Liam's Eye Surgery

"Peace I leave with you;
My peace I give to you."
—Jesus

Today marks the day of Liam's successful eye surgery! We praise God that everything went so well; thank you so much for praying. We felt a tremendous peace - so much so, that the nurse even commented on it! That is the Lord's doing, and we praise Him. He heard the prayers of our dear friends and family. Our sincere appreciation to each of you for your thoughtfulness, prayers, cards, and emails letting us know you were remembering Liam. You upheld us - thank you so much. We could feel the power of prayer at work.

A special thanks to my parents for caring for Elianna and Elijah while we were away, and to Ben's parents & family for the meals and amazing support. Much love to you all!

Here is little Liam, at the Children's Hospital waiting to see the doctor.
We arrived around 6:15 AM

He looks pretty proud of his stylish little hospital pjs!
All ready for surgery.

Out of surgery - a hungry and sleepy boy!
The last feeding Liam could have was at 2:30 AM. He didn't eat or drink again until after the surgery at 9:30 AM - what a trooper!

A very tired boy after all was said and done. The 4 hour ride home went smooth - Liam slept most of the way. We are amazed at the outcome and are thankful Liam is recovering here at home!

Love this boy.

"Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ,
the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort.."
II Cor. 1:3-4

violin lessons!

"Make a Joyful NOISE to the Lord!"

~ Psalm 100 ~

Following in the footsteps of her Auntie Melanie,
Elianna has started violin lessons!

Here she is getting measured for her violin

Weekly lessons take place at Bemidji Music Studio

And she ADORES her music instructor, Eliza Tingelstad!

We are having a blast with music practice everyday. Elijah practices right along with us and is learning by watching and hearing. Eliza showed me a great tool in getting a two and three year old to practice for 30-40 minutes each day. If you place a gummy life saver candy on the end of their bow, they can eat it at the end of their practice time...works like a gem - a true "life saver!"

Love & Learning...

Thursday marked 4 years of marriage for Ben & I...
and I know what you're thinking ~ 4 years 3 kids - not bad!

Well, like Ben says, "We're off to a good start!!" :)

Four years has taught me a lot, but I have much yet to learn. Like...

(1). I'm learning, always learning, what genuine love really is..."Love...seeketh not her own."

(2). I'm learning that motherhood is a continual dying to self and a time to be greatly treasured...

(3). I've learned that giving birth means intense pain, yet it gives life, and that is greater...

(4). I'm trying to get a grip on the fact that in order to be organized you have to be organized...

(5). I'm seeing a great amount of people questioning God's words in the Bible and coming up with their own conclusions...which makes me pray for the Lord to search me and reveal to me any area in my life that I may do this...

(6). I'm learning that when I complain, it drains the energy out of people!

(7). I'm learning about being a wife and mother ~ It's not about me, my energy, my abilities, my capabilities, my time, my schedule, my hobbies...it's about GIVING without any expectation of personal gain. "For God so loved the world that He GAVE his only begotton Son..." John. 3:16

(8). I'm finding it truly amazing that I married Ben Caron. Still can't get over it...

(9). I'm learning that I do not cope well with my sister Melanie in Ireland...too ridiculously far.

(10). I'm learning to never turn my back on a two year old...

What are you learning??!?

Liam's eye surgery

Liam has esotropia in both eyes (cross-eyed). His upcoming surgery is called Bimedial Rectus Recession, and is scheduled for this fall. My mother's heart worries, but I know God is working out what is best for Liam, so I'm resting that HE is in control and leading & directing us. If you think of him, please pray for Liam in the coming days as his surgery approaches. Love you all!

dancing beauty

The brightness of her smile
Her love for beautiful things
Oh, that she may know the power of inner beauty
That the beauty of the Lord may be seen in her
My dancing beauty!

The Blessing of Friends

Go over to Tim's 2 Girls blog and see the fun we had yesterday with friends!! (Thanks, Eliza!)

A boy in training...

A New Life!

A warm congratulations to my sister Melanie & her
husband David on the birth of their precious baby girl:

mariah grace
9lbs. 8 oz. :: 09/09/09

Welcome to the family, sweet one; you are adored!
We are anxious to meet you!

Biking

On a family bike ride - love this time of year!

Nature Walks

"Education is an atmosphere, a discipline, a life."


My kids would live outdoors if they could...

So, as part of our daily "school-time", they run, and I mean RUN, out the door with full enthusiasm when I say, "Ok kids, get on your shoes; it's time for our nature walk!"

"Never be within doors when you can rightly be without."
- Charlotte Mason