The Night Watches

A few weeks ago, we were given tickets to a Washington Nationals Baseball Game from an organization called Casey Cares . It was our first time going to the new park, and seeing the team play. It was perfect weather, and great seats, and ended up being a perfect day together. The boys actually watched some of the game and really enjoyed themselves. It was just so much fun and a sweet memory. Finally, I am posting pictures! I had Dylan in the baby carrier, so it was tricky taking pictures, so there are only a few, but happy times none the less.

Oh man, am I way long overdue in writing out a Jack update. Please please forgive the laps. I have been wanting to write, and each time I try to carve out time, things just get in the way. Has it really been over a month since I have updated in how Jack is doing!? So sorry Well, the good news is that this has been the best and most normal past month we have had with Jack since December. He has been loosing more and more weight from the steroids, he really looks great. He has been going in every 10 days for IV chemo, and his counts have stayed really good. He got a little low a week ago, but bounced right back. We have had a few colds here, and everyone has had it, but answer to many prayers, Jack never had a fever and has been able to recover from all of it! Each visit they take his vitals, and it has been amazing to me to see that since November, he has grown 2 inches! He has been a joy to us and it has been so sweet to see and hear Tyler and he love on each other so much. This past M...

These little creatures have invaded our backyard, and the boy could not be happier. Tyler had a jar full of them at one point, and both boys love letting them crawl all over them. One of the many ways boys are different from girls, which I am trying to teach them that mommy, is indeed a girl. I love seeing them play with them, in sweet innocence. They do not yet know how strong their little fingers can be, that shaking the jar can hurt the little bugs, the newness of little crawly things. It has been a wonder for them to discover, and I love to watch it all unfold.

There is something about your little boy playing on a little sports team that makes him feel all grown up! Although I know he is far from ALL grown up, he certainly is growing up fast right before my eyes. Tyler eats like there is no tomorrow recently, and seems to be hitting a little growth spurt. So, with all that energy he has, we decided that we wanted him to get to do something very special. All the attention and gifts that Jack gets can be tempting for him sometimes, and so when the opportunity to sign him up for this little soccer program came, we were so excited. He was so thrilled when Jordan took him out to buy his very own soccer ball and shin guards. The first day of soccer, he woke up, and immediately put on the shin guards, and they stayed on until bedtime. He loves his coach (who is from England), and a bunch of his buddies are also doing the same program, which makes it even more fun. Here are some pictures of my big boy playing soccer!

Well, we did it... we started solid food with Dylan! After weeks of him eying every bite that went into my mouth, I finally gave in that he seemed ready. The first go was a very messy thing, as you will see by my pictures. The past few times have gone a lot better! I love watching babies learn how to eat. Amazing how everything is so new to them. I just love all the faces he made during the first meal. Enjoy a little snap shot into the sweetness I get to see everyday!

Look what arrived on our doorstep Wednesday morning.... there really are no words for what I am thinking and feeling right now, but I am going to do my best to communicate how grateful we are. When we put up the initial blog post about hats for Jack, I do not think we expected all the lavish love and gifts we have received. We thought a few friends from different states would send hats for our little guy, and we would be able to point him back to their gifts as a reminder of the love of God for him. Never could we have imaged just how many people would not only take the time to listen and read our blog, pray for us, and buy and ship hats. Never would I have thought... All of you out there, who have done these things, well, frankly, you have schooled me on what it is to love one another and to give so freely, and to carry the burden of another. Truly. Each hat we get, each note of prayer and encouragement, they point me to the Lord, and for that I am eternally grateful. I have not taken...

Maybe not bliss. Certainly not without our flaws. Yet here we stand, by the grace of God. More in love, better friends. No better match for me. It seems so long ago that we said our "i do" like we were just kids, without a clue as to all God had in store for us, yet ready and eager to begin our life together. Pastor CJ Mahaney gave a short message on our wedding day, reminding us of the truth about how faithful God is found in Psalm 121. He reminded us that day, as it says in that whole passage, that we will always be able to look to the maker of heaven and earth for help in times of trouble. He will not let our foot be moved. He will keep our going out and our coming in.... you should read it . And he reminded us that the reason we can do this, is because our God will not move from his throne. We can always look to a faithful God. And faithful he has been to us. I can honestly say, that as we become more like Him, the result is being more in love with each other. He has pr...