Our pastor said just what I was thinking today during the funeral for this precious 4 year old boy, Caden Ledbetter, who's family goes to church with us and we've had the opportunity of watching battle so well over the past two years, as Caden endured the ravages of a rare cancer-neuroblastoma. "This is much too small a casket. We all know this is not how it is supposed to be." A tiny casket, covered with teddy bears and sports jerseys. The flowers on either side had a Rangers cap hung in one and a bouquet of little boy themed balloons tied to the other. His collection of "The Hulk" figures sat on a table beside it.
As we celebrated Caden's life (who was just 3 months older than Miss Liza Jane) and thanked God for taking away his pain and giving him a new, perfect body and although we know he is now free and with our Savior, the pain his family is experiencing right now is excruciating. This life is fractured. God did not create things to end like this. Death was not supposed to be part of it. It can be easy when things are going well and life is easy to believe the lie that things are good here. I am very guilty of this. (Of course there are joy-filled seasons of life, but even that is simple an undeserved gift of our Father to show us a glimpse of how wonderful things are going to be.) Unfortunately, the Fall happened, and sin and death entered the world, so now we wait in anticipation of what is to come (And not only the creation, but we ourselves, who have the firstfruits of the Spirit, groan inwardly as we wait eagerly for adoption as sons, the redemption of our bodies. Romans 8:23). Waiting for the day when He returns and reigns on the earth, taking away all pain, sorrow, weeping, mourning and death! I feel this week I've longed for the second coming more than ever since my salvation 12 years ago. Life is hard, and if this was it, quite honestly, I wouldn't want any part of it, but thankfully, we do not mourn as those without hope. We have the promise of eternal life through Christ Jesus to those who believe. Oh, how needy we are for Him.
So also you have sorrow now, but I (Jesus) will see you again, and your hearts will rejoice, and no one will take your joy from you. John 16:22
Delicious!
Ben had his first Fun Run in August and you better bet we were there! The kids love to help daddy. We are so blessed to be a part of such an incredible company. 
This splash pad is close to our house and an absolute blast during the sweltering days of summer. 
Thanks so much for stopping by! I'll hopefully catch up to the present soon!
This is Chaz's absolute favorite shirt. He calls it "Obodog" and wears it every time it's clean. He even slept with it like a blanket the other night. 
Chaz also loves to accessorize. We've tried giving him as many masculine choices as we can. This is his "Booster cape". He wears it around the house, to playgroup, to church, etc. He's our little super hero!
My mom got Liza Jane and her "Bitty Baby" matching ballerina costumes last Christmas. Too cute!
Her favorite thing to dress up as is a princess. This is Sleeping Beauty. She has Cinderella, Ariel and Tinkerbell and has asked for Mulan and Jasmine for her birthday or Christmas! 
Our pastor said just what I was thinking today during the funeral for this precious 4 year old boy, Caden Ledbetter, who's family goes to church with us and we've had the opportunity of watching battle so well over the past two years, as Caden endured the ravages of a rare cancer-neuroblastoma. "This is much too small a casket. We all know this is not how it is supposed to be." A tiny casket, covered with teddy bears and sports jerseys. The flowers on either side had a Rangers cap hung in one and a bouquet of little boy themed balloons tied to the other. His collection of "The Hulk" figures sat on a table beside it. 
Liza Jane went to the dentist recently and did such a wonderful job. She had a great attitude and let the hygienist and dentist do all that they needed to do. I was so proud of her!
Each week when we go to the grocery store on our "big trip" the kids get donuts if they are obedient. This is typically how Chaz's face looks when he eats the donut.
On this particular trip, Chaz fell asleep about 10 minutes after the previous picture was taken. He's such a cutie!
More phone pics to come!
Today was Liza Jane's first day of preschool at Fellowship of the Parks Church down the road from our house. She was so excited to go and had a wonderful time! I'm thrilled for this new adventure. They had circle time where she learned about the weather with "Frankie the Frog", learned her classroom job (which she can't remember!), talked about the calender, then made a ginger bread man and used finger paints. They also read a story and went to music class. She loved singing songs! She also got to take her lunch to school and enjoyed eating in her classroom. She made one friend, Ella, and told me she doesn't want to make any more new friends. We'll keep talking about that one :). 
