Mimi&Grandpa's --snapshots--

We have had a great few trips down to Mimi&Grandpa's.  These boys got to have their first boat trip for a little fishin' in the rain.  Didn't let it stop them. 

Mimi&Grandpa - little baby Calvin could just eat you up.

I love seeing the older 3 Prose grandsons all in a group.  It is such a special thing to have a cousin just about the same age.

Hayden & Calvin snuggles.  "Peeze I hold baby Calvin, Mommy?  Peeze you put him in my lap??"

4.Prose.Grandsons.  Best I could get from our 3.5 yr old, 2.5 yr old, 2 yr old, & 4 month old.

The next trip we were able to celebrate our Nana's 80th birthday!!  We were able to visit with some of the Prose's cousins' kiddos.  + one 7 yr old, 4 yr old, &  2 yr old.  It was so nice to get a chance to catch up because they live out of state.

My boys & their funny faces.

Till next time Mimi&Grandpa's!!

Dr. Austin

My little sis finished her PhD in molecular genetics from The Ohio State University.  So we threw a party in her honor.  By far, the cutest little buckeye was baby Cal.

Getting your PhD is kind of a big deal, so we wanted to make kind of a big deal about it.  We are proud of you Dr. Christina!!

We were able to have Mo Leverett come and give us a private concert.  my James LOVED it.  He has not stopped telling us to sit and watch him sing&play his guitar.  Mo, you have truly inspired!

Auntie Christina, we are proud of you!! Best of luck in the next phase of life, deeper in & further on...  ;-)

God's.Varied.Grace.

Strangely, I have always thought that having a 'life verse' was an odd thing.  I have never really felt one verse hit me right between.the.eyes & just reading this one, was just a wonderful epiphany.  I have struggled to get a handle on what all I'm called to do in this life, but I trust that its been prepared for me to do, Ephesians 2:10.

But this verse.

"As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of God's varied grace"

I Peter 4:10

So that is what I'm seeking to do with this one life I've been given.  To serve & be a good steward of God's varied grace given to me.

I've struggled since becoming a mother - I don't know why God has chosen to bless me.  Why I have the best husband & my boys are healthy & whole & here with me.  I have felt this most profoundly while mourning with friends who have buried babies.  Praying for friends still waiting on their husband or wife.  Hoping with friends who are waiting for babies to come.  Mourning with those who have lost their spouse or parent.  Why does the Lord give & why does he take away?

One song that has spoken to me: Sara Groves' song, 'Open My Hands'

I believe in a blessing I don't understand

I've seen rain fall on the wicked and the just

RAIN is no measure of HIS FAITHFULNESS

he withholds no good thing from us

I believe in a peace that flows deeper than pain

the broken find healing in love

PAIN is no measure of HIS FAITHFULNESS

he withholds no good thing from us

Psalm 84:11 says just that.  & it just resonates so deeply in my heart that his faithfulness cannot be measured by how life 'appears' in the present.  My God is amazing because he can work good in the midst of the bad.

So my life verse: to be a good steward of God's varied grace TO ME.  I have been given.good.gifts.  and I hope that I can continue to serve those in my life with the unique talents that I possess.  I can't know why, but I don't want to take it for granted.  Thank you Lord, for you have richly blessed me beyond what I deserve.