Rylee'Bug' Groupies

2.21.2010

Remembering...

Having Rylee has brought so many blessings to our family-not the least of which are the families we've met. Sometimes the families have children with the same disorder as RyleeBug or also have special needs children. Often we've met these families over the bedside of their child-forging friendships, conversations set to the tune of heart and oxygen monitors. From time to time God allows us to cross paths in the most mundane of settings-work or WalMart-grinning over buggies and wheelchairs as we discuss ways to stretch a dollar. Rylee's Rally allows us to personally meet and love on the families we've only met over the phone or prayed for through a church's prayer line, heard of through a 'friend of a friend.'

For some reason God has blessed us, allowed our hearts to touch-in those quiet still moments we gain a small glimpse of His purpose for us. While we can never fully trace His hand drawn masterpiece for our family, we can always trust His heart.

'The Lord himself has gone ahead-He will be with you, He will never leave you or forsake you. Don't be afraid and don't be discouraged.' Deuteronomy 31:8 (paraphrase)

"For I know the plans I have for you,'declares the LORD, 'plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.'" Jeremiah 29:11 NIV

Please remember in prayer this month and next those of us who have lost a child. Look us in the eye, put your arm around us...word aren't always necessary. We can never say enough what it means to us when someone remembers, talks about our sweet baby girl. Our special needs family has lost several children in the past few months-our dear friends the Fitzpatricks and Vannatters are remembering their daughters, the first year mark of Fiona and Emma's passing. Other families like our own-the Cribbs, Laneros, and Carters-are marking in our own way birthdays, imagining what their little one would look like three years old, four years old, seven years old; remembering smells and touches as a mommy, carried in their hearts forever just as they carried that precious, much longed for, perfectly made masterpiece under their heart for nine months.

Pray that God will continue to fill our hearts with a peace that passes all understanding. That our families can live the very best life possible-living with joy, laughing loudly, soaking in and enjoying every precious moment...and in doing so, by living each day to the fullest-we honor and celebrate our children's lives, and the One who gave them to us.

1.31.2010

All decked out...now, where do we go in the middle of winter?!

First things first-let me apologize sincerely for the long delay in updating Bug's groupie page. Since her birthday entry we put our house on the market, sold our house, moved into a rented townhouse, went on a goose chase for the next house, and have finally settled into the idea of building. Aaron has worked some crazy hours, Ryann got glasses and H1N1(not in that order), we celebrated our ten year anniversary in Maine, and Rylee had her first big holiday out and about with family.

And she has begun to smile.

sigh

Life is good.

Hope everyone likes the new picture-her Daddy picked out the music...gotta admit it does seem to fit! Thanks to everyone for all the support, prayers, encouragement-and for helping to move those boxes. (We will need you guys again this summer! And yes, I will feed you.)

In the midst of house building we are also gearing up for the third annual Rylee's Rally. Be sure to let us know if you'd like to volunteer this year.

Now that our Internet is up and running again I'll be posting regularly again. (promise!)

Thanks to all the groupies for continuing to check in-still amazes us to think that after five years, folks still want to hear what we have to say. Still very humbling-we never take it for granted.

To all our family across the pond-the Laneros, Johnsons, Lemos, and others...you guys must get Skype! We miss ya'll.

To our friends and family here and a few states over...can't wait 'til Spring is here and we can see you all again. Fitz, Carter, McLaughlin, Pickem, Williams, Durin, and Vannatter families-"partay" at our house once we are moved in...ever wanted to vacation in 'Wild & Wonderful' West Virginia?!

To our faithful few who check in AND leave comments-keep 'em coming what an encouragement! To you who 'stalk' the site (*ahem* we know who you are! grin) we love you and miss you too!

"Oh give thanks unto the Lord, for He is good;

for His mercy endureth forever."

Psalm 107:1

Yes I realize a verse sounds and looks better with a

Casting Crown/Third Day/Leeland--KLovey type song.

I'll repent on the next post! :0)

1.19.2010

Yikes!

Everyone is well-sorry for the delay...long story, but I should have the site updated (yes, with pictures!) by the weekend. Apologize for leaving everyone on edge, explanations to follow!