I took Evan to see The Wiggles yesterday. Sooooo much fun. I love them. They are truly amazing. They've been around a long time and they seem to get more active every time I see them. It's an hour and a half of sheer fun. Kids are great.

I've thought a lot lately about how my situation in life is so different than several years ago. But I have learned that through external changes in life, a few things stay the same.

There's nothing like the warmth of a summer afternoon
Waking to the sunlight, and being cradles by the moon
Catching fireflies at night
Building castles in the sand
Kissing Mama's face goodnight
Holding Daddy's hand
Thank you Lord, how could I ask for more

Running barefoot through the grass
A little hide and go seek
Being so in love, that you can hardly eat
Dancing in the dark, when there's no one else around
Being bundled 'neath the covers, watching snow
fall to the groun
Thank you Lord, how could I ask for more

So many things I thought would bring me happiness
Some dreams that are realities today
Such an irony the things that mean the most to me
Are the memories that I've made along the way

So if there's anything I've learned
From this journey I am on
Simple truths will keep you going
Simple love will keep you strong
Cause there are questions without answers
Flames that never die
Heartaches we go through are often blessings in disguise
So thank you Lord, oh thank you Lord
How could I ask for more?

Another school year. Doesn't seem possible. I watched as kids stood at the bus stop and older ones walked off. Parents with camera in hand, mom's who don't want to let them go and I watch all this as if they were my own. Why? Because it seems like it was just yesterday that I was doing the same thing. It can't be possible that my daughter is seeing her oldest off to 2nd. grade and Trey will be starting kindergarten. I want to stop and tell them all to hold each day as a precious gift. This chapter in the book doesn't last long. I'm praying for my grandson as I write this, praying that he will have good experiences in that classroom, experiences that will him make him smile when he is looking back and remembering. Because he will be remembering all too soon.

Habakkuk 2:20

"Like Israel in that day, we want fast answers to our crisis, but if we want to hear the God who speaks, we must learn the discipline of silence. It is the supreme act of faith and surrender to simply wait upon the Lord. He is there and He wants to speak to His children, but it will be on His terms and not ours." I really want to master this. You would think I would have by now, but I am getting better at it. The reality that helps me is understanding how awesome it is that the
God of the universe cares enough about me to WANT to speak and help. AMAZING!! I'm excited about seeing His answers, they are always perfect.

Do I believe in miracles? I certainly do!! Read why: http://www.acresofhopeblog.blogspot.com/
Things are definitely moving in the right direction for our little miracle too. We are all very hopeful that it won't be much longer that Eric will be leaving for Liberia to bring our little Nana home. Riley told his mom that evidently God doesn't perform miracles anymore like we read in the Bible. But Kerri reminded him of Alvin's miracle and no one can deny that it is no less miraculous than the ones we read about in God's word. I'm sure you will agree when you read this blog. Take the time, I promise it will bless your heart.

Last night we celebrated Riley's birthday. It was #8. That still hasn't soaked in. That little bundle that we never thought would come at the end of that hot summer. He is such a joy, always has been. He loves life and is very good at it. He likes to do things the right way and I have no doubt he will life his life that way. He is getting tall and lanky and I swear I don't know where he puts all that food, but we can't fill him up. I always thought he looked like his daddy but lately I've seen a lot of mommy in him. He fills a very special place in our family. Happy Birthday Riley. I love you.