I'm back

     Hi all! I know, it's been a while.
     I've been trying to get into the new rhythm of things, now that we're done with sickness... for now, and now that I feel like I know how to be a mama to two boys, I feel like like is starting to feel normal. Summer is coming, and I get to be outside more. Perks of us having a park behind us... we can go out and have fun without driving anywhere. ;)
     James is almost 2 years old now. He still isn't talking yet, but he says a few words, and signs a couple as well. He's been a tough child, and still is, but there are days when we're outside, and he splashes in the puddles or runs in the field making noises, that make me grateful that I'm his mama. I get to see him discover things, and handle situations on a daily basis. I get to see him be a big brother to Ezra, and oh my goodness, how he loves his little brother! <3
     Ezra is... well, the face that makes us all smile in the morning. He's 9 months old now, and always full of smiles. He reminds all of us to be a little more joyful. Ezra loves his big brother, and often times if he's fussy, and I bring him over to his big brother, he calms down. Ezra loves playing with Lego's, spoons, books.(when he gets his hands on them) He sits up really well, and is so close to crawling! He scoots a little bit, depending on his mood.
     I tell my husband often times, "God knew what He was doing when He gave us Ezra!" Ezra is seriously my laid back happy baby.
     As far as myself goes, I'm back to teaching piano lessons, in between naps, making dinner, and keeping up with the household chores.
     This last week, was the starting of some ladies in our church doing a group Bible Study during the week, which gave myself some fellow-shipping with like-minded mamas. Along with starting the group Bible Study, my mom and I are trying to do a book study together on Psalm 117. I have to admit, I don't have as much time to do this as I'd like. But, I love my mama, and this seemed fun to do as a mother/daughter thing. Plus, I always love the Psalms. ;)
     This season of life has been a growing period for me both spiritually and physically. Having a son who knows how to test my patience on a daily basis, has reminded me how faithful my Savior is to constantly forgive me and to be patient with me daily.
     So, that's what's new for me lately. I'm hoping to write on here a little more often, but we'll see. I like to publish things when I have a picture of my kiddos to go a long with it, but my computer isn't always wanting to do that.
     What's new with ya'll? Any summer activities you're looking forward to? 

Update

     It's been a while, I know. Life has been busy. February was full of us buying our first house! James getting his cast off, and Josh and I celebrating our 2nd anniversary. March was full of picking out things for the remodeling of our house... paint colors/flooring/lighting...etc... and April was filled with moving! We have officially moved into our new house!... there's still some construction still left to be done, but it's getting there.
     I have to say, while buying the house, remodeling it, and fixing the house up, has been a trying time for Josh and I's marriage, but it's been a good growing season for us. We've had to make decisions about the house, and what to fix or not to fix. There have been many late nights of painting, packing, and crying. I'm so grateful that Josh has been so patient with me throughout life but especially with the house.
     Baby Ezra Mark is due to make his entrance around July 6th, so it's been a busy season for us trying to prepare for baby #2. James is finally crawling, standing, and almost ready to walk! He absolutely loves walking with his walker!
     I just came back from Colorado a couple weeks ago visiting my family for my brother's Highschool and collage graduation. James is finally back into being himself again after having a rough time adjusting to a new surrounding and such in Colorado.
     I broke down a couple weeks ago, and cried. I cried because I was so overwhelmed with everything going on in my life, and the things to happen in the next couple months. I cried because I felt like I couldn't go any further. I cried because there've been some trials in my life the last couple days, and I just felt overwhelmed. God is still good though, isn't he?! My husband reminded me when he got home that night, "Caitlin, it's all in Gods hands. Don't be worried, God's got it!" Even in those times of need/stress/overwhelm, God is right there, guiding us through it all.
     Have any of you seen "Facing the Giants"? If not, I'd recommend this movie! In the movie, the main character and his wife go through several trails, and midway through the movie, they realize they need to change the way they think. They need to pray more, trust God more, and have more faith. By the end of the movie, him and his wife find out some good news, and all he has to say is, "God, oh God, I'm overwhelmed".  There are many times in my life that I've felt overwhelmed. Although, nothing like I am in the present. God gets us through each individual trial in HIS timing.
     While I was in Colorado, a dear friend and sister in Christ at our church passed away after battling brain cancer for months. She left behind her husband and 9 children, the youngest being 10 months. It was a tough death in our church. The first death for many of the young ones to understand. It was very overwhelming for our church to go through, but God was there. It's been a rough season, but a good season, and through it all, we've seen Gods hand at work in the many lives of our friends.

Isaiah 43: 2-3, "When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; And through the rivers, they shall not overflow you. When you walk through the fire, you shall not be burned, Nor shall the flame scorch you. For I am the Lord your God..."

    How has your start of summer been? Do you plan on doing anything big this summer? I'd love to hear all about it! 
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Update on my brother

Thank to all those who've been praying for my little brother. I'd like to give you an update. My dad wrote this to our family and friends, so I'm just copying and pasting what he wrote. Since he knows the medical field more than I do.:)

Elijah had an accident today that involved the log splitter. He will be okay, but he has lost the tip of his wedding ring finger (he isn’t getting married yet-we will figure that out later). We spent the evening in the ER. They did X-rays that showed the accident had taken the top of the bone and the top and side of his flesh completely off. He was a brave one...once they numbed his finger-he went from screaming to talking, laughing, and joking. He will probably have to have surgery. If this happens they will have to shave more of the bone off to make a skin flap to close the wound. He will no longer have a nail on that finger and it will be a little shorter than the rest. Please pray for wisdom for the doctors, strength for Amber and I, and our finances. We have not met our deductible and it will likely cost many thousands of dollars.

 

We thank God it wasn’t worse, he is resting peacefully, and he proudly displays a big bright orange bandage around his fingers. 

 Update #2

Hello everyone,

It is a true blessing to see the body of Christ at work. I have seen many request and questions, so I will try to address in this update. But first the pictures...

 

Picture 4-This is the x-ray, notice the top of digit #4 (ring finger) missing. Bone and flesh are significantly exposed.

Picture 1-A close up of his new dressing. He has exchanged his orange finger in for a green one. I think this might make him a better gardener...(levity is a good thing in our house)

Picture 3-Elijah showing off his new green dressing. Notice the shirt he is wearing “Live for Adventure”, I think he got more than he bargained for...

Picture 4-This is Elijah relaxing with newly received gift. Todd Strawser brought over some homemade get well cards which were enjoyed by all of us.-Thanks Todd!

 

Today Amber took Elijah to the hand Surgeon (an “in-network” provider-Praise God! That will save us $1000 on our deductible). He wants to do surgery on Friday morning. Elijah had no appreciation for them taking off the bandage to see the wound. You might think he really liked the orange bandage, but really it had stuck to the wound and opened it back up-poor little guy! They did get him to stop screaming; Amber took it pretty hard, but for a different reason. Work kept me from attending.

 

The surgeon has an “A” and a “B” plan for the surgery: “A” plan-try to save the nail bed, shave the bone, and close the wound with what is left. “B” plan-take a graft of skin from the fat pad down below his pinky finger to close the wound. Elijah will be going under general anesthesia (a danger in itself) because of his age. They are estimating 45 minutes OR (operating room) time.

 

We are continuing antibiotics and minimal pain meds. He is in good spirits and likes his new bandage better than the first. :)
Thank you all for your prayers! We're hoping that Elijah will be well enough to go to the zoo on Saturday for his birthday. Praise God it wasn't more serious! :)