The Night Watches

Oh I love my sweet little Dylan boy... He is such a cutie pie, and he keeps me running around after him. With three teeth, and a fourth on its way, this little rascal is done with baby food, almost altogether. He sees mac n' cheese, he wants it. If his brothers are eating something, so must he! He is also chasing after them all day, joining in the wrestling and tickling, he is a speedster when it comes to getting places. I often loose track of where he is, because he is gone so quickly. And yes, the boy loves to climb the stairs. I have no idea what kind of man he will become, but it is certain God has gifted him in unique ways, and it will be a joy to watch those gifts develop and grow as he gets older. But for now, I am a busy mommy to a rascal of a boy. I love every minute of it.

I have been asked many times, what are you reading these days? Over the past 8 months or so, I have been reading and re-reading and devouring this book. Be Still My Soul by Nancy Guthrie was a gift to me from a dear friend, and what a gift it has been to me. I cannot, simply cannot recommend it enough. It is a collection from 25 different authors on the topic of suffering and pain, with the preface by Guthrie (who lost two children in their infancy). The writers within the covers of this book have become dear friends to me, many of whom I had never read of and a few I had never heard of, but now feel I can go to at any time and come away refreshed, re-focused, full of faith, and more in love with my God. This book has been a tremendous means of grace to me, and I am so grateful to have been "introduced to the friends" contained within its pages. I have posted some quotes on facebook that have meant a lot to me as I have been reading it, and as I now am reading through it fo...

Ahhh, I miss the beach! Have we really already been home only a week and a half? The sound of the crashing waves seems such a distant memory already! Although this vacation was quite different for us and more difficult than the many years past for many reasons, the beach days could not have been more amazing and memorable. Couple perfect weather, kids who love playing all day, a group of people just happy to be together, and joy from the Lord for the gift each day was... it was a wonderful vacation. I wanted to take tons of pictures, but when you have a baby who knows no fear, and is crawling headlong into the ocean, stuffing handful after handful of sand in his mouth... and two big boys that want to play hard all day... there was very little sitting down time, and less time to hold a camera and a baby... but oh so worth every moment with my boys. Here are a few shots of those precious memories and sweet beach days...

We just got back Sunday night from a week long family vacation to the Outer Banks. This is the annual Kauflin family vacation that we have been going to as long as we have been married, and for way longer than that for the Kauflins. We got to Corolla NC right after hurricane Earl swept through, to the most perfect weather we have ever had. Everyday was a perfect beach day, which our kids all loved. I will post about the beach soon. Just wanted to give you all an update on what has been happening with Jack since we have been home from the beach. The day after we came home, Monday, I took him in for a scheduled spinal tap and the nurse and surgeon both agree that his "Tubie" (central line) has an infection, as well as serious cold. As of Monday morning, he did not have a fever and the entry site into his chest looked a little better than it had previously (while on vacation it had begun to get red, swollen and a little pus was coming out). We were able to enjoy the last days ...