Before Nora was born we were encouraged to get involved with a hospice organization. With everything so completely uncertain, we weren’t sure how long we were going to have her. We wanted to have the resources and support available to help us through what ever was to be. Our efforts led us to Hospice of the Bluegrass, specifically their pediatric division known as Daniel’s Care. My initial misgivings and fear of the word “hospice” were quickly squelched after our first introduction to one another. I never was able to get through the Infant Loss literature or go so far as to plan a funeral (even through I imagined it and tortured myself with that fear over and over again). Then one beautiful spring day, against all odds and statistics we brought a baby girl home who we had named Nora.

We had no idea how long we would get with Nora, but what ever it was we were going to take it, savoring each and every moment. The support and compassion given to us from this team of amazing people was nothing short of a godsend! They supplied Nora’s oxygen supplies (tanks, tubes, concentrator), translated scary medical diagnoses, checked Nora’s heart and lungs every week, prayed with me, cried with me, laughed with me, and even allowed me to get a shower from time to time while they kept an eye on Nora for me. They were never “hospice” in the way that I once imagined — hovering around waiting for imminent death. In fact, they were far from that. They recognized Nora as the little miracle that she is and focused on her sweet LIFE!

This past week on a bittersweet Wednesday morning, I am excited to announce, Nora was officially dismissed from their care because she’s doing so well.

Lisa, Gerri, Billy, Chris, Donovan, and Randy too – thank you for everything. The world is a better place because of you! We are ever so grateful for your your compassion and your love through some harrowing times and for sharing with us in the joyful times too. Thank you!

Saturday (Oct. 19)

All warm and “schnoogy” in her nest ~

“Eenen I waked up!! Good mornings!!

Sunday, I had the opportunity to do some deep cleaning and organizing upstairs. It’s probably safe now to put away the tank tops, shorts and swimsuits (I think?!), and to get rid of the size 3T socks in Greta’s dresser.

Meanwhile, downstairs in the living room :

“Hear dem Bengals growlin,
Meaned n angried,
Here dey comes a prowlin,
Leaned and hungried….
(for milkies?)”

Nora’s Bengals outfit was in the laundry for much of the game, but we did manage to get it on her for the latter part of the game, THANK GOODNESS!!! It’s very important that she has her outfit on. Her Daddy INSISTS!! She’s a really cute good luck charm!!

And so begins another Monday! Breakfast made, beds made, lunches packed, teeth and hair brushed and off to school they go! {Daddy always needs a picture of the kids. He’s at work before they wake and misses them!}

“*SIGH* You gotta be kiddin me. Dey leave me again?!?!”

“Wewl GO ON DEN!!! Have fun at yer schoolz…. Wiffout me…”

And we’re finally all together again at the end of our day.

Tuesday morning! Off to school!

“No commentz.”

“Dis is getting to be like dat movie Groundhog Days around here.”

“I watch for dem wistfully out da window while I help Mommy make apple pie!”

“My Mommy makes me smiled!”

“Yay for 4:00!”

“I lub my sister!!!!”

“Eenen I lub my baffs n my Mom!”

“My brudder is so silly!!! Mommy found dis on her phone.”

Wednesday Nora had an awesome therapy session. She got to play with some pretty sparkly fall leaves…

“What in da heck?!? Is dat my noze?!”

“I’m making a punkin an I got to try da noze on me!!”

“Dat bow is kinda pretty! I kinda like dat!”

“See what I can do?! I’m such a big girl!!!”

“My Mommy is real prouda meee!!!”

“I’m a real big girl an I know how to do big girl tings!”

“I like to listen to musics.”

“My seahorsie sings pretty music!”

Thursday morning the big kids snuck off while Norns was still sleeping, but not before administering some kisses and stealing some sniffs of sweetness to hold them over till 4:00.

It was a dreary overcast morning with intermittent raindrops, but my day was extraordinarily brightened by Kate W. aka “Ellie’s Mom”. We met for coffee at 9:30 and spent the next 4 hours catching up on each other’s lives and “wondering” about God, in the purest most beautiful sense of that word. That time we spent together seemed to have elapsed in 20 minutes. I left feeling energized and renewed, inspired by Kate’s strength and her perspective. The Holy Spirit shines brightly from Kate, despite everything she’s endured.

For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.
(Romans 8:38-39)

“I tink I’m about to get some lovins!”

“Yeps!”

Friday, Nora and I threw the prospect of a regular old ordinary day to the wind and set off to go visit Nana!

“I gotta getta baff first doe! I’ll keep dis part of da ordinaries!”

Oooh she’s all cleaned and stinky fresh!!!!

It was a beautiful day for a ferry ride!

She knows where she’s going!

Sometimes it’s just nice to get out of the house. Nora had a fun day at Nana & Papa’s house.

She shared some loves with her Nana and even got a surprise visit from Papa on his lunch break!

All this loving makes for a real tired girl. She had a nice afternoon nap in her nest that we brought with us.

We would have liked to stay all day, but we had to get back before 4:00!

“I know what dat means!!!”

No one can LEAVE her alone!

She’s much too sweet!!!

Friday (October 11)

“Oh… Wh… Hi! What time is it?”

“Time for a baff, it is!!!” Dis is what I like!”

I found these 2 photos on my phone that Greta snapped of a sweet little hand ~

For I am the Lord your God who takes hold of your right hand and says to you, Do not fear; I will help you.
(Isaiah 41:13 NIV)

Saturday

I heart you!

We were driving along minding our own business when suddenly we came upon this ~

The sight of this dog left a stream of smiles in his wake. There’s just something joyful about a dog with his (her?) head out of the car window – loving life! He was so excited to be out on a ride with his Dad. Clearly they weren’t on their way to the vet!

We were on our way some place fun too. It was my friend Suzie’s surprise party. She goes by ‘Suzanne’ now, but 37 years ago when we were first introduced as 3-year-olds, she was adorable little pig-tailed ‘Suzie’. From ages 3 to 18 we grew up as neighbors. The chain link fence that separated our back yards developed a permanent sag in the spot that we climbed over–again and again and again–physical evidence of our affection and friendship.

It was so awesome to see the look on Suzie’s face when she opened the door and saw all of us standing there yelling, “Surprise!!!!!” Indeed she was surprised!

That was then ~

This is now ~

Happy, happy birthday, Suits!!!

Sunday morning we took a trip across the old ferry to meet my parentz for brunch! We watched a blue heron and a kingfisher fishing at the shore!

“I caught me a seahorse that sings to me!”

She’s real cute in her fall clothes!

She must have secretly conspired with Nana & Papa to coordinate their outfits!!

Once back home it was time to change into her game day best!

“Gooo Bengals!!”

“No one needs outfits in da baffs!”

Monday the kids were off school, concluding their 4 day weekend. We got some morning snuggles in with Smile Cakes Norns! Ohhh this picture is so cute I can’t even stand it!!!

We finished up our Halloween decorations ~

Gavin went to work with William so he could finish up his report that was due the next day. Greta and I went down to the Public Landing to feed ducks. 3!

As Greta and I were walking along the Serpentine Wall, three rock doves landed directly in front of us. We both noticed and laughed, “Three birds!!!”

We made our way to the Purple People Bridge (shown above the ensemble of driftwood we were admiring).

The previous photo was taken from the first round of steps shown in the background.

Funny graffiti ~

True graffiti ~

It was neat to watch a barge pass from above! Having always seen them from the side I never realized how deep the cargo bays went down into the water!

Sitting down for a rest. Nothing’s wrong…

Nothing’s out of the ordinary… Just another day with Greta & Mommy ~

I love those who love me, and those who seek me find me.
(Proverbs 8:17 NIV)

Gotta get home for kisses and sniffs!!!!!

“Happy birthday Aunt Jill and Auntie Brenda!”

Tuesday morning the sky was an extraordinary lavender color — for only just a few minutes!

And God said, “Let there be lights in the vault of the sky to separate the day from the night, and let them serve as signs to mark sacred times, and days and years, and let them be lights in the vault of the sky to give light on the earth.” And it was so.
(Genesis 1:14, 15 NIV)

“Dat sky matches my outfit!”

Wednesday

“Happy morning!”

“It’s kinda quiet around here. My brudder n sister had to go backta school!”

“I look at my watch all day long waiting for 4:00!

“Eeenen… eenen I tink I hear dem!!!!”

“Den dey come home and play wif me an stick all my belongings in my pockets. Tank goodness for pockets on baby cloze!”

“Excuse me…. Dis isn’t what I ordered…”

“I like milks!”

Pictures from Thursday

“Whhhooooaaah, Mommy! No camera flash pleez!!!!!!”

“Fwooo!!! Dats better… But now I see spots…”

Pictures from Friday

“Aw… I guess you guys are headed off to schools again…”

“We’ll be home soon, Nornor!”

“Okay. I’m waiting den.”

“Yay!!! My sisters back!!!”

“Dis is my sister dat I love!”

Delicious wholesome beans are a top priority here at the Nora Rose Bean Company. Each bean is carefully inspected and monitored for quality assurance by Nora Rose herself. Expect only the best — guaranteed!

“Beanz Beanz, good for yor heart…”

Be strong and take heart, all you who hope in the Lord.
(Psalm 31:24 NIV)

Near and dear to my heart are the families who have endured the tragic loss of a pregnancy(s) or infant(s). October 15th was Pregnancy and Infant Loss Remembrance Day. At 7:00 PM many people lit candles in memory of these sweet angels. The candles below were lit and photographed that evening too.

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Because of Nora’s diagnosis I have come to know several many families who have little angels waiting for them in heaven. Each little life, no matter how short was incredibly meaningful and not without purpose.

For you created my inmost being;
you knit me together in my mother’s womb.
I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made;
your works are wonderful, I know that full well.
My frame was not hidden from you when I was made in the secret place,
when I was woven together in the depths of the earth.
Your eyes saw my unformed body;
all the days ordained for me were written in your book before one of them came to be.
(Psalm 139:13-16 NIV)

My heartfelt prayers are with each of you.

Just a lazy Saturday (Oct 5) in these parts. The threat of rain always puts forth the proposal for a nap.

We spied on a doe and her two fawns in the front yard before they jetted off into the woods!

Then of course we had this little “dear” in our living room.

“Ohhhh, Mommy, spare me!!!”

As I was looking for an outfit for Norns after her baff my eyes gravitated to her tiny Eagle Savings t-shirt that matched the shirt I had already put on. When Greta spied Nora and Mommy being twins she wanted in on the matching frippery and ran off to change into her Eagle t-shirt. Our Kelly was not about to idly stand by and be left out either! Gavin rolled his eyes at us as he took this picture of our haphazard Eagle Savings promotional.

“Fly with the Eagle!”

Ohhhhh! Why, look!! It’s a fuzzy little Eaglet! Izzzn’t she CUTE?!?!

She’s really loved!

And chewy!

Sunday was another lazy overcast and rainy day. No mind! This beautiful little face can brighten up the gloomiest of days!

Gavin and his Dad went to the Bengals game while the girls stayed home and cheered. This was the cutest cheerleader in the house ~

“Who dey tink dey gonna beat dem Bengals!!!”

Later that afternoon Greta and I went out on a Mommy-Daughter date to IKEA. Greta picked out a desk, chair and accessories for her room. We had delicious Swedish meatballs with lingonberry sauce and mashed potatoes. Those alone are worth the 45 minute drive!!

On our way home the fiery globe of sunshine peeked beneath the heavy blanket of clouds to whisper goodnight before it nestled into the far off horizon ~

What a sweet note I found on my bed that night ~

Sweet pictures from Monday ~

Nora thinks it’s funny when we spin her wheel and let the ridges vibrate on her nasal canula tubing.

Pictures from Tuesday

There are some days that seem to be overflowing with “hearts”. Tuesday was not one of them. It was impossible to imagine any or make something out of nothing, as at times wonder if I do. As I was playing on the floor with Nora, contemplating this, I happened to glance down at my sock ~

(Yes, there are actually crumbs on my floor! GASP!!) God loves us and the “crumbs” in our lives!

Norns is really fascinated with her piano! She likes to watch the keys light up and dances along to the music.

“I kinda like dis!”

Beautiful gradation of the evening sky while Greta was at dance class ~

“Ohh! Dat’s real pretty!!!”

Wednesday I had the pleasure of accompanying Greta on her class field trip to the Dinsmore House (now a museum)!

The house was built by James and Martha Dinsmore in 1842 on an expanse of over 700 acres. They lived and vacationed there for many years with their three daughters Isabella, Julia and Susan. The farm was inherited in 1872 by the middle daughter Julia Dinsmore, who never married. She operated it as a fully functioning farm for 54 years until her death at age 93. Meticulously kept journals, letters and business records convey a detailed and intriguing story of their lives in a bygone era.

Old barn on one of the walking trails ~

Back in the 1840s, kids played with a rain barrel hoop and a stick for fun!

Field trips were about the best thing in the world as a kid, although I do miss the tin foil wrapped cans of soda!!!!

If I remember correctly, this was the eldest daughter Isabella’s bedroom.

She married in 1859 (her original wedding veil preserved on a dresser therein) and died in about 1866 after complications from the birth of her second daughter 6 months prior. She left behind her husband Charles Flandrau, and two young daughters Martha “Patty” and Sarah “Sally”. Patty and Sally were raised by their Aunt Julia, the only remaining sister. The youngest daughter, Susan died tragically in 1851 at age 15 with her cousin in a drowning accident on Lake Erie when their rowboat capsized.

Up a steep wooded path from the house lies the family graveyard.

And there I stood over 170 years into the future from when this land was but a dream for this family. With each turning page of the calendar they experienced the celebration of new lives into the family and endured grievous losses. Much like our own lives. We live and we love. We experience the great joys of living and also encounter the heart rending tragedies. I never bothered to stop and imagine 174 years from now. Life in 2187 — my family’s weather beaten collection of moss covered headstones momentarily piquing the curiosity of a passerby. All that’s left of my hopes, fears, worries and dreams are mere words typed out on an old and yellowing blog left behind as reference to an antiquated way of life. It happened to the Dinsmores and it will happen to us too. This life and all of its troubles will be overcome. Time will have projected off into an era that doesn’t include us. We too will be completely reunited with our loved ones in God’s beautiful promise of eternity.

Therefore we do not lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day. For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all. So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen, since what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal. (2 Corinthians 4:16-18 NIV)

I could go on and on about this place that really I knew nothing about prior to Gavin’s field trip back when he was in third grade. What a rich and fascinating piece of history!

Meanwhile, back home with a certain young lady…

“Has anyone seen my cheekies?”

“Cuz here dey are!”

Clothes changed, check.
Hands washed, check.
Baby sister loved and cuddled, check.

“Where you guys been?”

Nornor absolutely loves the beautiful pink friendship bracelet that her friend Carly made for her!

It’s Thursday. Norns has something important to share!

“Mngrrnomaurglrrmnnaar. Mgrlmnlom.”

Norns! You’ve got to take your sweet fingers out of your mouth! No one can understand you!

“Oh. Sorry… Can you hear me now?

Yes, that’s much better!

“Mkay. Well… Ladies n gentledmenz, boys n girls…”

“I present to you my very first toof (and some really dry lippies)! It’s officialed and finally broked fru my gummies! Dis is my pearly white!”

“Can I have some cookies now?”

For the kingdom of God is not a matter of eating and drinking, but of righteousness, peace and joy in the Holy Spirit.
(Romans 14:17)

Inseparable with the Lord, my quiet thoughts were a continuous and steady stream of prayer for little baby Ivy as she underwent heart surgery Thursday morning. I smiled in delight at the morning rainbow.

God’s visible whisper that prayers would be beautifully answered did not fall on blind eyes.

It was a rainy day, but a rainy day with intermittent rays of sunshine and rainbows as a result. This reminder to me of God’s goodness shining forth even on the metaphorically rainy days accompanied me to Bible study.

I’ve been following Ivy’s progress on Facebook and I’m excited to report that the surgery was successful! There have been a few complications, but last report from Ivy’s Mom is that she has made great improvements throughout the course of the day! Ivy is not quite out of the woods yet, but obviously prayers are being heard and answered! Please keep them coming!

I am choosing to stay focused on the joyful overall success of Ivy’s major surgery instead of the malevolent assault of evil that came spewing from my phone later that morning (without going into detail……). You may have momentarily distracted me from my Bible study, satan, but I recognize evil for evil. Could you have been any more obvious?? At Bible study?? Really?? You must be pretty desperate! You have no power over me, my thoughts, or my immediate family. You are not welcome to take up residence in our house or our thoughts. Your evil plots are futile. Those individuals who have allowed you to infiltrate their hearts and their minds through their strongholds, I pray that they will see the error of their ways and put God above all else in His high and righteous place. I declare victory over you, satan. Nice try, but MY GOD is mightier and greater than you could ever hope to be. You may get your way with some people, but you’re not getting it with me. I will not be shaken.

While I was momentarily distracted with evil storm clouds in their figurative sense another literal rainbow shined brightly in the sky…. accented by 3 birds crossing past. I couldn’t make this up if I tried. Perfect timing, my perfect God! The glory of God will shine brightly through these evil “clouds” that rolled in. His bright and shining goodness will leave behind “RAINBOWS” too. Amen!

… as for me and my household, we will serve the Lord!
(Joshua 24:15)

The name of the LORD is a strong tower; the righteous run to it and are safe.
(Proverbs 18:10)

Though the mountains be shaken and the hills be removed, yet my unfailing love for you will not be shaken nor my covenant of peace be removed,” says the LORD, who has compassion on you.
(Isaiah 54:10)

My prayer is not that you take them out of the world but that you protect them from the evil one.
(John 17:15)

And so dawns a new beginning ~

I have lots of pictures of sweetness from throughout the past week (and even a video). Nora is doing very well and has had no recurring ear infections. Her ear canals were a little inflamed this past Monday, but not infected. They may still have been recovering from the previous week’s great clean out! We later figured out that her discomfort may have been on account of those bottom teethies that are on the VERGE of poking through! But because of the ear canal inflammation and just to be on the safe side we are continuing to administer the antibiotic drops in Nora’s ears for another week.

Sunday

“Oh! It’s Sunday? I love my beautiful dress, but I guess I’d better change into something more appropriate!”

“Goooo, Bengals!!!”

“The Bengals may have lost, but every little thing is gonna be alright!”

Gavin Piper Picked a Pickled Pepper from Chili’s restaurant. Had a nice date night with my boy.

“My brudder is pretty comfortable!”

“Hey, Seahorsie, look at my teefs dat are about to come in!”

Monday

Sweet pretty girl woke up okay, but before long Fussy Baby showed up. We were worried that it was her ears bothering her.

How priceless is your unfailing love, O God! People take refuge in the shadow of your wings.
(Psalm 36:7 NIV)

(Big hawk!)

“I don’t even like baffs.” – Fussy Baby

After the under appreciated baff, I placed a call with ENT and made an appointment for that afternoon.

By noon we were getting regular visits from Happy Baby. I briefly entertained the thought of canceling the ENT appointment, but I knew that if I did things would most certainly evolve into a full blown catastrophe at 3 am and I’d be kicking myself for not bringing her in.

“Hey! Where are we? Dis place seems kinda familiar…”

We got another prescription for some ear drops and had a really good rest of the day!

Tuesday

“Deez teef!!! I’ll tell ya…”

“Oh. Excuse me, but has anyone seen my belly? … Cuz here it is!!”

“I’m real pretty n clean from my baffs. No frills attached.”

“It’s time for da Reds game! Goooo Reds!”

“You’re sad dat da Reds lost? And da Bengals too? I give kisses to make everyting better!”

Wednesday

“Have a good day at school, brudder n sister!!”

“I’ll just be in here sleeping in till whenever I want!”

“Ohhh! Good morning!! Someone special is here to play wif me today while Mommy goes to get her flu shot!”

“Eenen you wonder where I learnt how to take duck face selfie pictures!!”

After I got my flu shot I stopped by my hubzbind’s office. I ran an “aerrand” (aerial errand) with him on our way to lunch!

Here’s me and Cincinnati ~

Trying on the tiara of the Great American Tower. It was a little small though.

Panoramic!

She tells her Seahorse secrets!

“I tink I hear baff waterrrrr!!!!”

“Oh, hi! I’m really preppy today! Has anyone seen my K-Swiss sneakers?”

Thursday

Nature’s reminder:

Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.
(Philippians 4:6 NIV)

Friday

Cast your cares on the Lord and he will sustain you; he will never let the righteous be shaken.
(Psalm 55:22)

We love you, Wm!!!

Tired Baby loves you in her dreams!

I had such a relaxing, wonderful day with this precious little girl. We did lots of cuddling and playing ~

When we got home from our walk we had some delicious carrots! Yummy yummy!

“I like my milks, Mommy!!”

“Mwah!!”

This baby is going places – all accessories included!

Guard your heart above all else, for it determines the course of your life.
(Proverbs 4:23 NLT)

Last Friday morning I smiled as I was greeted with a heart-shaped moth outside the kitchen window.

When these instances of hearts started frequently and randomly showing up, I thought maybe at first I was just being fanciful. Perhaps I was looking too much into them? But then I made the discovery that I wasn’t the only one. There are at least 3 other people I know of who recurrently receive the hearts, especially as it pertains to their children. Two of these women are mothers of special needs children. With permission from her amazing mommy, I introduce you to Kayli ~

Kayli has trisomy 18 like Nora and is 4 years old. She has been through a lot in her sweet little life, but with God all things are possible. Kayli not only receives heart-shaped love notes from God, but the heart-shapes are also literally a part of her! Both of her ears reveal a heart-shape ~

And then most amazing of all, this is an MRI of Kayli’s beautifully designed brain!

I held Nora in my lap as I was reading about Kayli’s awesome hearts. Norns had just had a bottle and was suddenly getting gaggy which prompted me to quickly exchange my phone for a burp rag. She expelled a little more than a burp, and unfortunately my pants and the couch were sitting ducks. I had to laugh at what I saw ~

In other words, “NO! You are not imagining this!!!”

Heart-shapes are part of Nora too. If you look closely at Nora’s pretty blue eyes, her pupils are heart-shaped, especially her left eye. I know some of you have noticed in previous posts! 😍

Nora has been known to leave behind heart-shaped sweat marks, the lotion I rub on her, more often than not squirts out into my palm in the shape of a heart, heart-shaped clouds and spots of sky, puddles, street tar, leaves, drops of water, trees, moths, wood grain, rocks, reflections and spots of sunlight, puke stains and let’s not forget the adorable cheeky stickers she was wearing after surgery!!

I can find at least 10 theories on the origin of the heart shape. Everything from swans kissing to body parts, but none that stood out as true and accurate over the others. In all likelihood it was invented by man at some point(s), somewhere(s). But so was language! God fully and adequately utilizes the tool of language to communicate with us, so why not the symbol of the heart, the universal sign for love as well?

Throughout the Bible the heart is referenced, outside its context of vital organhood ~

In him our hearts rejoice, for we trust in his holy name. (Psalm 33:21 NIV)

Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; (Proverbs 3:5 NIV)

For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also. (Matthew 6:21 NIV)

Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength. (Deuteronomy 6:5 NIV)

… Just to mention a few.

••••••••••

“I love my Mommy!”

“Dis is spose to be my bedroom, but I decided to take over the living room instead. Dat way I can have a TV in my bedroom… and a kitchen… Me n Mommy were up here organizing tings.”

“Eenen I have my own deck off my bedroom too. I like to go out der n drink. I drink milks.”

“I’m wild bout walks! Cept I got myself all tired n stuff.”

“It was a beautiful day, so Mommy let me stay seeping in my stroller outside. Mommy painted while I was night night.”

“Eenen it’s time to watch n smell dinner! Why’s no one got milks bottles?”

Saturday we had plans to clean and organize storage things (stuff and junk).

“Dat don’t sound like too much funs!! But go head!!”

Because it was such a beautiful day it seemed criminal to remain indoors. William decided we should meet for lunch and go out on the river!

Standing by beautiful flowers on the way down to the dock ~

Spots of rainbows surrounding the sun in the middle of the day!

As nice as it is to get the breaks from life, it’s always such a joy to get back to this stinky little mermaid!!! She is so loved!!!

Wednesday, Happy Baby slept in. She’s been sleeping in late just about every morning this week.

As I was watching her sleep, the YouVersion Bible app verse of the day popped up on my phone:

I had just referenced this verse 2 posts prior. I love when God’s Word “coincidentally” echoes as if to really ensure that I’ve ingested it. When I “stumbled” upon it the first time it struck a chord with me. Especially when circumstances seem hopeless and unfair, I fall into the rut of just EXPECTING heartache in this world. I assume that anything good will have to wait until eternity, and when things are going good, something bad is just right around the corner. In one fleeting thought, my joy is heisted. Psalm 27:13 is one of those verses that is an exhilarating splash of cool water over my soul, refreshing and renewing my mind. With CONFIDENCE I will SEE (not just “expect” but actually SEE) the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living — right here, right now, on this earth! Yes, bad times will come along, but in the midst of them we can and we will see God’s goodness.

This is some definite goodness of the Lord right here:

And the goodness of the Lord likes baffs!

Thursday morning Happy Baby slept in again. She points at stuff in her sleep. She’s pointy. She’s a pointer sister pointedly demonstrating pointillism.

I kissed her sweet head and then headed out to spend the day with my Oma (my paternal grandmother) who had just had a minor surgery the day before. I breathed in the crisp cool air of the beautiful morning, the goodness of the Lord, as I waited for the ferry.

I had a relaxing day with my Oma. I was happy to be able to go over to spend time with her. As I sat there in her house with her I paged through the dog-eared book of nostalgia in my mind. I remembered the cozy dark winter evenings cuddled up with a giant teddy bear, the hiss of the gas fireplace while the adults watched 60 Minutes (tick tick tick tick tick tick tick tick), running up and down the hallways with my cousins, the beautiful plates and glassware rattling in the china cabinet as we raced past. The smell of a sumptuous roast in the oven and an enthusiastic accordion polka straining from the Florida room. Those blessed untroubled days of my childhood – the ones that seemed never ending were now just memories. The house has grown quiet and the children have grown old, but the love that binds us all together remains. It is intense and prominent, never ending, never fading, precious.

Before I left, I tucked Oma into bed for a nap, gave her a hug and a kiss just like she used to do for me when I’d spend the night as a little girl–the goodness of the Lord.

When I got back home I waited for the big kids to get off the bus. How sweet to see little Greta break off into a sprint when she spots me waiting for her. (Gavin is busy tossing the football up the street when he gets home. No time for muthrs!!) Greta is still excited to see me…

But I have a sneaking suspicion that I rank second to someone else.

Unfortunately, the cute heart stickers had to come off of Nora’s sweet cheeks. Water from the vaporizer attachment on her oxygen concentrator accidentally got kicked into the tubing and I can guarantee that NO ONE wanted water in their little button nose!! The situation was quickly and efficiently remedied and we got to enjoy a few minutes of euphoric naked cheeky pinches!!! Ooooo!!!!

“Tursday night my Daddy had to stay out of towns to go put up a sign.”

“He doesn’t have to do dat too oftens. Good thing or he’d go crazy missing me!”

“Oh look, everyone! It’s Crazy Baby! (speaking of crazy)”

“Crazy Baby says it’s baff time!!”

“Get outta here, Mommy. Deez pictures are for Daddy!”

“Um, Daddy? I have sumteeng to say to you. You ready?”

“Tah Dah!!”

“As the Father has loved me, so have I loved you. Now remain in my love.”
(John 15:9 NIV)