Dear Eli...Spring is Here!

Dear Eli, 
Love You Forever My Boy...

It's crazy how time flies by and before you know it weeks have passed.  It seems like since you were born time has accelerated!  I try to savor every day as much as I can because it's hard to imagine that one day you will be reading this letter as a grown man.  Yet no matter how big or how old you are, you will always be my baby :)  I am reminded of the story that my mom used to read to Uncle Tyler called Love You Forever.  In the story the mom rocks her baby and sings, " I'll love you forever, I'll like you for always, As long as I'm living my baby you'll be."  

You crack me up and make me laugh every single day.  You are your father's child and are so routine when it comes to your schedule. You are like clockwork and our morning reminds me of Groundhog's day over and over, ha!  When you wake up there is no cuddling, but you immediately come into my room and announce you are ready for "milky" and Curious George.  After going to Disney last month, I think you got your Mickey fix so now you're in a Curious George phase.  Sadly you know how to operate the tv and netflix so away you go and you push the buttons to find your show.  You sit in the same spot on the same couch EVERY morning and you immediately switch into trance mode, which I call a milk/tv coma!  Sometimes you are sweet to me and you say "mommy, I can watch Curious George on the Kindle so you can watch your news."  I actually rarely ever watch the news now since you have taken top priority but when I do I sure do appreciate it :)  

Spring is finally here, according to the calender, and praying that the weather got the memo as well.  We had a huge snowstorm last week on March 18th, and even as I type this right now I'm looking at 4 feet of snow in our cul-de-sac.  However, the temperature is starting to reach 50 this week so I'm sure soon enough it will melt and it will really feel like spring is in the air.  I love waking up to hearing the birds chirping outside...there is such a fresh excitement in the air!  

Auntie Caleigh came over on her spring break last week and she brought an egg coloring kit.  You guys colored eggs together and you loved it!  We have them sitting out on display and you like to go over and just look at them.  You made a cross out of a palm branch at children's church this passed Sunday and we have that displayed with your Easter eggs.  We have been reading about the death and resurrection of Jesus the last couple weeks and when we ask you what Easter is truly about you say "Jesus died on the cross for us so that we can live here forever."  It is sweet to watch your little mind and spirit taking it all in.  You wanted to know why there were 3 men on crosses and why people were being mean to Jesus.  You challenge me with the questions you ask, especially trying to answer you in a way that you'll somewhat understand.    But no matter what, I can tell that you are absorbing it all and it's a blessing to have been chosen to help teach you!

Back at Christmas we took a quiz that told us our "Elf" name.  Your last name was monkey buns and ever since then you introduce yourself as "Eli Monkey Buns" to complete strangers, haha!  The funny part is that you are as serious as can be.  We always joke, since your name is monkey buns that your monkey butt needs a bath.   Now even before we tell you it's bath time you tell us "my monkey butt stinks...I need a bath,"  hahaha!  You love your bath time and since you were a baby it's rare that we miss a day.  I think having it as part of your routine in the evening always made it more of an easier transition for bed.    As of this past month, your diaper is dry every morning.  I am so proud of you.  This was the final straw where you no longer have any connection to your baby days:(  Once we get a waterproof mattress pad (for back up), those diapers are gone.   Makes me sad but thankful to be past the potty training stage!

This past week was my birthday and you lovingly made me a card with daddy.  Daddy asked you what you wanted to say to me and inside he wrote it word for word, "Mommy, Love you so much Chicken Butt....Love, Eli Monkey Buns."  I'm not sure where you came from, but you crack yourself up and you think you are so funny :)   Uncle Tyler taught you the word "chicken butt" and now you like to use it now and again cause you think it's hilarious!  I will keep that card forever in my stash of memories so one day when you are old and you are reading this letter, I can pull it out and show you.  There is never a dull moment when you are around!  Mimi and Buppa had a family birthday party at their house for me and Grampy and Grammy and Great Grandma came to celebrate with us as well.  You were my little helper in blowing out the candle and opening up all the gifts.  You love birthdays, no matter who's it is, because you love to just help out.  You asked me if you could have your birthday again with me.  

The chalkboard sign you and daddy wrote on for my birthday morning.

The beautiful table setting that Mimi put together...

 The yummy cupcakes Auntie Caleigh made, mmm....

Recently when I suggest something to you or ask you if you want to do something, you respond with "yea, that sounds like a really good idea."  You also have mastered putting your two fingers up when we ask you how old you are.  Before you had to use your other hand to push the remaining three fingers down.  I love watching you put your two fat fingers together.  I think you are pumped and proud of yourself because you love to show me all the time.  

You recently learned your birth date and you know the street that is connected to ours.  When we ask you your birthday you say "Nobember fif (5)" and every time we pull into our neighborhood you say "we are on Willowdale and then we are going down Wintergreen Drive." It's amazing how aware you are of your surroundings and you know which direction we are going depending on the roads we take.  

Today we were finally able to enjoy some play time outdoors without having to be all bundled up in snow pants.  I'm so glad to finally have some more mild weather ahead of us.  You had your dump truck and shovel outside trying to make roads and "snow" castles.  You found some sticks and you said you were planting carrots.  You asked if you could use the hose to water them, ha! You have such an imagination :)  I love it!

We have hit a new stage with you where you are VERY BOSSY!  I know I was similiar from what mimi tells me and of what I've seen on home videos.  It has been a challenging last few weeks with you.  You like to be in control (which I'm sure a lot of 2 year olds do) and so when things don't go your way, you have a fit.  You also don't know your own strength and in playing you will be more aggressive than I'd like, which could be a strength in sports someday but gets you into trouble sometimes. You're learning that you have to be aware of those around you and that you can hurt people if you are not cautious.   I have really had to stick to my guns and be consistent with discipline.  I hate doing it sometimes, but I can see that you do understand and are learning through this challenging time for both of us :)  

You are the light of my life and the first smile on my face every morning.  I don't know what I would do without you even when you test me to the limit!!;)  

Love you so much,

Mommy

Dear Eli...

The weather today is so strange.  It is super windy out BUT is 53 degrees on what is usually a cold, blistery January day.  I love it except it's a tease because winter isn't even half over yet. Almost all the snow is gone...it's amazing really.  I'm hoping we can take a walk and get some fresh air when you get up from nap :)

It has been quite the week....I've never laughed so much and yet at the same time I have never been so challenged and frustrated in all my life.   One moment you make me so happy and the next you are melting down and I just want to cry with you.  I hate to think of it as the "terrible twos" because I know through this time your character, personality and core values as a person are being developed and refined through all of this,  whether it's good or ugly.  You have brought me to a new level of patience and asking God to strengthen me when I know not what else to do.  It's been challenging to say the least, yet if I can get a grip on my own emotions in the midst of these trivial times, I can see a little boy trying to figure out life the best he knows how.  And my job as the parent is to guide and direct you the best I know how.  I'm learning as I go and I don't have it all figured out, but at the end of the day you know and I know that I love you so much and you mean more to me than anything in the world!  I have to remember not to wish these moments and months away because before I know it, you will be starting kindergarten and I will wonder where these last few years have gone.  In the big scheme of things, this is just a glimpse of an eye and I want nothing else than to savor this time I have with you because I will never get it back no matter how hard it is. You are worth it my son and I would have many many more if God willing because there is nothing like being a mom!

You have had me laughing so much this week.  Recently, you have started telling me that certain things "freak me out."  I'm assuming you have picked this up from me, but the funny part is that you know how to use it in the right context.  For instance, I babysit "little Eli" a couple times a week and when I went to change his poopy diaper you started to gag, running as fast as you could saying, "that stinks, it's freaking me out mommy" or the other day you were eating a salad and there was a weird looking piece of cabbage in it and you said to me, "that is gross looking, it's freaking me out", hahaha!

You are crazy sometimes and smells freak you out.  When we go into a public restroom and someone has left an "odor", you scream out, "it smells so bad in here" and you begin to cough and gag.  I feel so bad for the person you are probably insulting, but you never fail at picking up on scents when you walk into a room.  I'm just hoping you learn to filter what you are thinking as you get older :)

You love helping me cook in the kitchen.  This really tests my patience sometimes but I'm really trying to not worry about the mess so much and let you learn and have fun.  We make eggs every morning for breakfast and you are my whisker.  You tell me exactly what needs to go in it including "garlic."  Now everything we make has to have "garlic" in it according to you.  You really are great at helping me and your favorite part is trying it out along the way!  You love food and your diverse pallet is amazing!

You are my little grocery shopping buddy.  You know all the stores by heart and exactly what happens at each one.  You know Trader Joes for their little shopping carts and I think that is your favorite place to shop since you feel like a big person.  We are still working on the "excuse me" and wait for the person in front of you to go first.  You think it's like a race track and you just plow through as fast as you can.  Most people are forgiving and think you are cute and I am totally exhausted when I leave there with you!! ha!  We were at Hannaford the other night and you LOVE driving the car carts.  I love them too because it keeps you occupied and you stay put for most of the shopping trip.  When we were leaving I was putting you in the car and you kept trying to look around me.  I asked you what you were doing and you said, "i'm trying to peek at that man over there."  You were as serious as it could be with a little smile on your face.  You made me laugh so hard!

We have been really trying to work on your manners more especially when you ask a question.  You now say "may I please" or "can I please" before you do something or want to help out.  I can't even believe how much you talk now.  We can have a full on conversation with you and interact.  You love talking on the phone and you get mad at me when I answer it.  I usually have to tell the person to call back just so you can hit the button and say hello.  You are my strong, independent child and mimi says I was just like you at your age.  I think I'm getting paid back for all that I did to her :)  It's funny how much your personality resembles mine when I watch home videos.  You are not afraid to tell people where to go, what to do and how to do it and of course you have to do EVERYTHING yourself!!!!

You had your first dental cleaning this past week at Auntie Caleigh's school.  You were incredible!  You let her probe at your teeth (check for cavities), polish and fluoride them.  I was very impressed.  I am sure it helped that you know her compared to not knowing the hygienist.  You loved the stuffed alligator they had with the big chompers and large tooth brush.  You helped brush his teeth and play with Caleigh's tools :)  You have all your teeth for now and they said it all looks perfect.  As long as you keep letting me brush your teeth like you do, you should be ok :)

Well, I am sure there was a lot more said out of that little mouth of yours this week, and I'll be back to share more soon :)  There is so much you say that I need to start writing it down immediately so I don't forget.   You have such a fun personality and there is never a dull moment when you are around!

Love you so much,
Mommy

Groundhog Day is this Saturday so we made an art project today.  We have always recognized this day growing up because mimi's family lives in Punxsutawney, PA where the groundhog is from.  Our uncle was always on the groundhog committee and would dress up as the groundhog in the parade.  Here you are with your proud artwork :)

My little Picasso :)  

We are going to frame your finished product in either the playroom or your new big boy room!

Monday Makover- Part 1: Boy Room Update...Baseboards and Some Little Finds!

Goodmorning on this cold Maine morning.  Ohhhh, the beauty of living in a frigid cold state. It's about 9 degrees outside right now so I'm wrapped up in a warm blanket with a cup of coffee in hand, waiting for the house to warm up a bit, while reflecting on the blessings in our life.  Makes me appreciate the roof over our head and the little things so much more when I think about what others have to endure during seasons like this.  Thank You God for Your provision and meeting our basic needs and may those who are in need find You as their source!  Life is hard enough by itself, but to try to live it in our own strength would be brutal. I am so thankful that I can lean on the true source of life.  This old hymnal/prayer has been on auto repeat, ringing loud in my heart the past few days.  I'll leave you with this before I go into the makeover context of this post...

Praise God from whom all blessings flow;
praise him, all creatures here below;
praise him above, ye heav'ly host;
praise Father, Son, and Holy Ghost. Amen.

Now onto Makeover Monday.This week has been a busy one so I haven't accomplished as many projects or blogged as much as I had wanted.  We did however make a little head way in Eli's room.  We bought the molding for the wall and the hubs put up the baseboards this weekend.  We found this tutorial (here) with a great visual description on putting up "Board and Batten."  We bought 3- 8ft x 4ft MDF sheets at Home Depot.  They were $25.00 a piece and molding trim for the top was around $10-$15 (super cheap compared to using real wood.  Once primed and painted, you will never know.)  Nate had Home Depot cut the sheets to the width he needed for the baseboards and the batten molding. The baseboards were cut 6 inches wide and the batten molding was cut 3 inches wide (little wider than most batten molding, but I loved the look).   They cut the MDF for free so it was totally worth it for him because it will save him a lot of time and mess.  All he has to do is cut the length, glue, nail and install.  Easier said than done, I know:)  It's definitely simple, but the measuring and leveling will make it a little more time consuming I'm sure.  Will keep you posted as the process continues.  As for now, the baseboards are installed and here are some pictures of the finished product.

MDF molding after it was cut into strips.  Large sheet is leftover MDF that we can use for other projects.

 These are the small nail holes made with the nail gun.  Will cover those and use paintable caulk on seams once I get to the priming and painting step.  I contemplated priming and painting the baseboard before installation but I decided that I'll just put painters tape on the floor and do it all at once.

 Here are the tools used: Chop saw and nail gun/air compressor (Nate's Father's Day gift this past year and it has come in handy a lot recently!)

 The remainder of the molding will go up this week hopefully, so I will make sure to document it fully as we go along.  Can't wait to prime and paint!

As for me this past weekend, I made a trip to Christmas Tree Shop.  I haven't been there in months so I was looking forward to a girls date there with my mom and sister.  I knew going in I was on a hunt for one mission: Eli's room.  I found a few miscellaneous items that I'm looking forward to using once the room is complete.  Here they are...

Gray chalkboard/shelf- $12.   The color doesn't show its true self in this picture, but it it is a gray color in person.  It has an old/aged look to the stain where it is distressed along the edges.  I thought this would be great to hang his baseball hats and other clothing items on and use it as a message board.

 I LOVE signs like these and I was so excited when I found this at the bottom of a rack.  I had seen this particular saying online a while back and wanted to implement it either in the playroom or his bedroom.  It was meant to be and was only $2.99!  It's a metal sign with gray distressed stain along the edges.

 Since we are doing a "Discovery" room (which can grown with his interests through the years), I thought it would be fun to incorporate maps and globes into the mix.  Here is a plastic globe that is the perfect size that he can put on a shelf and take off to play with. It originally came on a stand so it was tilted on an axis but it was the last one left and didn't have its stand.  I was able to buy it for $1.00.  Such a great learning tool and decor at the same time!

 This globe below is white ceramic and the continents are lightly etched on it.  I love this for display purposes only and could not pass it up for only $2.50.  Thought it would pop out and look awesome on a shelf against the navy blue wall.  Love finding unexpected things like this that are inexpensive and pull all the little details together. 

Hopefully within the next 2 weeks we will have the shell of the room completed so Eli can move back into his room.  Will keep the updates coming as things progress.  Any kid makeovers going on in your world?  I need to find some organizational storage that is functional yet cute.  Hoping to make an IKEA trip soon...that place is amazing and is a must see if you have not been!  Be back soon!

Dear Eli...First Journal Entry to My Boy!

Dear Eli,

This is the first of many letters that I plan to write and compile for you via my blog.  I thought this would be a great place to document your life and the memories we share and create together so you can one day look back and see your life through my eyes as your momma!

We have just entered a New Year and I can't believe it is 2013.  It seems like yesterday that it was 2010 and daddy and I were excitedly planning your arrival.  2 years later and we are so very blessed by the gift that you are to our family.  I remember the day you were born so clearly.  You were 8 days late and seemed so chilled and relaxed in mommy's belly that you took your time making your grand entrance into this world.  It was a Thursday evening when we went in to be induced to have you.  After a long 14 hours of labor with you, I had an emergency c-section since you were not budging.  On Friday, November 5th at 6:19 pm, I can remember the doctor pulling you out and exclaiming, "he is a big boy indeed."  You certainly were at 8 lbs 15 oz. and were perfect in every way.  You never seemed like a new born to me from the start...you always seemed older than what you were.  To this day it appears that way, and I think you might be following in your momma's shoes. 

You have brought so much joy to our lives and I've also never been so challenged in all my life.  I look at you sometimes and can't understand how such a little person can have so much personality and such a strong opinion compacted into that tiny being of yours.  You know what you want and you will do whatever it takes to conquer or obtain it.  I love how independent and outgoing you are, it's just a little challenging at times and my prayer is that God helps us as your parents to train, lead and direct your strengths in the right way.  You are a ball of energy, full of spice and life.  You always have a smile on your face and gut giggles that are contagious.  You are a little tease and have quite the sense of humor.  You laugh at yourself all the time...it is hilarious!  Just tonight while praying before bed, you were praying for everyone in the family by name and when you get to the aunts and uncles, you get a smirk on your face and you say, "thank you for uncle caleigh, etc".  You couldn't stop laughing because you thought it was so funny.  You are a ticket and you know it! 

You have the best memory...it's actually scary sometimes because you remind me of things that I don't even remember.  We tell you something once and you don't let us forget it.  When you get a gift given to you, you remember exactly who gave it to you by name.  It's truly amazing!  Last night someone told you they liked your shoes.  You said, "yea, those are my Toms" haha, you are too funny!

This past Christmas was so much fun with you!  You were into all the festivities more than I had thought for just turning 2.  We made sure that we emphasized what the season was really about and you seemed to comprehend it well.  You would tell us, "it's Jesus' birthday and He was born in a manger.  His mommy was Mary, His daddy was Joseph" when we would point to the picture of the nativity.   You even helped me make a monkey bread (birthday cake) for Jesus Christmas morning and we sang to Him and blew out the candle in remembrance of the day.  You also were very excited about Santa this year all on your own.  You asked to make cookies and put carrots out for the reindeer and you even asked to go to bed early that night.  You wrote Santa a letter on Christmas Eve and your face was priceless when you received a letter in return the next morning.  The excitement you brought to Christmas this year was so special and truly "magical" in a sense.  You were a pro at opening up your presents and I think tearing the paper apart was the high light of your day. Your big present this year from us was a kitchen set and you have played with it everyday since then.  You are a great little chef :)  I look forward to the many traditions that we are starting as a family that we will be able to share and experience in the Christmas's to come.

You remind me so much of myself in home videos that I watch when I was your age.  You talk nonstop and surprisingly are quite bossy.  You love to tell us what to do and how to do it.  You even direct me while driving.  Like I said before, your memory is amazing.  You already know your address.  When we pull onto our road you say "this is Wintergreen Drive, where I live." and you proceed to tell us the # and town if asked.  Recently we were driving and you hollered out, "there's my doctors office mommy," and sure enough, you were right.  We have only been there twice in the last year so for you to know that blows my mind.  You also told me randomly this past month, "my doctors office is in Westbrook....the park we go to is in Westbrook."  And sure enough you were right again.   I don't even know if I've told you that directly, so you obviously listen to everything I say.  

We have been working on our colors, shapes, numbers and ABC's for months and months now.  You could say your colors for the past year but just recently you are able to tell them all a part which is huge.  You know your shapes including "octagon and hexagon".  You can count to 20 on your own (with a little help in the teens) and you know your ABC's almost perfectly.  I think you have quite the photographic memory.   I love how you get excited about learning.  You are a little sponge and everyday you ask to read your "school books" which are the books we get out only for learning when mommy's with you.  When we ask you how to spell your name you say, "E-L-I....jklmnop" :)  You just add it in like it's part of the alphabet!

I love to hear your little voice sing and your imagination at work.  You have just recently started "pretending" more on your own and it's such a joy to watch you in action.  You talk to your stuffed animals like they are your friends and you tell them what you are doing.   I catch you singing your own little songs while playing in your playroom.  This past week you were praying one night and you asked Jesus for a "little sister" without us saying anything to you.  I think you watch your little friends with their siblings and it makes you want one to have as a playmate as well.   Hopefully soon, your wish and desire will come true my little man, whether it's a little brother or sister :)

As of a few months ago we have experienced a little fear and separation anxiety over a few things.  I know this is normal for your age but totally new to our family.  We have been trying to help you face your fears and deal with that which scares you.  I am so proud of you and the way you have been facing your fears even when it's uncomfortable.  It's not always easy to reason with you in the moment, but we have had some major breakthrough lately.  Even today you went to children's church without crying and having a melt down.  You told us on the way, "mommy, I be a good boy today at church."   You have such a sweet little spirit.  You love to pray and you tell me every morning when you wake up that you had good dreams last night.  You proceed to tell me that Jesus came to visit you in your dreams and he stands in your room next to your bed.  I truly believe that even at your little age, you have a real understanding of who Jesus is.  I couldn't ask for anything more.  This blesses me so much to see and hear you talk about Him all the time.   When I don't feel good, your first reaction is to come over to me, put your hand on my head and pray.  It brings tears to my eyes every time.  The one fear we are trying to overcome right now is going to bed alone.  This is very new as of this week, because before now you have gone to bed with no complaining.  You are such a great sleeper and always have been since you were born.  We just recently transitioned you to your "big boy" bed so I know in time, the transition will get better. 

You have two friends, Griffin and Quaid, that you talk about all the time.  You love them and you love having play dates with them.  It's funny because at this age, you don't know how to play together all the time, but it means the world to you to just be in the same room and playing with toys.  We are working on sharing.  It's definitely a work in progress but you are catching on to what it is to show love when doing this.  Today you were proud of yourself and you purposely came over to me and said, "i'm sharing mommy."  You help me babysit little baby Eli every week and it has been the best learning experience for you in the sharing department.  You are able to see what it is to share your mommy time with another little one and to have your toys being played with on a regular basis by someone else.    You love having baby Eli around and you constantly are saying, "baby follow me, watch this, i'll show you something."  It's very cute!

It seems like once you turned 2, you were totally into potty training full force.  It's been awesome since we only have to use 1 diaper at nap and at night now.  You are officially potty trained during the day and you are very proud of yourself.  We've had another breakthrough in the potty department this week, for the past 5 days you have gone #2 on the potty everyday instead of your pants.  I know this might be too much TMI but at your age, it's a BIG deal.  You tell me, "mommy, please leave, I need to poop."  I think you might be a reader on the pot because you sit there for a while before you ask me to come back in.  You make me laugh non stop! 

The one thing that melts my heart on a daily basis is when you randomly come up to me and put your arms around me.  Your favorite phrase is, "i love you so much."  I never get tired of hearing your little voice say that to me a million times a day.  You are a little lover boy.  You love giving people hugs and telling them you love them.   Even today at church we said to say goodbye and you went up to a random woman you've never met and you put your hands out to give her a big hug and say good bye.  You could tell that it made her day.  You then made your rounds to everyone else.  I love how social you are and how loving you are to even people you do not know.  You definitely know how to show Jesus' love!  You are an example to me!

Well, I could go on and on, but I'll leave it for the next time I blog. Eli, I can't even begin to express what an honor it is to have been chosen to be your mommy and raise you.  I never knew that my heart could expand with the capacity to love as it has for you!  Thank you little man for the abundance of joy that you bring to your mommy and daddy.  The Lord has given us such a treasure in YOU! 

Love you so much,
Mommy

"He is close to the brokenhearted..." My heart is heavy as I think upon today!

 "He comforts us in all our troubles so that we can comfort others. When they are troubled, we will be able to give them the same comfort God has given us." (NLT) 2 Corinthians 1:4

My heart is broken at the downright evil that took place today in our nation.  I am reminded of how bad things happen every day to good people and we can never take for granted where we live.  Things like this can happen anywhere and how do we prepare our hearts for such a  catastrophe?  As a parent, I can't imagine what the parents and families are going through at this very moment as I type this.  This is something that no parent can prepare for nor should they ever have to.  It is so unfair and unjust and to think about the uncontrollable fear that paralyzed those children in their last moments is unfathomable.  It brings me to tears and makes me so mad at the enemy for stealing the innocent and true joy and hope from peoples lives.  I close my eyes and try to put myself in their shoes.  I think about Eli and sending him off to school trusting that he is in the safest place possible.   A parent never entertains the thought that the worst could happen there.

Today, a parents worst nightmare and fear took place. My heart hurts and no words come to mind that can justify the deep ache that I feel for the people of Newtown, CT tonight.   This is a tragedy that cannot be undone and nothing can be said to make things right.  The only thing that we as a people can do when something like this hits close to home is to be the comfort that He is to us.  This is the extension of God's hand in the flesh and He promises in the scripture that when people are troubled, we will in turn be able to bring comfort to them as He has for us.  My prayer tonight is that the victims of this horrific event would tangibly feel the supernatural comfort of the Creator extended through the hands of the created.  This is the only thing anyone can offer at a time like this because I'm sure everything appears to be caving in for many right now.   May the families who are hurting, broken and crying out in anger tonight be justified by the One Constant that remains true and faithful.  I trust that God will be their comfort,strength and peace because nothing else in the natural could even come close to bringing them through such an uncertain and heart wrenching time. One positive that stands out to me from all that I have seen, is that the teachers are truly heros.  They loved, protected and fought to keep those kids calm in the midst of chaos.  It's a blessing to have people standing to fight for our children and comforting them when we as parents cannot be present.

As we all lay our heads on our pillows tonight may we all be reminded to pray/intercede on the behalf of the broken and those who can't get the words, courage or even faith to trust and believe for themselves.  This is a crisis of life that so many are facing and lets stand in the gap for those that are hurting.  May we not walk and live in fear because of the evil around us, but put all our hope and trust in Him.

I am hugging my little guy tighter than ever tonight, thanking God for blessing me with him and the time we have together.  Life is just the blink of an eye and let us never take for granted the blessings of life.  Evil will never be abolished here on earth, but we can stand and fight for righteousness, comfort those who have been done wrong and stand in the gap for those who are too weary to fight!    Psalm 34:18- "The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit."    Lord, thank you for being all that you say you are in scripture and for being close to the broken tonight.  Only you can comfort, heal and mend like no other man or hand can!