Health, birthday and homecoming

   These last couple of weeks have been so busy! I find it amazing how much more time little ones require when they are sick. All three boys were ill and poor Jeremiah and Malachi still have runny noses. But, at least they are back to eating and playing like normal. Thank you for praying for them!

Sunday, the 6th, was my twenty-second birthday. I had a wonderful day! So wonderful, we didn't take any pictures. I guess that comes with getting older :/  At first it didn't feel like my birthday without John here, but,  at the last second, I invited a few close friends over for homemade quesadillas and ice cream cake. YUM! We also watched 'Anne of Avonlea'. Or at least part of it. I had forgotten how long that movie is! I guess we'll just have to plan another day to watch the 2nd half together :)

So, now fast-forward to Wednesday, the 9th, and John is HOME!!!!! Only to get sick not even two days later. Poor guy has been in bed since yesterday late afternoon and literally all day today. I think I talked to him once and that was early this morning. We're not really sure what is wrong. It could be malaria or the flu. The symptoms are pretty much the same. Please keep him in your prayers!

Well, that's about it I think! We were supposed to leave for a short family vacation tomorrow, but, with John sick that probably won't happen, apart from a miracle of course and that is what we are believing for. Although, I promise it's not just so we can go on vacation! :)

A Good Night Sleep and John in Sudan

Thank you for praying for Jeremiah! I think he is feeling a little bit better this morning. He slept through the night without coughing, which also means I got a full night's rest too! :)

( *Edit: Since writing the above, I have learned that Jeremiah in fact did NOT sleep through the night, but went upstairs to my parents room, not one, but three times. And one of those times slammed his bedroom door shut. I heard nothing. I guess I was tired. lol ....I also want to mention that baby Malachi is sick too)

   I realized this morning that I never did post anything about John leaving! He left on October 11th for South Sudan and will be returning home on November 9th. He's there to see what can be done to help an internally displaced people group return to their village which was raided by the LRA awhile back. I am so proud of him, especially since he went there by himself! But, ugh! A whole month without my brother has been quite boring at times ( no offense to mom and dad!!!). I miss him so much!

It's one of those times when you realize just how much you love someone. It also makes me realize how much we have been talking and spending time together lately.  I can honestly say that John is one of my best friends. I hope these next two weeks go by quickly!

If you think of him, please pray for him. Thank you!

Prayers please!

Well, Jeremiah is sick again. He was up several times during the night and had to have a breathing treatment.  The poor little guy is doing a little bit better this morning, but could definitely use some prayer.

I hate it when he's sick. Breaks my heart. Please heal him, Lord.

Ben Hur?

Matthew's chariot

"Starting over"

   I have been so inconsistent these last two years with posting on here, and I think it's because I got into the mind set of whatever I posted had to be eventful. Which is not why I started blogging years ago. It started out to be more of a daily journal for me to look back upon later; And I want to keep it that way.

So, I'm getting back to the basics, so to speak! I'm going to post about the seemingly little, daily things that happen. Some days it may be about our family and other days it may be about what the Lord has been doing in my heart lately. Today is about a couple of those "little" daily things that we can never have back :)


Like Malachi being 10 months old already and has learned to sit up by himself  and also has four teeth (Yes, nursing has become quite eventful for my mother nowadays). Oh, and he has had a hair cut since this picture was taken.

Here's Matthew eating blueberries until he almost looks like one himself :) He was quite proud of being so messy.

I praise God for this time I have with my family. I would have no one to blame but myself for taking our days together for granted :) Which in "saying" all this, I think my season of writer's block has been overcome! haha

Family Update Part 1

I realized this morning that it has been awhile since I've written about my favorite people in the whole wide world!  And, I'm actually surprised none of my extended family members have brought this to my attention before now :)

 We are doing wonderful. The Lord has been so faithful and good. I'm finding that it has become pretty rare that a day goes by without Him teaching us something.

   Krystal, Anthony, and the kids are doing well. Emma Rose, Erin, and Harrison started school back a little while ago ( I can't remember what day) and Anderson is starting preschool today. I can't believe he's big enough to be going to school! So, now it's just Krystal and Elli Karrington hanging out at the house together having mommy/daughter time.
Krystal is such a blessing and I am proud to call her my sister. The Lord knew what He was doing when He brought her into our lives so long ago.

   John just left on Monday to fly up to New York to be with his good friend, Andrew, for a week (we follow him up later).  He is growing so much in his walk with the Lord. He is a gentlemen, a hard worker, and very funny. I can honestly say that he is one of the best friends that I have ever had. So glad he's my brother. He is a blessing. In October he will be heading to Sudan to stay for a month by himself. When you think of him, please pray for his safety and that the trip will be used to draw him deeper in love with his Savior and give him compassion for others like he's never had before.

Jeremiah and Dad are at school this morning. This year Jeremiah has been enrolled into Kindergarten so he can continue speech therapy and further develop his motor and interaction skills. Ultimately, my mom wants to home educate him, but the Lord opened the doors for Jeremiah to go to school in town three days a week for two hours and one of us gets to stay with him the whole time. In some ways it's kind of like going to a home-school co-op three times a week. We are already noticing some good differences in him this year compared to last year. He's growing up so fast.

Well, that's all I have time to write about this morning, but more is to follow!
 

Be Thou My Vision - Ascend The Hill

Eric Ludy - The Gospel