Entertaining

That's what these kids are. Honestly, they keep us in stitches all the time. I thought I would quickly share a few videos of them. Taking videos on my iPhone has been waaay easier than taking photos, uploading and editing them. So this is all I have right now.

I have been sewing a few things for Madeline lately. So the kids and I have been spending a fair amount of time at the fabric store. This is how they decided to entertain themselves.

We've also been spending several days a week down at the ball field, as both Caleb and Madeline are playing ball. Caleb is adjusting to coach pitch really well. We are so proud of him. And Madeline has done surprisingly well at tee ball. And when I say that, I mean she has participated in all of her practices in their entirety! She listens to the coaches and does what she's told. What more could we ask for? ;) Last week, she had the chance to swing the bat for the first time. Anticipating she might have trouble holding the bat (what 3.5yo with one hand wouldn't), I devised a little wrist strap to help her stabilize the bat. She has subsequently stopped using it because she still wants to hold the bat with both arms/hand. But that is the red thing you see her trying to remove in the video. It's hard to hear, but her batting coach asked her if she wanted him to run with her to first base. Enough explanation...now, on to the video....

There is a reason

Gosh, I wish I wasn't writing this post. I have so much to talk about: Madeline, baseball, homeschool. But no. This post won't be about any of the above. Remember my sister's dear friend?

It's been just over a year since the word "cancer" pierced her ears and stung her heart (and ours, too.) Since that time, she has undergone chemotherapy, given birth to her son, had surgery to remove her tumor, and radiation. The end result? A PET scan this month showed her breast cancer has spread to her lungs. There is no cure for metastatic breast cancer.

To say that we are all devastated would be a gross understatement. She's 32 years old and a mother to three young children. To hear her talk about how she's going to live out her remaining time with her children is simply gut wrenching. Her days are numbered. Numbered. Those words cut so very deep. It's not right to hear them. It's simply not. It's a hard reality to accept, save for the grace of our Heavenly Father.

Why? Why would He allow such a horrible thing to happen to her and her family? I can't help but think of Job and how God allowed such horrendous things to happen in his life. Does He like them? No. But He allows them just the same.

When I first learned of my own mother's cancer diagnosis, I felt the world crumble below me. Stage 4 ovarian cancer. Yep. Her days were numbered. I knew it from the start. There would be no victory over cancer for her. And almost three years later, it took her life. I remember after my mom showed no response to her last round of chemo, it was only a matter of months before she died. Her "non response" to treatment finally "arrived." Reality was settling in quickly.

The hope that I clung to was that God has a purpose and a reason for everything under the sun. He has appointed for us a time to live and a time to die (Ecc 3:1-2). And He would make all things good (Romans 8:28). Although it may be difficult to believe in these truths in the midst of darkness, they are HIS truths. We may not know what His purpose is in the time of our darkest hour, why we sometimes have to suffer the way we do. But we can rest in the knowledge that He does. He makes no mistakes, and He loves us dearly. There is a reason.

I cling to these truths, yet again, as I begin to accept the plan the Lord has for my sister's dear friend. We may not like it. Seriously, who would? But it's His plan for her life. His loving and perfect plan. And she will some day soon see Him in heaven. If you pray, please join me in praying for the Lord's peace to fill her and her family's hearts and the for the Lord's truths to fill their minds.

I heard this song by Caedmon's Call playing in the background today while I was doing some sewing. And I just about fell out of my chair. These were the very truths I clung to seven years ago and the same ones I am clinging to today. Have a listen.

Sunday Snapshot: Get ready for fall!

Fall is a busy season around here. Why? It's no secret in our household that we are tried and true Florida Gator fans. My beloved boys down in The Swamp are so fun to watch each Saturday. I LOVE Florida football. I LOVE the SEC! And I can't wait for conference play to begin next week!

Saturdays in the fall are also busy with baseball. This season Caleb has moved up to Coach pitch. We are so excited to watch him take this next step. Two of his friends, Jack and George, are on his team. So it will be great fun for all.

Madeline will also be playing tee ball this fall. We hope. LOL. She's signed up and will play under Caleb's old coach from the spring, Coach Randy. He's so patient and understanding with the kids. He makes tee ball fun, which it should be. And somehow Coach Randy has talked me into being Team Mom. I'm looking forward to it. Kinda. lol.

Anyway, I'm still editing photos from our China reunion trip and vacation. I also have lots to say about homeschooling. But I will leave those for another post.

Before I sign off, though, I have to give a big shout out to my brother-in-law, Andy, who is celebrating his birthday today. Yes, on 9.11. Ever since that tragic day ten years ago, his birthday has taken on a new meaning. Yes, we celebrate you, Andy. But we also celebrate those who lost their lives in the terror attacks that horrible day. With each year that passes, may your families find healing. Thanks, Andy, for sharing the spotlight on your special day. You rock!


If you're wondering what Sunday Snapshot is, feel free to check out Stefanie's blog. Have a great week everone!