Sat. 6/14 - update

But He was pierced for our transgressions, He was crushed for our iniquities; the punishment that brought us peace was upon Him and BY HIS WOUNDS WE ARE HEALED. (Isaiah 53:5)

I took this picture several weeks ago simply for our sake. The picture queen that I am wanted a tangible memory of what lies underneath Caed's clothing. Sometimes it's easy for me to forget this. I see him smiling, laughing, playing, dancing, and even eating...and I forget. I debated whether to post this picture. In no way am I wanting to "exploit" Caed. His abdomen is something he is extremely protective of and doesn't like looking at (much less everyone else). Todd noticed him examining himself in the mirror a few days ago. It's so hard for him not only to process what he's been through, but also the gadgets that still cling to his little body.

Have you ever wondered why we have scars? Not all cuts and scrapes leave permanent marks. Obviously we have all experienced many paper cuts in our lifetime. Yet, as I look on my fingers, I see no evidence of such. There are others however on my body that happened at a very young age, and the scars are still there as a reminder. Those were much deeper wounds. I think God uses our scars (whether physical or emotional) for many reasons. One would be as a reminder of where we've been, how He pulled us through, and how He ultimately used the pain for good. Look at your own scars. If it's a large enough one it probably brings back memories of lots of pain. I had 3 c-sections and the scars to prove it. Oh yes!! How the memories of those few days/weeks after surgery are still haunting. There was lots of pain involved. However, now....it's just a marking on my body that reminds me of my 3 beautiful children. He turns our ashes into beauty! Sometimes we may see immediately and very clearly the good that He brought about through our pain. Other times it may be several years. And yet others still may not be seen until we reach heaven. Although our scars are not very pretty (and our world has even come up with marketing products to hide them), let's remember the BEAUTY that He alone can bring from them!

Caed's days are now becoming fairly consistent. So far...he has only thrown up once. He ate supper tonight, although we're talking only a few small bites. That's ok, and in fact, seeing him sit at the table the last 2 evenings and "eat" with the rest of us is ABSOLUTE ANSWERED PRAYER! This is something we prayed for once he got home. We try not to make an issue of his eating, but rather treat him like normal. (just have to watch what we serve and remind him to go slow!)

eating supper outside with Reagan & Haylee



Nana brought 3 new turtles home today:
(Sunshine, Baby, & Rose)



Caed holding "Baby"


Taking a shower