Happy 2nd birthday, Connor!!

Two years ago, we got to meet our healthy, cute little boy, Connor, who decided to surprise us by arriving two weeks early.  We can't express that moment realizing that we had been entrusted with such a precious gift!  We are so thankful to be the parents of this sweet, energetic, happy, kind boy! 

Happy 2nd birthday, Connor!  We pray that you grow up knowing, loving, and serving our Lord and Savior. 

We love you very much!!
-Daddy and Mommy

Connor Ray Toews- a healthy 4 lbs, 15 oz!

Lots of smiles and laughter!

Still No Answers

Over the last six months, Connor has gone through quite of few blood tests in order to figure out why his hemoglobin, hematocrit, ferritin, and iron saturation numbers were so low.  Fortunately, his hemoglobin and hematocrit levels have normalized with an increase of iron in his diet and a supplement, but his ferritin and iron saturation levels are still quite low.  This has lead his pediatrician to believe that he might have thalassemia, which is a genetic anemia.  We are now waiting for approval from his insurance to run this specific blood test.  The results from this test should hopefully give us some clear answers and some direction as to what steps should be taken next.

Joel, who is now 11 weeks old, just had his blood tests done for Mission Aviation Fellowship's physical exam (which is the exam that first revealed Connor's anemia).  His results show that he has some similar issues that Connor has, though his numbers aren't quite so low yet. 

As their mom, I'm not only tired of seeing my sweet boys get poked with needles but not having clear answers as to what is wrong (if anything) honestly makes me anxious and frustrated.  In my anxiety and frustration this week, I was convicted that I was not fully trusting God.  I was not trusting the Great Physician, who created my boys, loves my boys, cares for my boys, and knows what is best for my boys.  Oh how thankful I am for His forgiveness and His Holy Spirit who not only corrects me but then strengthens me to trust God all the more.

Would you join us in prayer?

- That we would trust God with the boys' health
- That we would be able to get clear answers soon
- That we would have wisdom as we seek out a second opinion

Fall Walk

Soaking in the beautiful fall colors and crisp weather with my three boys!

This Mom's Devotions

Having young children can make it challenging to find time to do anything other than change diapers, feed a hungry toddler, nurse a screaming baby, train the toddler who is curious and gets into everything, wipe snotty noses, wash load after load of laundry... How am I ever going to find time, uninterrupted time, to spend with the Lord?  I miss those pre-mommy days when I could wake up and sit on the couch for an hour with my Bible and a hot cup of coffee in hand.  This was a struggle for me until the Lord faithfully revealed how I could spend time with Him in the middle of my fun, wild and crazy day with my two little guys. 

1. Read the children's Bible to my boys-  The Bible stories in Connor and Joel's Bible are simple yet still packed with truth for people of any age.  I not only want to instill God's truth in their lives, but it is a great way to be reminded of the basics that are explained so simply for little ones.
2. Play worship music throughout the day-  It keeps the fragrance of the Lord in the home all day and helps me keep my focus and attitude right.  It is really fun to hear a little boy's cute voice sing "Then sings my soul my Savior God to Thee. How great Thou art" (which is Connor's favorite song right now).  We also enjoy Seeds Family Worship, which not only teaches and reminds me of scripture, but Connor is starting to learn God's Word through song.
3. Post scripture verses throughout the house.
4. Leave my Bible, Bible study and prayer journal on the kitchen table, open and ready for whenever I can steal a minute.

Phases of life come and go.  The boys will be grown up before I know it, and I'll be able to have more focused time with the Lord again.  But no matter what life's circumstances, I'm thankful that the Lord meets me right where I am!