Heavy Heart + Holiday Weekend

We have had just a wonderful holiday weekend. David and I have spent time doing things with the kids, getting things planted, yard maintenance, MD Parade and discussing the tragedy of the SCC family. It has been very heavy on my heart as well as his. I thought of them during the visitation hours along with the time the funeral was being held. I lifted them up in prayer...asking the Lord to have His hand upon them......I know He will. When we were leaving Saturday night to go out for dinner, I had to stand by Daniel in the driveway because he was a little upset that we were leaving. David was backing up the car. After I gave my hugs and kisses to the kids, when I got into the car David told me that he nearly broke out into a cold sweat as he backed out the car. ~ sigh ~ I just can't even imagine. After some discussion on what we should do, we have decided to give to Maria's Miracle Fund. Our cards and check will go out Tuesday. We just feel it is the right thing to do. I often wonderful why these things happen....especially to a family that honors and glorifies the Lord in such a way as the Chapman's. While I would not wish this upon ANY family.....perhaps it is also the China connection that makes it hurt all the more for me. This morning while I did my walk and run, I even allowed myself to cry a little......for the loss and grief this family must go through and for all those precious children waiting in China....for us to bring them home to their Forever Families. So...... this weekend, I have taken many pictures of my children, savoring each moment...... on the slide, the boat, swinging, playing in the sand box, eating ice cream, running around on the tennis court or even just snuggling on the couch. I pray that I never have to endure this kind of grief.

Oma and Opa came for a visit on MD, and the kids just love showing off for them. We had a light lunch, took a boat ride and enjoyed being outdoors...............And of course our holiday weekend would not be complete without the loss of power for 12 hours. Sure enough, at 2:30 AM Monday morning, the power goes out. (we had a brief storm with a lot of lightening) Sophia starts screaming as soon as her noise maker and night light goes out. She is such a light sleeper. So she came into bed with us which NEVER happens. I was crossing my fingers that The Boy would remain sleeping. Especially since I have noise makers in all of our rooms and the house was totally silent. Now that creeps me right out!!!!! But by golly, he slept through the night. At 6:30 AM David got up and started our new generator that we purchased this past Spring. This was the big first attempt to see if it had been wired correctly and if it would work. By 7:00 AM I had my coffee going, a fully running kitchen, running water, air, and power throughout the house! Thank goodness for that great big box that you see below!!!