Really? Only six months ago?

Before.

Sometimes it's hard to believe that there really was a before. The last five months have been so intense, so all-consuming that "real life" seems like another lifetime completely. For several months it was so painful to me to think about the past and what we had lost. It was equally painful to think about the future and the fear of the unknown. So I survived by living completely in the now. "We'll make it through the next five minutes and then go from there."

But we've been incredibly blessed. Our life now is not only near "normal", but with our new perspectives and experiences it's very much enriched. So I look to the future with hope and I am grateful for the past.

Six months ago, just weeks before the hospital and without a care in the world, we spent a relaxing day celebrating our little town. We love this community SO much. It only took a few months of living here for me to say that if we ever moved, Matt would have to drag me away kicking and screaming. After the last few months though, it would be over my dead body. Dramatic, I know. But I really do love these people THAT much!

Here is the family enjoying the Founder's Day parade:
And here we are at our very first tractor pull:

Rocket Man

As promised, here are the pictures from our recent adventure to infinity and beyond. All of these kids have a little rocket science running through their blood, and Matt is all too happy to encourage their interest. He gave Spencer this model rocket for his birthday and they built it together. Then a few weeks ago we found some open space and tested it out.

Here is the whole group setting up the launch pad.
Here is Spencer after getting the rocket ready for launch.
Ready for countdown:
Matt bought two different size rocket motors. This is the launch using the smaller one:

And this is the launch using the bigger one:

Extra Special Birthday

So much has happened in the last four and a half months since my last post. I've wanted to update for a while now, but I just wasn't sure where to start. I'm not going to put it off any longer though because #1: waiting isn't really helping with the pile-up of posts I have in the chutes, and #2: every time I click on my blog and see my last post, it just makes me sad. So it's time to replace that dark day with one that is full of happiness and celebration!

On January 18th Spencer turned six years old! This was such a special day for us with all that we have been through. There were some days in the hospital that we truly thought were our last with our little boy. So to have him home and happy and excited about cake and Lego's and a new bike was a true gift from God.

Here he is with his new tool belt! His kindergarten class made the sign for him.

His model rocket kit from Dad. (Pics and videos of the launch day to come!)
Celebrating with his sisters--he's SO excited to use his new ball this Spring.
New bike--I can't wait to see him ride it. (And he wanted me to mention that the training wheels just haven't been taken off yet, but "NO WAY" does he need them.)
Giving Nicole his best shot:
Birthday cake as per requested: "the horses running through the water in Spirit".

And here is just a fun video of Spencer opening his presents.