Day Ninety-seven

"Apply biblical principles to your life, using their wisdom to help you make decisions each day.  Remember that God Himself is with you all the time as the Holy Spirit; ask Him to make you more aware of His constant presence with you and know that you can rely on Him to help you do whatever work God wants you to do. Communicate regularly with God through prayer - talking with Him honestly about your thoughts and feelings, and listening carefully to what He has to say to you."  Do Something: Make Your Life Count.

I think that I probably need to do some more listening, but I have been communicating regularly through prayer.  Many times a day, every day.  It's amazing what a difference it makes.

Ryan had a good day, the weather was great, Mirjan cooked some great pork chops....yeah!   I love coming home to happy kids and a smiling wife!  Nothing better!  Davianna gave me some jump kisses, and then Emma was trying to copy her and laughing.  Ryan then came and hugged me several times.

Mirjan, Davianna, and Ryan then left to pick up #4 (our dog) on the organization chart (I was informed that I am #5).  She (the dog) received her annual, summer haircut from a professional stylist.  I guess Mirjan doesn't like the way I shave her (our dog), or she just wanted her (our dog) to have the pampered treatment.  Anyway, she (our dog) looked completely different.  It even took a while for Emma to process the changed look.

While they were gone, Emma and I played on the trampoline.  She LOVES it!  I just sat there while she bounced on her bottom and laughed.  Then we just stared up at the sky and watched the birds fly by.  Awesome time with her!

Today, Mirjan was running around with the kids and sent me this picture of Ryan from her cell phone:

Rare occasion:  I'm taking live input for the blog:

Ryan's input: "This is the coolest.  Oh, yeah, this baby is cool.  I am cool. I'm going to ride it to my house. I love my motorcycle.  Oh, yeah.  It's cool."

(I didn't have the heart to say there is no way that you will be riding a motorcycle any time soon.  I still remember my first lesson, or the 1 minute verbal instruction before I got on a dirt bike when I was 12 or so.  I started the bike, accelerated too fast, went straight into a corn field, managed to turned it back around as I was getting slapped by the corn, and then spun out on the dirt road.  There's another story, mom, that you didn't know. At least I provided entertainment for my friends.)

Davianna's input:  "I hope that Ryan is going to feel better by my next birthday."

Mirjan's input: "Today was a productive day."

Emma's input: "Hahahahaha....UmmmmHmmmm"   She also learned the word "caca" today, as the potty training continues.  What a milestone that is now etched in the internet's memory.

This evening there was another milestone.  Davianna and Ryan went up by themselves to take a bath.  What happened to my kids??  I sat on the floor outside the bathroom and listened to their conversation about nothing and just enjoyed that they were getting along together. 

Good, simple day.  Thank you, Lord!

Father, I thank you for guiding us this far along the journey, and I ask that you continue to help us through until you have healed Ryan completely.  You have provided us strength and comfort, and I am grateful.  I ask that you strengthen Ryan's body and prepare his mind for this week's treatment.  I ask that you continue to heal my little boy.  In Jesus' name I pray.  Amen.