trials, blessings & changes

Well, this past month has been one for the record books!

Jeff studied the entire month of January for his big part II board exam. Someone was a little pouty every morning as he headed out the door to study...

The kids are so used to Daddy being consistently at home, giving them baths every night, wrestling, etc. so they missed him so much! He brings such happiness to our family and we are so very proud of all his hard work. There have definitely been challenging periods during this dental school journey, but looking back I seriously cannot think of one time when I felt like He was not putting us first. I am truly thankful.

We are finally beginning to see the light at the end of the tunnel. He found out last weekend that he passed, which was a huge relief and one more step to graduation! Whohoo!

time to party!!!

i love those sweet little fingers sneaking a bite :)

In the midst of all the studying, it just so happened that every member of our family (except for me) got sick. Hannah had the hardest time fighting it since she is so tiny and ended up with double ear infections and pneumonia :(

 

We seriously went to the doctor's office for 5 days straight, then our pediatrician decided it was time for hospital admission. It was so sad to see our baby so sick.

 "seriously, mom, I'm tired of this place!"

Mimi to the rescue!! Within 2 hours of finding out that Hannah had pneumonia, mom was on a plane bound for LA. I seriously have no idea how I would have managed without her. It enabled me to be in the hospital and focused on helping Hannah get well. Thanks Mom!

The doctors and nurses were so kind and gentle with her and tried to be the least invasive as possible. She never even had to have an IV and her sats stayed high enough to go without oxygen.

After 3 or 4 times of being deep suctioned, she began breathing, eating and sleeping so much better! We were so relieved!

We did a whole lot of snuggling, which this mama thoroughly enjoyed.

oh, those lips!

And here she is 2 days later - sooo much better, praise the Lord!

If anything, the whole situation reminded me not take one single day for granted. This sweet baby is such a blessing and we are incredibly grateful for her precious little life!

The morning after we were released from the hospital was match day - the day we had been anticipating for 6 months!

We are so thrilled about this move, yet it will mean big changes for us. All our kids know is this little house, their friends here and all the familiar things we are so used to. And, honestly there are so many things about California that we have truly grown to love - our church, friends, and as funny as it sounds  - the weather! I mean, how spoiled are we to spend January/February days outside at the park??

Caroline has already been asking, "Mama, what will we do with my bed? And my toys? And will we have food at our new house?"

We are excited and nervous all at the same time.

But, as we begin to prayerfully plan for the big move, we remember that He is with us every step of the way. We remember getting into dental school....finding our house.....meeting new friends....friends sticking with us despite the 2000 mile distance....God providing for us financially, over and over again....feeling His strength when we were lonely and exhausted. And all these things encourage us as we look forward to new transitions and new uncertainties. Because the reality is nothing is uncertain to God. He already knows...

"You hem me in, behind and before,

and lay your hand upon me.

Such knowledge is too wonderful for me;

it is high; I cannot attain it.

Where shall I go from your Spirit?

Or where shall I flee from your presence?

If I ascend to heaven, you are there!

If I make my bed in Sheol, you are there!

If I take the wings of the morning

and dwell in the uttermost parts of the sea,

even there your hand shall lead me,

and your right hand shall hold me." Psalm 139:5-10