Making Memories

We had the privilege this past weekend of spending time at Mark's parents house in Texas. Mark's dad was recently diagnosed with colon cancer and we were so anxious to get down there and just be with them. The Lord provided gorgeous weather and carefree grandkids to make the visit extra special. Here are some pics.

Boys throwing rocks into the pond

Cole meeting Chief

Cole "swimming"

Snuggle time after nap

The farmers

Feeding the horses

Wading in the pond

Riding the "tractor"

Play Ball

We took Cole to his first baseball game this week - Cardinals vs. Astros. Let's just say he was not a fan. I don't really blame him though because we were in the bleachers and it was so sunny. He could barely keep his eyes open (wondering if the surgery is still making him light sensitive?). He spent most of the time with his head buried in my shirt or sitting under the bleachers! He was much happier when we went behind the stands to the childrens play area.

Nate was so disappointed with the game because he didn't understand why he couldn't go out on the field and play baseball. He also definitely did not like the fireworks.

Lucy had fun but didn't want to sit still in the stands and watch for very long. Thankfully, the people next to us were patient to let us in and out (thanks to the beer).

If you know me, you know I am a Cubs fan. For 20 years now I have been following that team and of course their rival is the Cardinals. It is hard for me to be quiet in this town and even at the game people were commenting, "Make sure you raise those kids to hate the Cubs!" Sheesh! Definitely a lesson in self-control for me.

Going Private

After a creepy email from a "reader", we're going to make the blog private. Send me an email if you'd like to keep up with us! Thanks!

Hope

Happy Easter! Rejoicing today in Hope that outlives the cares, trials, tragedies, disappointments and regrets of this world. I hope you are rejoicing, too!

Cole had strabismus eye muscle surgery on Friday. It went well and we felt such peace as we knew so many were praying. It was a delight to see him react to the "happy juice" they gave him before they took him away. He was so giggly and silly! It was not a delight to have the anesthesiologist take him from me and watch him scream and cry until he was behind the double doors of the operating room. The doctor said it went well though it will be weeks, even months, before we know if it was successful or not. We were prepared but still quite alarmed at the look of his eyes post surgery, thankful those effects should be gone in a week. Also amazed at how quickly he was back to normal. We noticed "the scowl" had returned after surgery and thought, "We thought the scowl was gone for good! Oh no!" But the next day he was happy again and so were we!

Saturday we had our craft show for Sparrow Ministries. We had a great turnout in the morning and then not so much after lunch. But in the end, we raised over $2500!! We had so many volunteers and donations - it was humbling and affirming that God is at work. He is so good and we are faithfully praying that families in our church will rise up in obedience to adopt for we are ready to help!

It's been an exhausting, hard week for our family with more than I can share right now. More than likely there is a tough road ahead in which we will all be tested. It's an opportunity to rise up and bless His name, even when we won't feel like it. An opportunity to trust Him in a situation completely out of our control. And through it all, holding on to Hope. For what else is there?