The M&M Story

Thank you for all the prayers for Max. We are not out of this yet - but at the very least, we see some healing and maybe not as many little pox places as before. He's in much better spirits now. I sometime marvel at God's creation as I look at my two boys - so different and so complex. I've been doing a fair amount of reading on learning styles in order to best support the both of them. As I've discovered, they learn in completely opposite ways. You can only imagine homework time. Last week, Briggs brought home two books that he wanted to read and promptly sat on the couch and read them. Max brought home an invention - a water catcher that he'd made out of recycled material during center time - and promptly went outside to try and hook it up. Briggs invents more homework. Max doodles all over his spelling sheet. I LOVE my little guys!

Please pray for Max. He has a type of pox virus that is wreaking havoc on his immune system. In order to treat it, he is very uncomfortable, and it seems to be leaving little pockmarks, which could be permanent. Please pray that God would heal him completely and that there would be no permanent marks. Thanks.

In the middle of wrapping paper and gifts this Christmas morning: B: Max, I always want to love you. M: Well, when you love me, you always knock me down. (as in a hug) A lovely Christmas celebration this year. I was blessed to see my little boys love on each other and love on others. And as I've reflected on this season, I'm humbled to see God's redemptive hand in so many corners of my life. Recently, M shared with me some thoughts about Brian, how he missed him and what Brian must look like now that he was in heaven. And then in his quiet, reflective way, he expressed his love and trust and respect for a special friend of ours, a man whom he's known since he was born (and who knew Brian). In his own words: "I think of him like a dad." Rather beautiful and graceful of God, I must say. He's faithful to the big picture of Christmas and to the small picture of each individual child that He calls His own. Have a very Merry Christmas.

my little family Originally uploaded by smaynor I rarely get a family picture as I tend to be the photographer, but my mom graciously offered and I like this one. Merry Christmas all.

first day of school Originally uploaded by smaynor A little late. First day of school for M and B. First grade, full day. JK, three full days. Rock star brothers.

IMG_4128 Originally uploaded by smaynor Halloween fun. Fire Pit. Turkey Dogs. Costumes. S'mores. Candy. Fellowship.

This past Friday, November 7th, marked the three year anniversary of Brian's Homecoming. And my family is together, happy and healthy. What a testament to my Father, whose promises are faithful and true, and to His perfection and plan for a life that seems chaotic and scary. This year I experienced peace. Deep breathing peace. Yes, I miss Brian, probably always will, but it doesn't ache so intensely anymore. It's restful and quiet, a graceful tugging every now and then on my heart, not an iron grip, squeezing tirelessly. As I reflect on the past three years, I see just how big of a mess I was. To those first months when life felt like Tom's Twister. Focus, breathe, take a step forward, wait I'm dizzy. To the first year, then the second, when reality stampeded over my life, and I did everything to avoid broken bones. To today, the beginnings of the fourth year without my sweet Brian, when I'm hopeful for new beginnings and new endeavors. Life is but a...