Update and Reflections

Aubrey had several tests during and after her recent (a month ago) hospitalization.  Everything they tested has come back and everything came back normal.  The tests they did are some of the ways that a metabolic or mitochondrial disorder commonly show up.  They do not conclusively rule anything out--except for the one that ruled out an overdose on her medication.  We were kind of hoping that was the answer.  So, we are thankful for the results we have--even though they haven't been able to explain things as of yet.  I am so very thankful for Aubrey and the joy she brings to our lives and how healthy she is for now.    Some of our friends have been telling us lately that they admire our strength and perspective in the midst of these things we are facing.  I have to be honest, we don't always succeed at this, sometimes we are overcome by our fears even though the Lord tells us over and over not to fear. I have to constantly take my thoughts captive and not let my fears for her future take root. It is a frequent battle for me especially.  The Lord is refining us.  I have been learning that the Lord has given us each our own measure of hardship, our own cross to bear unlike anyone else's.  I think we have been able to be thankful despite the circumstance, but the next step is to be thankful for the circumstance.  We are thankful for the depth it has brought to our marriage, to our love for Aubrey, and to our relationship with the Lord.  Bottom line: We trust in the goodness of God.  ALL THE TIME He is good.

Dining Room Artwork

My friend Robin helped me start this project a few weeks ago when she visited.  I had so much fun tapping into my creative side and painting this piece for our dining room.  It is four pieces of wood each 2 ft x 2 ft, textured and painted.  

It's the Little Things

NEW SUIT

Here Aubrey was showing Daddy her new swimsuit when he got home from work.  

LITTLE HELPER

Aubrey was a big help when we were fixing the sprinkler system!  We were actually so proud of how well she played around the yard while we were digging ditches, glueing pipes, and filling ditches.  She has been very good around the pool so far.  She has enjoyed the hot tub very much the couple of times we have taken her in.  
JOYS OF PARENTHOOD

One of the greatest things about being parents are these little moments when we get to hold Aubrey after she has fallen asleep in the car before we transfer her to her bed.  What a joy!

VALENTINES DAY
Brian took me to the Houston Museum of Natural Science for Valentines day.  They had an event called "Love Bugs."  There was food and dancing amongst the dinosaur bones--a Salsa band played and we had a blast dancing.  We visited the body exhibit with the plasticised bodies--it was really cool and educaitonal!  We also got to go through the butterfly exhibit which was very cool.  Then we walked through a park in the warm rain.  It was a lovely evening.