Random Iphone Pics

Russ took the girls to see Nanny & Pappy today (free time for me!) and said that Ruthie was hugging Nanny and wouldn't let go. Ruthie is the BEST hugger! If you haven't experienced it, you must!!


The girls have been sleeping in the same room (minus Lydie) and this is how Russ found them this morning... Hmmmm.. Wonder how much sleep is actually happening. Actually, I know it is much less since we listen to them crack jokes every night.

Lydie's friend Ryan in Tulsa! It was great having another kid around to keep Lydia company. She missed her sisters so much and Ryan was so sweet to her. When we skyped with the girls, Lydie perked up and smiled when she heard their voices on the computer. So sweet.

Sunday morning outfit shot.

Ruthie wanted to sit on TOP of Nana when she first saw her after the surgery, but had to settle for right next to her, as close as possible...

We took the girls to Chuck E. Cheese for Ruthie's birthday dinner. They LOVED it and only Noa knows about things costing money, so it was pretty cheap. $3 goes a long way for toddlers! Notice Noa's outfit. I think we were just too lazy to make her change. She, of course, chose it. I did not.

Pic we received while in Tulsa. I don't think the girls missed us too much. I love this photo!

Normal evening on the couch. Everyone is actually looking at the camera and smiling, so even though it isn't great, had to include it.

Mascara anyone? How about freckles?!?!?! When is Russ going to pass on his freckles?! Come on!

And with that, I'll say good night. Sorry I've been so slack with the blog lately! Maybe the heat has zapped all of my strength. Maybe it was the hurricane. Either way, I've gotta MAKE myself do it lately... Love ya!

Computer Problems

Yeah. My computer finally broke down. We now have a new one (and I am using Russ' old one) but it has really been a process getting everything transferred over to his new one. So I have been left without a computer most days. I think we finally have it straightened out. Anyway, haven't been able to update things as usual. Here's some pictures I found of our Michigan trip.

Typical.

Yaya trying cereal for the first time. She loved it! Unfortunately, I am too lazy to give it to her most of the time.

Ruthie had a Dora ("Doo-wa") party for her birthday. It was small - just family - but she felt like a super star. She LOVED it! I think all of our pictures are on Linda's camera. I only have a video. Maybe I can upload it.

And now for a Ruthie expose...

Surgery

For all of you who have been praying with us, here's the latest.

Linda's surgery was today. She was up at the hospital to prep for it all day yesterday and the surgery started early this morning. It took all day - I think 10+ hours - and the results are good. From what I understand, the remaining cancerous tissue was larger than they thought it was going to be, and because of that they were thinking about removing a kidney as well (this was not in the plan), but they didn't end up having to do that. Thank you Lord! The removed what they needed to, did not find any more cancer anywhere else, and she is recovering now. The doctors were very positive about the way the surgery went, how they think her recovery will be, and if all goes well she may be discharged as early as Monday. Her birthday is next Wednesday, so they may even be back in Charleston on that day. Pray that that happens!! Wouldn't that be wonderful?!

All in all, we know that she is in the Lord's hands. We thank the Lord for His goodness today and everyday and we are so thrilled that they did not find anymore cancer. Please continue to pray as there's still a long road ahead.

Good and gracious Father, today we thank you for your awesome care and concern for Linda, for a successful surgery, for preserving her kidneys, and overall for keeping her safe, and we place her recovery in your hands. God is good!

Nana's Quilt

"Who has the best Nana in the whole world?"

"I DO!"

This is something the girls are always shouting at the top of their lungs. And it is true! This is a picture from when Noa was born. Nana has been a great help with the girls over the last few years.

Sadly, she'll be taking a tiny break from her "Nana responsibilites" for the next few months as she undergoes surgery and chemo to take care of the aggressive cancer they found in her bladder. We decided I needed to get to work on a quilt to spruce up her hospital room, as her stay will be at least a week, if not a few weeks. I was really wanting to try one of these cross quilts, so I thought this was the perfect opportunity. I originally wanted to make all of the crosses red to symbolize the blood of Christ, but later thought that would be a little too serious since there were already so many serious things taking place. So, later I decided on the Kumari Garden line because I thought it looked like her. It also had a trace of red running through some of the fabrics, which tied it back to my original plan. :) So... I thought it was a great, tangible thing to remind me to pray, sing, and speak life over her as I assembled the whole thing.

I love how it turned out! So girly and fun and bright!

I also liked the butterfly fabric and of course it reminded me of our life in Christ.

The back got a little bit "piece-y," but maybe it looks a little more vintage that way. I like it.

Don't look too close because you are sure to find many mistakes. But all in all, I think it blessed our Nana. :) My prayer is that she will be kept safe during the surgery and chemo, that the best possible outcome will take place, that she would trust the Lord and feel his perfect peace surrounding her constantly, that those who see the quilt in the hospital would ask about it and hear an incredible testimony of God's grace and care for us, that those who don't know Christ -whether family, friends, strangers, whoever!!- would come to salvation in Him as they see the Lord at work here, and lastly,that all of this would go as smooth and quickly as possible so our girls (and Micah) can see their Nana again soon... Please pray with us!!