Reflecting Before Luke's Birthday

Every year around March 30, I reflect back to the year I had Luke. As most of you who read this know, Luke came a bit earlier than expected...8 weeks to be exact. So, about the time I went into the hospital I start thinking through what happened in those days. When I think about it now, it is with such a sense of amazement of how God was with us throughout our journey. After the initial fear, disbelief, and frustration that they could not stop my labor, I was filled with a sense of peace like I've never experienced before or since. I can only say that I knew, without a shadow of a doubt, that even though things weren't going as I expected, they were going exactly the way God had planned. I remember being in the hospital the night they moved me to St. Luke's downtown. Brandon had gone home to eat and let Ginger out and I was alone with my thoughts. I remember clearly that throughout that time, the song "How Great Thou Art" just kept running & running through my mind like it was on a repeat reel. Growing up a good Baptist girl, I knew lots of hymns, and that one was never a favorite, but it sure is now. I now see clearly God's hand on me and on my precious child who was born without one problem. I don't know why God chose to make my little one safe and whole when others are born with so many problems, but I am grateful every day for this precious gift I've been given. "Every good & perfect gift comes from above, coming down from the Father of Heavenly Lights..." (James 1:17). Happy 4th birthday (tomorrow), Luke! :)

Spring Snow!

It's almost April & we got lots of snow yesterday! It melted quickly today, but we had a little fun before it all went away...

Skiing in Utah

Brandon & I were blessed to get away to Utah for a few days at the end of my spring break and at the beginning of his. My parents invited us along on a business trip they were taking to Park City, Utah. We enjoyed 3 great days of skiing...well, definitely 2 of the 3 were great. On the first day, Brandon had to learn to ski, which presented a few difficulties, but he made it through! The first day was 60+ degrees, which made for pleasant weather, but just okay skiing. The next day was cooler, and by the last day, we had been treated to a new snowfall overnight. It was a great time and we were really thankful to get to go. We were especially thankful to get home to Luke & Ginger after a truly terrifying landing in Kansas City on the Monday night we returned...the night of the really strong winds. The girl sitting next to us on the plan said it was like riding a roller coaster & she was right! God was good, though, and brought us down safely.