My little 6 month old is crawling! I can’t believe it. Wednesday, the day before she turned 6 months, she began to move her hands forward but wasn't quite sure how to keep going. Then Saturday night she just crawled towards me without a second thought! Today she actually got into her Dad’s video games! What a little explorer!
She’s been a busy little girl. A couple of days last week and three days this week, Keenan (the son of one of my friends) has been spending the day with us. He is two years old and loves his little buddy Elyssa. He loves to play with her and even read one of her books to her! They are so cute to watch together!

Happy 1st Mother's Day

I hope all of you had a good mother's day. My first Mom's Day was awesome! Elyssa had my favorite watch fixed and she bought me a beautiful Asian cast iron tea pot. Isn't she fabulous? Well ok, Chris helped her out a little. Anyway, for lunch we all went over to my aunt and uncle's for some of his amazing cooking. I mean YUM! Elyssa even got to see some chickens and she loved watching them run around. She also rode on Grandpa's shoulders and boy was she proud of herself! Did I mention My Aunt and Uncle's unbelievably beautiful garden?

My aunt told us of her encouragement from her own mother in law. She had offered her the greeting "Happy Mothering Day" because, though she has never given birth, she has nurtured many different creatures all the way from animals to humans in her lifetime. I find it fitting as I think of so many dear ones who long to have children of their own. These beautiful women should not be made to feel sad on a day the rest of us celebrate. I've been there, I know the pain of not receiving a carnation at church when so many others are. You're in my prayers!

Hind Sight

During those times that we walk through the "valley of the shadow of death", I really wish we could see the way God uses it for His glory, even if only a glimpse. I imagine that's what faith is, knowing He has good things in store for us, a prosperous future. "Lord please carry us through this valley and use this time to prove your power over the evil lies of this world, amen."