This Mixed-Up Life

This is a new kind of post.
A kind I wish I wasn't writing.
I haven't updated this blog since November 16, 2013.
If only I could go back to that date and relive the following 5 months again.
Back then, I was busy with craft shows, Etsy orders, preparing for the holiday season, and just the craziness of life.
If I had known how life would change in 2014, I would have done things differently. But I'm glad I didn't know. I probably couldn't have made it through.

You see, this little boy, our Skyler Thomas, the one who made me 'Mommy', went to be with Jesus.

And then, just exactly 6 weeks later, this little girl, Janae Hope, a sweet and precious blessing, was born.

And this is my mixed-up life.
The heartbreaking loss.
The peace of Jesus.
The ups and downs and pregnancy.
The joy of new birth.
A good day here, and bad day there.
A constant missing piece, a comforting new addition.
Part of you is gone, but a new part is here.

Source: http://media-cache-ec0.pinimg.com/originals/18/84/00/1884004a7d169360f7bd18394fc74867.jpg

We are trudging through this mixed-up life. One step at a time, moment by moment. We are missing all those little things, while we enjoy new little things. Some days it feels like we won't survive as we face the days ahead without our little boy.
But we have been amazed as we have been so blessed during this time.  Jesus has so carefully wrapped us in His loving arms.  He has sent His people to love on us in the midst of it all.  He knows just what we need, when to send it, who to send.  We have felt the prayers of thousands around the world, the support has been overwhelming. Though we feel the pain, and see small glimpses of the reality of the pain of this life, we know that we WILL make it.
Life never goes as planned, and we will all face pain on this earth. I thought my life was pretty good.  I thought that most my plans and dreams were pretty much happening, and in a lot of ways, life couldn't be better.  May 1st, 2014 came.  This is the day that changed my life.  It is the worst day of my life. The day my life got mixed-up. 
But I can still be thankful.
I have a good God.  He has proved His love.  He has drawn my family close and showed us His power and grace.  There IS hope! This life isn't forever, and some day, we will join Skyler in the presence of Jesus for Eternity!!

Now I'm not going to make any promises about keeping up on this blog.
If you've been here from the beginning, you know how that can be.
But just maybe, this will be a new kind of place.
Not just for sharing projects, DIYs, and business updates,
but also for sharing the heart. 
It might become a place for me to share memories of my sweet boy that I miss each and every day.  Of stories of the blessings that are still here with me.
A way to encourage others going through similar things. 
A way for others to encourage me on my tough days!
It could be a place where you read about heartbreak and healing.
About an experience that only Jesus can bring you through.
Maybe it will make you cry, maybe it will make you laugh.
OR maybe it will be a quiet place,
like it typically has been for that last several years :)
Again, I can't make any promises. 
I am only taking one day at a time, and praying for the Lord to lead in my life.

May God bless you always!
Thank you for your love