Our Year of Miracles....

We can not let 2007 slip away (okay, I guess technically it's already gone..) with out documenting what we consider to be several events and experiences that testify to our family that there is a Living God and that He love us, His children. Last year:

-Of the four members of our immediate family, we did not spend ONE DAY SICK. Klare went from age 2 to 3, Kennedi from 5 to 6. I do not know anyone of these ages that has survived an ENTIRE YEAR with out even a case of the sniffles. We prayed the entire year that the girls could be healthy so that we could spend as much time as possible with Belinda, who was on and off chemotherapy all year. Our prayers were miraculously answered, as the girls had not been sick since mid November 2006 (right before our trip with Belinda to Disney World) until the end of December 2007...about 3 weeks after Belinda passed away. Miraculous.
P.S. We have been sick ever since. Just makin' up for lost time. ;)

-Jaw surgery. These two words say a lot. The miracles? Insurance coverage. When initially praying about the decision to have surgery, I felt that I should do it and that the cost should not be a concern. Of course I did not tell Karlin this, just in case I was misinterpreting my answer. And so we prepared to pay, all the while I hoped there was some other way than using our savings or Karlin having to work overtime. I had thought of a million ways it could have been payed for, none of my ideas included our medical insurance! For my birthday last year, I got a letter in the mail that our insurance was covering almost all of the cost. I had one surgeon tell me that in 10 years, he had one patient who had PARTIAL coverage. I learned a valuable lesson, trust in the Lord. Even if you can not see a way, if it is His will, He will provide the way. NO WIRES!!! I was not wired shut at all, and with my genetically low body weight, this was a huge blessing. And beyond that, I only had two rubber bands to hold my jaw shut, where typically you have many more. I was blessed to eat completely solid foods in under 6 weeks, many people go months on baby food! And last but not least in any way, shape, or form....Our Mothers. Bless them for there irreplaceable love and service.

-A baby! When we decided to try for Klare, it took nearly 8 months to get a positive result on a pregnancy test. I had made up my mind before jaw surgery that I would wait a year post surgery before trying for another baby. Well, early last fall while reading the scriptures the prompting came that it was time for another. It came sure, clear and sudden! Two weeks later, we had a positive test. With so many who struggle with fertility issues, this is a beautiful miracle to me. It's also one more example that if we are willing to do His will, He will bless us.

We truly believe that the Lord loves each of us. That He is merciful and charitable enough to bless our little family in spite of all of our weaknesses. We feel so blessed to have His spirit in our lives to guide our family. We pray that this year we may continue to grow closer to Him and live in a way that is pleasing to Him.