Monday, March 26, 2012

Remembering my dad today



For the father in him, so full of pride
whose happiness in life he could not hide.
For the husband in him, of twenty-seven years
who accompanied a love and swept away fears.
For the fan in him, at every game or meet
there for support through win and defeat.
For the Christian in him, with so strong a belief
seeking God is joy, in patience, for relief.
For the man in him, who would greet me at the door
that we looked to with love and respect, even more,
For the father in him, at my best friend's side
now safely watching over us from where he may eternally abide.
Stefanee Escay, March 26, 1999

Sunday, March 25, 2012

March 25

Three years ago today we brought Emsleigh home from the hospital after a weeks stay.

Blessed be Your name
When the sun's shining down on me
When the world's 'all as it should be
Blessed be Your name


Four years ago today we buried Miriam after a little over a week of having her here with us.

Blessed be Your name
On the road marked with suffering
Though there's pain in the offering
Blessed be Your name

Great joy and deep sadness all continue to be mine in the month of March.

Every blessing You pour out
I'll turn back to praise
When the darkness closes in, Lord
Still I will say

Blessed be the name of the Lord
Blessed be Your name
Blessed be the name of the Lord
Blessed be Your glorious name

You give and take away
You give and take away
My heart will choose to say
Lord, blessed be Your name

Saturday, March 24, 2012

Emsleigh's Birthday Party

We had Emsleigh's birthday party on the morning of Friday, March 16. It was a fun time with mommies and friends.


Memaw made tutus and Robin Hood outfits for everyone to dress-up in, even daddy!





Emsleigh loved her cake!!


We hunted Easter eggs.


Played lots of bubbles.


And just enjoyed being around friends. That morning when Emsleigh woke up I asked her, "Are you excited for your party?" She replied, "I am excited for all my friends to come over."






It was a special time and we are so thankful for everyone that was able to celebrate Emsleigh turning three with us!!





Friday, March 23, 2012

Thursday, March 22, 2012

The Birthday Week

I continue to be so thankful that the Lord gave us Emsleigh on March 18th. Right in the middle of a really hard eight days. I will never get tired of thanking the Father for this precious gift! Like any little girl, Emsleigh was so excited for her birthday. She talked about it often! However, on Wednesday the 14th, Emsleigh did stop and starting singing "Happy Birthday" I thought she was singing to herself like she had been all week. But her little voice sang out, "Happy Birthday to Miriam, Happy Birthday to Miriam, my sister."

Celebrating began when Grancy arrived.



Emsleigh received sweet packages and cards throughout the week. Here she is wearing her new princess pajamas from Rhonda.


I took Emsleigh to get her very first haircut. She was very serious about the whole thing.



Memaw and Pepaw sent a big package.


The package for Emsleigh's birthday party included tutus for all the girls to wear! Here they are below along with Grancy who is decorating for the party.


Thursday night before our little party, my friend Corrie came over and decorated Emsleigh's ballerina birthday cakes. She was amazing for staying up late and maneuvering around the cake at 37 weeks pregnant. Thank you Corrie!!




Reid Park Zoo in Tucson

Before we picked up Grancy from the airport last week we spent some time at the Reid Park Zoo in Tucson. It was a perfect day and much needed family time away from home!












Saturday, March 17, 2012

Thinking of Miriam

The month of March brings a wide span of emotions for me. Even though it is different being in Arizona during this time the emotions, feelings and the reality is no different. She is not here. Every year brings about its unique reaction or perspective. This year, for me, the Lord has really used certain people to help bring me through a difficult month. I am so thankful for those, despite time or distance, who think of Miriam. The phone calls, messages and notes reminding me that they have not forgotten our precious Miriam or our pain in losing her has brought me great comfort. And those thoughtful people who remember with us has grown with new friends here is Arizona. What comfort that support and love has brought. One of our most thoughtful friends, Rhonda Lambert, cleaned and refreshed Miriam's grave for her birthday.



"Those who would glorify their God must expect to encounter many trials. No one can be esteemed before the Lord without many conflicts. If, then, your path is marked with many trials, rejoice in it because your life will provide greater evidence of the all-sufficient grace of God....The God who has been sufficient until now, should be trusted to the end." Charles Spurgeon.

I pray God would continue to use our trials and suffering for His glory!

Tuesday, March 13, 2012

Cubbie came to Cubbies

Cubbie came to visit us at Cubbies the other night.
Abby loved it. In her own words, "this is great!"


Kesed was unsure...


Emsleigh ran and hid...

Tuesday, March 6, 2012

Recent Randomness

Emsleigh and Kesed have been interacting more and more and it is super fun to watch. They like to hold hands in the car and Emsleigh will sing her songs....like Twinkle twinkle little star and her own made up songs...."we best friends." Emsleigh also gives Kesed a play by play of what is happening up front..."we are going to pick up daddy" or "shhh mommy and daddy are talking" things like this.


Emsleigh and I went with the youth at church to Jump Street, an indoor trampoline park. Emsleigh was excited.


However, she did not like it all. I managed to get a smile out of her here. But she WOULD NOT jump. And whimpered as I had her try all the different things atleast one time. Overall it was fun but we won't be going back for a good while.


Kesed loves the walker we are borrowing from the Whites.


Kesed thinks it is so great that she can stand up in her crib and Emsleigh is always so proud of her. She usually claps and says "Good job, good job!" in a high squeaky voice!

Emsleigh took a nap (rare) on the couch (even more rare).


Emsleigh had Kesed wear her tutu.


She is sooooo big.


The other day during rest time Emsleigh found the lotion and made sure baby did not have dry skin.



Kesed is all over the place.





It is always fun times when daddy comes home.