Today I am thinking of our friends Matt & Mindy as they celebrate Greyson’s 1st birthday in heaven. I know between their tears they are smiling and that in their broken hearts they feel God’s presence. 
I pray it will be a wonderful day for them.
His plans
We had our own plans.
They were good plans.
Even Godly plans.
Plans that would keep us on the safe path.
Now everyday I am reminded that His plans are…
GREAT plans.
They are God’s plans.
And they are plans that will lead us to our safe home.
“I know what I’m doing. I have it all planned out – plans to take care of you, not abandon you, plans to give you the future you hope for.” Jeremiah 29:11
Lulu Book
My sis-in-law, Kelly, wrote & illustrated a book for us, in honor of Lulu.
She wrote a beautiful story…
“The Story of Lulu”
“Daddy loved kissing Lulu’s chubby cheeks”
“Mommy loved Lulu’s little hiccups”
“Dylan loved everything about Lulu”
“Owen loved when Lulu would smile at him”
“Simon loved to hold Lulu”
“Boo loved kissing & hugging Lulu”
She started school
She smiled all morning long getting ready for school.
She asked if she would get to ride a bus like her brothers.
She was ready to go.
She walked down to class like a pro.
She hung up her jacket & bag in her cubby.
She hugged me when I cried.
She started school.
Our Kindergartener…
Simon woke up this morning at 4:00 AM & said (with a huge smile on his face), “is it morning time so I can go to school?”
“No, Simon, it is NOT morning” (yeah I kinda lied) “& NOT time for school”
He is past ready to go.
We met his teacher yesterday & after we got done, he wanted to stay for the rest of the day.
Here he is at 8:00 AM (much better hour of the day), ready to go.
And yes, he’s wearing a tux t-shirt.
After all it’s 1st day of kindergarten.
First Day of School
We have a 5th grader.
(and no, I’m not smarter than him)…
And O starts 2nd grade…
I think the kiddos are ready for a routine again.
Even in their grief, they just want to be “normal” – whatever that may be?!?
They continue to thrive, because our God is SO good!
I believe it will be a great school year.
Friday Praise & Prayers
Boo at the fair.
Don’t they resemble “Chips”? All they need are the aviator shades & uniforms.
Dylan had a blast with the animals.
So, my praise is…
We made it through the fair!
We ate elephant ears for breakfast & breadstix for lunch, rode lots of rides, pet animals of all sorts & even played a couple of games (those carnies get us every time).
My prayer today is for my friend, Jo. Her sister, Amy, was recently diagnosed with early onset of Alzheimer’s. Just this week she was put in Hospice & given a week or two to live. Please lift them in prayer along with me.
I am also praying for this coming school year; for the students, teachers (praying especially for you, Terri), administration & parents.
Have a blessed weekend!
11 months
Today we will celebrate you Lulu…
I think we will go & have a picnic at the memory garden.
I need to be near you, somehow, today.
We will blow bubbles.
And send our love up in them to you.
We will laugh & play & think of you.
We love you so much.
Oh the personalities…
We’ve got so much personality in this 1 household.
Since we are all created in His image, I image heaven is filled to the brim with different personalities.
Isn’t heaven going to be a WONDERFUL?
Boo’s School
Last night was Boo’s parent orientation for preschool.
We’ve done this, before, with the boys, but this time it was different.
I sat with a rock in my stomach.
It is the time that our youngest is starting school, but it’s not our youngest.
We shouldn’t be “here” yet.
I couldn’t think about it.
I pushed those thoughts out of my head, for a little while.
I want to celebrate Boo (she is SO excited about school).
It IS her turn.
Lulu's Grace 