Psalm 127:3-5

Our Sorrow

Mixed in with our week of joy and celebration (the birth of our Savior and the birth of our oldest child Kate-4) we have experienced great sorrow. We've suffered the miscarriage of our 4th child.

We recently found out that we were expecting and were filled with such joy. We had begun discussing baby names and room arrangements to make way for our new child. We already loved our new child. I went to the doctor twice this week, once on Kate's Birthday and once on Christmas Eve and that's when it was confirmed that we had miscarried.

I'm just so sad. I wanted my baby....I wanted to hold my baby.

The Lord has been ever so gracious to me. Rick was home all week which has been a tremendous blessing. We've had dear friends watch the children so Rick and I could be alone for a little while. We've had family and friends bring meals. All of these acts of love have shown God's care and comfort. I know God's word is true as I feel His comfort and peace. And I know that while I am weak, He is strong.

Christmas Gift Ideas

Here are some Christmas gift ideas. If you are on my list...don't peek :)

First up, the Hug Me Pillow! Here's my favorite review but you can read them all on the website:

"I bought this pillow to keep my company on nights when my husband, a correspondent for the Trans-Alaskan News Network, was out of town. The pillow exceeded even my wildest expectations. I'm told the pillow was modeled after Brad Pitt, and I believe it! When I first nestled against the soft, but firm chest of my new "husband" I slept better than I ever had before. Now I don't mind when my husband goes out of town!"

Next, the Snuggie blanket. Fun for all! (This one comes with a free book light!) :)

Cleanup Contest

My friend, Tricia, is having a cleanup contest (well actually, it'll be over in less than 3 hours.) Here's my before and after. This is our junk drawer in our kitchen. I know...it's horrific. Well...it WAS horrific! :) It was fun and took less than 10 mins. Most of the junk I threw away!

Compliments by Claire

(While we were driving in the car)

Claire: Mommy, you are a VERY good driver.

(While Rick was putting the Christmas tree on top of the car)

Claire: Mommy, Daddy is the strongest boy in the whole wide world!

Conversations with Kate

Kate: Mommy, is it going to snow on Christmas?

Me: I don't know...it normally doesn't snow on Christmas day but you know who is in charge of the snow

Kate: God!

Me: That's right. You can pray and ask Him if he'll make it snow and if it's in His plan, He'll make it snow!

Kate: Well, what if it's not in His plan?

Me: Then it won't snow

Kate: Well that's OK...if God won't do it...Jesus will

I've been tagged

I've been tagged by my friend Lorelle (and really by my friend Meredith too.) I was supposed to pick the 4th picture folder on my computer; choose and post the 4th picture; explain the picture; and tag 4 other people to participate. This picture was taken of Claire last year on the day before Henry was born. We were on our way to church. She had this smile for about 6 months and her eyes are closed in all of my pictures from this time. She's 19 months...

I tag:

Melanie Henningsen, Erin Stephenson, Katy McCay, Jessica Mure