October 15th

And though our arms are empty,

Our hearts know what to do

Every beating of my heart says

"I Remember You"

For those of you who are wondering about all the candle pics popping up, today is National Pregnancy and Infant Loss Day - No, we Don't need one day to Remember…we remember them EVERY day! But I am thankful this is becoming less taboo to talk about!

I'll be thinking about and praying for the moms tonight who, like me, have loved and lost. We all light candles tonight as we remember. We create a #waveoflight. It's nice to be able to feel we are NOT alone on this journey. We gather. We honor. We remember.

My heart aches for the day I get to see my children again. I saw a quote that went something like, "I miss you with all of the pieces of my heart." Yep, a heart once shattered has begun to heal.

I REMEMBER YOU

The world may never notice

If a rosebud doesn't bloom:

Or even pause to wonder if the petals fall too soon.

But every life that ever forms,

Or ever comes to be

Touches the World in some small way

For all eternity.

The little ones we longed for

Were swiftly here and gone.

But the love that was then planted

Is a light that still shines on.

And though our arms are empty,

Our hearts know what to do

Every beating of my heart says

"I Remember You"

Author unknown

2 years

Oh boy, look who's 2!! I can't believe it. She's full of energy, joy, and mischief…just like her brother Drew. I think we'll have lots of crazy stories to share about this girl. She got a pink tricycle for her birthday and she just loves it. This girl sure keeps me hoppin. It's a great blessing to be her mama!

Sum, Sum, Summa Time!

We stopped quick at Solomon Farms this week to snap a few pics of the kids while they were dressed up. I'm so excited to spend my summer with these three loves! Can't believe how grown up they are getting!

Fun days ahead…

Just be Held

Back in February I got to go to a Casting Crowns concert. It was a much needed girls night out with some friends I don't get to hang out with very often. We laughed and cried as we sang along. This song was a new one for me, but it struck a chord. God has been working in my heart in very specific ways these last 7 years…through much heartache and loss, and yes, moments of joy sprinkled in too.

So thankful that EACH day I've been HELD!

Just wanted to share this tonight as I reflect on Emilie's 3rd birthday in Heaven.

Hold it all together
Everybody needs you strong

But life hits you out of nowhere

And barely leaves you holding on

And when you're tired of fighting

Chained by your control

There's freedom in surrender

Lay it down and let it go

So when youre on your knees and answers seem so far away

You're not alone, stop holding on and just be held

Your world's not falling apart, it's falling into place

I'm on the throne, stop holding on and just be held

Just be held, just be held

If your eyes are on the storm

You'll wonder if I love you still

But if your eyes are on the cross

You'll know I always have and I always will

And not a tear is wasted

In time, you'll understand

I'm painting beauty with the ashes

Your life is in My hands

Lift your hands, lift your eyes

In the storm is where you'll find Me

And where you are, I'll hold your heart

I'll hold your heart

Come to Me, find your rest

In the arms of the God who wont let go

Grand Prix Time!

Third time's the charm! This is Trent's 3rd and final race. This year he came out on top with a WIN! Pour Drew had to start down at 4th place for his first year (just like Trent)…in fact, Drew's times were better than Trent's first year. This year the times were SO VERY close! Good job boys.

When I went searching to find posts about the other 2 cars, I discovered I never blogged them…well, here, see what other fun you missed…

2013 = 3rd place - Speed! I didn't get a picture of the results, bummer! But, I tracked down the times:
First Place 10.3242, Second Place 10.5978, Third Place 10.6182

We thought the church shuttle bus was clever - maybe win a design award, never thought this block of wood would actually be in the running for speed. Pleasantly surprised us! 4th place, time: 10.6798

FAME Festival

Every year FAME (The Foundation for Art and Music in Education) puts on a festival downtown. Their website said there would be "60 schools displaying art and sculptures representing approximately 6000 pieces of art. There would also be "45 choir, band, dance, and drama performances by local schools and organizations representing over 3,000 student performers."

Trent sang back in 2nd grade and this year he not only sang, but played in the band.  They combined with 2 other schools from our district and it was amazing to hear how much they have improved since September. I'm very thankful my boys have the opportunity to participate in something like this!

21 months

Not a baby anymore! **Sniff, sniff.** Love her spunky, determined, joyful personality. 
Funny story from this week, I found her in the bathroom sitting on top of the potty seat (i didn't know she even knew what this was) which she had put on top of the toilet. She climbed up and got stuck and began crying for help to get down. How did she do that by herself??? I can hardly wait for the terrible two's to officially begin ;)

Kinda reminds me of her big brother who had the same curiosities and no-fear tendencies. Remember the old refillable popcorn buckets from the zoo? Yep, he wanted some popcorn…so he climbed on top of the fridge to get the special bucket. Oh my, that kid!