The M&M Story

M. asked me today if we get a new name in Heaven. He requested that he get to keep his.

Yesterday, my mom came over to watch my children for an hour so that I could QUICKLY run to Trader Joe's for Thanksgiving supplies. M and B are great at the store, but it does take us twice as long. As I arrived home, I saw two men mowing my lawn. And then one more showed up. I did everything not to burst into tears as I saw these men serve their God and their sister on this crazy week of Thanksgiving. M immediately found his "lawn mower" and went up on our back hill and ran from side to side as our friend mowed the back. I loved how big he wanted to be, how helpful he wanted to be, and how hard he wanted to work. And I was overwhelmed by the blessing of these men. But, really, as I write this, so much of this was watching the Spirit move in His people, including me. The last couple of months, my lawn has been somewhat a challenge for me. I would do what I could and then pray how to solve the challenge. But over the last couple of weeks, I've seen God work

A whole year has passed since I said good-bye to Brian and so much has happened. Volumes. It has been a year full of grace and mercy, of brokenness and forgiveness, of sorrow and delight, of pain and healing. I never thought I would be where I am at this moment, breathing easier than I have in months, knowing that my God is good and perfect and everfaithful. I've thought of Brian so much over these last days, remembering his gentle ways, his quiet humor, and his sweet spirit. He taught me so much about love and patience and kindness and goodness. He taught me about perseverance and loyalty. He made sure I didn't take myself too seriously. He listened and loved. A couple of weeks ago, I got a flat tire. I don't know anything about flat tires. I've had them before, but I would always call my brother, my dad, or my husband. Well, my brother lives in California and my dad and my husband live in Heaven, so none of those men was an option. And, really, I've

PB015090 Originally uploaded by smaynor . As Briggs was reading, his precious piggies listened intently.

Reading in bed Originally uploaded by smaynor . Our typical night routine includes reading books on my bed amidst pillows, blankets, and piggies. The other night I told the boys to go pick out their books, and we'd meet in my room in a few minutes. As I walked in, this beautiful picture greeted my eyes.

Spiderman and Piglet Originally uploaded by smaynor . My children have never been trick-or-treating before this year. A friend called and invited us to their neighborhood so we decided to try it out. Max, my somewhat obedient one, was gracious and kind as any four year old can be. If the people said take two, he took two. If they said take four, he would take four. He offered jokes when asked, mostly making up his own knock, knock ones. Briggs, on the other hand, was a different story. He quickly figured out the secret to getting the most candy. When several kids are crowded around the bowl and the person says take two, you take two, and then you slide your hand up again and grab a bunch more. I had to closely monitor my little pig. As we turned to walk off the front porch, Briggs would say, "next house? next house?"