Raising Arrows

Today I write with a heavy, sad heart. For the last couple weeks our sweet puppy dog has been growing sicker and sicker. With each visit to the vet, meds began being ineffective and questions grew. In the last week our girl lost her strength to stand and walk on her own. Visits outside were accompanied by dad or myself and we usually always had to "clean up"after her as she came back in. Her activity slowed to almost nothing the last few days and we knew it was time. Last night we sat yall down and prepped for the worst. Explaining the best we could that ZuZu was indeed sick and between eating very little or nothing and only taking sips of water here and there, things didn't look good. It was a hard conversation, tears were shed and we all laid around our sweet furry friend and shared our favorite stories of all that we've done with her. As we got yall ready for bed, each of you spent a little extra time hugging and "kissing" her goodnight. Dad then pi...

Maybe it's because we aren't sure if we will have anymore kids, maybe it's because there's three others, or maybe it's just because I know time won't stand still for me; but it's hard to swallow that you're six months old already. You are sitting up, rolling all around the living room, grabbing at phones, toys, hair and anything else in your reach. You are beginning to babble more and constantly giggle as you watch your brothers play star wars. You're still not sure about sissy, she still hasn't quit figured out gentle yet. Sorry! You hate socks and end up taking them off and chewing on them. You love hearing dad come home in the evenings and falling asleep on my chest is a new normal for naps, and it's pretty hard to put you down. Soaking in snuggles is what I keep on with because I know it won't last forever, as much as I want it to!  Your smile lights up your face and your eyes talk volumes. Many have said that your eyes lo...

In about a month's time, our lives will be transforming through yet another season change. Another move, a mission and vision and end goal in mind when it comes to the Mission Field, and fundraising will be in (hopefully) full swing. With that, I wanted to pause the season in which we are about to end and just relish in all it's beauty, the mess, and capture it just as it is.  Memories were made in this far from perfect city home; this is the home where we brought home a new child, where we finally finished our missions application and where we came home to after being commissioned into the mission field! This home has seen battles, tantrums, and fits of giggles, along with plenty of smelly farts. {yes i inserted this as a certain 6 year old came by to ask a question and fart too - oh boys!}  I've always been hesitant about posting photos of our home. It's far from a Better Homes & Gardens magazine and not what I imagine of a perfect oasis of cozy and ...

19 days till our vision trip to England!  Here are a few prayer requests for those who were asking: 1. prayer for our family as we are apart. change is difficult on some of them and distance from momma never helps. this is also the first time Eddie will be away from mom for more then a few hours... we could both use prayer.  ;) 2. Prayer for my folks as the take on the task of our children. It's a big one and I know they'll need lots of pepsi, coffee, and possibly headphones  and when we come home, a maid and a vacation with some wine.  ;) 3. Pray for our hearts to be open and attentive to God's plan for England. We are visiting to meet some pastors, churches, and towns where the immigrants and refugees have fled to - may we feel God's plan and will for our family on WHERE that will be. Narrowing it down from the three or four we have been listed/given. 4. This seems odd, but pray for myself as we travel. I HATE planes and airports and just the thought of...

Well we made it to another year! Happy New Year! And as tradition we spent New years morning reading through our memories from the year before. However this year was a bit scarce after August. I'll add in a few off my head, but I really lost track of life and keeping the memory jar full for the fall and early winter. Oops! I'll try to be better this year and get our whole year in. ha! But here's what we read, and in no particular order... - June 2nd, milo's last soccer game in plainwell - April 6th, 100 day for schooL! Party with grandparents, grand poppy, and aunt nicole! - April 13 - ENT appt. for Norma and appt made for tubes - August 12th, girl's movie night at Becky's - Evening bike rides with daddy to the park and around the neighborhood - Jan. 13th, had a 31 party and kids went next door with Dad while i enjoyed a girl's night in - May 4th, late night playing Settlers with the Curtis' - Aug. 26, Yankee Springs hiking with the Light family - No...