Heartache and Thanksgiving

This year has been a year of firsts for our family. And, most of them have not been pleasant. Last week brought another first for me and for our family. A week after learning Brad and I were expecting our 3rd child, I miscarried. I was 5 weeks pregnant and the due date was Laci's birthday. I had only told family (Laci and Megan did not know and still have no idea).

The emotions have been so crazy the past few months and I am still trying to process everything. Writing on here (and decorating) are my ways of releasing and coping. My feelings last Tuesday when I realized what was happening were quite honestly, not God honoring. I remember thinking seriously, God, what else can happen! But, those emotions and feelings changed as again I was reminded of the miracle of life. As we celebrated Thanksgiving, I clung to my girls realizing how precious life is and what miracles they are! The best way I can describe that feeling on Tuesday was that I knew so many people had gone through this and it was so common, yet I felt so alone! No one knew. I spent the entire day trying to hold back tears as I went through the daily motions.

My sister and I joke that we are ready for 2010. I know that what she went through is harder than anything I can imagine at this point. And, in no way do I want to compare my miscarriage to her loss of Weslee; but, in a way as I was decorating her house for Christmas I felt a new bond. For you see, we are 5 years apart and have never really been in the same "season of life." But, right now we are there. We can cry together, laugh together and in small sense understand one another.

I could write so much more but as I am typing, I have a precious almost 3 year old tugging at my housecoat saying, mommy, please come lay with me. Once again I am reminded of God's blessings.

My final thought: My mom tells me this story and it has become my prayer. As a very special friend was battling breast cancer, she told my mom, I just pray I don't miss what God is trying to teach me through all of this. That has become my prayer. Because as I have walked the line of bitterness; joy, hope, love, the kind that comes from Jesus is all around!!!!

Thanksgiving, Part 2 and 3

Thanksgiving day we headed down to my Mamaw and Papaw Caple's for lunch! We had a great time and enjoyed seeing everyone. My Papaw's birthday was Friday so we had a cake and celebrated with him along with Thanksgiving!

We enjoyed having Uncle Wes home also. This is the first time we have seen him since August. He has to go back for about and week and a half and then will be back for Christmas!!!

My Mamaw and Papaw Caple.

That night we celebrated Thanksgiving with Brad's Dad and Step-Mom and Step-Sister. We had a really good time and again got to eat wonderful food! I didn't take any pictures that night. The kids play hard when Papaw and Mimi and Angie are over!

Thanksgiving, Take 1

Yesterday we had Thanksgiving at my Papaw and Mamaw Grant's farm and had a great time. Here are a few pictures:

Bottle-Feeding the neighbors calf

Tackling the cat

The goat attacking me...or trying to.

Brad likes to take on the goat!!!!

And, the goat like to attack Brad

Goodbye 20's

Well, this post is a little late, but that is okay! I have officially crossed over into my 30's!!!! My birthday was October 23rd and that is the same day my sister went into the hospital. I thought I was going to get to share my birthday with Weslee Faith, but I guess she wanted her own date. Either that or she knew her momma didn't like odd numbers! Either way my birthday bitter-sweet.

This picture was taken after the birth of Weslee. It was after being there 26 hours and lots of tears. After holding that precious baby who doesn't even get to see her first birthday, it makes you thankful for 30!

Just Couldn't Resist

Halloween was fun, but I must say I am glad it's over. It's not one of my favorite holidays, but the kids enjoy it! Friday night our Sunday School class had a party and I just didn't have the energy to go. Plus, it was another night with Sarah and Mom before they all head back to work this week. Brad took Laci and it was awesome. He wore my Pink Ladies outfit and matched Laci. It was priceless!!!! Here are couple of pics.

Here are some pics from Halloween night. Megan and 3 of her friends were "Super Hero." They each had an outfit made with their first initial on it in their own unique colors. We hope to get a picture of all 4 of them sometime soon! So, Megan was "SUPER MEGAN."

Getting their treats from Lukee and Siba (Luke and Olivia)!

Family Photo

The Costumes

Happy Halloween 2009!