Held by Hope

Have you ever wanted to travel back in time to be an eyewitness of the celestial celebration that took place in Bethlehem the night that Jesus was born? Now, I am quite particular about fashion, but I'd even consider donning shepherd garb and hanging out with a few sheep for that opportunity! To see angels fill the sky, to hear the voice of God through the cries of a baby. To catch a glimpse of the brilliant Star of David, and to satisfy my curiosity as to what exactly a host of heavenly angels sounds like.
Oh, and to talk to Mary! Wouldn't that be amazing to hear what she was thinking as she witnessed, and took part in, the greatest miracle ever known to man? This baby she gave birth to was God made flesh, a true bundle of love. What do you think she treasured in her heart as she took it all in? I'm struck by this thought: As she held the Hope of the world, the Hope of the world was also holding her. Ponder that!
The baby born in a barn that holy night long ago is the Hope of the world - the Grace that saves us - the Love that heals us. Jesus is Hope that changes our worthless into precious, our guilty to forgiven, our hungry into satisfied, and our empty into full. His presence is inescapable. We cannot flee from His stubborn grip. The psalmist, David said: "If I go up to the heavens, You are there; if I make my bed in the depths, You are there. If I rise on the wings of the dawn, if I settle on the far side of the sea, even there Your hand will guide me, Your right hand will hold me fast" (Psalm 139:8-10).
The Bible tells us in the New Testament that Jesus Christ sits at the right hand of God, the Father in heaven. God's Word clearly shows us that Jesus "holds us fast." Relish that thought. The Hope that holds us is Jesus Christ. We are held by Hope.
In the Old Testament, God told Joshua that He would "never leave or forsake" him (Joshua 1:5). God says the same to us. He will never leave us or forsake us; no matter the circumstances, not matter the diagnoses, no matter the financial struggle. Our faithful LORD is the same yesterday, today, and forever. We can rest assured that in everything, we are held by Hope.
After His resurrection and before His ascension into heaven, Jesus said, "Surely, I am with you always, to the very end of the age" (Matthew 28:20). He is always with us. Always loving us. Always wanting us to find comfort, refuge, joy and satisfaction in Him.
As Christmas approaches and a New Year dawns, let's be mindful of God's promise that we are never alone. Just like the shepherds received the headline news of Jesus' birth from singing angels so long ago, receive this glad tiding of great joy today: If you are in Christ, then you are held by Hope.

Giving Thanks

In homes across America, friends and family will gather around beautifully decorated tables filled with warm, scrumptious food to give thanks. It's Thanksgiving Day. However, this day will be nothing like holidays of the past for many people.
Lonely but committed soldiers covered in the dust of battle will patrol foreign borders, fighting for our freedom while their families back home long for word of their safety. The homeless will make their way to the nearest soup kitchen, hoping for a warm meal and a smiling face as so many celebrate this day of abundance. An empty place at the table will be a painful reminder of the loved one lost not long ago. A worried husband and dad will sit at the head of the table, wondering how he is going to tell his family that he just lost his job. The list of wounded hearts and unmet needs is endless.
We convince ourselves that life will be better when we have more money, when we find the right mate, when we get the kids raised or build the right house. We tell ourselves that our life will be complete when our spouse gets his or her act together, when we get a nicer car, when we get that promotion, when we are able to go on our dream vacation or when we retire. We keep trying to find joy, contentment and peace in lifeless places and things. Jesus Christ is life. He is Joy and Love and He took our place on the cross. That's why we can give thanks when it seems as if there is nothing for which to be thankful.
Yes, we live in a broken world and life is filled with pain, challenges, dark times and trials, but today can still be a day of thanksgiving and praise because praise and thanksgiving have little to do with the Thanksgiving holiday and everything to do with our inner attitude toward God. It really doesn't matter how much we lose here, my friend. I have read the Book and we win ... for all of eternity! We just need to take the time to remember ... and give thanks.

Father, we come to You today, praising You for meeting our needs this year in ways that we may or may not have understood at the time. Looking back, we see Your hand of mercy and love. We recognize Your presence and your power and we celebrate You ...we celebrate life.

With a greatful heart

Imagine that it is your birthday, and before you sits the most beautiful gift you have ever seen. You can hardly wait to find out what is inside such an amazing gift box, wrapped in gold and glitter. Everyone gathers to celebrate as you delicately undue the paper from the box. You lift the lid to find a note that reads:

Dear (your name here):
Happy Birthday! This year, you will receive tests and trials that will challenge you to your core and require incredible perseverance and resilience on your part.
The good news is that if you persevere, your faith and your character will be built up.
Love, James

Would you rejoice in such a gift, or would you throw the box at the gift-giver?

I recently read an article about Lolo Jones, an Olympic Gold Medal hopeful. Lolo grew up in a family that was homeless for many years. Lolo's father was in and out of jail and not in the picture most of the time, leaving Lolo's mother to raise her and her four siblings alone.
Lolo's story continued as the world watched her overcome her tough childhood through her love for running and hurdles. Due to her come-back attitude, Lolo was touted to be the girl who would live out the American Dream story, from rags to riches, from defeat to glory! Lolo persevered regardless of the odds against her!
However, in one moment, her dreams were crushed when she clipped a hurdle during the Olympic trials and went from 1st place to 7th place.
In less than a second, all that she had worked for, all that she had hoped for in her life was gone. In an interview shortly after her fall, Lolo made this statement:
"As I crossed the line it was very hard to pick myself back up," Jones said through tears. "It took about 30 seconds, but you know what? Today's hard and tomorrow's going to be harder. What can you do but try again?"

How many of us have felt like we couldn't pick ourselves up, that today was hard, but tomorrow didn't look much better?
The good new is that you and I know a God (or we are getting to know a God) that wants us to overcome every hurdle. He wants to heal every wound and help us walk triumphantly into our future!

So "what can you do but try again?"
Don't let go of your dreams, God hasn't!

Dear Heavenly Father, teach me how to rejoice when I face trials and challenges in my life. Please help me to see the gain and not the loss of these events. I believe that Your plan for my life is the best one possible and I thank You for giving me a resilient and thankful attitude regardless of life's trials.
James 1:2

Needy Nation…

“If my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then will I hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and will heal their land”. 2 Chronicles 7:14

Regardless of who rules a country God’s people are still to be one nation under God. In fact the early church flourished under unsympathetic authorities that were antagonistic toward Christianity. Government is not the guarantor of the influential church that infiltrates the culture with the love of Christ. We are followers of Jesus as ‘salt and light’, who are the most appetizing and shine the brightest, during the leanest of times and the darkest of days. We are a country who is in the process of reaping a whirlwind of confusion from our wicked ways, but this is job security for servants of Jesus. Your Savior gives you stability in the storm, so you are stability for the unsure and distraught. You are an agent of God’s grace for those who are floundering in faithless living, needy.

Our country needs Jesus, and ‘one nation’ under God will become a reality as Christians rally around prayer and authentic Christ like living. You know better, because you know your best friend Jesus. There is a higher standard of accountability that accompanies Christians. Therefore, in humility and brokenness lead your family to bow on their knees, repent of their sin and intercede on behalf of our needy nation. I have to ask Almighty God to cleanse my heart, before I can ask Him to cleanse my country. Healing takes place when forgiveness forges families, prayer permeates the church, and repentance leads our nation into fearing God. There is still time to turn to Christ, and you are to model the way, so be the first in line to love the Lord, pray for people, and serve sinners. God has awakened our nation out of its sinful slumber, so you can be an instrument of grace for those who are hurting and need hope. The Bible says, “I am grieved that I have made Saul king, because he has turned away from me and has not carried out my instructions." Samuel was troubled, and he cried out to the LORD all that night” (I Samuel 15:11).

The Value of Service

With all the negativity in this election and the bashing that our Commander-in-Chief has received I thought this story was a heartwarming and overdue honor to him. It's a little lengthy, but well worth the read. Thank you Betty Henry for sending it to me.
Remember to vote today and to prayerfully consider who really has the best interest of SERVING our country in mind.
God Bless the USA!

Commentary by Lt. Col. Mark Murphy
354th Maintenance Group deputy commander
8/15/2008 - EIELSON AIR FORCE BASE, Alaska --

I learned a big lesson on service Aug. 4, 2008, when Eielson had the rare honor of hosting President Bush on a refueling stop as he traveled to Asia.

It was an event Eielson will never forget -- a hangar full of Airmen and Soldiers getting to see the Commander in Chief up close, and perhaps even shaking his hand. An incredible amount of effort goes into presidential travel because of all of the logistics, security, protocol, etc ... so it was remarkable to see Air Force One land at Eielson on time at precisely 4:30 p.m.--however, when he left less than two hours later, the President was 15 minutes behind schedule.

That's a big slip for something so tightly choreographed, but very few people know why it happened. Here's why.

On Dec. 10, 2006, our son, Shawn, was a paratrooper deployed on the outskirts of Baghdad. He was supposed to spend the night in camp, but when a fellow soldier became ill Shawn volunteered to take his place on a nighttime patrol--in the convoy's most exposed position as turret gunner in the lead Humvee. He was killed instantly with two other soldiers when an IED ripped through their vehicle.

I was thinking about that as my family and I sat in the audience listening to the President's speech, looking at the turret on the up-armored Humvee the explosive ordnance disposal flight had put at the edge of the stage as a static display.

When the speech was over and the President was working the crowd line, I felt a tap on my shoulder and turned to see a White House staff member. She asked me and my wife to come with her, because the President wanted to meet us. Stunned, we grabbed our two sons that were with us and followed her back into a conference room. It was a shock to go from a crowded, noisy hangar, past all of those security people, to find ourselves suddenly alone in a quiet room. The only thing we could hear was a cell phone vibrating, and noticed that it was coming from the jacket Senator Stevens left on a chair. We didn't answer.

A short time later, the Secret Service opened the door and President Bush walked in. I thought we might get to shake his hand as he went through. But instead, he walked up to my wife with his arms wide, pulled her in for a hug and a kiss, and said, "I wish I could heal the hole in your heart." He then grabbed me for a hug, as well as each of our sons. Then he turned and said, "Everybody out." A few seconds later, the four of us were completely alone behind closed doors with the President of the United States and not a Secret Service agent in sight.

He said, "Come on, let's sit down and talk." He pulled up a chair at the side of the room, and we sat down next to him. He looked a little tired from his trip, and he noticed that his shoes were scuffed up from leaning over concrete barriers to shake hands and pose for photos. He slumped down the chair, completely relaxed, smiled, and suddenly was no longer the President - he was just a guy with a job, sitting around talking with us like a family member at a barbeque.

For the next 15 or 20 minutes, he talked with us about our son, Iraq, his family, faith, convictions, and shared his feelings about nearing the end of his presidency. He asked each of our teenaged sons what they wanted to do in life and counseled them to set goals, stick to their convictions, and not worry about being the "cool" guy. He said that he'd taken a lot of heat during his tenure and was under a lot of pressure to do what's politically expedient, but was proud to say that he never sold his soul. Sometimes he laughed, and at others he teared up. He said that what he'll miss most after leaving office will be his role as Commander in Chief.

One of the somber moments was when he thanked us for the opportunity to meet, because he feels a heavy responsibility knowing that our son died because of a decision he made. He was incredibly humble, full of warmth, and completely without pretense. We were seeing the man his family sees. We couldn't believe how long he was talking to us, but he seemed to be in no hurry whatsoever. In the end, he thanked us again for the visit and for the opportunity to get off his feet for a few minutes.

He then said, "Let's get some pictures." The doors flew open, Secret Service and the White House photographer came in, and suddenly he was the President again. We posed for individual pictures as he gave each of us one of his coins, and then he posed for family pictures. A few more thank yous, a few more hugs, and he was gone.

The remarkable thing about the whole event was that he didn't have to see us at all. If he wanted to do more, he could've just given a quick handshake and said, "Thanks for your sacrifice." But he didn't - he put everything and everyone in his life on hold to meet privately with the family of a Private First Class who gave his life in the service of his country. What an incredible lesson on service. I

f the President of the United States is willing to drop everything on his plate to visit with a family, surely the rest of us can do it. No one is above serving another person, and no one is so lofty that he or she can't treat others with dignity and respect. We often think of service in terms of sacrificing ourselves for someone in a position above us, but how often do we remember that serving someone below us can be much more important? If you're in a leadership capacity, take a good look at how you're treating your people, and remember that your role involves serving the people you rely on every day.

BOO!


We have a busy day of festivities today! The Halloween party and "parade of costumes" at school and then Trick or Treating tonight in our neighborhood. I've never gotten into the dark side of this holiday but I do love the costumes and trick or treating.

I remember as kids, my mom and dad would take turns dressing up with us and the other would drive us around to trick or treat. Funny stories! One year my dad was Little Bo Peep and my mom made his skirt out of a big metal ring so that it would poof out. Well, it was so big we barely got him in the car and when he sat down it went the whole way over the top of his head. He couldn't even see where we were going, thank goodness she was driving that year. My friend Danelle and I continued to go when my siblings were "too old to do that" - we even trick or treated when we were seniors in high school! Good memories!!

So even if you don't believe in all of the Halloween traditions, enjoy the day
HAPPY HALLOWEEN!

10 predictions no matter who wins the Election

1. The Bible will still have all the answers.

2. Prayer will still work.

3. The Holy Spirit will still move.

4. God will still inhabit the praises of His people.

5. There will still be God-anointed preaching.

6. There will still be singing of praise to God.

7. God will still pour out blessings upon His people.

8. Jesus will still love you.

9. Jesus will still save the lost when they come to Him.

10. Our lives will still be the example others watch.

God approves of this message!

HowManyOfMe.com

There are 3 people with my name in the U.S.A. How many have your name?

Political Humor

Thanks to my cousin Diane for this timely Halloween humor!

Hope there aren't any socialists in your neighborhood this year!

Tinsel Teeth!

At the tender age of 7 my baby girl has braces!!!

She started with a palette expander in August (PAINFUL!) ...........

.... and yesterday they put on her top braces. She'll have these for 18 months. In the meantime the palette expander will come off sometime in February. Just in time for her 8th birthday!

"Putting on the gear"

She did great and was pretty excited to see them on herself. She chose black and orange bands so that she could match the Halloween season. She plans on red and green in November to prepare for Christmas. Only she would plan that far in advance!!

Raegan and Dr. Jenkins - what an awesome orthodontist!There goes the savings!!! But oh that smile will be worth it.

October 5th - It's Been A Year

One year since Aaron's "homegoing". It seems like yesterday we got the terrible news of my brothers death. But, strangely, there is a feeling that it happened years ago - like I haven't seen him in ages. That feeling gets stronger and stronger.

It is odd, I admit, that we recognize deaths with anniversaries. But as several friends have reminded me, it is how we mark time and how we choose to never let the memory of those we love die. Our family put this in the Bedford Gazette and the Cumberland Times News marking the one year milestone.

In Honor And Memory of Aaron D. McCoy

1/9/72 to 10/5/07

He was more than just a son, sibling, husband, father, friend

A hunter who loved PA mountains, every hill and bend

He was more than a member of the U.S. Air Force each time he flew,

A distinguished loadmaster on a C-130 Gunship crew

He was more than a singer with a strong tenor's voice

A person who greeted others with excitement and joy

He was more than a hero and a motorcyclist

A sparkling smile that we'll forever miss

More importantly Aaron was a Child of God

He trusted that Christ died for him on the cross

A servant of the Lord, He taught God's Word

And shared it with passion to all he could

His life was lived with purpose and his death was nothing less

For our God is sovereign and He knows what's best

He would want you each to know that Jesus died for all

Accept this gift of eternal life - for soon, He will call!

We'll see you there, Aaron!

We all attended church together and my mom actually sang "I Can Only Imagine". The Lord gave her an amazing amount of calm and composure. She shared how we all were celebrating Aaron's homegoing and trying to imagine that awesome sight of our Lord Jesus that he saw when he was immediately caught up to be with Him that day, October 5th, 2007.

After church Joel, Raegan and I stole away to spend some time at the gravesite. When we turned around my mom and dad were right behind us. We shared a few tearful stories and laughs together and then headed on our separate ways.

Aaron's grave is never lacking for decoration. Daddy said that he's never seen such a decorated gravesite. My mom laughs and says, "Aaron knew I liked to decorate for the seasons".

We have come to know the peace that passes all understanding that comes only from knowing the Lord Jesus as our Saviour and that He has a plan for each of us. As I've said before - there are NO accidents. Each event in our lives is to be used to bring honor and glory to our Lord and to lead others to Him.

October

I knew that I was dreading this week. I just didn't want to flip the calendar and see that month OCTOBER staring me in the face. It's not as if I didn't know it was coming but I guess I was in denial or just wishing it away. It has affected my mood. I've found myself preoccupied, emotional, and anxious. Each day inches us closer to reliving that terrible traumatic day. But a verse came to mind this afternoon:

"Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus." Phil. 4:6-7 (NIV)

As this month begins and the day draws near, my prayer for each one of us that have been touched by Aaron's home-going is that we will not be anxious and distraught but rather we will seek the Lord in prayer offering up to Him our fears, our heartache and our emptiness. And that the peace that He promises will guard our hearts and minds to see His ways and His plan.

In much prayer and thanksgiving,

Rivals!

Just like many of our friends, we spend most of our Saturdays at the peewee football games. I told my mom that I think it just might be a cult! Seriously though it demands alot of time but there are valuable lessons that the kids learn in the process. Atleast I hope so - I'm not spending all this money for nothing am I?!

This past weekend was especially neat because Raegan and her cousin Olivia (Adam's daughter) played against each other. Olivia cheers for the Saints and Raegan cheers for the Colts. You will notice the considerable amount of space between Raegan's front teeth - she's had her palate expander on for 6 weeks and the braces are coming in 2 1/2 weeks. yippee.

When I took this picture the little boy moved - #30 had been leaning over on #4. It was darling.

Cheering loud and very proud - the colts WON!!!

Grammy and Pap got to come to their first game - it was perfect, they pleased 2 grandkids at once!
They had to run between sides but that was okay with us. Here my dad was talking Lance's ear off during the game. Lance goes to church with them and we all grew up with him and his siblings. Raegan's twin cousins came to watch her - well, they really watched the game but she liked that they came. They are big into soccer but now have the fever for football.......lookout!!
The weather held off for almost the entire game but near the end we got some showers. The girls were prepared with their ponchos. Raegan and her friend Maddie posed for me. Another month to go of being cheer mom!

Weekend Escape!

Joel and I gathered 3 other couples on Friday and headed to Canaan, WV for a weekend away. It was time for us to escape (yes escape) from kids, jobs and responsibilities - that sounds extremely mature doesn't it? Well, every once in awhile it's a good thing to do. So we did it.

Joel and I have stayed at this house before and really enjoy all the space and extra amenities.....flat screens, hot tub, fireplaces, etc. We spent our time playing a game that is called Corn Hole (hate that name, I think it might mean something really nasty in other contexts) it's just a bean bag game that has become popular in the WVU tailgating circles.
Competition was stiff and who knew we had a CHAMP in the group - Brady, you're "amazing"! ha ha. That's Brady on the right.
It was obvious that we had some competitive spirits among us when we pitted gals against guys for Taboo, Battle of the Sexes and Cranium! For the life of me I don't remember who won which game but I can tell you the guys were astounded at the vast knowledge we women had of obscure subjects like pan fish, snare traps, golfing and oh, yeah Monica Lewinsky!!

We also spent a fair amount of time in the hot tub (no pictures allowed) and lounging around.

We are definately creatures of the technology age! We had laptops, Iphones, and cellphones all in use during the weekend! Bridget and Brad - the best pictures are those spur of the moment ones.
Smile Lucien, it's just a game! Joel, decked out in his camo apron, making bacon for breakfast.
Five of us ventured off to go horseback riding. Joel set it up for us and did a great job. He knows how much I LOVE to ride and I think this may have been the highlight of the weekend for me. Brad, Joel, Bridget and Mindy all ready to hit the trail.

OH MY GOSH! That picture just got erased!!! oooops

Mindy's first time horseback riding (well, she rode one once in high school). Let's just say she was very nervous about this experience. I was so proud of her - she did it! They gave her this horse named Cricket - it's the one they put all the kids on. He was perfect for her!

I requested a spunky one and they gave me just that. His name is Chamois and he definately made it worth my money! Reminded me of my horse from home, Tashi.
We rode for an hour and a half through the State Park - the weather was perfect and the views were picturesque.

At the 1/2 way point we stopped "on top of the world" for our Koday Moment!!
What a weekend!

Thanks honey, for making it happen.

Labor Day

Hope you all have a wonderful and safe Labor Day weekend. I know many are getting a last minute camping trip in and others enjoyed a wonderful day tail-gating at the WVU game-- go 'eers! You can bet that Coach Rodriguez is wishing he would have stayed in the mountains instead of heading for the hills of Michigan! His loss!

Most of all, our prayers are with those in the path of the storm headed for the coast. We pray that all the preparations will be for nothing and it totally surprises us all and takes a different course leaving the states (and our oil rigs!) unscathed.

God bless,

Month of May (In Review)

So here's the month of May in review. When I left off it was Mother's Day, we enjoyed a wonderful meal at Puccini's after church with my mom, dad, Carole and Olivia. Adam was on the road traveling somewhere - hard to keep track of his many journeys! Isn't my mom just gorgeous - no one ever believes us when we tell her age. Yes, she's 59!

Christina and the kids arrived around the 21st or 22nd - we were so relieved to have them arrive safely. It was a very emotional return since the last time they were here was to bury Aaron. We vowed to work through it and enjoy each moment, making more memories.
That Friday my mom, dad, Christina, the kids and Raegan and I went skating. Everyone of us skated and I believe everyone had atleast one bruise to show for it! It was quite an experience to be at the skating rink - it's where the 4 of us kids spent alot of our Friday and Saturday nights. We loved to skate and it was THEE place to hang out. I don't think they've changed a thing since then! Same floor, same carpeted walls, same bathrooms and yes, even same skates -ha, ha!

The lighting is terrible there and my old camera doesn't do well with any movement, but this is Christina and I with Raegan and Lanie.

Love this picture!

Samuel, Chandler, Raegan and Lanie smiling big - Bennett wasn't in the mood at the time.

We all went to church together that Sunday and they had a Memorial Day Tribute - tears, tears, and more tears! Our family had a picnic afterwards and then the kids wanted to go for a ride in Pap's truck. Something we used to do alot as kids but is less than legal these days since there are no seatbelts in the back of trucks. Oh well, in the small town of Centerville you can get away with a small violation of the law. : ) So we all piled in pap's truck and went for a very long ride that included a drive past the house where we grew up. Lots of stories were told and I think the kids enjoyed hearing stories of their parent's exploits from Grammy.
When we got back we all enjoyed rootbeer floats in honor of Aaron. In the heat, they were a welcome treat!
Christina pushing Lanie and Bennett. Raegan is on the left

Like most families, the kids always want to go to the other's house or have one of them stay over. Well, before you know it all the kids were divided up and Christina was "kidless" - we took them all. Samuel and Bennett came with us. But before we went home we drove to the cemetary to see if Aaron's stone had been delivered. Christina, Samuel, Bennett, Raegan, Joel and I stood and watched them unload, arrange and set the black granite headstone. As heavy as those stones are, it's quite an accomplishment for anyone to set them but two women set this stone by themselves, very impressive!!!
Mother and Daddy did an excellent job picking it out and designing it. The picture of Aaron in the left hand corner is in color and guaranteed not to fade, the top right corner shows a C-130, a Bible is displayed in the bottom left corner and in the right corner there is a big buck bounding through the woods. The back of Aaron's headstone includes each of the children's names. It brings tears to my eyes each time I see it. This stone is the epitome of all that Aaron loved.

This is the footstone placed by the U.S. Air Force, not sure why it does not include the Iraq War on it as well. I'm sure there are guidelines, etc. I'd love to know the specifics if anyone knows. by this time the sun was going down and the kids were tired and needed baths so we headed for home. Raegan and Samuel got in some valuable Wii competition while Bennett got a bath.
Bennett really liked Uncle Joel's bear

The next day Samuel and Joel went to the farm and played on the tractors and 4-wheeler. We joined them later until Bennett fell asleep on the 4-wheeler WHILE we were in the woods!
Joel took the time to teach Samuel how to use the weed eater.

more male bonding time. Bennett & Raegan on the trampoline
We loved having the kids at the house but Bennett wanted mom after 2 days, so he went home to Pap and Grammy's and Samuel stayed with us.

Raegan loved having "a brother" and Samuel loved picking on her. Here she made him sit and listen to her read a book for school. He was very patient and even watched Hannah Montana with her - way cool!

Which one is really asleep?I can't explain the emotions I felt as I looked at Samuel sitting on the couch. He looks, acts, talks just like Aaron did at that age. Watching him and Raegan was like watching a replay of my childhood. Sooooo wierd. But what great memories!

Coming next......June!

Leah