Time to say thanks

So many things go on in our worlds and without the Lord I have no idea how one carries on. I truly have no idea. Sunday afternoon, I got to have lunch with two dear friends of mine, Kate and Jana. One of my friends is going through a valley in her life right now, yet let me say the Lord is her Shepherd. I have seen others face similiar challenges as she is, yet never have I seen such a confidence in the Lord. A true trust that the Lord will provide her every need. Through our visit, we shared tears and laughs. What a wonderful time to visit and have the entire time centered around the Lord. Thanks, Kate and Jana. Also a big thanks to Eric and Tyler for wathching the 5 boys. You daddies rock!!!

I was able to read a few of my friends' blogs tonight, and one in particular needs prayers. A friend Ceci delivered her precious baby girl at 26 weeks, and Liliana is having to have an IV through Saturday. This is a really big deal, since her veins are not extremely strong. I can't get into all the technicalities of it, yet please pray for Liliana. She is a precious, precious baby girl!!! Also, pray for Ceci. She is being so strong. I just stand in awe! The Lord's handiwork is amazing and beautiful!

You know I have to say that the Lord has surrounded my life with friends that are amazing. I just want to thank each of you for pouring into my life. I pray I do the same for you. You are each prayed for in specific ways, and if time allowed it, I would love to spend more one on one time with you without interruptions. I love you girls. Thank you for loving me and understanding me. Thank you, Amanda, Amy, Brooke, Ceci, Darby, Erin, Gracey, Jana, Kate, Katie, Kelly, Lacy, Lea, Lynette, Marsha, Rosalyn, Tara, and Taylor! I love you so much.

Fall in Texas

Well, Fall is here in Texas. We have been enjoying life and growing in the Lord. I add the last part about growing in the Lord because God has been moving in our lives. Tyler, the leader of our home that he is, has been pressing us to get our family priorities in order. It has been challenging, yet fun! Today, I felt the reward as I woke up at 5:45am on my own and felt rested. It was amazing! Being a wife and mom are work, yet the Lord is right there helping the entire day as long as I include Him.

Stone started a new Childrens Day Out (CDO) program last week. His teachers, Miss Nell and Miss Holly, are adorable. They give so many praises when I drop him off and pick up. We are blessed for Stone to be in their sweet care 2 days a week. The biggest news for Stone is that he stopped using his binker Saturday night. The process has gone GREAT! Each night he asked for his binker, and we would say, "Stone, you are a big boy. You don't need a binker." Two nights ago, I said this to him. Stone replied, "Why?" I then went into a story reminding him of his Pablo - Backyardigans birthday party when he turned 2, and Stone said, "No, I 4!" Very funny!

Grant is waving, giving kisses and has some sign language down. He is just a wonderful little guy! I can't say enough how he blesses our hearts. I am amazed how he just chills. He will play in the playroom by himself for a LONG time. Personal time will probably be important to this little one. He tries walking, but not there yet. Crawling is getting him where he needs to go, and he is quite content with that. Grant is Tyler's biggest fan! It's funny when Tyler comes home from work, if he doesn't acknowledge Grant, then Grant starts doing anything and gets louder until Tyler spends that quality time with him. He loves his Daddy!

Here are some pics the first couple are of Stone on his first day of school. Then we took shots on our trip to a pumpkin patch. So much fun! We went with our Life Group leaders, Martin and Marsha and their twins, Makeelie and Brexton. Precious family! The kids had so much fun playing on the blow up slides and bounce house, etc. We even got to go on a hay ride. Thanks guys for hanging out with us! At the end there are pics of Jud's 2 youngest kids, Isabelle and Jake (J wouldn't look at the camera. He had a smile though. Little stinker!). We enjoyed a gorgeous fall day at the park.

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What a week - Fun times and tears

Beginning October 1st through, I think, tomorrow will mark a period in my life that has been crazier than I have ever known. God has proven himself faithful, and His peace has flooded our lives. It is amazing how life is full of varying emotions.


My mom arrived on the 1st for her 2 week visit. I had to work that day, so Kelly, Jake and Isabelle got to pick Grammy up from the airport. Grammy stayed at their house, and Stone, Grant and I were on the road early Thursday morning to get out to put our arms around Grammy. Tyler had a business trip to Austin, so we got to stay at the Keller Stones house for the night. 4 children ages 4 and under means busy fun times. They jump, jump on the big trampoline and then need some food to fuel some more jumps. So much fun!!!! The weekend was quickly here with a class at our church on Saturday morning and church that evening. We went and picked up Grammy on Sunday and she came back to our house to be here to watch the boys while I worked on Monday. Here is where God showed up....


Tuesday, October 7th I got a phone call from Tyler, who was already at work. In the midst of his tears, he asked if I was sitting down. I said, "What happened did someone die?" The answer was yes and are you sitting down. I sat on our bed and said yes. The tragic news was shared that our dear Pastor Kevin (he married us) lost his wife, Cindy, the night before. Shock! I could not believe it. Then the reality hit with sobs of tears. Questions where flying in my head and my mom was at the bed praying. Cindy had so many amazing qualities and filled with so much life. How, why, what... Dear God, please be with Pastor and the girls. Evidently, Pastor and Cindy had their date day on Monday and on their way home at 10pm in the middle of Cindy's sentence she was gone. God took her home. I got off the phone and called Taylor (their middle daughter and our babysitter). She said hey. I said hey. Then the tears flowed. Finally getting a breath, I asked if she would like company. She said yes. Stone and I went to see Tay. She was laying in bed with 3 of her girlfriends sitting with her, which gave me so much comfort to see her friends there for support. Our visit was short, yet the week was only beginning for the Eldridge family.

Wednesday evening, the church was opened for the family and friends to come share whatever was on your heart about Cindy. The things spoken were funny, sad, hilarious and heart wrenching. A precious lady was going to be extremely missed, yet left a true legacy for God's glory and for her daughters to cherish. Thursday evening held the viewing. Tyler and I arrived and there was a buzz of people talking. If you knew Cindy, you know she loved to talk about anything. Tyler said he hadn't been to a viewing where there was so much noise, and my response was Cindy would have it no other way. Tears sting my eyes as I write because a dear lady is not here to physically hug and talk to. Pastor and the girls handled everything with strength, grace and peace. We all were in amazement how the Lord was very evident in being present and holding this family up.

Friday, October 10th was the funeral and let me say the place was packed. Standing room only. People would cry and then share a laugh. Pastor's heart is to see fruit from Cindy's passing, and the testimonies have only begun. The officiator of the service, Terry Law, shared an amazing Salvation message and 70-80 people accepted Christ as their Lord and Savior. The funeral was the largest the funeral home had ever hosted. God was and is about a mighty work. At the grave side, the reality really hit my heart when I saw Pastor look over the crowd and at that moment I realized he was laying to rest the love of his life. Cindy's brother spoke at the graveside and there was something different about him, though I could not hear him I just felt it. Last night, I learned that he too had accepted Christ. Praise God!

Do you see how the emotions have gone from highs to lows?! Just incredible.

In the middle of this on October 8th, my dear friend gave birth to her first baby, Liliana Faith. Lili was born at 26 weeks, yet has been doing amazingly well. God has her in the palm of his hand, and Jesse and Ceci are being the amazing parents that God created them to be. Please do keep them in your prayers, as Lili is still in NICU. I read a blog written by Jesse/Ceci and was just in awe of their strength and trust in God. I look sooooo forward to hugging Ceci and seeing precious Lili!

Friday afternoon, Tyler, the boys, my dad and I drove to Austin for my cousin Nate's wedding. The trip went fantastic. Stone and I played ball in the car, very, very fun! Grant thought it was hilarious and would do his best to toss the ball. I just love my boys. They bring me so much joy and laughter. We were late for the rehearsal, but attempted to make the rehearsal dinner. Tyler and I arrived as Uncle Jud was getting ready to say the closing prayer, yet how fun it was to see the bride and groom. Their day was just around the corner. We left the restaurant to go to a Japanese restaurant to meet Uncle Dave, Aunt Trina, Allan, Nicole, Preston, Kathryn, Uncle Brian, Dave, Uncle Al and Aunt Mahna for some good sushi. Might I add this was just some of the Stone family. What a fun weekend to see and play with the fam!!! Saturday was busy with the hustle and bustle of wedding activities and at the same time managing the boys. Tyler did an amazing job with help from my parents, Uncle Jud and Aunt Kelly. Thank you so much. It blessed me in ways that I am still realizing. The wedding began a little after 6 and how beautiful was the bride. The ceremony held tears and laughter and ended with Mr. and Mrs. Nathaniel Stone walking down the aisle. Dinner and dancing was lots of fun and then back on the road to arrive home at 1am.

Sunday, we tried to catch up on sleep, and then Monday we went to see Grandpa Fred and Grandma Nella. Stone got to show and tell his new bike. He loves it! Then we went to Jason's Deli to have our last lunch before Grandpa and Grammy got on a plane to go home. Grandpa Bill came and we sang happy birthday to him!!! Saying good bye to Mom and Dad in the parking lot was hard, yet I am already excited about the next time we get to see one another, not sure when that will be, probably in March when grandbaby #6 arrives. Jud and Kelly are expecting a baby girl. Yippeee!!!!

Tuesday, I worked and what a day. Taxes are due today!! Bill said I yawned a lot, which after writing this post I know why. This was a glimpse into our lives for the past week, and again I have to reiterate that the Lord showed himself faithful through the entire period. My favorite quality of the Lord is that he brings amazing peace to any situation. I am grateful for all my friends who called and supported me. Your sweet words of encouragement have blessed me beyond measure! I know without a doubt the Lord is in control of my life, and I know He desires the same for yours. Be blessed today!

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Amazing Miracle

Two months ago Stone started getting these weird bumps on his skin. They were wart like and looked disgusting. He didn't seemed bothered by them, yet I was, especially when people would say, "What is on his skin?" after picking him up or hugging him. The bumps started on his chest and spread to his tummy. Aunt Jodi saw the bumps and with her physicians assistant skills went online to come back with an accurate diagnosis of Molluscum Contagiosum. She said, "Keep an eye on them and if they don't go away take Stone to see his pediatrician." So a few weeks went by and the virus spread like wild fire - his arms, elbows, armpits, thighs, calves, ankles. We went to Dr. Hopkins. He agreed with Jodi and referred us to a pediatric dermatologist.

Our household has really been hit this year with sicknesses. and we have been praying for God to protect us and for Satan to stop attacking us. Well, I was praying for Stone, and God revealed to me about my issue of vanity. You see, Stone is a precious little boy who loves people and people love him. I hated seeing this nasty stuff on his skin and certainly didn't like him looking gross to others. I said, "God, I know this is about my vanity and I repent of being so vain. I really want you to heal Stone and for him to not be attacked by Satan."

Our appointment with the dermatologist was this morning. I went in the exam room with both boys in tow and started out by saying that I really didn't think we needed to be there, but here we are. I told the Nurse Practioner that we prayed for Stone's Molluscum and it is gone. She said, "Well I believe in the power of prayer. Let's take a look." She said "When did you notice the bumps?" I said, "About 2 months ago." She said, "Where were they?" All over. She said, "Well, it usually takes up to 2 years for this to go away. Did you put anything on them?" No. "Really. Wow. This is amazing." The appointment continued and finally wrapped up with an excited mom and an enlightened NP. God is so faithful and healed Stone. His skin looks like it did prior to the skin virus. The virus is gone!

God taught me a very valuable lesson that my sin has to be dealt with first and then my prayers are effective. I give God all the glory for healing Stone and for teaching me to prepare my heart for the Lord's service. God is so good!

Prayers

I am asking all of you who read my blog to please pray for a friend of mine. Her mom was diagnosed with ovarian cancer. Please pray for the family. I am keeping the names private until I have permission to share. I do know that God can heal this sweet lady, and I also know the Lord will use this time to draw my friend to him and the whole family.

Thank you for praying.

Run, Run, Run

Last night, Tyler, the boys and I did a 5K in Keller, TX with Keller Community Storehouse. We had so much fun! The 5K run/walk started at 7:30pm with over 900 attending. It was so exhilerating to be running with a crowd. Tyler was pushing the boys is our jogger and was going to walk and ended up jogging and passing me to cross the finish line first. At the end Mrs. Kate asked Stone if he ran and he said, "No. I race." He then told me he wanted to race again. Tyler and I both really had fun and are going to do more 5K's. It was a great family outing and also good to support a great cause.

Two of my girlfriends joined us, Kate and Nicole. Nicole's mom even came after working for 10 hrs on her feet. Go Cindy!!! And Kate didn't think she could run a mile and crossed the finish line in 29 minutes. Thanks, girls for doing this with me. I had a lot of fun! I certainly left room for improvement with my 35 min time! But the big prize goes to my Uncle Jud who ran it in 27 minutes. Wow! You are in shape! Thanks for cheering me to the finish line.

Today, we haven't been as sore as we thought. Praise God! Here are some pics at lunch. Stone had some oreos, and Grant loves it when we are all together, especially Daddy. Oh, I do have to add... it was hilarious when Tyler during the race said his calf was cramping, the one he didn't stretch very much. Kelly, you will get the biggest laugh out of this. Kind of an inside joke for those that don't get this.

Playing with Friends

Yesterday afternoon two of Stone's friends came over to play. We had a great time sitting in the backyard visiting. Emery lives across the street, and Caedmon was a swimming budy of Stone's from Emler Swim School. Emery and Caedmon are still in swim school and getting better and better every semester, yet when Grant came along Stone quit going and hasn't picked it back up. Anyway, they both have baby sisters, which I didn't get a picture of them. Bummer. Libby is 12 weeks old and Caedmon's little sister, and Ivy is 9 weeks old and Emery's little sister. Both mommies are wonderful friends of mine and help me keep my sanity and encourage me with the role of being mommy and wife.

A little description for the photo is the kids lined the chairs up like this and would always sit in their chair. Never an arguement. Now the baseball and bat where always up for a good squabble, thus Stone hanging on to one of the bats. Have you ever noticed that play dates at your house consist of your child hoarding their toys. Oh, the lesson of sharing is an on going thing!

Sweet Grant - that is all I ever have to say about this dream child. He hardly throws a fit and is always looking for a good time. I pray for him to be happy and boy is he ever. He and Caedmon thoroughly enjoyed playing with one another. Thanks, C, for being so kind and sweet to littel Grant.

Thanks Hulls and Changs for coming over!!!