A Time to Rejoice

    Tonight we rejoice as a family, that our sweet grand daughter, Emily Grace,  was able to leave the hospital and come home to her family. Thank you to all of you dear family and friends who have stood with us in prayer and support. We appreciate you all more than we could ever tell. And we ask you to continue to pray for M&B as they adjust to this "new normal," that God would give them grace and wisdom, health and strength in the days and months ahead.

These words from Ecclesiastes 3 (TEV):

"Everything that happens in this world happens at the time God chooses.

He sets the time for birth and the time for death,

the time for planting and the time for pulling up.

He sets the time for sorrow and the time for joy.

I know that everything that God does will last forever.

You can't add anything to it or take anything away from it.

And one thing God does is to make us stand in awe of Him."

Time with K

Last weekend, while Jim was in MN, I was able to spend part of the weekend with M&B to help caring for K. We had wonderful times together...from peanut butter and jam sandwiches,

to playing with toys...

to tea parties...

to bling!

"Gramma, put your shoes on." (She just does not like it when the shoes are not on your feet!)

She's a climber!

And she has a tenacious grip...

And great balance...

And charm! Thanks for the wonderful time together M&B. We love you all!

Emily

Yesterday, I (Marilyn) went to the hospital with B to visit Emily. We thought that, now with the "visitor ban" lifted, I would be able to hold my granchild...but alas, only parents are allowed to touch her. But it was just wonderful to even be there and see how much she had grown, and to enjoy seeing her face all clear of the tape and many tubes. I loved the way she watched her mommy's face and held her hand. As a glanced at the very tiny premie's raised hand in the incubator next to Em's crib, I marveled once again at the miracle this little girl is.

She even had a hint of a smile at one point.

Hi folks!

Giving mom the "high-5"

 Sweetly sleeping. We hope that the next time we see you, you will be home, Em!

Happy 2nd Birthday!

Happy Birthday Jayden, two years old!

A fun bounce-house in the backyard and lots of friends to play with and enjoy food with!

And presents! This little boy has been so patient as he has attended several birthday parties in the past few months. Each time he would be told, "not your happy birthday yet." Now his special day has arrived!

He was very focused as he opened his gifts.

Then it was birthday cake time!

Yum!

New toys!

This one is blurry (he moves too fast!), but so cute. He was playing "doctor" with grampa, checking out his ears. He even told his patient to "open mouth, say ahh!" (a sure sign that he has been to the doctor's office a few times in his little life!)

His next patient was rather large, but he was great at improvising. J is at such a fun age now as he has started to use his imagination. Oh such fun playing!
Happy 2nd year, dear grandson; God's blessings on you as you begin your role as the big brother. We love you so much!

Happy

On Saturday, we had a visit from M&B. Since they were on their way to the airport to pick up some friends, they left this little lady in our care and keeping for the rest of the afternoon and early evening.

She provided us with many hours of delightful entertainment! (I'm hoping to be able to download the cute video of K also)

I think that we wore her out when we went for a walk.

This afternoon we went to visit J&K. Since we are still uncertain if we will be able to make it to Jayden's birthday celebration, we had a tiny "pre-celebration" this afternoon. He has been sick, and still has a bad cough and runny nose, but his eyes certainly lit up when he realized that the package was for him.

With a little help from Grampa, he finally had the big truck with all those cars in it unwrapped. It is so much fun now to see his imagination at work, as he learns how to pretend.

On a rainy afternoon, the "wheels" come inside

This little guy loves to floss; actually, he loves to do everything that his daddy does!

Sitting with the big boys. (still flossing...)

Happy Birthday celebrations, Jayden!

coming to visit--going to visit

On Monday morning, we got a call from M saying that he and K would like to drive down and spend the afternoon with us. We were thrilled with the news!

This little girl loved walking around outside, esp in the grass.

A young lady with purpose in her step and a monkey on her back!

She loves to have "pretties" in her hair, also!

and the baby in the mirror. Thanks M&K for the fun visit, come again soon!

This afternoon, we traveled to Pasadena to visit Chuck and Penny, and then attend a concert and hear a radio pastor that we've enjoyed listening to during the past 3 years. The event kicked off the 25th year anniversary celebration of the christian radio station that we usually listen to. It was held in the beautiful Lake Avenue Church.

The guest musical artists were Keith and Kristyn Getty and their band members. They have such a marvelous way of leading the people into worship, and such substance to the songs they write. We had a wonderful time of visiting with family, singing praise together with hundreds of others, and being challenged by a message of truth.