old and settled now

We are at least half-way moved in now, I think! We've discovered that every cubic inch counts when you live in a small place, but we are happy and cozy and THANKFUL for our house.

Elijah has seen his new pediatrician and occupational therapist, so we've started checking off our list of stuff to take care of for him. Sometimes it's overwhelming to stay on top of all the phone calls, therapy and doctor visits, and medical supplies to order. At the same time it amazes me how many services have been provided for our little guy at no charge to us. Thank you for Your care for us, Lord!

Elijah is smiling a lot more these days and sometimes he makes us laugh at the timing of those smiles. We wonder just how much he understands?? What a little honeybug he is. We are so thankful for our sweet Elijah!


I couldn't resist posting this one of Elijah and his Grandma before we left Wisconsin. Elijah will miss his Grammy (and we'll miss you too, Mom)! Elijah has a new haircut in this picture - isn't he so handsome?
This is the kitchen of our cute and tiny apartment, before we unpacked very much.
This is most of our living room, viewed from the kitchen! :) Please do stop by so you can relax in one of our super-comfy folding chairs.

seein' the sights

Amazingly, we signed a rental agreement for a little apartment today! The rental market was so tight here, I thought it might even take a few weeks to find something...but it was clear that God put us in the right place at the right time for this place. Thanks for praying!

We'll move in on Monday! I love our cute little place -- and 'little' is definitely the word for it. It's about 600 sq feet...two bedrooms and one bath. I'll put pictures on soon!

Well, the calendar says spring is here, but it doesn't look like it in Idaho yet! This, my friends, is a rooftop from a nearby mountain!
This was our introduction to Idaho... a moose was in "our" new backyard today when we came to sign the papers!!! (That's the neighbor's house in the picture.)

adventures of the Idahoans

Thank you if you prayed for our travels to Idaho! Todd drove and Elijah and I, plus my sister Kallia, flew. Elijah and I loved getting to see our Man again when we met up with Todd! Sweet reunion.

I noticed at the airport that I'm getting used to feeling "different" wheeling our little guy around. I have never enjoyed being conspicuous, so it's a big challenge for me not to cringe on the inside when I catch people's sidelong glances at the small boy in the wheelchair. I'm learning to meet those looks with a smile, a smile that says 'I'm proud to be that cute little boy's Mommy'. Yeah, it's ok to be different. I hope that anyone who sees Elijah and I together can walk away with a little glimpse of God's love. All for His glory!!

We started apartment shopping today. The last time we did this, it was hot and we were riding jeepneys or just hoofing it through the streets of Manila. What a contrast! Here, the curbs are piled high with snow and we are cruising along in our van.

This little town is just so beautiful! We have mountains in about every direction. I want and I've been dreaming about ''just the right home" someday, but maybe (maybe??) what the Lord wants more for me now is contentment with what I have and where I'm at.

Thank you, Lord, for this beautiful place. Keep reminding me, Father, that we're just passing through...that my home is not here. Home is up ahead and it's better than anything I can dream up.

halls of memories

We're back in WI, and Elijah is peacefully sleeping in his hospital bed tonight, smelling like glue and sprouting wires from his head. Cute little man! He's making the sweetest noises while he sleeps, as if he's dreaming about his bottle.

Today and tonight is his EEG to monitor the suspected seizures. Hopefully we'll know a little more by tomorrow about what's going on. Being here today has made me thankful for this good hospital, and all the skilled and caring people who help our boy. (I've also noticed that it helps one's attitude immensely to have a child who's not crying the entire time.)

Walking down the hall tonight, I kept having flashbacks of all the different memories we've had in this place. Nearly two years ago, these corridors were foreign, frightening, and filled with unimaginable pain. Tears we cried that we couldn't seem to stop.

Walking the same halls today, I'm grateful to say that those days feel distant now. In their place is a new life, a new normal, and joy that only God can give.


Keep teaching me, Father, through the hallways of life.

swings and smiles

More swinging pictures from a few days ago. We were so spoiled with the sunshine and warmth of Kansas!!


This is R. and M., the friends who graciously allowed us to stay with them. We will miss them! We are on our way north now...