3 Amazing Years

I can hardly believe it, but it's true: we've been married three years now! We celebrated the amazing gift of the marriage God's given us a few weeks ago. I am so in love with Todd, and there is no man I respect more! Thank you, Lord, for my husband, who always hopes and perseveres....who loves me more than I ever dreamed possible...who continually encourages me with his walk with the Lord.

joy

Can I possibly convey the refreshment of a few minutes canoeing with my man?? This was so rejuvenating on two levels:
1.) I have mentally imagined this kind of peace in God's world for eight months, while living in a smoggy, people-and-poverty-filled city. I have to confess, a part of me wonders why I now have the privilege of taking in this beauty while so many others languish in pain (or hunger, poverty) they can't escape from. Thank you, Lord, for your undeserved blessings.
2.) It was a date! Since one of us is always holding or caring for a little squirmy boy, any time we get to ourselves is something we are immensely grateful for! Thanks, Mom, for watching Elijah so we could get away.

Sweet boy and his Grandpa. Grandpa and Grandma Harkins came to help us during Elijah's stay in the hospital...we can never thank you enough for that! Thanks to them, we were able to sleep and get out of the hospital room occasionally, as well as enjoy their great company!
Warm loaves of raisin bread, baked by my famous Grandma Kruit. We love staying with Grandma!
Here's Mr. Cool, feeling proud of himself at the table. Take note that this picture (the happy face) is representative of about 2% of the time Elijah spends in his chair. He's definitely not in love with it yet! We keep taking baby steps toward more time in the chair for him. It's the only thing he can sit in that works for his body (laying down is not an option, either).

I am grateful for the way having the chair has already helped me to feel more like a 'normal' mother, i.e. I can accomplish a few things without needing someone else to hold him, like taking a quick shower or folding a few clothes.

We have SOOOOO much to be thankful for! I am most grateful for the heart-change God's worked in me, to help me live with gratefulness (at least sometimes) for all the gifts we've been given. A heart-change to be able to laugh, to accept hard things without dwelling in self-pity. I never knew the incredible depth of love I would have for a little boy who can't talk, walk, or understand. Thank you, Lord, for the intense privilege of such joy - such unexpected JOY.