Rejoice

19 months ago, our lives were turned upside down by 6 tiny feet storming into this world, giving us courage, hope and much rejoicing.  We were also struck with fear, pain and grief.  Each day the trio survived was a gift we learned to cherish.  As tragedy struck the nation on Friday morning we were reminded once again of the gift each day of life really is, as we never know when God will call us home.  We vowed to hug our children all the more tightly after such a horrific event, but even in the light of tragedy such as the events of Friday, God calls us to rejoice.  After the events we found this poem online that was beautiful words of comfort to a greiving nation:

was' 11 days before Christmas, around 9:38
when 20 beautiful children stormed through heaven's gate.
their smiles were contagious, their laughter filled the air.
...they could hardly believe all the beauty they saw there.
they were filled with such joy, they didn't know what to say.
they remembered nothing ...of what had happened earlier that day.
"where are we?" asked a little girl, as quiet as a mouse.
"this is heaven." declared a small boy. "we're spending Christmas at God's house."
when what to their wondering eyes did appear,
but Jesus, their savior, the children gathered near.
He looked at them and smiled, and they smiled just the same.
then He opened His arms and He called them by name.
and in that moment was joy, that only heaven can bring
those children all flew into the arms of their King
and as they lingered in the warmth of His embrace,
one small girl turned and looked at Jesus' face.
and as if He could read all the questions she had
He gently whispered to her, "I'll take care of mom and dad."
then He looked down on earth, the world far below
He saw all of the hurt, the sorrow, and woe
then He closed His eyes and He outstretched His hand,
"Let My power and presence re-enter this land!"
"may this country be delivered from the hands of fools"
"I'm taking back my nation. I'm taking back my schools!"
then He and the children stood up without a sound.
"come now my children, let me show you around."
excitement filled the space, some skipped and some ran.
all displaying enthusiasm that only a small child can.
and i heard Him proclaim as He walked out of sight,
"in the midst of this darkness, I AM STILL THE LIGHT."

By: Cameo Smith

So even amidst sorrow we can rejoice! Yesterday was a day of just that as we celebrated Gaudete Sunday.  The meaning of Gaudete is "Rejoice".  We have much to rejoice in our lives!

19 months have passed since the trio arrived, kicking, crying and fighting! Now they are vibrant, healthy toddlers taking on the world with a smile!  We are so grateful for their continued health.  We are thankful for their individuality and the gift of their relationship with each other.  While it is still challenging at times, we are blessed beyond measure to be trusted by God with His children.

At 19 months some of their milestones include:

Walking (yes, all 3 are walking now!)
Eating table food
Drinking from straw cups
Dancing
Saying "hi" "bye bye" and various other words-Katelynn's favorite word right now is "Cat"

I'm sure there is more they have learned this last month! They are constantly showing us new things from their eyes!

It has been such a blessing to watch them grow and develop!