Its a New Day

Two more birthdays for the month of February First Karen was on the 21st. Karen and her hubby & children now live much closer which is so nice. Karen is very creative and a very good photographer. Chad's birthday is today! My soon to be brother in law is wild, funny and actually likes to hug (this is not true of all the boys)!!! Happy birthday to these dear loved ones.

Happy birthday Ryan! Growing up in a house full of girls was great. I did at one point want a brother (when Rach was born and had a temper tantram when dad said it was another girl) but it was really nice to have sisters. Now I have brothers. Brothers who welcome me with open arms into their homes, make sure that I'm taken care of and loved. Brothers who, those most are younger than me, look out for my like I always imagined a big brother would. I am so thankful for Ryan and how he opened his home to me and let me live with them for 4 years (well beyond the at first expected 1 year). May the Lord give you many more years to love and serve him and give you the wisdom and grace to be a godly husband and father.

On Saturday afternoon the Everts & Hovestadt clans invaded Mike & Karen's home for an engagment party for Chad & Amanda. We're all looking very forward to the wedding on September 30th! Opa Hovestadt with baby Chas (from Shane & Anita) 3 of the 4 grandmothers There were lots of presents to open Hannah had a front row seat for viewing on Opa's lap

Sunday was a good day. Sunday was a great day, actually. I don't get to say that very often. Besides the wonderous blessing of being able to go to worship, be under good teaching, and witnessing the sign of baptism, I was at a '5' for the day. I don't remember the last time I was at a '5'. It was a great day! The thing with great/good days is that when the '5' turns into a 9 for days and weeks on end it feels much harder to bear. I haven't figured that out yet. Is it because I know what I can get accomplished, how I can participate, the 'freedom' from unbearable pain that when it comes back I feel more frustrated and 'helpless'? This past week I only worked Tuesday, Wednesday (for 1 hour), Thursday (for 4 hours) and today... I"m not sure how long I'll last. That means that I spent most of my time in bed, in the dark, in pain. It is weeks like these that make me really wonder 'Where is God? Why doesn't he answer ...

It is a bit late, but Happy 1st Birthday to Analia Grace! This little sweetie is the most snuggly little girl you'll ever find. One minute she'll be playing and then suddenly she'll be in your lap with her thumb in her mouth contentedly playing with her silky dress. She is a very girly girl and we all just love her to bits.