The Butterfly

There is nothing in a caterpillar that tells you it's going to be a butterfly.

~Richard Buckminster Fuller

And that's faith.....when you see something not so beautiful and believe that by God's grace....it will be beautiful. Because our God is big enough....and loves enough to keep transforming the ugly into the beautiful.

The Cross

"the cross is not only a crutch for our defeat, but its also a weapon for our victory!"

~Pastor Steven Furtick

Pregnancy and Infant Loss Remembrance Day

Today is this.....

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pregnancy_and_Infant_Loss_Remembrance_Day


"For You created my inmost being; You knit me together in my mother's womb." Psalm 139:13-14

Let's take a moment tonite and say a prayer for all
those families, Daddies, and Mommies that have passed
thru this valley. And even if you don't know anyone...
whisper a small prayer anyways....and you can
be sure God will make sure the right
person that needs that prayer tonite will be covered
with peace that passes all understanding.

Happy 30th Honey!

Today is my dear, sweet hubby's 30th birthday. We started out the day by taking his favorite cake.....Strawberry Poke Cake.....to his 1st block class and shared with the students. It was supposed to be a surprise but Jason got it figured out so we got even with him. The kids dared me to shove a piece of cake (with whip cream topping) in his face.....it was great fun!

Carson and Meghan.....the world's greatest students/party planners ever!!!

Honey....hope you hava unforgettable 30th birthday...don't ever forget what a great guy you are!

Thankful Tuesday

Today I'm super thankful for:

1-New life that is moving happily inside my womb!!!!

2-Our kids getting back to healthiness.

3-Despite Gabe's irritibility (whether from allergies or meds not sure of) every night
he has been asking to go to sleep with his little Bible. This makes this Mama proud
and hopes he always want it close to him as he gets older.

4-My energy level returning after this long past week.

5-Jason got GREAT reports from Dr. Ben today. In 2007, his labs were nasty, outa this world,
yuckiness. After strict orders to start eating healthier, exercise, and cholesterol meds.....now 2 years later, God has answered our prayers!!!! He was told today he does not need to pursue any further testing (with the heart issues in the family), that he has the cholesterol levels of a healthy 10 yr old, and can go off his meds if he wants. Oh my goodness........I do believe we will be celebrating my man's 30th birthday up right tomorrow!!!! Bring on the strawberry poke cake, pizza, mountain dew, and his favorite: The Meat Shoppe!!!!!!!!
(Only for the birthday, we will maintain healthy eating in our household;)

6-My amazing group of women in my book study group. I had prayed about starting a group in when we moved back to this area, but never in my wildest dreams did I imagine that God would bless me so big with these friends.....and the awesome things that God is doing and what we're learning. We started a new Bible study last night and had a great time. We will be having 4 new women join us next meeting!!! God is so good!!! (AND!!!!!! we have 3 new little baby girls that hang out with us too.....too much fun!!!)

7-Kathryn Beich Caramel & Almond Candy Bars......BIG thanks to one of my piano students today for blessing me with 1o of these heavenly things!!!


8-For God....who keeps loving us and performing miracles and acts of grace every day.

Chicago Marathon

Our friend, Ashley Albee, ran in the Chicago Marathon today.......check out this amazing clip they
did on her dad. Ashley is pictured running with him.


Way to go Ashley!!! We're so proud of you!!!

http://www.nbcchicago.com/news/sports/Jeff_Albee___Docs_Said_I_Would_Never_Run_Again_Chicago.html


Our friend, Jared Miller, also ran today. Way to go Jared!!!
Anyone that has this dedication and perseverance deserves recognition.

Pictures-Sickliness

We've had a long week of sickliness at our house. It started out with Jason kinda feeling sick....

Then Gabe's allergies went haywire......thankfully so far, Ellie just has the runny nose.

And has kept us all laughing and smiling.

The meds however, make Gabe very irritable so this week has been full of lotsa squabbles....

And doing things they know they're not supposed to do.

But sometimes we had times of playing together well.

And sitting quietly and watching movies.....

But they were few and far between.....

Monkey business was in full swing this week

And now today....this Mama Bear is very very very tired. Thank God for Sundays...a day of rest.