Rejoicing, Remembering and Praying

Sometimes I feel guilty when I'm having a wonderful day and I know there's somebody out there who isn't - but then God reminds me that I've had my fair share of bad days and it's okay to have fun and rejoice - and in fact it is the RIGHT thing to do.

So today - since my life is currently peaceful (and I praise God for that), we went and played. We did what we've done on so many other beautiful days (did I mention I LOVE sunshine!?)... we went to the zoo.

Have you ever noticed that the zoo is a perfect place for getting some great photos? This could be Jonas' senior picture - if he were a senior... I took it in the Asian Forest.

We have a favorite place for taking pictures while at the zoo. It's in the new tiger exhibit. It's a cheerful little area with brightly painted tables and chairs and benches. People don't usually stop there for long because there's really nothing to look at (animal wise), but we stop and take pictures! See the cool colors and patterns?

So, Abigail got this one of us by the pop machine - not a very beautiful background but a fun picture. Cecily has a bit a lot of her spazzy momma in her. Look, she's smiling so big you can't see her eyeballs!


We've never seen the tigers up close... until today. Silas thought it was totally cool! See his look of "Awesome!"? (I had that look on my face too.)

But Harrison wanted out of there - FAST. Too close for comfort if you know what I mean.



So, that was our pleasant day (well, couple of hours) at the zoo. I'm grateful for the opportunity I had to spend that fun time with my kids, but I'm reminded of people whose lives aren't so easy right now. In fact, today I'm featuring a family who's been faced with a new trial, but has also been given a very special and beautiful blessing - Baby Paxton.

I'm sending you over to meet Jenn and her beautiful family of 6 (but one of their sweet babies is with Jesus). Paxton is their newest member and he was born with HLHS (Hypoplastic left heart syndrome). My daughter Anna had a heart that was very similar to Paxtons. She didn't have HLHS, but she also had a hypoplastic left ventricle. When I recently visited Jenn's blog and saw that they had a new baby with health needs, I just knew that I needed to tell all of you about them - because I know how faithful you are to pray and of course Paxton and his family could us some extra prayers.
Don't forget to leave a comment telling Jenn you visited and that you'll be praying. Tell her you came from my blog so I can enter you in the November giveaway. I'm working on a couple of totally fun gifts - just waiting on the final word before I announce them. Don't worry, I have an equally fun back up plan. :) ** Oh, I'm so excited! I just got the November's prize all worked out - and it's so unique and fun... I'll share later today so check back!______________________________________
Also, please continue to pray for Danielle Cripe and family.
And if you have just a little more time, please click over to meet Laurren. She is a young lady who has cancer and a fellow blogger is working on some ministry opportunities to help this family. I've had her button up on my side bar (top right) for about a week.
"Bear ye one anothers burdens..."