Easter, parents, shower

We had a great week last week. Easter was restful and worshipful. We went to the 7:45 a.m. service, which meant the day was nice and long:) It didn't take Henry much time to figure out the whole egg hunt deal. He insisted on eating the contents of each egg before finding another one. We didn't get ONE family picture. Oh well. In fact, the picture below is one of the only ones that I got with him that day.

The next day, my parents came in to town for the week. Henry was throughly spoiled (so much so that I wonder if we are still in detox five days later)?! My parents love being active and didn't mind following Henry around outside (two of Henry's love languages). Thank you dad and mom for coming and loving us so well!!

We ended the week with a baby shower that two of the girls in our small group hosted. I felt blessed and loved and now feel like I am armed with more pink items for baby girl. Nope, we still don't have a name! We have seven more weeks to decide...

Spring

I LOVE spring. The time change, warmth of the sun, and a lot of the day spent outside has been good for my heart and our family. Compared to the places that I've lived (Alabama, Georgia, and South Carolina) the pollen has been minimal and it actually feels like spring vs. jumping straight into summer.





Hank's mom and step-dad came this weekend bringing lots of fun and easter gifts. Also, we were able to get away for the night to Richmond, which was super needed and relaxing. Thank you G-mama and Papa Hal for keeping Henry! Henry had such a great time that he uncharacteristically slept in this morning until 8: 30 a.m. :)




Earlier this month, we had a loss in our family when Levi Thompson, at 20 weeks, died in utero. Please be praying for my brother and sister in law as they are clinging to His promise of having a purpose and plan even in the pain of losing a child. One of the songs that we sang at his memorial was "Be Still, My Soul." The first verse:

Be still, my soul; the Lord is on thy side;
Bear patiently the cross of grief or pain;
Leave to thy God to order and provide;
In every change He faithful will remain.
Be still, my soul; thy best thy heavenly, friend
Through thorny ways leads to a joyful end.

The whole family would tell you that the Lord has "faithfully remained" beside Oliver and Katie and the rest of the family as we have grieved his death. We were 5 weeks a part in our pregnancies. As we prepare for the birth of our daughter in 10 weeks, it's hard to not be reminded that there was supposed to be a cousin that would be coming a couple of weeks later.

Be still, my soul; the hour is hastening on
When we shall be forever with the Lord
When disappointment, grief, and fear are gone,
Sorrow forgot, love's purest joys restored.
Be still my soul; when change and tears are past.
All safe and blessed we shall meet at last.

Isn't it wonderful to know that one day we will forever be united with the Lord and the ones that have gone ahead of us?