Whereabouts of the Wickers

"And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose" Romans 8:28

I love that verse. While things are not always easy, as God never promised it would be, He does promise to always care for us. Ultimately, that meant giving "his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life." John 3:16. How absolutely awesome that He loved us so very much that he gave his only child for us? Could you do it? I'm not sure I could. I've lost children and have to say I don't ever want to go down that path again and pretty sure I couldn't do it so willing especially to suffer the way Jesus did. No matter how hard things may get in this wordly place our Heavenly Father is always there for us. 

"He gives power to the weak and strength to the powerless. Even youths will become weak and tired,

and young men will fall in exhaustion. But those who trust in the Lord will find new strength.

They will soar high on wings like eagles. They will run and not grow weary. They will walk and not faint." Isaiah 40:29-31 We are all far from perfect and weak by ourselves.  And, we will eventually be unable to carry our burdens on our back. After our storm, in the Wicker Home, I came to realize that when man says "God won't give you more than you can handle" it's just untrue. God does and will give you more than you can handle and it's in those weakest moments that the truth is revealed to you... He does it because he wants us to fully rely on Him so that he can be our strength, our peace, and grace. He never will give you more than He can handle. Surrender fully to Him today. I know we (Chris and myself) are thankful for the journey we've been on because some people go their entire life and never see how much god truly loves us and will never see these things~  One, to understand the huge sacrifice he made for us. Two, to hear Him speak so loudly to you. And three, to watch him bear all of your burdens and the full weight of them on His shoulders. So, you can definitely say that Chris and I are grateful for the hard time we've been through. Just make the most of every moment, good and bad, or else you may miss some very important things He's trying to show and teach you. "Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus." 1 Thelossians 5:18

I write all of this with a very happy and content heart. Things our going very well in our family right now. I just feel the the first verse, from Romans speaks volumes for us. As God'smchildren we are not immune to storms, but we know that no matter what it will always be ok. We've just moved into our house we built. Everything with it went very well, it had its headaches, but what doesn't? God definitely has something in store for us here. I'm not sure what, but I can't wait to see as it was His will for us to be here. The kids are out of school for the summer, and I'm soaking every sweet moment of this up, even the crazy moments. I love having my children with me, and its even better when Chris is with us. We will be taking a beach vacation this summer that everyone is very excited about. We will also have vacation bible school at our church, swim lessons, pool time, Davis birthday, a camp or 2 for Bradley... And maybe another quick getaway towards the end of summer. And, not to mention, fun times with friends and family. Can't believe by summers end we will have Bradley, 7, starting 2nd grade; Austin, 4, will be entering 4 year old preschool (his last year:(); Cameron Grace, 3, will be beginning her first year of preschool in the 3's class, and Davis will be 2! Quick updates on all the kids...

Bradley finished first grade with a bang receiving the radiant reader award and the Good and Plenty award as he is full of great ideas. He excelled in all areas and received rave review for being a great leader. He's working hard on being an obedient follower of Christ and making good choices. He accepted Christ into his heart this past spring and understands he should strive to exhibit the fruits of the spirit. He's doing well in karate and showing a great understanding of moves etc. Austin did great in 3 year old preschool. His teachers doted on him and said what a thrill it was to have him in their class after praying for him for so long. The prayers worked wonderfully as he didn't miss a beat and keep up with all the other children. He is now 36 pounds and getting a little chunky which is absolutely amazing. He's a little fish in the pool this year and his swim teacher complimented his coordination for his age, having absolutely no idea of his medical history. Cameron Grace tries to keep all her brothers in line. She's the little Mama of the group. She sings and talks all the time. She loves being with friends, playing dress up, and going to church. When we moved in the new house she said she was ready for her big girl bed, so she has been sleeping in one for a few weeks now and such an obedient little girl and stays in her bed all night.  In the mornings she gets up and comes downstairs, and often yells, "Mama where you at?" Lol it's so cute in her sweet, southern voice. She's been potty trained a few months. She did it in a couple of days with no issues and even stays dry during sleep. Davis keeps us on our toes. He's so sweet and reminds me so much of Bradley at this age, but he's into more than any of our other kids. He loves tractors, which has always been a favorite of Bradley's too. Davis transitioned well to the new house and seems to like his new room. He talks a lot and thinks he's as big as Bradley and keeps up with Austin and Bradley. I think Davis is our biggest kid yet, he's huge.  He eats anything and everything just like Cameron Grace. Davis already strings together 3 or 4 words at a time. It's wonderful after having my last 2 delayed speech wise. 

Everyone is growing so fast and doing great. It's wonderful to just be living life and enjoying the simple things.