(I started this post 2-14, but am still adding to it 2-15)

Yesterday afternoon my precious mother in law passed away. She fought her battle with ALS with such strength and courage. James told me today that he thought Gran and Jesus were talking in heaven this morning. It made my heart happy to picture Suzanne, healthy and renewed, sitting at the feet of Jesus talking with him. I am also encouraged by a sweet conversation I had with Gracie just a day or two ago where she was listing off all the people that would be there to meet her Gran when she got to heaven, my precious Daddy included.

I'm not sure we can ever be prepared for the death of someone we love so much, but I am so thankful for the hope we have in Christ.

As my sweet family was singing happy birthday to me tonight I could only cry and wish so badly that Suzanne was there with us. Suzanne was the perfect mother in law for me...I could not have hand picked a better one. She took care of me and loved me like I was her own. She cared for me after our car wreck in 2004 when I couldn't do much of anything for myself. She spent time with me, shopped with me, took pictures for me, loved me and loved our babies. She was the perfect Gran for Gracie and James. She loved them so much and loved spending time with them. She planned numerous beach trips and such a memorable Disney trip. The kids loved every bit of time they got to spend with their Gran.

I am still running the Mercedes half marathon on Sunday as a bell runner (raising money and support for the Bell center). I will be wearing pictures of two sweet boys, Nathan and Owen Hite, who received services at the Bell center. I will also be wearing a small picture in honor of Suzanne. She was excited about this race with me and I think it would make her smile to know that I was still running it. When I run I am reminded to be thankful to our Lord that I am able to run and that I should never take that for granted.

Every day is a precious gift. I am so thankful for the sunshine that we've had yesterday and today.

Suzanne was such a Godly women and what a wonderful example she led and amazing legacy she has left behind. We are so sad here, but rejoicing that she is healed and not hurting any more. Our God is good and gracious.

Suzanne's superheroes

A beautiful thing happened tonight. A community of believers joined together to pray for my precious mother in law, Suzanne. It was so meaningful and such a testimony of God's love to see this group (some strangers to one another, but all people who love Suzanne) come together to call out to God for Suzanne.

Suzanne is in the final stage of ALS. We are not sure how much longer she will be on this earth with us, but I am confident that she is already wrapped in the arms of Jesus. I was reminded of our Bible Club memory verse tonight (in a sweet note to Suzanne from a praying child): "Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for The Lord your God will be with you wherever you go." Joshua 1:9

Praise The Lord

I have been helping out with Bible club at Gracie's school for the last two weeks on Fridays. We have three Fridays left to meet and I look forward to it every week. We've been singing a song each week and it's one I remember singing when I was younger. The words have been so encouraging to me today. Sometimes when I'm faced with difficult times it can be easy to forget that God is still God and that he has not changed and will not change. Today I am reminded that God is the same yesterday, today and tomorrow and I am so very thankful for that. I should be praising God all the time, praying always and focusing my heart and mind on Him. Life can be horrible, but God desires to and will sustain us during everything. My mother in law is not doing well and we are not sure what the days to come will hold, but we can be certain that God loves us and he loves Suzanne more than we can ever imagine. None of us are promised even today, but I'm so thankful for the hope I have in Christ. I will choose to praise God in the good times and in the bad times.

"From the rising of the sun, to the going down of the same, the name of The Lord shall be praised. So praise Ye, The Lord. Praise Ye, The Lord. From the rising of the sun, to the going down of the same. The name of The Lord shall be praised."

Upward

**there will be no catching up...I don't know how people do that (or blogging for that matter :)). But I'd like to start blogging a little again.

 Halftime

Just after she scored!

Gracie played Upward basketball this winter and absolutely loved it! She's never played ball before, but we learned quickly that she enjoys it. Jason got a goal for his birthday and they have had the best time playing in the driveway and at church. Jason was also the coach for Gracie's team and that was great too. Gracie's last game was yesterday and we are sad to see it end, but she's already excited about playing next year. She made her first basket during a game yesterday and was thrilled!