Happy 9th Birthday Brodie!

What a blessing to be able to celebrate Brodie's 9th birthday with friends and family at the Angleton Rec Center. Oh what fun! It was quite the challenge getting the candles all lit at the same time with the Texas wind ... good thing Chelsey had gotten the trick candles ... it may have been a massacre otherwise! Lots of swimming and fun!

What type of Mother Hen Are You?
by Montessorimom.com: Educational Resource

Wow ... and life goes on

Its been an amazing journey since my birthday weekend but PTL! this past week has shown great progress. Hopefully I will be able to have energy enough to get caught up on our home and updating the blog.

This journey of illness I was taken on was quite the experience for me. Great opportunity to witness to the ER doctor not once but twice in one weekend! She still is amazed that I'm alive. Now that I'm regaining health, I'm absolutely thankful to God that I am and definitely know that when it comes to health issues for those in our family ... I'm the one that has that knowledge/experience. We've always joked that if anything ever happens to Randy health wise I'll be by his side getting all I can done ... but I'll be (excuse the term) "screwed" if its me that has any health needs. Gotta love him anyway. It's just not Randy's area of expertise and this past two months has definitely confirmed it! Ha! What a walk it was/is. Its quite humbling to know that you might not make it and that if God does take you that your children will be there with you when it happens. Not something I desire for my children to have to go through ... nor do I relish the idea of them growing up without me in their lives. It was a heart wrenching time when I was teetering and had to keep claiming God's promises and reminding myself that He loves my husband and sons far more than I ever could. They have always been God's but I still wholeheartedly love them with all the massive love He created in me. As hard as it was to come to the acceptance that God might take me home and leave my then 7 yo and 11 yo sons to join me later ... it was very reassuring to know that He has their future in His hands and will provide for them far better than I ever can. During this time of illness I spent much time in the Word and even more time in prayer seeking God's will and whether there was something in my life that was preventing me from being healed as I know there were many faithful prayer warriors lifting me up. My human side (w a little help from some friends) kept questioning if I was missing something and why I wasn't receiving healing but God was/is faithful and kept/keeps giving me verses about taking me through things to prepare me for what is to come in the plans/ministry He has for me. During the time that I was bedridden (or I should say coach ridden due to excruciating pain brought on by even air moving little lone children or a husband moving around or trying to touch me.) I spent a few weeks where I couldn't even read due to my being too weak and in pain. It was quite a reassurance and comfort when my beloved sons would read our Project 3:45 chapters and more from the Bible to me. Needless to say I have devoured much scripture and a few books (thanks to my mom for sending me some new ones!) in the last week of feeling better! I don't know what is to come ... I only know that my already tender heart is even more sensitive and open now. I'm seeking to keep my priorities and focus where God directs. Thankfully I have an all loving God who will help me serve according to His will. Thanks for ALL your prayers and petitions on behalf of myself and my family. May God bless you deeply.

It is Done enough ...

Finally! The basics are done on the deck, only the final screws and entry steps to go. The guys decided they deserved to take a break and go boating and tubing. I love being able to sit on our deck and watch them out on the lake. Here's a picture they took from the boat as they went cruised by.

Memorial Day Weekend ... or is it Labor Day ... ha!

Okay it's Memorial Day but the guys are feeling like its LABOR Day weekend. We moved to our new location on Monday and now get to use this weekend to get the deck torn apart and put back together ... at least it's the typical weekend weather and overcast and cool for at least part of the time.

Surprise!

We had planned to have Malachi's 8th birthday party May 15th with an overnight party but my illness negated that event from happening. PTL! God, as always, provided in ways only He can by having Shannan suggest a cook-out & swim party at their home her treat on Sunday afternoon ... which became a Surprise Party for Malachi. And boy was he surprised. He thought we were just going over to swim and eat supper ... he was so overwhelmed when everyone jumped out and hollered surprise when he went inside ... he was quiet for some time processing all his excitement. I am in deep debt and full of immense gratitude to Shannan and Karla for making this party happen for Malachi. It was very hard and disappointing for me (& Malachi) to be too sick and weak to throw a party. Once again, God showing who's in control and can do ALL things. Thank you all!