Outside fun

The weather has started to cool down and the boys are having fun outside.  Here are some of their favorite things:  playing in the water, and sweeping (a favorite for Luke).

 

 

Touches of Color

Here in our dusty, pale-colored town, these colorful visitors to our yard are a treat.

Palestine Sunbird

Eurasian Jay

Ee I ee I o

A Reflection

What A Difference A Day Makes.

One year + one day ago, we were enjoying our two month old baby boy.

One year ago today we sat in a cardiology office and learned of Luke's heart condition.  The words 'congestive heart failure' and 'open heart surgery' fall hard on any parent's ears.  We rushed home from the doctor's office to buy plane tickets and pack for a whirlwind emergency trip the next day.  We put Luke in his little bed, but we didn't really sleep.

We were

   shocked to get such news.  We were
        terrified of losing him.  We felt
            numb
               and uncertain of what the future held.

What A Difference A Year Makes.

Today we give thanks for our precious boy.  Today he is walking and talking.  Today he is smiling and laughing and playing, healthy and whole.

 

   

We gave him his middle name, Samuel, because he had been requested of God since long before his birth.  Again a year ago, his being able to stay with us was much requested.  We aren't promised these things, but God was gracious to give them to us.  In those unsteady days, it was comforting to know that

God was not
   shocked.  He was not
        terrified,
             numb
                 or uncertain.

No, He wasn't.   He is the one who formed him and numbered all of his days long before we even knew to ask for him.   He is the one whose love and care for Luke is deeper than our own.  He is the one holds all things in His hands.  It is Him we thank, it is to Him that we look for help, it is Him we ask for joy and life for these boys.  

Clouds!

Happy

Justice kept a eye on Luke while I was doing something and here is how I found them.  Justice set him up with the pillow and blanket.   Luke just loves how his big brother cares for him.  

The walker

Favorite past time

Brother cuddles

The four of us

Party fun

Great friends!

Water balloons are the best!

 

 

     

How is it that I have a 6 year old?

pride. joy.

i love this boy to pieces.

happy birthday sweetheart!

More First Day of School pictures

Summer's over.  (Although it is still hot!)  Back to school...

Checking out the classroom

What's this?  Can I eat this?

Weekly book display

So much fun to be had!  Here's to a great year!

Back to school

We are back to school here!  We look forward to all we are going to discover and read and learn this year.  I love this guy - what a treasure he is, and what a privilege to spend this time with him.

Sweet

Our little talker

This guy is learning new words every day!  He's too cute.  

And....he's off!

My big boy

Traffic jam

One Year

Happy Birthday to our one year old! 

  Luke, at one year you

crawl

cruise

stand alone for a few seconds

eat all kinds of fruits, but also you love chick peas, meat, and peas

love to have your shoes on

love to see turtles and cats outside

like books
clap
play peek a boo

say a lot of things including mama, dada, pay (pear), nana (night night),  appa (apple), ba (brush), ah da (all done), apa (Grandpa), tuh tuh (turtle)
love going to bed!
love to hug your brother
are very partial to your dad


You are a light in our family, little Luke. 
We adore you and thank God for you!