Poor, poor Norns had a SERIOUS case of the Mondays, we thought. She had a great night of sleep without any issues the night before, but from the moment she woke up she was unhappy ~

Baffs, belly rubs, stories, bouncing… Nothing could cheer her. Something just wasn’t right and all clues were pointing to her poor ears. By mid-afternoon with no relief in sight I emailed Dr. E. He got back to me immediately and said he’d be happy to see Nora at any time, just bring her in.

With that, we immediately packed up Sad Travel Baby (and all of her accessories included) and headed up to Children’s in Mason to see Dr. E.

He took a good look into her ears with the microscope and sadly enough she had a double ear infection. Lots and lots of goop and gunk was sucked out of her ears and more antibiotic drops administered. Nora made sure that we were aware that this was something she did not like. 😫 Poor girl.

The tubes ARE working, however the pre-existing infection prior to surgery seems to be the issue here. Hopefully this was resolved with the deep cleaning and the tubes will continue to drain any more fluid that presents itself.

Nora cried for the duration of the 45 minute drive home, and settled off to sleep just as we were turning onto our street. 😑

She was still a little fussy that evening, but her sister can always get a smile out of her!

Eventually we got Happy Baby back, but she took off again after Mean Mommy put the drops in her aggravated ears.

We got a report this morning from the night nurse that Nora was unhappy and uncomfortable for most of the night. She slept for maybe a combined 2 hours without much relief from the Tylenol. I let her sleep in as long as possible and she eventually awoke around 9:45. I held my breath as she opened her eyes, half expecting her to pick up where she left off with her monologue of despair. But she didn’t. Neither happy nor sad, I gave Indifferent Baby her morning medicines and then headed up to her appointment at the baff spa.

She floated around for awhile (with her ears held carefully above the water). We were enjoying the warmth of the bubbly water shimmering in the soft glow of morning sun, when SUDDENLY Nora’s little bum had something to say. What started out as a couple of cute little bubbles ended up in an incredible blast of air that darn near could have propelled her right out of the tub and across the room. I was too astonished at the amount of air that came from such a little girl to care much about the turd shark frenzy that we were now wallowing in.

After that monumental eruption it was all WELCOME BACK, HAPPY BABY!!! Perhaps it was her belly bothering her through the night and not her ears as we had assumed?

At any rate, Nora has been content and HAPPY all day long. You’d think that after a turbulent prior day of ear aches and a restless night of belly and/or more ear pain that she would be WORN OUT. Nope. She feels too good to sleep! Nora had a great, great day!

And my God will meet all your needs according to the riches of his glory in Christ Jesus.
(Philippians 4:19 NIV)

Praise the Lord. Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good; his love endures forever.
(Psalm 106:1 NIV)

I couldn’t wait for Friday to be over simply because I knew that by the end of the day Nora’s surgery would be over. Looking back I see how perfectly it unfolded and all of the ways God showed his unmistakeable presence.

As we trekked down our well-manicured decision path we prayed. At the end of the line in the OR foyer I held Nora closely. I wrapped my arms around her in her tiny peach hospital gown and sniffed her fiercely. “You be a good girl,” I softly whispered in her ear, my lips never wanting to leave her skin. Dr. E. promised she was in excellent hands and they would be very careful with her. One last sniff, one last kiss, I handed her over. I heard the nurses talking sweetly and singing to her as we were gently ushered out of the room. “Our Father who art in heaven… Our Father who art in heaven… Our Father who art in heaven,” I could hardly get past the first verse of the prayer. My mind was spinning, my hands tightly clenched under my chin. Underneath the surface of these crashing waves, however the water was calm.

I remain confident of this: I will see the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living.
(Psalm 27:13 NIV)

God was cheering me on through the artwork on the walls, through the kindness of a stranger’s smile, by crossing my path with others who have been praying for us, through my hubzind’s tender words and touches. God’s discernible presence made it impossible not to trust Him. God doesn’t send me “proof” and signs of His presence so that I will believe in Him. In all likelihood, the evidence has ALWAYS been there. I was never able to recognize it because I was never as receptive to it as I am now. If a radio isn’t tuned in properly to a station, there is static. That doesn’t mean that the radio waves aren’t out there! Once I adjusted my dial (my thoughts/perspective) the music (God’s presence) was crisp and clear. I wasted so many years listening to meaningless static!

Yet the Lord longs to be gracious to you; therefore he will rise up to show you compassion. For the Lord is a God of justice. Blessed are all who wait for him!
(Isaiah 30:18 NIV)

Ordinarily Nora would not have gone to CICU if it were known that it was just the tubes they would be doing. But because of the possibility of the adenoid removal it was already arranged for her to go there. Within the expanse of the whole entire hospital, God couldn’t have made it any easier for Robin and I to meet by enabling this possibility and putting us 4 doors down from each other! (See previous post if you don’t know who Robin is ☺). This could be no coincidence!!!

Around 5:30 they started putting the wheels in motion to have Nora discharged. I can’t say that I wish we could have stayed longer, but I do wish I could have spent more time with Robin! Before long, papers were signed and a member from transport came up to escort us out. On our way out I asked if we could go past Ivy’s room. I couldn’t see if Robin was in the room through the glare of the glass, but I could see Ivy. Tears welled up in my eyes as I looked upon that precious baby girl. She waved her little arm in the air, maybe waving to her friend Nora!

This is a picture of sweet Ivy from her Mommy’s FB page which she said I could share:

I would be so grateful if you could please continue to pray for this sweet little lady! Her heart surgery is set tentatively for the week of September 29th. Please pray that there are no more obstacles and that this surgery will be a beautiful success!

The staff in the CICU said goodbye to us as we made our way through the security doors. Their goodbyes were more like a question than a farewell. The person transporting us out explained that NO ONE leaves CICU that quickly, “When you go there, you’re probably going to be there for awhile.” We felt even more abundantly blessed, yet so sorrowful for the little ones and their families still there. I pray that even though their lives are interrupted by the uncertainty of tomorrow, that they are comforted and reassured by the absolute certainty of God’s goodness.

And finally we were HOME. As I laid in bed that night I was emotionally thankful to be there instead of huddled up on a plastic fold out chair trying to keep warm under a sterile sheet and listening to alarms all night. Nora was cozy in the familiarity of her own environment. Thank. You. God!!!!

Since we’ve been home Nora has been recovering without any complications. There were a few episodes of discomfort here and there, especially early on, but each day she seems to be getting better and better.

“My sister reads some riveting tales of intrigue to me. I hope dey make a movie after dis one.”
“Yeah. Dats right. I got a tattoo. I love my Dad! It says.”

We did some last minute shopping for Our Kelly’s birthday on Sunday. Gavin & Greta ran into some friends. They seemed really shy.

Sunday was a big day! Our Kelly’s birthday, Bengals game, Reds game, naps, milkies… Lots to get ready for!

There has been lots of drainage from her sweet ears, which is good and expected. A baff is expected after all that too!! 😁 Eeeeee.

“Eenen da song goes like, ‘Who dey! Who dey! Who dey! Who dey tink dey gonna beat dem Bengals! Where do dey play? In da jungle, afraid of noooooobody!'”
“Anyone wanna toss wiff me?”

“Now wouldja look at dis ting?? Dis ting is so neat!!!”

Nornor adds some words of sentiment and her signature to her Kelly’s card ~

We hope you had a wonderful birthday, Kelly! We were so delighted to spend and celebrate the special day with you!!!

“Eenen dey had a turnover like dis…”

Now on into Monday Norns woke up a little unhappy – something obviously bothering her. We eliminated the belly factor. 😔 She’s sleeping now and hopefully wakes up in better spirits.

So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.
(Isaiah 41:10 NIV)

I could not have asked for a smoother morning. My prayers for a clear path are truly being answered. God is not only clearing the path, He is sweeping it clean and manicuring the edges.

Nora even got a baff this morning!!

Her ride to the hospital was happy and content, even though she was probably starting to get pretty hungry!

Why would there NOT be a painting of three birds at the receptionist’s desk? We explained to the receptionist why we were taking a picture of the owls and she excitedly responded that THREE is her number too, “The Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit!!!” It was sooo wonderful to meet you and so reassuring to have had you as the one who greeted us this morning, Michelle!

Nora is all pre-registered. She sang some sweet songs to us while we went over everything.

Nora fell asleep and is cozy in her Daddy’s arms, much like her mother who is cozy in her Heavenly Father’s arms. Peace, sweet peace.

We are mightily blessed by all of your prayers!! Thank you so very much, sweet Lauren:

12:20 PM – Nora is back in the OR. William and I are in the waiting area. Praying. Surgery is estimated to last 137 minutes from the time we went back which was 12:10 PM EST.

1:00 PM – They just called us up while we were in cafeteria. Much sooner than we anticipated. Waiting to speak w doctors. ——-

1:21 PM – Dr. E just came back to speak with us! There were NO issues with her heart or lungs while under anesthesia! Her adenoids were not enlarged and did NOT need to be removed. Her tonsils were slightly on the large side and they will keep an eye on those as she continues to grow. The tube placement was a little tricky but it was a success!! We might NOT have to stay overnight. Waiting to hear.

Nora is getting an ABR hearing test right now and we should get the results of those shortly. I CANNOT wait to sniff that sweet little head fuzz!!!!!!!!!!

5:15 PM – I’ve been busy loving on this sweet, sweet girl. She’s doing very well. She came out of anesthesia pretty upset, but settled down after awhile and then slept in my arms for an hour or so.

With trisomy 18 being such a rarity, it is so nice to be living in this day and age. If it weren’t for the Internet I would have no way of connecting with other families. There is a baby girl named Ivy with trisomy 18 whose story I have been following since shortly after her birth on Christmas Eve. A couple of weeks ago they ended up “just down the street” here in Cincinnati for heart surgery from West Virginia. They’ve had some big and some small hurdles to overcome which have delayed the heart surgery which has prolonged their stay here. I have been praying so hard for Ivy who is now battling a bad cold. While we were waiting to see Norns I messaged Ivy’s mom, Robin to let her know we were here and that I’d love to meet her. Robin knew Nora’s room number before we did!! We are 4 doors down from them!!! What an absolute joy and honor to meet and hug this amazing woman of faith. Robin uplifts me daily with her quotes and scriptures as I check on Ivy throughout each day. Please pray for Ivy that she recovers quickly and can get her heart surgery! I only got to see the top of her little head through the glass so as not to compromise her any more! God bless and protect that sweet, precious little girl!

6:05 PM – They are getting our discharge papers together! We will be heading home within the hour.

Saturday

Beautiful little bird that hit the kitchen window this morning. 😦 I’m still not sure what kind of bird he was. Some sort of warbler?

Greta made a lavish grave for him adorned with an assortment of wild flowers. As pretty as this bird was on earth I marvel at how radiant his feathers must be in heaven. Rest in amazing peace, little bird! {I don’t mean to start the post off on a sad note but I am instead marveling at God’s perfect creation and rejoicing in the promise of new Life!}

And he that sat upon the throne said, Behold, I make all things new. And he said unto me, Write: for these words are true and faithful.
(Revelation 21:5 KJV)

This happy little morning baby had a big day ahead of her!

The Give Back event that was graciously coordinated and hosted by Wing Eyecare was a great success! I was overcome with emotion as we turned into the lot!

I was so touched by all the people who put forth their time and energy to make this happen — all for Nora!

Nana and Papa hung out with us for most of the afternoon and helped with Nora and the big kids. Thanks, N & P!!

“Whhh? Is dis Sesame Street?”

No, Nornor! That’s Belle from Florence Freedom!!

“Awww!!! Hi, Belle!!!”

Gavin and James Brooks, retired Bengals player ~

Fun in the Photo Booth ~

Oh look! It’s a stinky little Trunk Show!

Babies like to tailgate too!

We had an absolutely FABULOUS time! Thank you, Ryan and everyone who came together to do this for Nora! We are overwhelmed with gratitude!

Later on that night we took Nana & Papa up on their invitation to der Buben Verein Oktoberfest celebration. We love hanging out with my Mom & Dad and I hadn’t rocked the dirndl dress in a long while. Invitation accepted!

William would look so suave in a dashing pair of lederhösen! All in favor say, “Ay Yi Yi Yi…”

Me und mein Vati ~

Home sweet home :: Baby sweet baby

Easy like Sunday morning in da baffs ~

Monday we had Nora’s pre-op visit with Dr. B. to make sure she’s healthy for her ear tube surgery.

While we were there she got her flu shot out of the way. She was hardly phased by that shot which gives a pretty good indication of how painful the antibiotic shots were that she had endured in the past! Sad!!!

She’s been given the green light from Dr. B. for the tubes!

I’m so thankful for sweet and thoughtful neighbors! This delightful bouquet of mini sun flowers, Russian sage, Italian parsley and chive blossoms was delivered to my door by a very well-bred young man! ☺ Thank you, T and M!

Getting ready for Monday Night Football!

“Are you ready for some football!!??”

“Mwahh!”


“I got my cheering outfit on…”

“Me n my Kelly say, ‘GOOOO, BENGALS!!!!'”

The Bengals beat the Steelers! Yayy!

Tuesday morning Norns was talking in her sleep:

She was busy dreaming away about something! I hated to wake her up, but it was a perfect morning to walk the big kids to school!

“Time to go buh bye!”

“Laura and Albert Ingalls” on the way to their one room schoolhouse (you’d think!?). “Don’t forget your lunch pail, Half-Pint!”

Walking through unpaved fields and woods to get to school is actually kind of awesome! Nora seems to really enjoy the off-roading in her jogging stroller. She’s the adventerous type!

This girl loves her brudder!! She thinks he’s really cool!

Tuesday night things somehow went south. Nora was in obvious discomfort and refused to keep much of her bottles down. She had a very restless night and her displeasure extended on into Wednesday. As usual we initially have trouble trying to figure out if it is her ears or her belly giving her grief. After we spoke with the nurse at the pediatrician’s office, it was determined that she should probably be seen. This could all be a side effect of her earlier flu shot, or she was getting another ear infection.

I did manage to get a couple of really sweet smiles flashed at me, but the discomfort persevered and she was sad again seconds later.

She’s truly Happy Baby at heart. You could tell she wanted so badly to feel better which made things even sadder.

At the pediatrician’s office we decided to administer an antibiotic shot and see where that would take her. If she had something viral going on with her belly, we didn’t want to aggravate it any more with an oral antibiotic and we wanted something fast acting to wipe out any infection in time for her upcoming surgery appointment on Friday. If she is running any kind of fever the day of surgery, it will likely be canceled.

Poor sweet Norns did not appreciate the shot one bit. She did not recover from this one as quickly as she did the flu shot. It obviously inflicted great pain on her precious little fat leg. I really hate to see her so sad. Her Daddy consoled her. I love to witness the love she reflects back to him.

Through the rest of the evening Happy Baby seemed to be gradually coming back to us. She had a good restful night of sleep and woke up in a wonderful mood today. She was running a slight fever this morning, but I did speak with a pre-op nurse at the hospital and as long as Nora is not exhibiting any other symptoms right now, she should be good to go tomorrow morning.

We have to be to the hospital at 10:15 in the morning. We are expecting that she will stay overnight in CICU (which sounds so scary to me!!!). I will try to update here on the blog and/or the Praying for Nora FB page as often as possible. I will do updates on one blog page kind of like I did on the day that she was born so as not to wind up with a bazillion posts. (Press F5 a lot!) Your prayers are incredibly encouraging and appreciated!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Heart racing, shallow breaths. The boiling anger tautly reined with assertive faith and transcendental peace. I live in a world that rationalizes and encourages an eye for an eye. It’s expected. Revenge – so ingrained into my very being that I had never bothered to question it before. It was just a tempestuous attribute of my hot tempered personality. Revenge disguised itself as self-preservation to protect my pride from being walked on. The perpetrator and any others watching would get the clear message: DON’T F MESS WITH ME.

Through Nora’s diagnosis, her gestation, her birth and her precious life I have grown exponentially in my faith walk.

Instead of turning to the world (aka Jerry Springer) as an example of how to maneuver through life I began to see things so differently. It was as if though Nora had graciously turned on the lights for me; given me a glimpse of the endless blue sky after having lived in a dark box my whole life. With the proverbial lights turned on I noticed I was surrounded and engulfed by weeds–the useless stratagems of anger, hatred, dishonesty, anxiety, self-righteousness, bitterness, spite, rage, impatience, fear, selfishness, entitlement, violence, and torment. It never took much effort to nourish this tangled mess of weeds that seemed to sprout up overnight out of nowhere. I had lived with this overgrown collection of weedy vices for so long that they were almost a part of me. There was no room for the seeds of spiritual fruit to blossom until I grabbed the weeds at the base of their thorny stems and yanked them out by the roots.

“But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law.” (Galatians 5:22, 23 NIV)

I partook in an entire Bible study on the fruits of the Spirit. I learned that these seeds of the Spirit’s fruit were planted in me long ago. It is an ongoing process to cultivate and water them. If they are not tended to very, very regularly they will shrivel and eventually become consumed by weeds again.

In simple humility, let our gardener, God, landscape you with the Word, making a salvation-garden of your life. (James 1:21 MSG)

You must put away every kind of bitterness, anger, wrath, quarreling, and evil, slanderous talk. Instead, be kind to one another, compassionate, forgiving one another, just as God in Christ also forgave you.
(Ephesians 4:31, 32 NET)

When someone had wronged me in some way it used to feel good in the moment to really let the offender have a piece of my mind. An eye for an eye. Vengeance. Out for blood. It’s so easy to jump the gun and believe the worst about people.

Understand this, my dear brothers and sisters: You must all be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to get angry. (James 1:19 NLT)

How quickly I forget my own shortcomings and iniquities, as if though I’m suddenly this perfect entity that has been… unjustly crucified, screaming, “I DIDN’T DESERVE THIS!!!!” If I’m honest with myself — the biggest things I don’t deserve are God’s grace and mercy, yet He has abundantly blessed me with them anyway. Shouldn’t I then in turn extend the same grace and mercy to others who have sinned against me? Shouldn’t I direct my anger at satan instead of the person? It seems pretty simple in writing, but this concept goes completely against the ways of the world. My pride would argue that treating the adversary with love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control is a sign of weakness when in reality it is quite the opposite. Anger and hatred are the well-worn path of least resistance.

Don’t let evil conquer you, but conquer evil by doing good.
(Romans 12:21 NLT)

Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you.
(Colossians 3:13)

Last Monday evening William took Greta and I out on the river, just on a whim. Gavin didn’t want to come with us and stayed home with Norns and Kelly. The tranquility of the setting sun reflecting on the rippled water relaxed my heart and my mind after the intensity of the day. Greta made me laugh.

Ducks playing basketball? Sure. Why not.

Meanwhile back in Nora’s world:

“Oh, hi! I’m just hanging out wiff dat baby in da mirror.”

“Mommy says dats just an afflection of me in der. Dat don’t make no sense to me.”

“I blow dat baby kisses. Mwah!”

“For where two or three are assembled in my name, I am there among them.” (Matthew 18:20 NET)

“People might tink dat I just lay around all day being a baby, but I’m really getting to be a big, big girl. I can hold my head up soooo good now!!”

“Mmmmm. Ders my sister. I lub her!!!!”

“IS DAT BAFF WATERS I HEAR???!!!???!!!”

“Yaaayy!!”

“Who’s all stinky clean?”

“I yam.”

“Speaking of yams… Deez sweet potatoes aren’t what I ordered!!!!!”

“Eeeeeee!!!!”

“Bleckkkk!!!!!”

“Sheesh!! At least my sister loves me!!???!!!??”

Whatever is good and perfect comes down to us from God our Father, who created all the lights in the heavens. He never changes or casts a shifting shadow.
(James 1:17 NLT)

{Another CURRENT post will be up shortly!!}

Last Sunday night (Sept 2) on into Monday Nora just wasn’t feeling good and very uncomfortable. When the low grade fever popped up we knew another visit to ENT was imperative. The holiday weekend limited us to doing anything except keeping her comfortable with acetaminophen until Tuesday.

I called to make an appointment with ENT first thing Tuesday morning. They were able to squeeze us in at 1:30 with Dr. C. who we had never seen before. He was wonderful and quickly determined that Nora needed to be on an antibiotic based on the mucus in the back of her little throat. There was no sense in adding to her misery by holding her down to look in her ears with the microscope. We discussed Nora’s upcoming surgery for tubes as well. As I mentioned a couple of posts ago, pulmonology wants a scope done of her airway to get a look at her adenoids. If the adenoids are enlarged and ENT feels that it would be of benefit to remove them, they are going to go on ahead and do that while she is under. Dr. C. as well as Dr. E. are both very optimistic that this would be a relatively simple procedure with minimal recovery time for Nora. I’ve been running it past other families in the online trisomy 18 communities and have received a varying array of opinions from “best thing we ever did” to “absolutely no way”. I’m extremely undecided about all of this right now and am anxious to discuss it further with all of her doctors and specialists.

By Wednesday, day 2 of the antibiotic, Happy Baby was back in full effect! It is such an enormous sigh of relief when Norns is happy!! We opted for grape bubblegum flavor again which is what she was agreeable with last time.

Someone really sweet and happy came to visit with her Kelly in Mommy’s office.

“Scyooz me? I’m here for my 4:00 appointment for kisses and loves?”

“So if I hold down da icons I can move dem around!!?”

“Wouldja look at dat?! Dats kinda neat!!”

“Aeaehhh… I’m not sure about dis headband, Sister!!”

Rainbow spot in the evening clouds ~

“Goodnighty night!”

Thursday morning we got our act together in time to walk to school.

I was trying to push the stroller with one hand and drink my coffee with the other. Greta was busy texting her Daddy with my phone, and taking pictures of me!

“Dis place looks kinda fun!”

Nora and I saw a rainbow spot on the way home!

And three birds waiting for us back home!

“I hang out here at home and play with all my things.”

“An just when Mommy thought I couldn’t get any sweeter and prettier, I show up in this pretty headband!”

“I’m a little lippy at times.”

“And sassy too!”

“It’s Friiiiiiiiiiiidaaaay!!!!!!”

“Not like that means anything anymore though, right Mommy n Daddy? 😉”

“We’ll just be hanging out here on the couch if anyone needs us!”

Saturday we went on a benefit walk for Keegan’s Spirit Foundation which is an organization set up in memory of Keegan Southers. They provide hope and assistance to families who have children affected by congenital heart disease. Not only was this for a great cause, but the weather was perfect and Nora woke up happy! We packed it all up and headed out.

Milks in the shade. That’s what she likes.

All that strolling made for one tired baby cake.

Meanwhile in a tree…

Sunday morning baffs are what she likes.

She’s lippy and flippant!!!!

“Datsa real cute girl in there!”

As a face is reflected in water, so the heart reflects the real person.
(Proverbs 27:19 NLT)

I want to remind everyone of the event that Wing Eyecare has so graciously offered to host for Nora this weekend.

We are still planning on being there with Nora, however it is almost 4 in the morning as I type this. I have been lying in bed staring at the ceiling for a couple of hours worried about the cold and flu season that seems to be already upon us with the colds and what not. In my Facebook newsfeed there are several trisomy 18 kids who are hospitalized right now with pretty serious illnesses. I’m awake thinking about them and praying for them… and worrying. In the news headlines cases of whooping cough are already being reported. Last year, starting in October Nora was in lockdown here at the house. We did not bring her out for any reason other than doctor appointments. We also tried to limit our own exposure to the general public. This weekend is going to be yet another exercise of faith in trusting that God will shield and protect Nora against anything that could harm her. However we have to use common sense as well. I know it’s tempting to want to touch her and pinch her little cheeks, etc. but it’s just too big of a risk right now. Even if you feel “totally fine” and “know you’re not sick” you could still be a carrier. That’s how this junk spreads around. And if you ARE in fact sick, please understand that a typical common cold that might be no big deal to you or your average person has the potential to be very, very serious for Nora, as is the case for any medically fragile child. I don’t mean to be callous and ranting, or rude… I am just a little on edge already. I also don’t mean to transpose this wonderful event that Wing Eyecare has so graciously put together for us into a public service message about germs. I’m so excited about this event and I can’t wait to see and meet those of you who are able to make it out! The weather is supposed to be perfect!

Maybe more for my own reminding:

Don’t be afraid, for I am with you. Don’t be discouraged, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you. I will hold you up with my victorious right hand.
(Isaiah 41:10 NLT)

Sorry I’ve been away from posting for a few days. Although not directly involved –there have been several crisis events around me that have occupied my heartfelt ministration.

“An I had an earaches too, but I’m all better now!”

“My sister brings me in to listen to the piano. I kinda like dat!”

Backtracking ~

This past Sunday, September 1st marked the 12 year anniversary of my marriage to my sweet hubzbind.

William ~ I love you, I treasure you, I respect you, I appreciate you, and I trust you. Thank you for standing by my side even during the toughest of times. You are an amazing husband and father. I love your wisdom, I love your humor, I love your faith, I love your wit, I love your heart, I love your empathy and I love your compassion. I am so so blessed by you.

We tried to make the best of a plaintive day and went out on the river with the big kids to watch the fireworks.

Driving Scared. (being silly)

Lots of boats anchored waiting to watch the show + a view of the city and a sweet boy ~

Flock of geese flying over the city ~

Beautiful girl and a beautiful sunset ~

The whole earth is filled with awe at your wonders; where morning dawns, where evening fades, you call forth songs of joy.
(Psalm 65:8 NIV)

I was more enamored with God’s light show but it was neat being out on the water for the fireworks too.