Grace and Glory...

I Corinthians 13 - Christmas Version

noreply@blogger.com (Laurel) — Fri, 03 Dec 2010 01:12:00 +0000

This was posted to our home school support group elist in late Dec. 09. I didn't want to forget it, so I'm (attempting to) set it up to post in Dec. 10. What a great reminder!

If I decorate my house perfectly with plaid bows, strands of twinkling
lights and shiny balls, but do not show love to my family, I'm just another
decorator.

If I slave away in the kitchen, baking dozens of Christmas cookies,
preparing gourmet meals and arranging a beautifully adorned table at
mealtime, but do not show love to my family, I'm just another cook.

If I work at the soup kitchen, carol in the nursing home, and give all that
I have to charity, but do not show love to my family, it profits me nothing.

If I trim the spruce with shimmering angels and crocheted snowflakes, attend
a myriad of holiday parties and sing in the choir's cantata, but do not
focus on Christ, I have missed the point.

Love stops the cooking to hug the child.
Love sets aside decorating to kiss the husband.
Love is kind, though harried and tired.
Love doesn't envy another's home that has coordinated Christmas china and
table linens.
Love doesn't yell at the kids to get out of the way, but is thankful they
are there to be in the way.
Love doesn't give only to those who are able to give in return but rejoices
in giving to those who can't.
Love bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all
things.
Love never fails.
Video games will break, pearl necklaces will be lost, golf clubs will rust.
But giving the gift of love will endure.
Merry Christmas!

-- Author Unknown

Are You With Me?

noreply@blogger.com (Laurel) — Sun, 12 Sep 2010 04:00:00 +0000

Just checking in back here at blogger. Some of you appear not to have migrated with me, and I'd love to hear your voices at my new blog home. Be blessed!

Moving!

noreply@blogger.com (Laurel) — Sun, 29 Aug 2010 02:09:00 +0000

The blog migration...

Grace and Glory can now be found here. It's not "finished" at this point, but neither am I, so it's a good fit.

I've also moved (and renamed) my photo blog. Moments Gathered can now be found here.

Love You Can Eat has a new home as well.

I hope this move is a positive thing for you, my sweet readers, as well as for me. I'm assuming that your blog readers/feeds/etc will need to be updated with the new addresses. Thank you for reading my blog(s)!

Whew!

noreply@blogger.com (Laurel) — Fri, 20 Aug 2010 01:05:00 +0000

Well, we've been super busy the last couple of weeks... busy getting over a nasty virus that we acquired somewhere and unwittingly passed on to an unfortunately large number of people while we were at Ozark Family Camp. Ellie got pneumonia, and we had mulitple ear infections as a side benefit of this beauty. All 10 of us got it to one degree or another, and a couple are still pretty puny. So, that's taken a bulk of my energy recently, and I haven't gotten to the many update posts that I'd like to write sometime. But we're on our way out of it!

A few bits of other recent news:

Today is my fourth day in my Shampoo Free experience. I'm having a bit of a "transition" issue, but not bad. I'll be posting more about it; this is just a teaser. Follow the link above if you're curious, and if you have thoughts on going "shampoo free," I'd love to read them.

We did our first bit of canning today! I was amazed at how much the tomatoes cooked down in the method we used, but it was relatively easy and I hear it gets great results. Jonathan and I blanched the tomatoes, the big boys peeled and diced, Jonathan and I did the actually canning.Red, purple, and orange tomatoes. The partially filled jar will just go in the fridge when it cools. Our purples aren't doing great this year for some reason, so we didn't have many. On the counter behind the jars are some not-quite-ripe goodies.

I've been working on updating my photo blog... I was almost two months behind, but have made some catch-up progress in the last week - up to July 8th right now. And speaking of blogging, I'm getting ready to move to Wordpress. Not quite ready, but getting closer. That also has taken up some of my available computer time. I'll let you know the new place is all ready for visitors.

Home Again

noreply@blogger.com (Laurel) — Fri, 06 Aug 2010 13:41:00 +0000

We arrived home yesterday afternoon after a wonderful (almost)week at Ozark Family Camp at Turkey Hill Ranch Bible Camp. We needed to come home a day early due to some health concerns (including a miserable case of pink eye for sweet Ellie), but we enjoyed our time at camp. Pictures and updates to come.

Thoughts on country living and sustainability

noreply@blogger.com (Laurel) — Tue, 27 Jul 2010 02:50:00 +0000

During July, we put in a good bit of drive time in rural Missouri, driving back and forth to camp. One thing that stood out to Jonathan and I is that there are many people who live in rural areas just for the scenery, for the space, or for the feel of country living. And to be honest, ten years ago, when we were longing to move out of our little Kansas town of 1,100 people to a place in the country (yes, that was right before God moved us to a town house in South County StL), those were the reasons for our longing. So I'm not judgemental about folks who live in the country just for the space, but these days when I see multitudes of homes in rural areas with no evidence of efforts at self-sufficiency, it concerns me.

When I was growing up, we spent every summer going from Bible camp to Bible camp. Papa spoke, Mama often cooked, and Eric and I had a ball. It was an absolutely wonderful way to grow up and I am more thankful than I can express for those summers of learning, growing, making friends, serving, and having a fabulous time. (Thanks, Papa and Mama!)

There were activities that would not fit into our travelling summers. One was gardening. We had friends with gardens, and I viewed them as nifty but rather unattainable accomplishments. When I realized that a dear friend of mine loved the process of gardening, even when we were in high school/college, I thought she was a bit nuts. Another thing that our travelling and suburban location precluded was the care of "producing" animals. So, while I've always loved the country and have wanted for years to live "out of town," I had no reference point for (and hence, no dreams of) sustainability/self-sufficiency.

Several years ago, we got to know a couple who had made some very deliberate choices toward a simple life. I think that their lifestyle is what began to open my mind to the benefits of living simply and becoming producers of some of the basics in life.

Likely as a result of our interactions with these friends, I began to read more about simple living and self-sufficiency, and one writer in particular made an impact on my thinking. Unfortunately, I don't recall his name or website, which was full of practical tips for sustainable living, but one principle he shared has stuck with me and impacted our pursuits. He encouraged folks to make small do-able steps toward becoming more self-sufficient, because the tendency is to jump in with both feet... and then burn out. Instead of burning out, he said to find something small that you know you can handle, then build on it. That bit of advice has served us well.

Over the last five years, we've made quite a few baby steps and learned a great deal, as you've "witnessed" if you've been reading my blog for a while. Moving to our current location allowed for several larger steps that would have been too overwhelming without the preceding baby steps - a large (to us) heirloom garden, a variety of fowl, etc.

We want to continue to learn through experience about self-sufficient practices for a variety of reasons. We desire to:
~ Be better stewards of what God has given
~ Work together as a family more (cost of living down, more time as a family)
~ Live a less hectic lifestyle
~ More directly see the fruits of our labour; teach our children to enjoy the fruits of their labour
~ Gain a greater understanding of God's creation and His plan in creation
~ Develop in ourselves and our children a clearer picture of personal responsibility
~ Have the ability to be a benefit to others instead of a drain, especially in time of crisis
~ Be prepared - The sky *is* falling

I'm not going to go into that last point much, but we do believe that things are going to get ugly here in the U.S. before long. If that thought is shocking to you, you need to do some reading (let me know if you want some suggestions). If it turns out that we're wrong, we will have only benefitted (see above) from the pursuit of simplicity, sustainability, and self-sufficiency. We pray that those around us will benefit as well.

I do not intend in any way to sound like we have sustainable living figured out! We have a long way to go and much to learn. Sometimes I feel like we are such "newbies" to this, and compared to some, we are. But when I look at where we were five years ago, I'm thankful we began to take baby steps.

Whether you live in the city or out in the country, we'd like to encourage you to find some do-able step that you can take toward providing for some of your needs "on site." Many cities allow backyard hens; square foot or container gardening is a workable option even in small spaces, etc. Consider what baby steps you can take!

So, what do you think?

P.S. - Mid September is the beginning of garlic-planting season. We're planning to try it for the first time. Want to join us?

O Lamb of God, still keep me

noreply@blogger.com (Laurel) — Fri, 23 Jul 2010 13:52:00 +0000

O Lamb of God, still keep me
Close to Thy pierced side;
'Tis only there in safety
And peace I can abide.
With foes and snares around me,
And lusts and fears within,
The grace that sought and found me,
Alone can keep me clean.

~James G. Deck

Many thanks to Nancy Rollinger for posting this on FB this morning. What a blessing!

Worth Reading

noreply@blogger.com (Laurel) — Thu, 22 Jul 2010 03:00:00 +0000

This lengthy article is entitled "Solving the Crisis in Homeschooling - Exposing the 7 major blind spots of homeschoolers," but I think it is a valuable read for all parents seeking to bring their children up to love and follow Jesus, regardless of choice of educational method. I was deeply convicted.

Independence Day

noreply@blogger.com (Laurel) — Tue, 20 Jul 2010 22:14:00 +0000

This year, our country's birthday found us enjoying the fellowship of family and friends, first at Dad and Mom Smith's house, then at the Wollbrinks for their annual Independence Day party/fireworks extravaganza. It was a fun day!

Day camp at Dayspring

noreply@blogger.com (Laurel) — Sun, 18 Jul 2010 00:25:00 +0000

We spent June 30 and July 1 at Dayspring Bible Camp, helping with the Fredericktown Day Camp with other folks from Bible Truth Fellowship. We actually arrived the evening of the 29, just in time to get settled and get some sleep, so we enjoyed breakfast with everyone Wednesday morning and enjoyed greeting the campers as they arrived.

That first morning, I woke up plenty early and nursed Andrew in the peaceful coolness while listening to the birds sing their morning songs. It made me wish we could turn off the A/C at home so we could hear God's creation better. It also made me very thankful for our wonderful Creator.

It was interesting helping at camp as the mother of a two month old. Much different from counselling as a teen and in my early 20s, and also different from when I've had the opportunity to serve at camp as a mom with no tiny babies. There are times when the season preventing me from being "helpful" is frustrating and discouraging to me. I was blessed with a sense of peace about it this time, though, and found myself glad for the opportunities I had to interact with the campers. And when I needed to tend to our young ones, I found myself flooded with thankfulness for the now, this season, these precious moments with our Blessings - each of them.

And so, with a thankful heart, here are some pictures from our two days at camp:

A Visit from the Cousins!

noreply@blogger.com (Laurel) — Fri, 16 Jul 2010 03:25:00 +0000

We met up with my sister-in-love and The Cousins at Katie's wedding on June 26. Ethan and Isaiah rode home with us that night while our girls stayed the night in KC with Beka, Chloe and Abigail, who drove over the next day. Five boys, ages 9-14, plus a eager-to-imitate three year old made for quite an entertaining drive across Missouri! Andrew was with us too, of course, but he didn't get in on the action this trip.

Though our time with Beka and the Cousins was too short, it was oh so sweet. We made it to meeting on Sunday, the boys had a blast Sunday afternoon doing guy stuff, and Beka and the girls joined us Sunday evening. They stayed until Tuesday afternoon, and we crammed in lots of memories!

I'll let the pictures speak for themselves:

A Precious Wedding

noreply@blogger.com (Laurel) — Tue, 13 Jul 2010 22:00:00 +0000

On Saturday, June 26, a very special friend of mine* got married. We drove from one side of Missouri to the other and back again in one day to be there, and it was so worth it to see Katie and Craig get married!

I finished nursing Andrew shortly before the processional began, and didn't want to go in in the midst of it, so I waited in the back, watching through the big windows and taking pictures of the wedding party.

The beautiful bride with my adorable nieces, Abigail and Chloe, who were her flower girls. My sis-in-love Beka was her matron of honor, but I somehow missed getting a picture of her.

Katie's dad, Dan, died five years ago after a battle with cancer. Before her brother Mike walked her down the aisle, the song "Daddy's Hands" was played as a tribute to Dan.(that's our nephew Isaiah on the other side of Katie, and Beka's dad in the background)

Ethan (Eric & Beka's oldest) played Cannon in D for the processional, and did a terrific job. Instead of the two times through he planned, he played it over and over, about six times, as there were some hold ups in the back. He handled it like a professional, and I was so proud of him!

One of the things Katie and I share is a love for the color purple, and purple abounded at her wedding. It was gorgeous, and I wish I had taken more and better pictures.

The guys entertained themselves during the reception. I'm guessing Katie didn't guess that her pretty sparklies would be used for battle strategy, but boys will be boys!
Davey and Josiah
Ethan and Barak
Jonathan figuring out a math formula

^When I was in eighth grade, I found myself rather lonely and without any close friends at our small Christian school. I starting praying for the Father to bring me a friend. It seemed rather daring to pray such a thing. But in the middle of the school year, along came Karla (Katie for her initials K.T). Nervous about switching schools, especially in the middle of the year, she was praying that God would have a friend ready for her. And He graciously brought us together!

We shared many years of laughter and tears (mostly laughter), and I often think of Katie when I think of answered prayer. Over the years and miles, we haven't done a good job of staying in touch, but she will always be precious to me.

Linkage

noreply@blogger.com (Laurel) — Mon, 12 Jul 2010 20:55:00 +0000

I'm not able to embed it, but a trip to see the video for Andrew Peterson's "Dancing in the Mine Fields" would be well worth your time. It's terrific.

Part 2 of Ann Voskamp's series on Rest. An appetizer: These are right and necessary, pauses. Who can make a song without rests? There will be more song in the morning, fresh mercies, and God will let us again undertake the unfinished work of the Kingdom and this is good. The winds lilts and lifts the branches of the spruce trees. I think about tomorrow. It's work and refrain and the dust. Rest is never how a body relaxes, but how a mind lies down into Jesus. No matter how the hands fly, there is always rest when our interior gazes on Jesus. He is our rest.

An article everyone should read - Drowning Doesn’t Look Like Drowning

Debt Free is Beautiful - I'm definitely checking out this smart lady's stuff!

Can You Really Save Money With Cloth Diapers? - detailed cost comparison

Some common sense from the Society of Obstetricians and Gynecologists of Canada:
"Physicians should no longer automatically opt to perform a cesarean section in the case of a breech birth, according to new guidelines by the Society of Obstetricians and Gynecologists of Canada.
The new approach was prompted by a reassessment of earlier trials. It now appears that there is no difference in complication rates between vaginal and cesarean section deliveries in the case of breech births." Read the rest of the article here

On the other end of the common sense scale when it comes to birth issues is this product whose ad showed up on my facebook page this week - CervilLenz. Using a speculum and a long stick to determine whether a woman is really in labor. Brilliant? Not so much.

Katie's Birthday Party (catch up post)

noreply@blogger.com (Laurel) — Thu, 08 Jul 2010 04:30:00 +0000

We had sweet Kate's birthday party on Friday, June 25. She turned 9, and now that her birthday is two weeks past, she's often heard to say, "I'm almost 10." What a hoot she is.

So, better late than never, here are some pics from Katie's bday party:

Gratitude

noreply@blogger.com (Laurel) — Tue, 06 Jul 2010 20:43:00 +0000

I've started writing down my thanks in a journal, but would like to post them here as well. The first 10 of these are from back in the spring. I then got away from writing them down, and picked up again last week.

One Thousand Gifts (#s 1 - 46)
~ The varied greens of spring
~ Redbuds blossoming/"leafing"
~ Curtains blowing in the breeze
~ Talk of birds as I lay in bed waking up for the day
~ Comforting touch of his hand on my face
~ Blessings I have birthed
~ Bleassing growing inside
~ Pilates - exercise to strengthen my body
~ Praise - exercise to strengthen my soul
~ Reminder that God doesn't require me to be perfect; He asks me to praise

~ Eternal hope
~ Early morning birdsong at Dayspring
~ Nursing sounds
~ Wildflowers outside the cabin window
~ Opportunity to share the Good News
~ Companionship of my beloved
~ Visits from family
~ Babe sleeping on my chest
~ Birth of that babe in our home
~ Legal midwives
~ Hammering of a pileated woodpecker
~ Blessing of being at camp, working with kids
~ Fellowship
~ Chronic stomach pain
~ Trip to town by my man to get stuff for my stomach
~ A Daddy on guard when lifeguards were distracted
~ Grace with us
~ Cool breezes
~ Blessings' artwork
~ Art supplies from a sweet sis-in-love
~ Baby breath on my neck
~ Bum knee
~ Reading/thanking with the Blessings
~ Being made in the image of the Creator
~ Being challenged to create faithfully
~ Garden growing
~ Homestead lessons
~ Sunflowers
~ Clean counters/floors
~ Messy counters/floors
~ Rolls of baby fat
~ Wedding for Katie - faithfulness and endurance rewarded
~ A republic
~ Celebrations with friends
~ Swimming pools
~ Fireworks

(a bit late posting these)

I've joined Ann at Holy Experience with many others in expressing gratitude to God, the giver of all good things. Grab the button here and join the gratitude.

Linkage

noreply@blogger.com (Laurel) — Sat, 03 Jul 2010 22:14:00 +0000

Here's a terrific article on the risks of eating soy. Please read it!

And in case you haven't heard, "according to Information the manufacturer of this vaccine presented to the FDA prior to approval, if a person has already been exposed to HPV 16 or 18 prior to injection Gardasil increases the risk of precancerous lesions, or worse, by 44.6%" Yes, that's the vaccine that is touted to prevent cervical cancer and that has been mandated by law in several states. Read more here.

"All I need, I already have. It just requires me to be flexible enough to put away what I believe to be the simplest path, and be willing to lead with either leg.
All He asks is that I trust Him enough to jump." Read more

"He wants us to say with the Psalmist, “I am fearfully and wonderfully made.” Psalm 139:14b He wants us to give back to Him what He has given to us. He isn’t asking us to be something we are not. He only wants us to be faithful with the things He has given us. He only wants all of us!" More on Comparing from my friend Angela

The Practice of Rest, Pt.1 from Ann Voskamp

How to make covered buttons from scratch

Misc. Good Stuff

noreply@blogger.com (Laurel) — Mon, 28 Jun 2010 03:37:00 +0000

An interesting article about the Khan Academy, a non profit organization founded and run by Salman Khan, who has a free online library of over 1,500 instructional videos on various topics, especially math. I haven't watched any of the videos yet, but plan to check them out.

I just found Pink and Green Mama this weekend. This artist mom has some terrific projects that she's done with her little ones. I need this kind of inspiration, so I've added her to my blog reader.

I'm looking forward to trying some of these 14 Ways to Enjoy Ripe Tomatoes once our tomatoes are ready.

And here's a feel good song I've been loving lately.

Davey's Birthday Party - June 18

noreply@blogger.com (Laurel) — Tue, 22 Jun 2010 17:32:00 +0000

Way back on June 18, we celebrated Davey's birthday. I've just been a bit slow about blogging it since I've generally not been on the internet during the day lately. Nevertheless, here are some pics from our young man's 14th birthday party!

Stephen's Birthday Party

noreply@blogger.com (Laurel) — Mon, 21 Jun 2010 23:27:00 +0000

We had Stephen's birthday party on Friday the 11th. We had salad and pizza for supper, and banana cake with vanilla ice cream for dessert. As you can see, traditional birthday candles had been purchased since Grace's party.

Stephen thoroughly enjoyed the evening, as did the rest of us. Fun times!

Happy Fathers Day!

noreply@blogger.com (Laurel) — Sun, 20 Jun 2010 15:08:00 +0000

Happy Fathers Day to the wonderful Daddy of my children. I'm thankful to have Jonathan as the leader of our home. You're a great Daddy. Love you, Babe!

And Happy Fathers Day to my wonderful Papa. I'm so blessed to continue growing with you to encourage and cheer for me. I love you.

Papa sent me a link to this song last week. It's usually my job to write or link to stuff that makes him cry, but he got me good with this one! Enjoy...

Rom 8:14-39
(14) For all who are led by the Spirit of God are sons of God.
(15) For you did not receive the spirit of slavery to fall back into fear, but you have received the Spirit of adoption as sons, by whom we cry, "Abba! Father!"
(16) The Spirit himself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God,
(17) and if children, then heirs--heirs of God and fellow heirs with Christ, provided we suffer with him in order that we may also be glorified with him.
(18) For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worth comparing with the glory that is to be revealed to us.
(19) For the creation waits with eager longing for the revealing of the sons of God.
(20) For the creation was subjected to futility, not willingly, but because of him who subjected it, in hope
(21) that the creation itself will be set free from its bondage to corruption and obtain the freedom of the glory of the children of God.
(22) For we know that the whole creation has been groaning together in the pains of childbirth until now.
(23) And not only the creation, but we ourselves, who have the firstfruits of the Spirit, groan inwardly as we wait eagerly for adoption as sons, the redemption of our bodies.
(24) For in this hope we were saved. Now hope that is seen is not hope. For who hopes for what he sees?
(25) But if we hope for what we do not see, we wait for it with patience.
(26) Likewise the Spirit helps us in our weakness. For we do not know what to pray for as we ought, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us with groanings too deep for words.
(27) And he who searches hearts knows what is the mind of the Spirit, because the Spirit intercedes for the saints according to the will of God.
(28) And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose.
(29) For those whom he foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son, in order that he might be the firstborn among many brothers.
(30) And those whom he predestined he also called, and those whom he called he also justified, and those whom he justified he also glorified.
(31) What then shall we say to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us?
(32) He who did not spare his own Son but gave him up for us all, how will he not also with him graciously give us all things?
(33) Who shall bring any charge against God's elect? It is God who justifies.
(34) Who is to condemn? Christ Jesus is the one who died--more than that, who was raised--who is at the right hand of God, who indeed is interceding for us.
(35) Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or danger, or sword?
(36) As it is written, "For your sake we are being killed all the day long; we are regarded as sheep to be slaughtered."
(37) No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us.
(38) For I am sure that neither death nor life, nor angels nor rulers, nor things present nor things to come, nor powers,
(39) nor height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord.

100 Toes

noreply@blogger.com (Laurel) — Sat, 19 Jun 2010 05:01:00 +0000

I was amazed tonight by the realization that we are a family of one hundred toes. I'm feeling overwhelmedly thankful tonight for my wonderful husband and the eight lives God has entrusted to our care.

The Father has been steadily renewing my affection for my children lately. In the busy-ness and challenges of my pregnancy, I had gotten into a rut that found me not treasuring my Blessings. Or perhaps I wasn't treasuring them before the pregnancy and had not realized it. But my heart is being drawn back into communion with these precious lives God has given us, and I'm thankful.

Last Monday (June 7), I began a new phase of life that is helping to facilitate my desire to draw closer in heart with my children. The internet is now considered to be "off" to me during the day while Jonathan is gone to work. And this decision is helping me to change my life.

The first couple of days of this new habit brought the head-bowing realization that I would have to go slowly as I worked my way back into my children's daily lives. My pregnancy was quite debilatating physically, and I ended up spending most of my time in my room. My children became acustomed to me not being around very much. But we're changing that for the better, and while I still have a long ways to go (and always will, because that's the way growth works), I am thankful to find my relationships with my children growing and deepening.

The Father seems to be working on my heart in a lot of other areas right now, including toward my beloved man, but instead of typing more, I think I'll get off the computer and get back to my family. Tonight is Davey's birthday party and our traditional Friday night family late night. Fun times!

Sweet Smile!

noreply@blogger.com (Laurel) — Wed, 16 Jun 2010 15:02:00 +0000

I caught this wonderful smile Sunday on Dad and Mom Smith's camera. This little man is unspeakably precious to us!

"Yesterday" update

noreply@blogger.com (Laurel) — Tue, 15 Jun 2010 11:43:00 +0000

Just did a major update on my "photo a day" blog while nursing Andrew. Most of the pics are ones I haven't posted here. Enjoy!

Grace's Birthday Party

noreply@blogger.com (Laurel) — Tue, 15 Jun 2010 02:37:00 +0000

We had Grace's birthday party on Friday the 4th, and went outside for her cake & ice cream and presents (because we only have a flash-less camera at present).

Everyone else was outside first, so we sang to Grace on her way from the front door to the party table:
And we were out of birthday candles, so we gathered 7 candles from around the house and lit them instead:
She had fun opening her presents
And Andrew even stayed awake for part of her party!

Saturday night (the 5th), G'pa and G'ma Smith, freshly home from a trip to North Carolina, came over for supper (with their flash-equipped camera). (Yes, that's their dog on a stool at the table)

Grace got to open some more presents
And Stephen delivered an almost open-eyed smile (his current trend is the squinty eyed smile)

The Meeting of the May Day Babies

noreply@blogger.com (Laurel) — Fri, 11 Jun 2010 03:03:00 +0000

Some of you may remember me mentioning in my labor progress reports that friends of ours also had a baby on May 1st. Darling Elisabeth was born at home just after midnight and was taken to the hospital right away because she was born with spina bifida. She has the most serious type of spina bifida, but the weeks since her birth have been full of miracles, and she is doing remarkably well.

We were thrilled to get to meet Elisabeth this past Sunday at the FoMM picnic. Here are some cute pictures of our treasures together:
About the same weight, but the long and the short of it!

They're both gazing at Jen in this one - so cute!
Jen, Elisabeth, Andrew, and I
Beautiful Blessings!