His Perfect Ways

Just thinking about how grateful I am for God's sovereignty...that He knows what He is doing, even when we can't see or understand. I find myself thinking back this week...remembering. October 29th, 2007 was my due date with baby #2. And so far we haven't gotten to meet that child. But while it was so difficult to go through that loss, I give praise and thanks to a God who had redemption in store--beauty for ashes. The oil of gladness in exchange for mourning. Our Aila Grace is redemption in human skin.

I don't know why my pregnancy with Trevor was uneventful...but I'm grateful. I took it for granted at the time, but now I know what a blessing and gift it was...what a blessing and gift HE is. And then there's Aila, whose presence is a reminder that the Lord leaves nothing undone. She wouldn't be here if we hadn't suffered loss. God is extraordinarily good.

Some say there's no point in looking back--and there would be no point if it didn't bring up in me a great gratitude for what I DO have, as well as for what awaits me in Heaven. Remembering our son we haven't held yet and cherishing the two little ones we get to hold each day--these things need not be mutually exclusive. Remembering doesn't mean I'm living in the past. Remembering keeps me in awe of my sovereign God TODAY.

October 29th will never be a "black armband" kind of day to me. Nor is it a day that I'll just sweep under the rug. It is a joyous day that reminds me of blessings and hope. All praise to a God who loves us enough to give us the Jeremiah 29:11 kind of life!

It's "October Funny-fourth"... Happy Birthday, Trevor!

More Fall Photos

A few of these were taken on our front porch--the rest were taken by the covered bridge at our church.

Why the Employees at REI Probably Don't Like Us...

Trevor's Birthday Party at the Fire Station

Trevor's 3rd birthday party was at the fire station--fun day with Greyson, Lexi, Jadyn and Liam!

After the fire station tour, all the kids went over to the park to play together. All of a sudden, a few of the kids took off running, and the dads had to go running after them. Enjoy a video of Justin and John booking it across the lawn!

Fun in the Leaves

Busted!!!

Tonight I discovered these two looking into the fireplace. "It's cleaned out--no fire in there," I thought to myself. So I grabbed the camera for a quick photo.

Aila's guilt is on her chin, Trevor's on his hands! Busted!

Apple Day in Ellijay

Today we drove up to Ellijay to get some apples. Justin made homemade cinnamon applesauce tonight with some of the apples we brought home. Yum!

One Remarkable Man

Justin truly is an amazing man. He was so excited to put together a "campout" for Trevor in our living room. He had the lights out and told Trevor they had to "go through the woods" to find their tent. They're down there right now, roasting marshmallows and camping out.

Our favorite time of day is when Justin walks through the door. :)

AAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHH!!!!!!!!

Yep, that's the sound that came out of my mouth when this little lizard jumped down my top yesterday. I was letting Sadie out, and the lizard must've been on the top of the doorway and then fell down--right into my shirt! Trevor and Aila thought it was pretty humorous watching me freak out.

Zoo Day With Our Small Group

This week the moms and kids from our couples' small group got together and went to the Atlanta Zoo. Fun day with Liz and Kayleigh, Holly and Lexi, and Briahnna and Jadyn!

Sweet Baby Girl / Standing Aila

I sure do love this little girl. Sometimes I think God is up there sprinkling sweet stuff down onto her. Sure does seem that way...

The past few days when I've set Aila down, a few times she's stood on her own for a very brief time. But today when I set her down, I expected her to plop right down, but she stood...and stood...and stood--for about half a minute! I stood her up again, and she did it again! Of course, once I pulled out the camera she'd only do it for a few seconds--you know how that goes!

Thankful

Today I'm just aware of all I have. The God who is in control in these uncertain times actually loves me, guides me, lets His beautiful favor rest upon me, gives me sure footing...indwells me. I have a husband who is the real thing--an amazing man, and the person I'd genuinely rather spend time with than anyone else. I have two beautiful, healthy children sleeping in their warm beds, and the hope of Heaven where I'll embrace the child we haven't yet held. I have family who loves me so much--I've never had to doubt it. I have friends--friends I've had for years, including the same best friend of 20 years, and new friends as well. I have health. I have work--work that I pray that the Lord will keep secure during these tough economic times. I have food to eat when I go downstairs for breakfast, and a meal already in the crockpot for our dinner tonight. I have four walls and a roof that keeps us warm, and is filled with love. I live in a country that is free, in which I can pray and worship without fear of punishment. I have mercies that are new every single morning without fail...

And I am grateful. Grateful.

Our Beautiful Day in Chattanooga

Last night Jill, Jay and Maggie called and asked if we could drive up to Chattanooga to see them. Pete, Julie and Nate were also in. We had the BEST day! We all went to a park with a big fountain--we all got in on the (wet) fun. We also went to the Chattanooga Zoo. We had a really wonderful time! * On a side note, Aila said "Mama" for the first time today. That makes for a great day!! :)

Justin and Trevor had a blast playing football in the big field...

The Chattanooga Zoo was really fun, too!