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Surprise!!! 41 and Pregnant!

That's right. Go ahead and close your gaping mouths...The Rector 4 will become the Rector 5 in February! We were totally surprised by this news, but we know that it wasn't a surprise to God at all. We're still a little in shock. After all, Cole will be a freshman next year and Eli will be in 7th grade and it's been a while since we've done this baby thing. My theme song lately is Kermit the Frog's, "It's Not Easy Being Green." Feeling all the full effects of pregnancy, but taking comfort in knowing that God's in charge and I'm not. There are a lot of things that have happened in our family's life together that we didn't expect, so we're choosing to treat this as an adventure and just see what God has in store. Check in here for more updates on the adventure!

Saying "See you later..."

Saying "goodbye" is never easy. Saying "see you later" is a little easier to handle. Last Wed., my dad said, "See you later..." to all of us as he passed from this world to his heavenly home. While it was unexpected, we've known for a long time that his health was declining and he was weary on this journey called life. He died at the age of 65, a devoted husband, loving father, proud grandfather, loyal brother, and devoted patriot & Marine. What a gift to hear people from every chapter of his life tell us about how much respect they had for him and how much integrity he lived his life with. He is home and is whole and that, gives me great peace.

My sister and I have focused our attention this week on going through his house, full of his and my mom's belongings. Funny how things that once were important pale in comparison when all you really have left are sweet memories. This will be a long process.

I'm so thankful for the hope of "later" that God gives us when we trust our lives to him. And...I'm thankful for the today that Mama and Daddy are sharing together in heaven. What a reunion!

It's Outta Here!!!

Well, Cole hit his first over the fence, out of the park, homerun yesterday. I'm not sure who was more excited, Cole or Kent! His homerun ball is in a special case with the date on it and I'm sure it won't be his last. That boy LOVES baseball!

Little Moments

Today I sat in a chapel as a sweet friend and her husband honored the memory of their infant son who was born and went on to heaven on April 18th. My heart breaks for them. I remember after my miscarriage a year and a half ago being so sad for what I had imagined, but what would never be. Today, I'm thankful for what is...

Last night I sat in the rain on a blanket on the bleachers under an umbrella cozied up to Eli as we watched Cole's baseball team win. Could've complained about being wet and cold, but got an uninterrupted 2 hour chat with my captive 11 year-old.

Today, I sat in the floor at a county robotics competition with that same 11 year-old and his "cool" friends. He crawled right up in my lap and just enjoyed being with mom (& his friends didn't say a word :). I'm so thankful that God's left him in my life long enough to grow and make my legs fall asleep when he sits in my lap!

My sometimes moody almost 13 year-old has been in the best of spirits today. Smiling and chatting about everything. I'm so thankful that God's left him in my life long enough that a hug is eye-to-eye and a hug is shoulder-to-shoulder.

Please pray for my friend and her family and all of those who have lost a child. I'm praying that I'll cherish each little moment.