Pray, pray, pray...

After a LONG break from the blogging world, I am returning with a heavy heart. My heart is breaking today for a family I don't even know, and yet a family I feel I know very well from following their blog. Here is their story...

http://www.caringbridge.org/visit/mcraekate/journal

Months ago I was told I should go on and read about this family and their little girl's fight with brain cancer. Once I started reading about little Kate, I couldn't help but begin to pray for her complete healing, and also thank the Lord for the health of my own children. I was drawn to Kate because of her name, as Hannah's middle name is Kate. I decided that Hannah and I needed to join together and pray for Kate. So, every day at nap time I try to remember to pray with Hannah and we give Kate's cancer over to the Lord.

I'd encourage anyone reading this to go and read Kate's story. It'll bring you to tears, but also encourage you. The reason I have chosen to write about this today is because the MRI scan that they were hoping would show "No Evidence of Disease," (after Kate's many rounds of chemo) has shown that she still has the tumor. They are now faced with many tough decisions about treatment as well as many more days and nights stuck in the hospital, away from their other two children. Pray, pray, pray that God would do a miracle in this little girl's life. She's a trouper and has fought so hard.

Thanks!

Updates, updates, updates....

The previous post was actually from yesterday, however, my computer just wouldn't ever let me actually post it. So, here is the latest update.

We signed the papers on our house!

We officially have a buyer!

PRAISE THE LORD!

Fall and our Faithful Father

Sunday I played in the leaves with my kids. I know Gideon didn't know what was going on, but Hannah and I sure enjoyed the adventure, running around the yard, playing peek-a-boo around the tree and diving with laughter into the leaf pile. I love fall.

Thank you Father!

Sunday we got an unexpected call, and now we most likely have a buyer for our house. (It's the cute little white one... the first house I ever owned). Such an answer to prayer.

Thank you Father!

Sunday we finally felt peace about buying the house next door (it's the yellowish house you can see in one of the pictures). We've had a contract on it for a few weeks, in faith that God would send a buyer our way. After several bumps in the road, it all seems to be working out.

Thank you Father!

Sunday we were filled with thankfulness for the Faithfulness of our Father, because we know that these things have all been granted by Him!

Thank you Father!

"For I know the plans I have for you declares the Lord. Plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you a hope and a future!" - Jeremiah 29:11

This little guy just brightens my day. He's such a happy little boy, and almost always lights up with a gigantic smile and a giggle when I talk to him. Every time I see his precious grin I am reminded of the great responsibility we have before us as parents. God has entrusted this little life to Aric and me for such a short time, as life is but a vapor that is here today and gone tomorrow. So, I pray that we would never take a moment of his (or Hannah's) life for granted. If our children learn anything from us, let it be that our confidence is in the Lord alone, and He is our treasure above all other things. Hannah and Gideon, this is my prayer for you tonight...

"The LORD bless you and keep you;

the LORD make his face shine upon you

and be gracious to you;

the LORD turn his face toward you

and give you peace."

Numbers 6:24-26

"A Toilet is not a bathtub for baby..."

Sweet... but you can't trust her for a second!

In the last several weeks, my once very easy and predictable little girl, has discovered her independence. I used to know what she was doing at all times, even if I couldn't see her. Last night I realized I can no longer trust her for more than a second. I was in the middle of eating dinner and feeding Gideon, when I heard Hannah on our bed, which is not unusual. She likes to climb onto our bed and then yell, "Mommy, I on the bed," in hopes that I'll come in and tickle her. I just listened to her play for a while while I finished what I was doing, and as soon as I had Gideon fed and in bed, I snuck into the bedroom and tackled Hannah for a good tickle session. I was quite surprised when I realized she was soaking wet. She's still in diapers, so I knew it wasn't that kind of accident. But what was it?? So I asked her, "Why are you all wet, Hannah?" To which she proudly replied, "Give da baby a baf, mommy!" At that point I realized that not only was Hannah soaking wet, but so was her baby doll and so was my comforter. I had given Hannah a bath earlier that evening, so even though I knew that wasn't where the water was from, I was still hoping for the best. So, I said, "Where did you give your baby a bath, Hannah?" She happily jumped down and ran into the bathroom. I followed. Then she pointed to the toilet, which was open and had a huge puddle of water around it, and said, "Baf, Mommy!" I didn't know whether to laugh or punish. I did neither. How do you punish a little girl for giving her baby a bath, even if it is in the toilet? So we just cleaned up and I tried to explain to her that the toilet is not a bath for baby, it's a place to go to the potty like a big girl. I'm not sure she understood, but I sure learned my lesson. I wonder how many more lessons there are to learn...

A man in a balloon and a haircut...

This weekend we headed downtown with some friends and this is what we saw. Kelly, from the Balloon Closet, climbed inside a giant balloon. Does it remind anyone else of Willy Wonka??

Oh, and I also got ahold of some scissors and began chopping at my daughter's hair. Poor girl. If I dressed her in blue I really think she might pass as a boy. It's a good thing hair grows, and lucky for her, next time I am pretty sure I'll be calling Sandi (she cuts hair).

I'm back...

Wow! I'm back and even after a week and a half, I still feel like I don't have much to say. However, I will press on and fill you in on our current happenings.

We are still working on the potty training and have had many successes. Hannah likes her "big girl potty" and has used it many times, now it's just time for mommy to get her act together and be more consistent. I'm not sure I'm ready to attempt having a diaperless child and a 6 week old. Just the thought of that stresses me out, so for now I'm just thankful we've fostered a "love" for the potty in our little girl.

This past Sunday we went boating with Sue and Dennis (Grams and Gramps). Hannah loved every minute of our time on the lake, and Gideon slept. It was the perfect day out for the family, and a wonderful way to celebrate the end of my 6 week hiatus from swimming.

Monday we spent the day in Bella Vista with family, enjoying the pool, dominos and hamburgers on the grill. Aric had to work, but at least we were close by for a change, so he was able to join us during his lunch hour, and for the evening. If only we lived closer so we could see daddy more often every day.

Tuesday it was just Gideon and me here at the house. Hannah spent the night in Bella Vista so her Grandma and Grandpa could take her swimming a couple more times. I couldn't believe how hard it was to leave her with them over night. When I got home and saw her empty bed and realized that we didn't have a little girl to pray with and tuck in that night, I had a wave of sadness rush over me. The family is definitely not complete when one of us is gone. Needless to say, even though I got a lot done on Tuesday, I'm so glad she's back at home with us. The house is just not the same without her sweet little voice and endless chatter.

Wednesday we went to the park and played.

Thursday we got a new roof on our house. It looks so much better. Our for sale sign will go up again very soon. Just a few finishing touches and the house will be back on the market again.

And that brings me to today. I promise to write more often than I have been, but for now I have to go. Gideon just woke up crying, and Hannah is in her room, knocking on her door saying, "I'm coming!"... that's my cue to get off this couch and get back to motherhood. There are little mouths to be fed and minds to engage.