January Sunshine

This is what homeschooling looks like on a 

warm January day.

Swinging is fun!

What do you think of my new hair-do?

Moriah pulled the big Quaker Oats

tub out of the pantry. I figured since 

they were already on the floor, I'd let

her play in them for awhile. 

It is hard to believe how warm it's been the last few days. Could this really be January in Colorado? We tried to soak up as much sun as possible, but as the clouds rolled in this afternoon and the air cooled, I felt like we should have been outside more while it lasted. We went to the park for a picnic today. The sun was still warm, but the wind was starting to pick up. Every time a big gust would come Moriah would say, "Woah, Woah!" She loved swinging (as always) and sliding down the slide.  It felt good to be out and about. 

My away-from-home activities for the last several weeks have been limited due to a bout with mono. Andy had it soon after we returned from China. I thought I had dodged the bullet, but I started to feel pretty bad around Christmas. I am doing much better now...thanks to lots of rest, meals provided by friends and family and a wonderful husband and kids who have pitched in a bunch.  It did bring to light what an eleven, eight and six year old consider a good lunch: nachos and ice cream. I didn't care as long as they fixed it themselves. We also supported  our local economy by eating out quite a few times.  Moriah was sick for part of the time, too. She ended up with yet another ear infection and a bad cold. It does make me appreciate my normal energy level and feeling good. 

We are preparing to head to Denver on February 2nd for Moriah to have a tethered-cord release surgery and tubes placed in her ears. It appears that her spinal cord is connected at the base in a way that will cause nerve damage if it is not corrected. It is a simple procedure (for a neurologist) that will take about an hour. We will be in the hospital for a couple of days.  While we are in Denver, we will also see another specialist about some of the other concerns with her back. We would, of course, appreciate your prayers about all of this. She is a brave little girl and we expect that she will do fine, but it is hard for us to put her through it and to be away from our other three.  

Our favorite thing the last few days is to hear Moriah say, "Yuv You!" It just melts our hearts. She is just a joy.  It is amazing to remember that scared little girl who was placed in our arms just four months ago. She has grown so much in every area. We can only give thanks and rest in His grace.