Day at the zoo

Today was Homeschool Day at the Fort Worth Zoo. The kids and I along with some good friends took advantage of this beautiful day (84 degrees!) and also the much needed Vitamin D for Caed. We had a great time and of course the kids loved it. However, I was telling Todd after we got home that I know they loved going......but these two kids have been to "the zoo" about 8-10 times in the last 6 months! (we went weekly in Omaha)

Caed also had his monthly blood draw on Wednesday. He did great! We haven't heard yet the results. Please pray for his vitamin / mineral levels. Several of them have been slowly dropping over the last few months. (Vitamin D, zinc, & copper primarily) He is currently taking Vit D and Zinc supplements, so hopefully those are beginning to level out. His weight is up to 42.6 lbs.










a few of our homeschool friends



in the stage coach




*Thank you "Giblin Girls!" We had lots of fun with you. Thanks for helping me out with Caleb (primarily). We'll have to plan it again sometime.

Zoo Pics

ice cream break

FYI - Caed isn't supposed to have fruit, veggies, water, or SUGAR (causes his diarrhea to be worse). However, we have learned that if given with his meal (meat...potatoes....bread....rice.....), he handles small amounts well. We also allow him to have small amounts of sugar for special occassions like today! He ended up throwing the majority of this ice cream cone away.

One year anniversary

One year ago......we sat in the Surgical Waiting Room at 3 am in utter disbelief that our "baby boy" was undergoing major emergency surgery. I know now how much the Lord protected us that night....if we'd only known then what the next 364 days would be like.......

One year ago.....our lives as we knew it changed forever. Sometimes the unthinkable doesn't happen to someone else....it happens to you!

I have thought so much about this day. I began wondering months ago what this day would be like. Would it be filled with sorrow having to relive some of the worst moments of my life? Or would it be filled with gratitude to the Lord for ALL He has done, and the way He carried us through it? I would have to say....both! There have been moments today that I literally felt sick to my stomach....no appetite and no desire to carry on a "normal evening." I just couldn't get those awful thoughts out of my head. As much as I tried to convince myself...."think of something else, Lori!!".......the more those images were burned into my head. However, I then began to realize maybe that was a blessing in disguise. Maybe the Lord wanted me to relive some very painful memories to show me HOW FAR HE HAS BROUGHT US!!!! To consider His mercy. To dwell on His provision. To thank Him for His Sovereign Hand. And now......to TRUST!

Trust in yet another year that will inevitably throw us a few curve balls.

Oh, if I could turn back the hands of time. Turn it back to just one year and one day. What would I do differently? Would I hold my children longer at bedtime? Would I not be as "busy" with those mundane daily chores and just play a game with them? Dance in one of their many shows? Stop long enough to soak them in....really soak them in! Get to know these precious gifts given to me only a few short years ago. For one thing I know for sure now.......they are not ours! They are on loan from a Father who loves and knows them much greater than I. How long will we get to keep these beautiful gifts? Only He knows. So instead of living in regret and wishing to turn back the hands of time, Lord.......help me to live each day passionately. Let me always see the small things. Help me to slow down. And allow me to truly get the most out of the gifts You gave me.

To think back from March 1st 2008 to now......and count all the ways we saw God in every detail........wow!, there just wouldn't be time or space to cover them all. I truly get overwhelmed just considering it. What an incredible God we serve! The fact that He works like that. Not just the big stuff. No...in every possible minute detail. Isn't that amazing? Thank you God that you love us so much and do indeed have wonderful, exciting plans for our lives. And You choose to do so by using the details. Let us be more mindful of that, and learn what it really means to TRUST YOU! Thank you for using the tough times for our good. Help us to see Your Hand working us through the refiner's fire. The sole purpose.......to make us more like Jesus!

For I know the plans I have for you, declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you a hope and a future." (Jeremiah 29:11)

There is a time for everything......

......and a season for every activity under heaven:


a time to be born and a time to die,
a time to plant and a time to uproot,
a time to kill and a time to heal,
a time to tear down and a time to build,
a time to weep and a time to laugh,
a time to mourn and a time to dance,
a time to scatter stones and a time to gather them,
a time to embrace and a time to refrain,
a time to search and a time to give up,
a time to keep and a time to throw away,
a time to tear and a time to mend,
a time to be silent and a time to speak,
a time to love and a time to hate,
a time for war and a time for peace.

(Ecclesiastes 3:1-8)

Today went NOTHING like I had planned. And for the "planner" in me....well, let's just say it was hard to accept. However, even when things began falling apart and my heart torn into (again), God quickly allowed me to see why these "unplanned days" are sometimes just what we need. I have been struggling with a particular situation for quite some time, and finally today..... He opened my eyes and showed me a tiny glimpse of the "why." There is a time for everything! Even in our Christian walk. I am currently going through a season that I have never been before. Unfamiliar territory. I have been fighting it and my pride telling me 'I am wrong....I am weak'. God showed me today.................

I am RIGHT WHERE HE WANTS ME!!!

I may not understand. I may still fall and let the world's voice consume me.....and let me know what I should or should not be doing. But, the Lord graciously showed me HIS WILL at this particular time in my life. For the first time in a very long time.....I truly have confidence. Not in myself, but in His plan. His purpose. And that's what it is: There is a real purpose for where HE has me. I have not been forgotten, or considered unimportant or useless in His Kingdom. He is teaching me to be still......to listen....and to do the job He has set before me with my whole heart!!!! (even if my job seems unimportant to the world)

Thank you Lord for knowing how much I needed this day! Help me to live strong....unwaivering....and have boldness and confidence in YOU!

Make-a-Wish

Tonight the Make-a-Wish Foundation came to our home to talk with Caed. He drew several pictures of different "wishes" he had, and did a great job answering their questions. We are very grateful for this opportunity and know it will surely brighten his world. Although outwardly Caed appears "normal"......we have to remember he still struggles with a life-threatening illness. When we reflect back on this little boy's past year, we are amazed at all he went through and how tough and brave he continues to be. He is our hero..............................



**his wish was Disney World!!!!!

Caed's newest accomplishment

Caed learned to ride a bike a few weeks before his illness, but after a couple of hard falls, he was done! He begged his daddy to put the training wheels back on. Now.....a year later, he decided to try again. I think he's finally got it down, don't you? ha!

HE always knows best

Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light. (Matthew 11:28-30)




One of my dear best friends, Marilyn....asked me several weeks ago if I would be interested in going to a women's conference with her church from Lubbock. It was in the DFW area, so I jumped on it. It was the Wholehearted Mother Conference (with speaker Sally Clarkson). It was of course wonderful. I always love going to things like this, and feel refreshed and encouraged when I leave.

However....the Lord had different plans for me this weekend.

Saturday morning I woke up with horrible sinus and allergies. I desperately tried to make it through the day, but soon discovered I just couldn't. With the conference going full speed ahead, I disappointedly made my way back to the elevator and to our room. I just couldn't believe I was having to miss it. "The Lord knew HOW MUCH I needed this weekend!!!! Why did He allow my body to get sick now????"

I soon discovered how much He indeed DID KNOW! He knew I needed something different. Sure the speaker(s) were terrific. The other women in our group were seasoned, mature women of God and such great encouragement for me. I needed a powerful message. Corporate worship. Time with one of my best friends. And, yet.....as I walked into that empty room....I felt HIM!!!! I knew what I needed was simple REST! Time alone.....the first in almost a year. Time to pray. Time to cry. Time to listen. Time to be still.

I thank God for loving me and knowing me like He does. He knew exactly what I needed, and knew the time was now. As incredible as the conference was to the 600 other women in attendance, I thank Him for using it to bring me to that place of solitude. For allowing my body to receive that much needed rest. And for later allowing the special time with my friend to share, cry, and pray. Oh....how we both needed it!

I also thank my husband for taking time out of his busy schedule to be home and watch the kids. Having all 3 alone is no simple task. With a baby and one with medical needs.....it can get overwhelming very quickly. He did wonderful. When I walked in late last night, everyone was in bed, and the house was spotless!!!!! Another task not so easy. I love and appreciate so much his willingness to allow me to be away 2 days.

Just another reminder this weekend of how "God ALWAYS knows best!!"