn't because He longed to provide a way for our forgiveness, for our salvation, for our restoration. He gave His one and only Son... because of His love. </div>
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The Bible says that He is mindful of and provides for even the birds of the air, and then He reminds me that I am even more valuable to Him then these birds. He loves me! And He proves His own love for me, in that while I was still a sinner, Christ died for me. I may be as helpless as a baby bird who's fallen out of her nest, but my Father is not only my fierce protector, He's able to lift me up again and carry me to safety. I can trust Him, no matter what! </div>
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<span style="color: #274e13; font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">(Photo credit: leonandsondra.com) </span>Gracehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15688630656038206339noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28066668.post-60278294861714805142012-05-13T15:44:00.001-06:002012-05-13T15:44:17.467-06:00Mother's Day 2012<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Eae5u9fpqu0/T7ArGygKGHI/AAAAAAAAA1s/ro3ovQaheSo/s1600/Mother%27s+Day+2012.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Eae5u9fpqu0/T7ArGygKGHI/AAAAAAAAA1s/ro3ovQaheSo/s320/Mother%27s+Day+2012.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />Gracehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15688630656038206339noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28066668.post-74563274897355192582012-05-12T19:56:00.002-06:002012-05-12T19:56:31.291-06:00Caleb is 1!!!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-R9BBvNZRupU/T68UjzgrN8I/AAAAAAAAA1Q/Z-mRMAGG5tI/s1600/Caleb+1+Year+10.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-R9BBvNZRupU/T68UjzgrN8I/AAAAAAAAA1Q/Z-mRMAGG5tI/s320/Caleb+1+Year+10.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: #274e13; font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Happy Birthday, Caleb Steven! </span></span></div>Gracehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15688630656038206339noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28066668.post-45447026401962751682012-05-11T07:20:00.002-06:002012-05-11T07:20:58.491-06:00One More Day<div style="color: #274e13; font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">
There is a commercial I've seen recently that says something like, "You have a child for life, but a baby for just one year." Well, if that's true, then I have one more day for my baby to be a baby.</div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-TUXnt4Exywc/T60OIEPdbLI/AAAAAAAAA1E/5f05dBF4R2M/s1600/Caleb+Drumming+3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-TUXnt4Exywc/T60OIEPdbLI/AAAAAAAAA1E/5f05dBF4R2M/s320/Caleb+Drumming+3.jpg" width="290" /></a></div>
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Caleb Steven turns 1 tomorrow. And even though he's getting so big... I think the commercial is wrong. Because his 7 1/2-year-old brother is still my baby... and so is he. He always will be. Even after tomorrow.</div>
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But regardless, this is my last day before my baby turns 1. And there are some things I want to say to this boy who is growing up way too fast.</div>
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<b>Dear Caleb,</b></div>
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Tomorrow is your 1st birthday, baby boy! It's hard to believe it's been a year since we first heard your cry, since we first saw your face, since we first held you close in our arms. You are our long-awaited miracle, prayed here by family and friends all over the world. Some of them you will never meet... some of them I've never met, but because they love God and because they love me and because they love you, they prayed that God would be gracious to us and send you our way. And because God loves us He did... and we are thankful.</div>
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You are such a beautiful child, Caleb. You are growing and changing and learning so much. You walk EVERYWHERE now... usually with a toy or a book or a pot or the TV remote in your hand. You've got places to go, baby, and you are on your way.</div>
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You eat EVERYTHING. Your favorites right now are yogurt, apple sauce, bananas, pancakes, cheese and milk. You sign "more" and "all done" while you eat, though we see "more" a lot more often than "all done". </div>
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You seem to love EVERYONE. You are always giving hugs and blowing kisses and waving and smiling at friends and strangers alike. You've got personality, kiddo, and it shows. </div>
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You think your brother hung the moon. You have your own way of saying Nathan's name, and your face lights up when you see him. He makes you laugh like no one else can, and I can tell you want to be just like him. You've got a great big brother, Caleb. And he loves you with a fierce protectiveness that is rare and wonderful.</div>
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Caleb Steven, when I need to be reminded that God is with us all I have to do is look at you. You are a blessing and a joy, and your Daddy and I love you so very much. We've enjoyed every minute of your first year (even at 2 in the morning...), and we look forward to many more years of living life with you. </div>
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I love you, baby boy! </div>
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<b><span style="color: #274e13; font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Love, Mommy </span></b>Gracehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15688630656038206339noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28066668.post-21240066521542177532012-05-01T15:06:00.002-06:002012-05-01T15:09:54.415-06:00Now I Get It!<span style="color: #274e13; font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: small;">This
is why God, in His infinite wisdom and mercy, created my boys 6 1/2
years apart. I couldn't see it while we were waiting... but I do now! </span><br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_WoSk2dBduU/T6BQGc4EN0I/AAAAAAAAA04/mrnW2DoB8_s/s1600/Nate+feeding+Caleb.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_WoSk2dBduU/T6BQGc4EN0I/AAAAAAAAA04/mrnW2DoB8_s/s320/Nate+feeding+Caleb.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: #274e13; font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: small;">Thank You, God, for Your plan for my family! </span>Gracehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15688630656038206339noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28066668.post-47293618200280692682012-04-24T11:27:00.000-06:002012-04-24T11:27:12.720-06:00Caleb 11 Months - and eating real food!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="color: #274e13; font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Caleb
is 11 months old now and he is opinionated about his food! He doesn't
want baby food anymore, but prefers to feed himself real food! Here are
some pictures of our big little boy at 11 months, feeding himself some
scrambled eggs! </span></div>
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<span style="color: #274e13; font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"> </span><img border="0" height="239" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-pMUHu1a6gHE/T5bfQAY5ISI/AAAAAAAAA0g/QpMYlig3jE4/s320/Caleb+11+months+5.jpg" width="320" /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-e_CVr_o6LiE/T5bfRZF0usI/AAAAAAAAA0o/rmjzk6sL5qE/s1600/Caleb+11+months+6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-e_CVr_o6LiE/T5bfRZF0usI/AAAAAAAAA0o/rmjzk6sL5qE/s320/Caleb+11+months+6.jpg" width="320" /></a><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-EQJ2825kXkg/T5bfO9eIXOI/AAAAAAAAA0Y/UC5EGVjbSkg/s1600/Caleb+11+months+4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-EQJ2825kXkg/T5bfO9eIXOI/AAAAAAAAA0Y/UC5EGVjbSkg/s320/Caleb+11+months+4.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-cF8eA3oKDU4/T5bfSSEEKuI/AAAAAAAAA0w/tMp5qAAt7BU/s1600/Caleb+11+months+7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-cF8eA3oKDU4/T5bfSSEEKuI/AAAAAAAAA0w/tMp5qAAt7BU/s320/Caleb+11+months+7.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<span style="color: #274e13; font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Caleb is 11 months old now and he is opinionated about his food! He doesn't want baby food anymore, but prefers to feed himself real food! Here are some pictures of our big little boy at 11 months, feeding himself some scrambled eggs! </span>Gracehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15688630656038206339noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28066668.post-10931327942882249622012-04-16T11:40:00.003-06:002012-04-16T11:49:01.854-06:00Nathan's Baptism!<span style="font-family: trebuchet ms; color: rgb(0, 102, 0);">Nathan and 7 other children were baptized at our church yesterday! Steve was blessed to be able to baptize his son in front of our friends and family!</span><br /><br /><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dwfDylZ_KhasE8x0H2Izg2t3T1y3b5HkxLVqh20Zhv-KwlOwj_BDiHTQKezhm7MYi4aBLhQvYqnzw' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe>Gracehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15688630656038206339noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28066668.post-69453900716932940372012-04-04T06:36:00.002-06:002012-04-04T06:41:43.920-06:00Why I Love Cardinals<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Eql19uUC02Q/T3xBdsxA7xI/AAAAAAAAA0Q/T-MsFwr_jvY/s1600/Cardinal%2B2.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 239px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Eql19uUC02Q/T3xBdsxA7xI/AAAAAAAAA0Q/T-MsFwr_jvY/s320/Cardinal%2B2.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5727524804597182226" border="0" /></a><br /><span style=" color: rgb(0, 102, 0);font-family:trebuchet ms;" >Today I was checking Facebook, and my 7-year-old noticed that my cover photo is a cardinal sitting in a tree. So he asked me, "Mom, why do you like cardinals so much?"</span><br style=" color: rgb(0, 102, 0);font-family:trebuchet ms;"><br style=" color: rgb(0, 102, 0);font-family:trebuchet ms;"><span style=" color: rgb(0, 102, 0);font-family:trebuchet ms;" >So I told him.</span><br style=" color: rgb(0, 102, 0);font-family:trebuchet ms;"><br style=" color: rgb(0, 102, 0);font-family:trebuchet ms;"><span style=" color: rgb(0, 102, 0);font-family:trebuchet ms;" >And even though I have posted this before, years ago, I will tell you too... because someone needs to be reminded today that God is right here with us.</span><br style=" color: rgb(0, 102, 0);font-family:trebuchet ms;"><br style=" color: rgb(0, 102, 0);font-family:trebuchet ms;"><span style=" color: rgb(0, 102, 0);font-family:trebuchet ms;" >Always.</span><br style=" color: rgb(0, 102, 0);font-family:trebuchet ms;"><br style=" color: rgb(0, 102, 0);font-family:trebuchet ms;"><div style="text-align: center; color: rgb(0, 102, 0);font-family:trebuchet ms;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">The Cardinal Story</span><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;"></span></div><span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(0, 102, 0);font-family:trebuchet ms;" ><br /></span><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;color:#006600;">When my mom was dying from cancer, we had many good talks. We talked about heaven, and how she knew she was going there. After one of those talks, I went into my room and prayed. I asked God to please send me a cardinal when she died to reassure me the she was in heaven; that she was all right. </span><br style=" color: rgb(0, 102, 0);font-family:trebuchet ms;"><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;color:#006600;"></span><br style=" color: rgb(0, 102, 0);font-family:trebuchet ms;"><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;color:#006600;">My mom died about a month later. And during her visitation, I was amazed to see a little cardinal nestled in the flower arrangement on her casket. I hadn't told anyone about my prayer, and we hadn't asked for a cardinal to be included in the flowers. I considered that an answer to my prayer. So I shared the story with my brother, hoping it would be an encouragement to him as well. But he said, "You asked God for a real cardinal. It doesn't count."</span><br style=" color: rgb(0, 102, 0);font-family:trebuchet ms;"><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;color:#006600;"></span><br style=" color: rgb(0, 102, 0);font-family:trebuchet ms;"><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;color:#006600;">The next day we were getting ready for her funeral. I was in the bathroom brushing my teeth when I heard my brother calling out to me. I ran into the family room, and he pointed out to our backyard. There, in the tree my mom had planted, were two cardinals! My brother looked at me and said, "Look! You only asked for one... but God sent me one too!" Even though he is not yet a Christian, I was so thankful that he was able to be comforted some by the God that I know loves him very much.</span><br style=" color: rgb(0, 102, 0);font-family:trebuchet ms;"><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;color:#006600;"></span><br style=" color: rgb(0, 102, 0);font-family:trebuchet ms;"><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;color:#006600;">To this day, when I see a cardinal, I feel as if it is a message from God just for me. A reminder that He is there... that He is with me... and that everything is going to be all right. </span>Gracehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15688630656038206339noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28066668.post-23541518384254630332012-03-28T22:00:00.004-06:002012-03-28T22:04:42.498-06:00<span style=" color: rgb(0, 102, 0);font-family:trebuchet ms;" >Man, have I been neglecting the blog lately! So sorry to my dozens of faithful readers! ;) </span><br style=" color: rgb(0, 102, 0);font-family:trebuchet ms;"><br style=" color: rgb(0, 102, 0);font-family:trebuchet ms;"><span style=" color: rgb(0, 102, 0);font-family:trebuchet ms;" >I missed posting Caleb's 10 month pictures, so here they are... even though he's now 10 1/2 months old. Hopefully the cuteness factor will make up for my tardiness!<br /><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-zfQO4FVJkEE/T3PfNMH5GlI/AAAAAAAAA0E/iHrGNea5blA/s1600/Caleb%2B10%2Bmonths%2B1.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-zfQO4FVJkEE/T3PfNMH5GlI/AAAAAAAAA0E/iHrGNea5blA/s320/Caleb%2B10%2Bmonths%2B1.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5725164969003653714" border="0" /></a><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-7KpgysyRt6E/T3PfFdpNiPI/AAAAAAAAAz4/9ZE6CS-pQ90/s1600/Caleb%2B10%2Bmonths%2B2.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-7KpgysyRt6E/T3PfFdpNiPI/AAAAAAAAAz4/9ZE6CS-pQ90/s320/Caleb%2B10%2Bmonths%2B2.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5725164836267854066" border="0" /></a></span><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-YJ-M34T8ZkE/T3Pe4UimEPI/AAAAAAAAAzs/mIopDEmI9TY/s1600/Caleb%2B10%2Bmonths%2B3.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-YJ-M34T8ZkE/T3Pe4UimEPI/AAAAAAAAAzs/mIopDEmI9TY/s320/Caleb%2B10%2Bmonths%2B3.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5725164610485883122" border="0" /></a>Gracehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15688630656038206339noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28066668.post-41969806284759525642012-02-28T07:47:00.002-06:002012-02-28T07:50:26.560-06:00A little late to the party...<span style=" color: rgb(0, 102, 0);font-family:trebuchet ms;" >... but my baby turned 9 months old on the 12th! He is getting so big!<br /><br /></span><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-j2bq9qddpuI/T0zbiHP7hiI/AAAAAAAAAzg/ttyeY9ZyfJ8/s1600/Caleb%2B9%2Bmonths.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-j2bq9qddpuI/T0zbiHP7hiI/AAAAAAAAAzg/ttyeY9ZyfJ8/s320/Caleb%2B9%2Bmonths.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5714183406334215714" border="0" /></a><br style=" color: rgb(0, 102, 0);font-family:trebuchet ms;"><span style=" color: rgb(0, 102, 0);font-family:trebuchet ms;" >He weighed in at 20 lbs 7 ozs at his 9-month check-up. He's such a happy boy and is a delight to everyone who meets him!</span><br style=" color: rgb(0, 102, 0);font-family:trebuchet ms;"><br style=" color: rgb(0, 102, 0);font-family:trebuchet ms;"><span style=" color: rgb(0, 102, 0);font-family:trebuchet ms;" >We love you, Caleb Steven! </span>Gracehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15688630656038206339noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28066668.post-21789913282847116252012-02-01T20:57:00.005-06:002012-02-01T21:06:58.700-06:00Banana Head!<span style=" color: rgb(0, 102, 0);font-family:trebuchet ms;" >Today I gave Caleb a bath before lunch... and then as he was eating he decided to stick his clean head of clean hair onto a spoonful of bananas that I was attempting to feed him. So what's a Mama to do? I used the sticky banana hair to give him a mini Mohawk, of course!<br /><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-I1NNHZ929ew/Tyn9kzTRsEI/AAAAAAAAAzU/r5wiE_ZqOkg/s1600/Banana%2BHead%2B2.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-I1NNHZ929ew/Tyn9kzTRsEI/AAAAAAAAAzU/r5wiE_ZqOkg/s320/Banana%2BHead%2B2.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5704369211729621058" border="0" /><span style=" color: rgb(0, 102, 0);font-family:trebuchet ms;" ></span></a><span style=" color: rgb(0, 102, 0);font-family:trebuchet ms;" ><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-_YS9pAdvfGM/Tyn9JzgJVwI/AAAAAAAAAzI/NkqKeCIw5GQ/s1600/Banana%2BHead%2B3.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-_YS9pAdvfGM/Tyn9JzgJVwI/AAAAAAAAAzI/NkqKeCIw5GQ/s320/Banana%2BHead%2B3.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5704368747927131906" border="0" /></a></span><br /></span><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-NBuTbkyMfrQ/Tyn8j3asWVI/AAAAAAAAAy8/SWOvs0U0Gf0/s1600/Banana%2BHead%2B4.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-NBuTbkyMfrQ/Tyn8j3asWVI/AAAAAAAAAy8/SWOvs0U0Gf0/s320/Banana%2BHead%2B4.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5704368096142973266" border="0" /></a><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-pn_7f3HA8d8/Tyn8VM3f2BI/AAAAAAAAAyw/3Z0AVrINaXQ/s1600/Banana%2BHead%2B1.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-pn_7f3HA8d8/Tyn8VM3f2BI/AAAAAAAAAyw/3Z0AVrINaXQ/s320/Banana%2BHead%2B1.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5704367844202895378" border="0" /></a>Gracehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15688630656038206339noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28066668.post-60574195517473996422012-01-26T20:19:00.002-06:002012-01-26T20:47:45.564-06:00First World Problems<span style="font-family: trebuchet ms; color: rgb(0, 102, 0);">My friend Mary, who blogs at <a href="http://www.givinguponperfect.com/"><span style="color: rgb(102, 0, 0);">Giving Up on Perfect</span></a>, shared a post the other day about First-World Problems.</span><br style="font-family: trebuchet ms; color: rgb(0, 102, 0);"><br style="font-family: trebuchet ms; color: rgb(0, 102, 0);"><span style="font-family: trebuchet ms; color: rgb(0, 102, 0);">Have you heard of this trend? Evidently, it's big right now. </span><br style="font-family: trebuchet ms; color: rgb(0, 102, 0);"><br style="font-family: trebuchet ms; color: rgb(0, 102, 0);"><span style="font-family: trebuchet ms; color: rgb(0, 102, 0);">And kinda funny.</span><br style="font-family: trebuchet ms; color: rgb(0, 102, 0);"><br style="font-family: trebuchet ms; color: rgb(0, 102, 0);"><span style="font-family: trebuchet ms; color: rgb(0, 102, 0);">But also super sad.</span><br style="font-family: trebuchet ms; color: rgb(0, 102, 0);"><br style="font-family: trebuchet ms; color: rgb(0, 102, 0);"><span style="font-family: trebuchet ms; color: rgb(0, 102, 0);">See, all over the world, there are places known as Third-World Countries. And the people who live in these places have problems. Big problems. Real problems.</span><br style="font-family: trebuchet ms; color: rgb(0, 102, 0);"><br style="font-family: trebuchet ms; color: rgb(0, 102, 0);"><span style="font-family: trebuchet ms; color: rgb(0, 102, 0);">And then, there are we Americans and others who live in First-World Countries. And for some reason, we think we have problems too. Big problems. Real problems.</span><br style="font-family: trebuchet ms; color: rgb(0, 102, 0);"><br style="font-family: trebuchet ms; color: rgb(0, 102, 0);"><span style="font-family: trebuchet ms; color: rgb(0, 102, 0);">But our problems are nothing in comparison. </span><br style="font-family: trebuchet ms; color: rgb(0, 102, 0);"><br style="font-family: trebuchet ms; color: rgb(0, 102, 0);"><span style="font-family: trebuchet ms; color: rgb(0, 102, 0);">Yet still, we complain. And worry. A LOT.</span><br style="font-family: trebuchet ms; color: rgb(0, 102, 0);"><br style="font-family: trebuchet ms; color: rgb(0, 102, 0);"><span style="font-family: trebuchet ms; color: rgb(0, 102, 0);">And all the while, millions of people around the world would love to have our problems. </span><br style="font-family: trebuchet ms; color: rgb(0, 102, 0);"><br style="font-family: trebuchet ms; color: rgb(0, 102, 0);"><span style="font-family: trebuchet ms; color: rgb(0, 102, 0);">Sharing our First World Problems with each other can be funny... in that step-on-your-toes, see-yourself-as-you-really-are kind of way.</span><br style="font-family: trebuchet ms; color: rgb(0, 102, 0);"><br style="font-family: trebuchet ms; color: rgb(0, 102, 0);"><span style="font-family: trebuchet ms; color: rgb(0, 102, 0);">For example:</span><br style="font-family: trebuchet ms; color: rgb(0, 102, 0);"><br style="font-family: trebuchet ms; color: rgb(0, 102, 0);"><span style="font-family: trebuchet ms; color: rgb(0, 102, 0);">1. Our dryer is broken. It takes more time and more effort to hang the clothes up to dry. The laundry stacks up because you can't do as much at one time. Plus... the clean clothes are not as soft.</span><br style="font-family: trebuchet ms; color: rgb(0, 102, 0);"><br style="font-family: trebuchet ms; color: rgb(0, 102, 0);"><span style="font-family: trebuchet ms; color: rgb(0, 102, 0);">2. I don't have a texting plan on my cell phone, so I either have to pay for texts or actually call people.</span><br style="font-family: trebuchet ms; color: rgb(0, 102, 0);"><br style="font-family: trebuchet ms; color: rgb(0, 102, 0);"><span style="font-family: trebuchet ms; color: rgb(0, 102, 0);">3. I'm craving chocolate, but we only have white chocolate chips in the cabinet.</span><br style="font-family: trebuchet ms; color: rgb(0, 102, 0);"><br style="font-family: trebuchet ms; color: rgb(0, 102, 0);"><span style="font-family: trebuchet ms; color: rgb(0, 102, 0);">4. My bed is so comfortable it's hard to get up in the morning.</span><br style="font-family: trebuchet ms; color: rgb(0, 102, 0);"><br style="font-family: trebuchet ms; color: rgb(0, 102, 0);"><span style="font-family: trebuchet ms; color: rgb(0, 102, 0);">5. I keep forgetting to refill the Brita Water pitcher in our fridge so I always have to wait for the water to filter. </span><br style="font-family: trebuchet ms; color: rgb(0, 102, 0);"><br style="font-family: trebuchet ms; color: rgb(0, 102, 0);"><span style="font-family: trebuchet ms; color: rgb(0, 102, 0);">6. It seems I am constantly misplacing my Kindle.</span><br style="font-family: trebuchet ms; color: rgb(0, 102, 0);"><br style="font-family: trebuchet ms; color: rgb(0, 102, 0);"><span style="font-family: trebuchet ms; color: rgb(0, 102, 0);">7. I hate having to wait until 2:00 pm to get cheap drinks at Sonic.</span><br style="font-family: trebuchet ms; color: rgb(0, 102, 0);"><br style="font-family: trebuchet ms; color: rgb(0, 102, 0);"><span style="font-family: trebuchet ms; color: rgb(0, 102, 0);">8. My pediatrician's office couldn't get me a same-day appointment so I had to wait a day.</span><br style="font-family: trebuchet ms; color: rgb(0, 102, 0);"><br style="font-family: trebuchet ms; color: rgb(0, 102, 0);"><span style="font-family: trebuchet ms; color: rgb(0, 102, 0);">9. There are so many toys strewn across the floor at any given moment that I'm always in danger of tripping and snapping an ankle. </span><br style="font-family: trebuchet ms; color: rgb(0, 102, 0);"><br style="font-family: trebuchet ms; color: rgb(0, 102, 0);"><span style="font-family: trebuchet ms; color: rgb(0, 102, 0);">10. I have 10 Bibles in the house and sometimes go days without reading one. </span><br style="font-family: trebuchet ms; color: rgb(0, 102, 0);"><br style="font-family: trebuchet ms; color: rgb(0, 102, 0);"><span style="font-family: trebuchet ms; color: rgb(0, 102, 0);">See what I mean? First World Problems. I hope these made you smile... I hope they made you roll your eyes... and I hope they made you think.</span><br style="font-family: trebuchet ms; color: rgb(0, 102, 0);"><br style="font-family: trebuchet ms; color: rgb(0, 102, 0);"><span style="font-family: trebuchet ms; color: rgb(0, 102, 0);">Cause we've really got it good, don't we? </span>Gracehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15688630656038206339noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28066668.post-19841063629204140162012-01-13T16:21:00.004-06:002012-01-13T16:28:23.488-06:008 Months Old!<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-q7QdSSkDOk8/TxCvrzZZEoI/AAAAAAAAAyM/jT77rLrBuGI/s1600/Caleb%2B8%2BMonths.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-q7QdSSkDOk8/TxCvrzZZEoI/AAAAAAAAAyM/jT77rLrBuGI/s320/Caleb%2B8%2BMonths.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5697246695689622146" border="0" /></a><br /><span style=" color: rgb(0, 102, 0);font-family:trebuchet ms;" >Caleb Steven turned 8 months old yesterday! It's so hard to believe that our little miracle baby is getting so big!</span> <span style=" color: rgb(0, 102, 0);font-family:trebuchet ms;" ><br /><br />Here are some 8 month stats:</span> <span style=" color: rgb(0, 102, 0);font-family:trebuchet ms;" ><br /><br />Caleb has 6 teeth! 2 on the bottom, and 4 on the top!<br /><br /></span><span style=" color: rgb(0, 102, 0);font-family:trebuchet ms;" >Caleb loves most baby food! He likes squash, carrots, sweet potatoes, bananas, apple sauce, peaches and pears. He is not a fan of green peas. </span><span style=" color: rgb(0, 102, 0);font-family:trebuchet ms;" ><br /><br />He rolls EVERYWHERE! He's not crawling yet... but he gets where he wants to go just fine!</span> <br /><br /><span style=" color: rgb(0, 102, 0);font-family:trebuchet ms;" >He wears 6-9 month clothes.</span> <br /><br /><span style=" color: rgb(0, 102, 0);font-family:trebuchet ms;" >He sleeps about 11 hours at night and takes 2-3 naps during the day. When he is tired, he doesn't want to cuddle, he wants to lay down in his crib. He sleep with a pacifier and his special blue blankie.</span> <br /><br /><span style=" color: rgb(0, 102, 0);font-family:trebuchet ms;" >Caleb is such a happy baby! He loves laughing at his brother, putting everything in his mouth, and having the undivided attention of his family and friends. </span> <span style=" color: rgb(0, 102, 0);font-family:trebuchet ms;" ><br /><br />Happy 8 months, little guy! We love you! </span>Gracehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15688630656038206339noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28066668.post-6954667384501593422012-01-01T07:18:00.002-06:002012-01-01T07:29:37.460-06:00My One Word<span style="font-family: trebuchet ms; color: rgb(0, 102, 0);">Well it's a new day, a new week, a new year! January 1, 2012. A fresh start. A clean slate. </span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: trebuchet ms; color: rgb(0, 102, 0);">Time to make that long list of resolutions, right?</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: trebuchet ms; color: rgb(0, 102, 0);">Wrong! At least for me this year!</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: trebuchet ms; color: rgb(0, 102, 0);">This year, I'm doing this: </span><a style="font-family: trebuchet ms; color: rgb(102, 0, 204);" href="http://myoneword.org/">One Word</a><span style="font-family: trebuchet ms; color: rgb(0, 102, 0);">. You can check out the link for more information, but basically it's a new way of "making resolutions" that just might work better for someone like me. Instead of making a list of specific changes and goals for the year, you choose one word that becomes your overall theme, your battle-cry, for the upcoming year. Some of my online friends did this last year, and though I was a bit late to that party, I thought it was a great idea and wanted to try it for myself this year.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: trebuchet ms; color: rgb(0, 102, 0);">So, after much thinking and searching and even praying for just the right word for me... my one word for 2012 is:</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: trebuchet ms; color: rgb(0, 102, 0);">OBEY</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: trebuchet ms; color: rgb(0, 102, 0);">Even typing it is hard... I can't imagine how difficult (and life-altering) living it will be!</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: trebuchet ms; color: rgb(0, 102, 0);">This year, I want to obey God. I want to obey Him in regards to my health. (You can see what that will look like </span><a style="font-family: trebuchet ms; color: rgb(102, 0, 204);" href="http://fat2normal.blogspot.com/2012/01/new-year-new-start.html">here</a><span style="font-family: trebuchet ms; color: rgb(0, 102, 0);">.) I want to obey Him in regards to how I treat people. I want to obey Him in the things I choose to do, or not do... the place I choose to go, or not go... the words I choose to say, or not say. I want to obey what He tells me in His Word, which means reading it so I know! I want to use my gifts and talents how He wants me to, which means saying "Yes" to His invitations. I want to love and serve people like He does, which means getting rid of selfishness. And I want to know that I am walking with Him no matter what He takes me through.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: trebuchet ms; color: rgb(0, 102, 0);">I won't get it perfectly all the time, I know that. But my goal for 2012 is to obey my Lord. </span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: trebuchet ms; color: rgb(0, 102, 0);">"And what does the Lord require of you? To live justly, and to love mercy, and to walk humbly with your God." Micah 6:8</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: trebuchet ms; color: rgb(0, 102, 0);">So, want to join me? What's your one word? </span>Gracehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15688630656038206339noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28066668.post-81177998558303911482011-12-23T20:56:00.003-06:002011-12-23T21:28:50.150-06:00100 years<span style=" color: rgb(0, 102, 0);font-family:trebuchet ms;" >Today would have been my great-grandparents 100th wedding anniversary. </span> <span style=" color: rgb(0, 102, 0);font-family:trebuchet ms;" ><br /><br />How do I know? Because I was blessed to be given my great-grandmother's wedding band, and it has an inscription along the inside.<br /> </span><span style=" color: rgb(0, 102, 0);font-family:trebuchet ms;" ><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-oW4t1FWjMzI/TvVFFY75kZI/AAAAAAAAAyA/MvAYMTgO3Ro/s1600/100%2Byears.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-oW4t1FWjMzI/TvVFFY75kZI/AAAAAAAAAyA/MvAYMTgO3Ro/s320/100%2Byears.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5689529663147839890" border="0" /></a>Can you see the date?</span><br /><br /><span style=" color: rgb(0, 102, 0);font-family:trebuchet ms;" >Inside this simple golden band, it reads: From HP to MP 12-23-11</span> <span style=" color: rgb(0, 102, 0);font-family:trebuchet ms;" ><br /><br />Today is 12-23-11... but not the same one!</span> <br /><br /><span style=" color: rgb(0, 102, 0);font-family:trebuchet ms;" >It's amazing to hold something in my hand that I know is at least 100 years old. It's incredible to think about that day 100 years ago, when 2 people who would become my great-grandparents came together in marriage. It's awe-inspiring to think about my history going back and back and back... 100 years and beyond.</span> <span style=" color: rgb(0, 102, 0);font-family:trebuchet ms;" ><br /><br />I never met my great-grandparents.<br /><br /></span><span style=" color: rgb(0, 102, 0);font-family:trebuchet ms;" >But I knew (and loved) their daughter, my Grandma. She was a hard-working farm wife. She made the most amazing lamb cake, complete with coconut "wool" icing. She loved life and always had a smile on her face. We share a name and a birthday.<br /><br />She was amazing.</span> <br /><br /><span style=" color: rgb(0, 102, 0);font-family:trebuchet ms;" >And I knew (and loved) her daughter, my Mom. She was a funny, friendly lady who never met a stranger. She had a contagious laugh and was fiercely loyal to those she loved. She had the most beautiful eyes, but you never got to see them because they disappeared when she smiled... and she was always smiling. We share those eyes and a love of music and a zany sense of humor. <br /><br />She was amazing.</span> <br /><br /><span style=" color: rgb(0, 102, 0);font-family:trebuchet ms;" >And I know (and mostly love!) her daughter... Me.<br /><br /></span><span style=" color: rgb(0, 102, 0);font-family:trebuchet ms;" >Who I am is a complex tapestry woven from the strengths and weaknesses, the joys and trials, the life experiences of those who came before me... all wrapped up and tied with a bow by the God who made me just who He wanted me to be. </span> <span style=" color: rgb(0, 102, 0);font-family:trebuchet ms;" ><br /><br />And like a 100-year old wedding ring passed down from generation to generation... I am a legacy of those who came before me. And my life is the legacy I pass on to those who will come next.<br /><br /></span><span style=" color: rgb(0, 102, 0);font-family:trebuchet ms;" >Wow.</span> <br /><br /><span style=" color: rgb(0, 102, 0);font-family:trebuchet ms;" >Now that's amazing!</span>Gracehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15688630656038206339noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28066668.post-86818929167892547632011-12-18T15:05:00.005-06:002011-12-18T15:08:25.262-06:00Merry Christmas, 2011!<div style="text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: center;"><span style=" color: rgb(0, 102, 0);font-family:trebuchet ms;" >From our house to yours!<br /></span> <span style=" color: rgb(0, 102, 0);font-family:trebuchet ms;" ><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-mWG1tZw0POE/Tu5V3r-8V9I/AAAAAAAAAxc/Fcph8jD7usE/s1600/December%2B2011%2B4.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-mWG1tZw0POE/Tu5V3r-8V9I/AAAAAAAAAxc/Fcph8jD7usE/s320/December%2B2011%2B4.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5687577794603407314" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-F_20FL1pLAM/Tu5WHdv5HJI/AAAAAAAAAx0/q2-1G6BekDk/s1600/December%2B2011%2B6.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-F_20FL1pLAM/Tu5WHdv5HJI/AAAAAAAAAx0/q2-1G6BekDk/s320/December%2B2011%2B6.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5687578065660091538" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Uc9Y1_efUqM/Tu5V_mYp-FI/AAAAAAAAAxo/C0GofL8t9X8/s1600/December%2B2011%2B7.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Uc9Y1_efUqM/Tu5V_mYp-FI/AAAAAAAAAxo/C0GofL8t9X8/s320/December%2B2011%2B7.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5687577930539595858" border="0" /></a>Nathan- 7 years</span><span style=" color: rgb(0, 102, 0);font-family:trebuchet ms;" ><br />Caleb - 7 months</span><br /></div></div>Gracehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15688630656038206339noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28066668.post-32529128023507378212011-12-14T19:28:00.004-06:002011-12-14T19:31:18.302-06:00My baby boy is 7 months old!<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-5GmSTeQlD8g/TulNwfu5xjI/AAAAAAAAAxQ/3AxpZi_4Qtg/s1600/Caleb%2B7%2Bmonths%2B1.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-5GmSTeQlD8g/TulNwfu5xjI/AAAAAAAAAxQ/3AxpZi_4Qtg/s320/Caleb%2B7%2Bmonths%2B1.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5686161500079244850" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-BHwaVZiZT44/TulNrbzf0OI/AAAAAAAAAxE/4Fw_B3bOjHA/s1600/Caleb%2B7%2Bmonths%2B2.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-BHwaVZiZT44/TulNrbzf0OI/AAAAAAAAAxE/4Fw_B3bOjHA/s320/Caleb%2B7%2Bmonths%2B2.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5686161413125427426" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-TLk-OPe5nMI/TulNlZ4fq9I/AAAAAAAAAw4/g_Mvo2szfcQ/s1600/Caleb%2B7%2Bmonths%2B3.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-TLk-OPe5nMI/TulNlZ4fq9I/AAAAAAAAAw4/g_Mvo2szfcQ/s320/Caleb%2B7%2Bmonths%2B3.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5686161309530303442" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-CNLfb641Oc0/TulNfiREPgI/AAAAAAAAAws/nFBHMJhK8uc/s1600/Caleb%2B7%2Bmonths%2B4.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-CNLfb641Oc0/TulNfiREPgI/AAAAAAAAAws/nFBHMJhK8uc/s320/Caleb%2B7%2Bmonths%2B4.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5686161208701632002" border="0" /></a><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet ms; color: rgb(0, 102, 0);">December 12, 2011</span><br /></div>Gracehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15688630656038206339noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28066668.post-59400542745681202942011-12-07T19:23:00.003-06:002011-12-07T20:54:27.046-06:00Child-like Wonder<span style="font-family: trebuchet ms; color: rgb(0, 102, 0);">This is Caleb's first Christmas. And this is his first glimpse of his first Christmas tree.</span><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" style="font-family: trebuchet ms; color: rgb(0, 102, 0);" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-zvrbmFYA8r4/TuASGwBtM9I/AAAAAAAAAwg/NHpTO00-V28/s1600/December%2B2011%2B1.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-zvrbmFYA8r4/TuASGwBtM9I/AAAAAAAAAwg/NHpTO00-V28/s320/December%2B2011%2B1.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5683562636922139602" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><span style="font-family: trebuchet ms; color: rgb(0, 102, 0);">I know, right? Look at that sweet face. Such excitement, such awe. It's all new to him. New, and beautiful. And he's content to just sit there, basking in the beauty of the Christmas tree in child-like wonder.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: trebuchet ms; color: rgb(0, 102, 0);">I want to be like that. I want to look at this Christmas season and see past the business and the spending, the decorations and the lights, the traditions and the trees... and I want to bask in the glory of the baby whose birth we celebrate at Christmas. The baby who grew up, lived a perfect life, willingly died upon a cross to save me from my sins, rose again 3 days later, and is right now preparing a place for me -that where He is, there I may be also. </span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: trebuchet ms; color: rgb(0, 102, 0);">O Child of Wonder, Child of Light... I want to gaze on you like that again. With all the excitement and awe that's in me. Content to just be there with you. Thankful for the amazing gift that You are. I want to bask in Your beauty and Your light and Your peace. I want to know You even more. </span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: trebuchet ms; color: rgb(0, 102, 0);">Oh come, let us adore Him...</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: trebuchet ms; color: rgb(0, 102, 0);">With child-like wonder. </span>Gracehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15688630656038206339noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28066668.post-17721162169596942612011-11-12T17:40:00.003-06:002011-11-12T17:41:41.539-06:00Guess who's 6 months old?<div style="text-align: center;"><span style=" color: rgb(0, 102, 0);font-family:trebuchet ms;" >This little guy!<br /><br /></span><span style=" color: rgb(0, 102, 0);font-family:trebuchet ms;" ><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-reCD9A5ESos/Tr8ECcUZebI/AAAAAAAAAwU/p3WwmMx4P84/s1600/Caleb%2B6%2Bmonths.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-reCD9A5ESos/Tr8ECcUZebI/AAAAAAAAAwU/p3WwmMx4P84/s320/Caleb%2B6%2Bmonths.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5674258495518112178" border="0" /></a>We love you, Caleb Steven. You are a blessing. </span><br /></div>Gracehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15688630656038206339noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28066668.post-41343191198080678632011-11-08T20:40:00.005-06:002011-11-08T21:07:45.463-06:00Plans<span style=" color: rgb(0, 102, 0);font-family:trebuchet ms;" >I had a plan.</span> <br /><br /><span style=" color: rgb(0, 102, 0);font-family:trebuchet ms;" >We'd wait at least 5 years after we got married to start trying to have children. We'd wait until our last semester of seminary before we started trying. We'd wait until we had a job lined up and our future stretched before us like the highway across the Kansas plains. </span> <span style=" color: rgb(0, 102, 0);font-family:trebuchet ms;" ><br /><br />That part worked perfectly. The waiting.</span> <span style=" color: rgb(0, 102, 0);font-family:trebuchet ms;" ><br /><br />But then came the trying. For a year. With no baby. </span> <span style=" color: rgb(0, 102, 0);font-family:trebuchet ms;" ><br /><br />And then came the remembering what my doctor had told me when I was 14, that I might never be able to have children. So I found myself talking to my OB and getting onto a fertility drug.</span> <span style=" color: rgb(0, 102, 0);font-family:trebuchet ms;" >2 months later, I was staring through my tears at a positive pregnancy test. </span><span style=" color: rgb(0, 102, 0);font-family:trebuchet ms;" >9 months later, we welcomed a healthy, beautiful baby boy into the world. </span><span style=" color: rgb(0, 102, 0);font-family:trebuchet ms;" ><br /><br />So far, so good.<br /><br /></span><span style=" color: rgb(0, 102, 0);font-family:trebuchet ms;" >But back to my plan.</span> <br /><br /><span style=" color: rgb(0, 102, 0);font-family:trebuchet ms;" >Of course, we'd have a baby, and then exactly 2 years later we'd have another one, and exactly 2 years after that we'd have a third. </span> <span style=" color: rgb(0, 102, 0);font-family:trebuchet ms;" ><br /><br />So when Nathan was 1 1/2, we started trying again. I had a new OB, but he put me back on the fertility drug that worked so quickly the first time. I fully expected it to work again.</span><br /><br /><span style=" color: rgb(0, 102, 0);font-family:trebuchet ms;" >But it didn't.</span> <br /><br /><span style=" color: rgb(0, 102, 0);font-family:trebuchet ms;" >So we saw a specialist. And pursued adoption. And I had labs and tests and procedures and even a surgery. I took multiple medications. </span> <span style=" color: rgb(0, 102, 0);font-family:trebuchet ms;" ><br /><br />And 4 long years went by.<br /><br /></span><span style=" color: rgb(0, 102, 0);font-family:trebuchet ms;" >My plan was unraveling before my eyes.</span> <span style="color: rgb(0, 102, 0);font-family:trebuchet ms;" >Not only would my children not be 2 years apart, I was beginning to think we might never have a second child. I started thinking about my son being "an only" for the rest of his </span><span style=" color: rgb(0, 102, 0);font-family:trebuchet ms;" >life. And with each year that passed, my plan faded away more and more - until it was only the wisp of a memory.</span> <br /><br /><span style=" color: rgb(0, 102, 0);font-family:trebuchet ms;" >But through it all, God had a plan.</span> <span style=" color: rgb(0, 102, 0);font-family:trebuchet ms;" >And His plans always work out.</span><br /><br /><span style=" color: rgb(0, 102, 0);font-family:trebuchet ms;" >Because of His great mercy, I now have 2 healthy, beautiful boys... 6 1/2 years apart. </span> <span style=" color: rgb(0, 102, 0);font-family:trebuchet ms;" >My family looks different than the way I planned it all those years ago.</span> <span style="color: rgb(0, 102, 0);font-family:trebuchet ms;" >But when I saw my 7-year-old reading to his baby brother this afternoon, I smiled and thanked God again for "ruining" all my plans. </span><span style=" color: rgb(0, 102, 0);font-family:trebuchet ms;" ><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-C5CucnrXeNk/TrnskwKPp9I/AAAAAAAAAwI/XncZUlsC-HY/s1600/Boys%2BReading.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-C5CucnrXeNk/TrnskwKPp9I/AAAAAAAAAwI/XncZUlsC-HY/s320/Boys%2BReading.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5672825321797167058" border="0" /></a></span><span style=" color: rgb(0, 102, 0);font-family:trebuchet ms;" > Because His plan was so much more than I could ever have dreamed up for myself. He knew just what my family was going to look like, and He has carried us here.<br /><br /></span><span style=" color: rgb(0, 102, 0);font-family:trebuchet ms;" >So what's the plan for the future? I have no idea. Only God knows! But whatever it is, I trust Him. Because He is faithful... and His plans for me are good. </span>Gracehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15688630656038206339noreply@blogger.com2