The last month and a half have been nothing short of a whirlwind....moments of confusion mixed with moments of clarity....times of pain and loss and times of such joy and gratitude....answers to prayers so close to my heart and silence to prayers that are still being worked out in God's perfect timing....sickness and health....glimpses of life possibly returning to "what it used to be like".... and through it all God's continued promise to hold us close and give us the peace our hearts so deeply desire.  

I'm still processing the fact that we actually pulled off rescheduling our trip that COVID had cancelled, all in a matter of weeks.  We wrestled with whether or not to still go...but decided to go ahead with it, and boy am I glad we did.  I'm so thankful that we are a crew that actually loves to be with each other.  So in spite of regulations and things feeling a bit out of whack when travelling during a pandemic, we had such a wonderful time.  A few days of being together, catching up on rest, and basking in some sweet sunshine.  

And a bonus...we got to meet up with Gramps and Grandma!!

It was hard to be sad when vacation ended, because it also happened to be the day 

that this guy turned 11 

My middle one.  The one in the middle of the serious and steadfast firstborn, and the wild and free thirdborn.  He has a kindness that runs deep into his soul with a quick wit that will brighten your day in a second.  He is sharp at school, intense on the field, and loves living for Jesus.  His life is a testimony of God's goodness and grace.  He has handled every surgery, every doctor's visit, and every medical challenge with such strength and courage.  What a gift you are 

Chase Daniel.  

Happy Friday!! Tomorrow is the first day of spring.  In my book, that already makes it a great day!