The kids

Levi
In less than 2 weeks, Levi Clif will turn 1.  Where has this year gone?  The boys do not really favor each other in looks, but in actions...I'm beginning to worry.

Levi's not walking yet but has no problem getting around.  His hobbies include: climbing everything in sight, screaming at Lyston if Lyston is in mommy's lap, and saying "dada" repeatedly when asked to say "mama."

 

Lyston

Lyston is Lyston.  Those who told me that he would start calming down as he grew up were apparantly just trying to make me feel better;) Lyston keeps us laughing though, and I wouldn't trade that for anything.  The other morning he was getting dressed and realized he hadn't put any underwear on the night before under his pajamas.  Lyston told me, "I didn't have underwear on.  I just slept in my weenie." 

We go on walks, and with this hot weather, Lyston likes to find shade and take frequent sitting breaks.  Last time, he insisted on bringing his "furniture" with him (little plastic chair and bucket.)  Lyston sits in his chair with his bucket next to him and his water cup in the bucket.  He will make an excellent beach bum. 

Lyston likes to tell us about the many things he will do when he's "a dolt"(adult.) Lyston has decided on a career as a construction worker.  He also plans to have many kids, so he can spank all of them.

 

 

Kinley 

On Sunday, February 3rd, it will be two years since Kinley passed away.  For those of you who have lossed a love one, you know the pain never goes away.  It just changes.  Our music minister has asked me to sing in church that morning.  He wasn't aware of the signifigance of the day, and I almost declined.  However, I felt like maybe there was a song I needed to sing, a word God wanted me to share.  The song I've chosen is "Not for a Moment" by Meredith Andrews.  The chorus goes:

"After all, you are constant.

After all, you are only good.

After all, you are sovereign.

Not for a moment, will you forsake me."

That's the message I want people to know.  Our circumstances change.  God doesn't.  His character isn't dependent on my situation.  The God I serve sent His Son to die for my sins.  This same God gave me three beautiful children and took one of them to live with Him.  It was before I was ready, but it wasn't before He was ready. 

God didn't leave me to deal with my grief.  He's been there every step of the way.  He's still here walking me through each day because I miss Kinley every day.  I hope wherever you are at today God's presence is felt and that you are able to rest in His sovereignty.