Pumpkin Spice Latte = Fall is here!!

What are friend's for? Several things, but amoung them my favorite is dropping off a PSL(pumpkin spice latte)!! This little jewel, my friend Tracy, has been one of my very best friends for several years! We were chatting this morning and she offered to bring me by a PSL! Yes please! Fall in a cup.  Love this girl!  And what is it about this season that makes me want to watch You've Got Mail?  I guess it's New York in the fall!

Our 10 year high school reunion

1st train ride at Railway Museum

What is it about boys and trains and trucks?!   We saw one driving one day,  then we played with a train set at Barnes, and now he loves them.  

Exploring "the ranch" with dad

Soon little one, not yet! 

Michael went riding one morning and took this pic, love it! 

I have a feeling this boy is going to love horses and riding just like his dad.  He is fearless.  I love that about him.  Yet he is so sweet spirited.  One meaning of his name is uplifted, and that fits so well.  He brought us such joy and encouragement when dad was sick.  His sweet spirit is evident to all who know him.  

Eli, sharing in tummy time, so funny.

I have a feeling little brother will soon be the bigger brother.  William is solid. A big baby.  One of the many meanings of his name is strong, which I knew while he was in my belly, I saw when he was born and put through a couple difficult tests, and now know as I see him grow. He is strong.  I LOVE seeing how they are different, how God has created them unique and has a purpose for each precious life.  Such a huge blessing and tremendous responsibility.   Good thing I have my PSL to get me going today! Thanks Tracy!! 

Welcome William Michael

Our new little guy was born July 6 at 10:24pm

8lb 6oz, 21.7in 

We are blessed by this sweet boy and are excited our family is now a family of 4

Could not be more precious!!

One minute he's playing near his box, the next I look up and he's in it- love it!

No words, too cute!!

Grace

“For the word of God is living and active and sharper than any two-edged sword, and piercing as far as the division of soul and spirit, of both joints and marrow, and able to judge the thoughts and intentions of the heart.” Hebrews 4:12

My precious little one is sick. He’s had a rough week. Started with immunizations, then high fever, then rash all over, and sores in his mouth/throat. I want so badly to take it away, and to relieve his pain. I can’t. So at least I thought I could do my part (as a mom and nurse practitioner) and figure out what the heck is going on. I’ve failed there too. His cluster of symptoms doesn't exactly fit any of the classical diagnoses. It could really be a number of different viruses and hopefully not related to his immunizations.

Helpless. That sums it up. Until, I finally sat down today, put the computer and textbooks aside and opened my bible. God’s word brought me peace, reassurance, and above all strengthened my heart as I trust that He is near. He holds my baby, He knows all. He will heal Eli. I am confident of that.

My mother, who lives each day with a broken heart, reminded me of God’s goodness. When we try to take the reins and control things ourselves (as I did today frantically searching for answers) we miss the big picture. God is good, He has a plan. I wanted the answer to the problem, I was searching there for peace.

“Therefore let us draw near with confidence to the throne of grace, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need.”Hebrews 4:16

I’m covered with grace. I’m not a perfect mom, wife, sister, friend, or daughter, but I am covered with grace to help in time of need.

Hope

When you pass through the waters, I will be with you;

And through the rivers, they will not overflow you.

When you walk through the fire, you will not be scorched,

Nor will the flame burn you.For I am the Lord your God. Isa. 43:2–3

I love that verse. Unfortunately, it takes me back to early last winter when I wrote it on some large note cards and taped them up to the wall in my dad's transplant room in San Antonio (sigh). This season of grief is hard. So many thoughts, memories, emotions flooding me daily. Longing for just one more hug from my dad, one more phone call just to check in, one more laugh......I miss those things so much. I just want more. Pregnancy isn't helping. The rush of hormones that has taken over makes crying that much easier. This is only a season. Seasons change. They don't last. Even our favorite seasons. There is a season for everything under heaven. We hang on tight to our favorite ones, wishing they wouldn't go, and we cry out in desperation for the uncomfortable seasons to pass. They will.

I am loving this season of Eli walking, talking more, trying so hard to communicate verbally. It's precious and exhausting. But such a blessing. I have such a wonderful family and it's amazing for me to think that we will be together for eternity. I will have more! I will hug my dad again, I will hear him laugh...thank you Jesus for hope that does not disappoint!

Denver and ......!!

We spent last weekend in Denver with some great friends and their 2 kiddos. We had a blast. October is the BEST time to see Colorado!! The leaves are changing and it is beautiful!
This was one of our favorite hiking spots when we lived there. It's in the foothills, not far from our old home, just 20-30mins and you're in the mountains hiking next to a stream- so dreamy.
We borrowed their backpack and Eli loved it! It was chilly, but he was a champ. So of course the next big news is that I'm Pregnant!! Another little Hobson will be here late June! I can't keep secrets very well and we are feeling blessed and super excited to add to our family! God is good!!

Paradigm shift

Life isn’t about what we want or think we need. It’s about having open and humble hearts to receive what a loving God gives. He gives life and breath today and for that I am thankful. We are not promised tomorrow. Nor are we promised the answer to the questions of why?

“ Oh the depth of the riches both of the wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable are His judgements and unfathomable His ways!

For who has known the mind of the Lord, or who became His counselor?

Or who has first given to Him that it might be paid back to him again?

For from Him and through Him and to Him are all things. To Him be the glory forever. Amen.” Romans 11:33-36