Hiatus

I've sort of been on hiatus from the computer, and it's actually been really nice.

We've been vacationing the last five days since Michael had the time off from work.

So we filled those days up with family, friends and plenty of good food.  

It's always hard to return after such a fun weekend, however, I should be back very soon!

Becoming a reader

The books have been discovered.

The funny thing is, in this picture, he is looking at a book called MAX.

Oh my goodness, I just love that profile.  I want to eat those cheeks up, I love them so!

"Oh, please don't go--we'll eat you up--we love you so!"

(Quote borrowed from that very famous book about a different little boy named Max)

The power of prayer

Lately, I've been thinking a lot about prayer.

I went to vote last week, and one of the sweet ladies at the registration table saw my last name.

She looked at Maxwell (who was being held by his favorite librarian) and asked me,

"Is this the little baby that we prayed for?"

I told her that he was, and then I asked which church she belonged to. 

"I belong to the Catholic Church" she replied.

I told her that when we returned home from our (nearly) month-long hospital stay, we were approached by so many people.  And they had all been praying for us.  

Maxwell and our family had been announced from the pulpits of many churches in our community.

She then said to me, "Prayer works."  To which I replied, "Yes it does.  Prayer is powerful."

So many people were praying for Maxwell then.

 I know without a doubt that prayer is a real and true line of communication with our Father in Heaven.

I've been thinking about and praying for a sweet family we know from our church.

The wife used to visit teach me, and I will never forget when she showed up with a pizza one night.

We were in the middle of packing and moving to our home.  She knew we wouldn't want to be cooking.

Right now, this family is facing tremendous trials. They are so difficult to even comprehend.  

We have been praying for them.  And I know countless other people are doing the same.   

Over the past few weeks, there have been several days when I've had a heavy heart. 

I've knelt to pray,  and I've asked Kathryn to join me in those prayers.

We prayed fervently one afternoon when Max dove off the couch.

I (stupidly) put him there while vacuuming, and turned just in time to watch him face plant on the floor.

I watched his neck bend, with his body up in the air, and panicked that he'd broken it.

And so, I did the only thing I could in a moment of fear and uncertainty.

We gathered on our knees and prayed that everything would be okay.  I immediately felt peace. 

And everything was okay.

Michael and I have been trying to be better about praying as a couple at night.

I love when we pray together.  It brings peace and reassurance that we are doing what is right.

Prayer unifies and strengthens our family and our marriage.

Our Heavenly Father loves us and hears us.  He wants us to talk to Him.

And He is always there, waiting and listening.

While driving home

On our drive home one evening, we were:

1.  Admiring the beautiful sunset and the way the light reflected on the country. 

 2.  Discussing how adorable and grown-up our daughter is becoming.

 3.  Reminiscing about our marriage and our (then) impending seventh anniversary.

Mother-daughter

Kathryn and I went to a mother-daughter activity at the church last night.

It was our first one together, and I know it will not be the last.

She's growing up so quickly.  Right before my eyes in fact. I hope to treasure this time more.

Yesterday, while washing her hands at the kitchen sink, I noticed that she didn't need her stool.

She was just tall enough to stand on tiptoes and put her hands under the water.
She is such a good big sister and she loves to spend time with her family.
I love my little munch and I (bitter-sweetly) love watching her grow into a beautiful little girl!

Handing the keys over

We like to start our kids off early and do some pre-drivers training.

We like to think they can never be too prepared before climbing behind the wheel some day.

And, we like to test them a little before handing the keys over for good!:)

For a beginner, I believe Maxwell has pretty good control of the situation.

Face time