Step by Step

So, nothing has really changed since the last post.  Russell's back is still in really bad shape.  I look back and think "how have we gotten by to this point?"  Well, it is only by God's grace.  One day, one step at a time.  That is the only way we have survived through this ordeal.  We walk by faith, not by sight.

Russell is an amazing man.  He gets up each day knowing that he is going to face excruciating pain again and again.  I am so thankful for the friends who have lifted us up in prayer. In our American culture we want to do something.  We are compelled to take action.  Prayer often feels like the last resort,  if we can't do something, or donate money for something, we often say "we'll at least we can pray".  But prayer is the most important thing we can do.

So, please keep praying for Russell.  Those prayers are surrounding Russell with the courage to keep on going when the pain is more than he can bear.  Those prayers are the strength I need to carry the burdens that he is not able to handle right now.  Those prayers are keeping a song in the hearts of our children, when Dad can't play with them.

Believe me those prayers have kept us going. Those prayers have given us peace in midst of trial. Thank you! Now, I must go.  I have some more praying to do.  Philippians 4:6,7 Be anxious for nothing, but in EVERYTHING by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.   

Getting back into Life

Wow!  I realize that I haven't posted since my wonderful husband, Russell, hurt his back.  I didn't realize how busy my life would be. Now almost 4 months later, Russell is finally starting to get better. The kids have been amazing through all of this.  I know it has been hard on all of them.  Each one of them helped extra with no complaining.  They really love dad, and I know we all look forward to his full recovery.

I know it must be especially hard on Kidane.  He has already seen people he loves hurting and sick and then lost them.  I imagine that he is afraid that Daddy won't be able to play again.  He has tried to be so strong during this time.  Only once did he ask "Will daddy be able to play with me again?"  I could tell by the tone of his voice how  concerned he was.

The prayers and support of friends & family have been a strength for both Russell and I.  God created something wonderful when he created friendship!  So many times I received a hug, a smile or a text just when needed most.  And amazingly God gives the strength we need day by day.

Each day we have is a true miracle.  Make sure you take the time to appreciate the life you have been given.  Be thankful for everything, even the trials and hard times.  The experiences we have make us who we are.  Treasure each moment with your children, your spouse, your family, your friends.  Tell each one how much you love them and live each day to the fullest!!!!  That's how to get back into real life.

So much, so fast

I want to tell everyone about all the fun, awesome, exciting moments we have with our new son.  But by the time he goes to bed, and we sit down, we are too tired to write anything.  I am learning over and over that boys are so different than girls.
Kidane's energy never ends, and he has one volume, LOUD.  I was leaning over to get something out of a lower kitchen cabinet this week when Kidane entered the kitchen.  He wanted to tell me something, so he walked right up to me and said, "MOMMY!"  His head was level with my ear, and I answered right back, "WHAT?".  He jumped and gave me a strange look, like why are you yelling?  I had to laugh.  He has no idea that he is so loud. But I love his enthusiasm!
We were out shopping for a birthday present for one of his friends and he was overwhelmed by the many choices.  He kept saying, "oh, Mommy, look at this one, see this one...etc..."  He said "Oh, they make too many and I like them all."  It was fun watching him wrap the present and see his enthusiasm in giving to others.
I haven't even blogged yet about our family trip to Yellowstone.  He loved it!  He wants to go camping again.  He fits right into our family, we love camping!
God has a way of putting just the right person into just the right family.  He did it for me as a child and now he has done it for Kidane.  We serve as awesome God!

Out of My Heart...... What???

Life is good in our house.  The kids are into the swing of school.  Kidane loves to learn, for which I am very thankful.  We have family worship every night and during this time we sing songs.  So, we tried out a new song this week.  Into My Heart, Into My Heart.   Kidane loved it right away.  Very simple lyrics and nice tune.  He caught on quickly and began to sing as well. 
Our family added a second verse which we sang on the next night.  Out of My Heart, Out of My Heart, shine out of my heart, Lord Jesus.  At the beginning of this verse the look on Kidane's face was PRICELESS!!   He said "out of my heart", what you no want Jesus in heart???"  We all tried hard not to laugh but couldn't stop.  Of course, we explained the word shine very quickly and now he likes the second verse too. 
At the table last week he was eating lunch and said "mommy, my hands are stinky."  Rather alarmed, I looked over at him from the kitchen and calmly asked why they were stinky. "They are very stinky, mommy".  At which point I realized they were "STICKY".  Oh we have so many good laughs over words lately at our house.  Any of you have kids with "stinky" hands?   If so just hug them and laugh.  :) 

God does hear and answer prayers!

 When Kidane first came home he slept very well.  He slept in our room, in our bed.  Then the second week he slept on a mattress on the floor, the third week Carrie slept on the floor in Kidane's room and he slept in his bunk bed.  The fourth week we had company and Tyler (the son of our company) slept in Kidane's room.  So by week 5 Kidane was ready to sleep in his own room.  But after a couple nights he had trouble sleeping.  He can't sleep without lights on.  So we have a night light in his room, the hall, the bathroom, well you get the idea.  Lights were not a problem, however, we noticed he was getting up at night and closing his bedroom door.  So I asked him why and he said "that man (then he made a scary face) comes".  I said what man,  you are safe here, there is no man.  I tried with every explanation possible to assure him he is safe here.  Then Kidane pointed to his head and said "man come in here".  I realized he was telling me he had bad dreams.

We have family worship each night and pray together with the children.  But this called for more action. 

So I prayed with him and asked Jesus to make the bad man go far away.  And in the morning while eating breakfast, Kidane said,  "Mommy, bad man no come.  You pray and I sleep good."  Praise the Lord!  So the next night he asked Russell to pray and again, he slept well.  Tonight he prayed to Jesus himself.  We serve a very powerful God!  

It's Cold

We have to laugh when Kidane says it's cold outside.  Poor guy doesn't know what is coming this winter.  He says that it is cold and wants a jacket and pants when it is 70 degrees outside.  I know he will adjust, he has too.  North Dakota winters are tough! 

So many firsts!  He wanted to use binoculars today so I said yes, but only in the house.  I said, go to the window and look outside.  So he proceeded to head out the front door.  Carrie looked out the front window and there in the front yard was Kidane, looking up at the front window from outside.  We had a good laugh over that, but we brought him inside and showed him how to look out into the fields. 

He has finally learned how to say girls.  Since we have two girls this was very important.  He always pronouced the word "girls"  like "gross",  it was so funny.  Each time he would say "gross like this?", or "where are the gross?" Cassie and Carrie would quickly correct him.  "GIRRRLS".   Hey,  doesn't every boy think girls are gross???

I will try to get on here more often, now.  There are sooo many funny memories, and wonderful firsts for Kidane.  He is amazing!