Looking back to 1.12.2010

6 months ago... life was uncertain at best... down right scary actually.
on January 12.2010 the world was rocked by the Haiti earthquake which killed 200,ooo innocent people and left many injured and homeless...
but on that same January12.2010 my niece Lexi celebrated her 4th bday...
and on that same day my world came to a halt...

I faced the fear of losing my soulmate, best friend, and father of my 5 kids.... for on that day Josh suffered a TIA, which is AKA "mild stroke" The first couple of days were spent in the hospital with tests up the kazoo... I was lucky to have many friends help with our kids so that I could be there by his side. I canceled my all expenses paid trip to Dallas for WOF because life was so uncertain I didn't know if I would have a hubby when I returned.

Let me tell you friends, when you are faced with the possiblity of your world being turned upside down you look at things through different eyes. Every moment mattered now... there was no taking it for granted. All I could think of was thank God that he spared Josh and that he was going to be okay (after surgery) We would still have time together and with our precious kids.

Things could have been different... I could be nursing a stroke ridden hubby... I could be a widow mothering 5 kids alone... thankfully that is not my story... instead we have been able to spend the last 6 months together as a family, loving each other... playing together, and making new memories to share for this lifetime...

This also made me realize even more just how important it is to be ready to meet our Saviour Jesus Christ. This life is just life... it is not what really matters... ultimately no matter how much I love my family or how much I love my hubby... what really matters is how much I love my God and what kind of relationship I have with him... everything else is just extra.

Here are a few photos from of "us" from the last 6 months.
Doing what we love together!

front row seats to see Matt Maher, Leeland, and Phil Wickham - LOVE it.

Rocking Worship Roadshow - MercyMe - David Crowder Band - FEE - and more

Sabbath afternoon hikes with the family

time at the beach

family fun nights...

and much to Josh's dismay... the baby chicks :) I think he would have rather not seen this!

The girls and I at a Brit Nicole/Natalie Grant/Phil Stacey concert

and teaching this precious boy to ride a bike...

I am telling you people. Hug the ones you love... tell them you love them... and make every moment count. Take lots of photos... put your family right behind God... don't let the little things tear you apart, instead enjoy the little things, even the irritations... for one day you may beg to have them again.

Sorry for being on my soapbox today... I just feel so lucky and blessed in this life.