But God!

"My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever."

Psalm 73:26

Been thinking about this familiar verse a whole lot lately, as it's been a rough couple of months for us. It is safe to say that we've been sick more than we've been well this winter. It seems ridiculous, really. And at times when my joint pain flares up from the weather, or my babies are throwing up and are in a crazy amount of discomfort, all hope seems really far away. Seems like health and spring time and blooming flowers and warm weather will never come. 

All that my soul knows how to do is to remind myself that God is the strength of my heart. 

I was reading a little devotional to Sky from the book, "Thoughts to Make Your Heart Sing". I love this little devotional! It's written for kids, but it's theologically rich and the small devotions leave you with big thoughts about God's love. 

These words on pg. 207 of that devotional reminded me of the scripture that had been getting me through all these sick days:

BUT GOD!

Those two little words are the most important in the whole Bible-- they show up 3,930 times. 

When everything looks like it's over, when there's no hope--But God! God does something. He turns it all around. Those words are like a fire engine rounding the bend. Help is on the way! 

Adam and Eve left the garden. 'But God whispered a promise to them.'

A flood was coming. 'But God remembered Noah.'

We were helpless. 'But God showed his great love for us by sending Christ.'

Whatever is happening in your life today-- look up! Help is on the way.

"My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever."

Psalm 73:26

Gray's 2nd Birthday: the party.

So our Little Man turned 2 a couple of days before Christmas. We had previously decided to not do a huge birthday party for him this year and just keep it nice and simple. So we took him to Chuck E. Cheese for the first time and it was actually a blast. My whole family came and Gray ate a large amount of cake, and then everyone else's leftovers that Uncle Bud snuck to him behind my back. ;)

And I thought that was going to be that. 

But then the Sandyhook shooting took place, and it stirred something in me. I wanted to celebrate his life. We won't be having big parties for the kids every year, but turning "2" is kinda a big deal. ;) So we had a party for our  raspy-voiced, rough-and-tumble Little Man, in the only theme that seemed appropriate for him this year: 

A Mustache Bash.

There was... a photo booth. It was a blast for all who came. I'm pretty sure the adults had just as much fun as the kids. 

We tried to keep the party short and sweet by playing just 2 games. 

.game #1. hanging doughnuts. 

Doughnuts were hangin' from the ceiling. :) The kids had to hold their hands behind their back and eat their doughnut without holding onto it. It was super easy since we just did doughnut holes. ;) The kids all had a blast!

.game #2. pin the tie on gray. 

A week before the party, I had ordered an industrial print from Staples. They say it isn't intended for photos, but it was so perfect for this game and only cost me $3. (And it was an iPhone pic too.) I ordered it online and was able to pick it up the next day. 

So many people were able to come, which made it really meaningful and fun for Gray! It was hard balancing my time between being a host and watching Gray soak it all in, but whenever I looked over at my little man he had the biggest smiles on his face. So glad each and every one of you made it a point to come all the way out to Middletown to celebrate with us. It was truly a blast and we're so grateful for every one of you. :) And a huge THANK YOU to two of my dearest friends, Alissa and Bethany, for taking all these great pictures to remind us of this fun day.

PS:: B~ he loves his "addigator".