Though........

My soul hath them still in remembrance.....This I recall to my mind, therefore have I hope. It is of the Lord's mercies that we are not consumed, because his compassions fail not. They are new every morning: great is thy faithfulness. The Lord is my portion, saith my soul; therefore will I hope in him. (Lam.3)

My Little Joel, Though today and the fifty days following are the darkest days of our lives, they do not compare to the three blessed years that you brought pure sunshine to our hearts.

Though the worst news parents could be told in the days ahead, will never outweigh the good news of that day in May that there is two!!

Though the weight of this trial was seemingly unbearable, the weight of you and Josiah in my womb was joy unexplainable!

Though the cries and tears were so painful to hear, your giggles and smiles are ever so dear!

Though the days you have been gone seem so long, it is really gettin' closer, and I 'll keep hangin' on!

Though the day of holding you as you lay still in my arms was breaking my heart, I will never forget the day I first held you, your life at the start.

Though a blanket around you and my arms holding you tight...no more breath.....I will never forget when I first snuggled you all tiny and new and wrapped so tight in a blanket.... we held you in life and in death! Oh, Lord, I am trying to see what you have done, that it is all by your plans and right that even though this day seemed like the beginning of the end......in eternity it is really the beginning of Joel's life that will never end! Thank you Lord for letting me be Joel's mommy!!

Today in 2006 we headed to the Dr. appointment at 1:30 and Josiah went too, little did we know that by 6:00 pm this evening we would be checked in to a hospital room and all that followed in the next 5o days. How can I not relive these days.....His grace has been abundant and sufficient, His compassions are felt, His mercies meet me everyday........but I still miss him and love him ever so dearly........

We are about 30 minutes away from "Paps" arriving! Earlier I had to send the little ones outside, they were bouncing off the walls, so I told them to "go rake the yard." That should keep them busy for a while I thought, but I looked out there and it was all done so quick, which is great but now they are bouncing again!!!! If I can just contain them a little longer, I will hand them over to their grandfather....hehehehee!!!! Tonight is their "big" night with him and receiving the gifts he got for each. I think the guys are getting home a little early, we'll have a simple meal tonight as I am waiting until Sat. to do our Christmas meal, I figured they would not eat much being too excited and all. The guys are building a house that is about 7000 sq.feet, out of the Build Block, and was it ever cold as they went out the door this morning, but they are dressed for it!! The Lord has been so faithful to provide even now as we head into the winter months.

Anna posted info at the bottom of the last post about the children playing in Guthrie, so if you need that info you'll have to go back and read there. Hope to see some of you and make sure you introduce yourselves !!!

Better go and get ready........

Cindy