Adding to the Clan -- Yet Again

We've officially added another member to our ever expanding clan! My youngest nephew's latest addition arrived this afternoon (one week early). Little Aniston weighed in at 6 lbs. 11 oz. My sister has now become granny twice in a month with the arrival of two little girls. YEAH!

Thank you Jesus for Aniston's safe arrival. I pray your arms of protection around Aaron, Jamie and big brother Bryson and they become a family of four.

Summertime Blues

Summertime is supposed to be long and drawn out. You spend days on end lounging by the pool and hoping it doesn't rain. It seems to me that every summer ends up being hurried and frantic. Every year I say this summer we're going to do nothing for two months and -- it never happens. Again, this year I had every intention of doing as little as possible and again I feel like I've failed. I hope to change that (at least a little) in the coming days and maybe, just maybe, by the time Jacob returns from his mission trip things will be under control.

Part of me is excited for this trip and for him and the other part of me (the big, weepy mommy part) is NOT. I want him to have the experience and he is really excited to go, but it's so far from me. Eight to ten hours from me. He's never been that far before. When we signed up back in January I was all for this trip, now I gotta say it, I'm dreading it just a little. I could have signed up as a chaperone, but hubby and I talked about it and decided that it would be a great opportunity for Jacob to see his faith as separate from ours -- to take ownership of it and use it. It sounds great doesn't it? How come I'm having such second thoughts?

Lord and Saviour, my heavenly Father, give me peace about this trip. Help Jacob to engage in opportunities to use his faith and to have a great time. Help me to let go and allow you to be his Father as I should. Help him to recognize you in those he meets and open himself up to your will for his life.

Life's Little Lessons

Sometimes I wonder exactly how I am usable by God. I mean I'm no saint! I'm not out there in the public working every day. I'm just a stay at home mom who sometimes can be quite lazy! So many other people are such blessings to me that I sometimes wonder about my usefulness.

Well, God has certainly placed opportunities by the boatloads the past couple of weeks. I'm so thankful that I've been able to spend time with my new grandneice. She is a really beautiful child and such a sweet, sweet baby. It's also given me the chance to get to know Treva better and to, I hope, be helpful to her. She's doing much better and is now able to move around in the house. I've also been keeping my husband's grandmother this week while his mother is away at the beach on a much earned vacation. I've really enjoyed spending time with her. She's a godly woman and we've had some wonderful conversations about how God has been with her over the years and worked in her life. Since we've been confined at home alot, Jacob and I have spent a great deal of time entertaining each other. We've done alot of little jobs around the house and played some games, but it's also given me time to just talk to him. Unfortunately, I haven't seen hubby as much as I'd like and we all know how much I love spending time with him, but I know after this week Jacob will be going on his mission trip and hubby and I will have many evenings to ourselves. I'm looking forward to that.

I guess the lessons I've learned the past few days have been about slowing down and listening to people. Listening to those around me who just need someone to vent to, someone to love them, someone to show them some kindness. It's all about time and what we do with that time that honors our Lord.

Lord, I can't thank you enough for the opportunities you've placed in front of me the past few days. Thank you for allowing me to give back to those in need. Thank you for giving me precious time with my son. Thank you for using me.

The Pool is Finished!

We managed to get the last coat of sealer on our pool over the weekend and the new patio furniture put out. It looks so great. We had a fabulous time yesterday (Father's Day) with our family. We grilled steaks (good ole Red) and swam all afternoon. It was nice to spend time with my dad and also watch my husband with our boys. How blessed I am to have two godly men in my life. They are both my heroes.

Sweet Baby Blessings

Well, we have officially added to our clan. My sister's oldest son and his wife finally, finally had their baby girl Monday morning. She's a whopper! Nine pounds, 11 ounces. She's a real beauty and such a delicious, sweet thing. Welcome home Reagan Leigh!

Unfortunately, mommy is not doing well and is having to stay in the hospital. It seems that during childbirth her pelvis was cracked. How dreadfully painful. Right now the hospital is working with them to keep little Reagan in the room with her mommy and everyone is taking turns staying so mommy and baby are not separated. Since the baby has been officially discharged the nursing staff cannot assist in taking care of her in any way. So, someone has to be with Treva at all times since she cannot walk. They are giving her some therapy and teaching her how to move about using a walker and cane. It's going to be a little difficult for awhile, but little Reagan is healthy and happy.

We thank you and praise you Lord for bringing little Reagan into our lives. Jesus, more than anything we just pray for your healing hands to be upon Treva. Lord, we pray that you will be with Scott as he tries to be nurse, daddy, husband and provider during this time. As each of us step up to help out, help us to remember to be considerate and compassionate. We ask that you keep them in the palm of your hand and bring them all home soon.