Golden Sparkles

It's been awhile since I've posted.
We've had some golden sparkles since then. 

Gold sparkles:
Treasures and valuable gifts that shine and reflect the light in a beautiful way.

Our first gold sparkle of the year is our sweet new little person!

This mama was so ready for her to come by the time her due date arrived (and passed!).  She made things a bit difficult for me as far as delivery, but she's safe and sound and as perfect and sweet as every new baby is. 
Of course, in my eyes, she's even MORE perfect and sweet! ;)  
She's nearly 3 months old now and seriously has been an angel baby.  
She is so happy and smiley and just content with life.
Rystin likes to say that she's so happy to be a part of our family,
but really, we're just all thrilled with her! 


Another area we've had some gold sparkles is in our homeschool. 

We have truly been enjoying learning together this year.  It's been a lot of fun as the kids have grown a bit older to do more projects, read 'bigger books', and just explore our interests.  God's creation is so amazing, and we are seeing His beauty in every area!  


Another Gold Sparkle:
Rystin turned 6!

This boy continues to amaze me as her learns and grows.
God has been so good and I love to see this smile! 


And one more Gold Sparkle:
We celebrated Skyler on what would have been his golden birthday on the 8th.

Skyler's birthday is always very bittersweet.
We dread it as it comes, knowing how impossible it is to truly celebrate the birthday of a child who is no longer with us.
But so far, each birthday that has passed has been a blessing.
We feel so much love from those around us, and God's arms feel extra close.
We are able to remember and be thankful for the time with had with Skyler.

I was thinking the other day about loss, and this came to mind...

A mother knows what it means to love someone so much that it hurts.  But it's not until we lose that someone, that we realize how deep that love truly was.

The hurt is still deep, but time has eased the pain.
That is also bittersweet, as part of me wants to hold onto that pain, knowing that my love for Skyler is so closely woven into that hurt.
And while that deep pain comes and goes, I think an even bigger struggle for me is fear.
Fear for the day that the pain may come again.
I want to hold on so tightly to my family and just hide away.
But I know that there is nothing I can do to protect us.
This world is an imperfect place, and we are not promised an easy life.
In fact, we are told we WILL suffer.
But may our suffering be for His glory.
May all of the hard stuff work together for His good.
It will!  He promised.
So I hold on to that, praying for strength for whatever lies ahead, thankful for the hope we have for the day that truly we will have 
GOLD SPARKLES
forever and ever, with no end! 

Thanks so much for stopping in to listen to my rambling thoughts.
I know I don't always post very regularly, but I pray that you are encouraged as I share my heart.