After 5 Months

Saturday marked five months since Charlotte's short life here on earth ended. This month I have experienced the miscarriage of a sweet friend's baby and the birth of another, both of which brought on intense emotions. I mourned the loss with one and was able to say in absolute confidence, "Our God is Good and His love is unfailing and He will carry you." I rejoiced over the new life of another baby and praised God for the miracle of no complications. All the while I missed Charlie Jane. The above picture is now hanging in our hallway, and both Elizabeth and Elaine talk about her often; I like it that way, but it is also hard. A close friend and I had due dates 2 days apart, and as I watch Elaine love on and stand in awe of baby Tripp, I miss Charlotte. I wonder how our family would look and what life would be like with a five month old sweet baby girl. Then God lovingly and tenderly brings me back to reality where it is good to mourn but even better to look at His unchanging character and to be reminded of His unfailing Truth.

As I worshiped with the body of believers at CityView yesterday, I don't know that I have ever been more thankful for that time together. I looked around me and saw dear friends trusting God with the fresh diagnosis of Cerebral Palsy for their son, a couple stepping out in faith to soon plant a church, good friends struggling to understand their role in the lives of other friends who are hurting, single girls who desperately desire a husband, a friend who is struggling with what to say to her 14 year old niece that is fighting cancer, a girl who wants to know God deeply and trust Him but just isn't there yet, a man who has been without a job for months and desires to be the provider for His family, and so many others whose stories I don't know. Together we came before the throne, believing that as we sang

"I sought the Lord, He answered me

And delivered me, from all my fears, from all my fears

Those who look to Him, are radiant

And their faces will not show disappointment, no disappointment"

that it is in fact True! Our God is not holding out on us.

"For the Lord God is a sun and shield; the Lord bestows favor and honor. No good thing does he withhold from those who walk uprightly."

Though our lives may not look as we would have ever chosen for ourselves, when we seek the Lord in the midst of challenging circumstances He is faithful to answer! He does deliver us from ALL OUR FEARS; He does not disappoint! What an incredible blessing to be surrounded by this honest and real group of people practicing for Heaven and the day where our circumstances of heartache, frustration, dispair, and sadness are wiped away and faith is no more because we are face to face with the One who does not disappoint! Oh I love the Body of Christ, and eternity together is going to be fun! But, until then, I will fight for Truth, grieve in season, and rejoice in season alongside them, and I will be thankful for them doing the same for me!

This was a great month for Justin and I! We were able to get away with our good friends, the Crawfords, and take a 4 day vacation without children or technology! It was such sweet time to relax, rest and simply enjoy each other. I did fight some pretty serious guilt the day or two before we left, knowing that if Charlotte were still here, we would not have been taking the trip. I submitted it to the Lord though, and He faithfully assured my heart that this was a much needed time away, and it in no way dishonored Charlotte. I have also struggled with what to say when meeting someone new who asks how many children I have. Sometimes I just don't want to talk about it, so I say "two," and sometimes I include Charlotte, but then it is awkward for the other person. I am hopeful that the Holy Spirit will lead me in these times, because if our story could be an encouragement used of God, then no matter how awkward or difficult it may be, I want to share it!

We miss our sweet Charlotte, but we are delighted that God is working in our hearts and that we are able to testify to His goodness toward His people. Thank you again for your friendship and for joining us on this road; God is indeed gracious to us!

Happy Birthday Taber!

Today is my precious friend Taber's birthday, and I just want to celebrate her a bit, so here we go!

As an only child I think I have always been extra thankful for girlfriends. God has given me the perfect friends for the perfect seasons of my life, and this season is no different.

A little over 4 years ago, Taber and I met at a birthday party (birthday palooza) where we were given the task of decorating with crepe paper- we made a great team:) When we left that party, I predicted to Justin that she was pregnant or would be soon- she was and didn't even know it yet! Since then, God has been faithful to grow Taber and I as friends, to allow us to share a gate between our backyards, and to let us walk/ run/ trudge through life together. Here are a few things I love about my sweet friend...

Taber is quick to listen and respond with Truth.

Taber loves her husband and her children well.

Taber knows how to make me laugh.

Taber is passionate about the Church.

Taber serves her friends well.

Taber challenges me.

Taber desires for Jesus to be made much of in every area of her life.

Taber is honest.

Taber cries with me and reminds me I don't have to "be strong".

Taber loves Sonic more than I do:)

Taber is generous.

Taber knows that her life is not her own and desires God use her as He pleases for His glory!

I love Taber and am so thankful that God has given Justin and I such precious friends in the Crawford Family! Here are a few pics to recount the fun we had together over the 4th of July!

Cancun

Justin and I had an absolute blast and were indeed refreshed by our time away! We had a great time with Adam and Taber doing a whole lot of nothing! We ate, laid by the beach, read, ate some more, played the worlds most challenging putt putt course, read some more, played in the crazy huge waves left by Alex, ate some more, played cards, ate some more, laid by the pool, played dominoes, and laid by the beach some more! As you can see, we had a strenuous few days at our all inclusive resort!!! Here are a few pics to make you jealous:)

It's True! Elaine is TWO!

On Memorial Day, May 31, Elaine Karis Bassett turned 2! It was fun to have her special day on a a holiday; we took it easy most of the day. We enjoyed donuts together as a family, and then we headed to Petsmart to purchase Lainie's birthday present, 2 African Dwarf Frogs, who she named Jett and Juliet:). Since then, they have been renamed Uno and Dos. We celebrated with a few friends and family that afternoon with a Puppy Party for our little lady.

At age 2 Elaine is a spunky girl who adds incredible amounts of JOY to our days. She loves to sing and dance and to entertain anyone who will humor her. Lainie's favorite song to sing is "Hallelujah all I have is Christ," and I can't help but smile each time she belts it out or I hear her singing it in bed before she drifts off to sleep. She is becoming responsible; Elaine puts her dirty clothes in the hamper, throws away trash, fills her own purse with diapers and wipes when we are going somewhere, picks out her clothes and dresses herself, and is now letting me know when she needs to go poop on the potty! She is still very strong willed, but is beginning to self monitor. Yesterday, I guess she thought she needed a timeout for some reason, so she went in her room, closed the door, stayed for a minute or so and then exited yelling "Elaine O-BEY!"

Elaine loves Elizabeth, and it is precious to see their relationship growing. She still has yet to sleep in her big girl bed in Lizzie's room, but she has gotten closer by laying in it with all of her nighttime things. Eventually I suppose...

Lainie's communication is excellent compared to a few months ago! If you consider context you can almost always understand her. She is beginning to add in the smaller words of sentences and use possessives correctly.

The water is a favorite for Elaine, and with her "swim sweater" on, she is a happy woman in the pool! On Father's Day when we got to my Granny's, she informed me, "Lainie no eat. Swim sweater on and swim!"

Girly Girl still describes our sweet girl well. Nail polish, my high heels, sparkly make up and her crown make Elaine very happy:) We are working on her colors, but to date most things are PINK!

Her taste is indicative of her personality... I had some Altoids in purse, and Elaine requested one. I told her they were spicy and that she would not like them. To cement my point, I gave her one to taste- she LOVED it! Now, Altoids are called "Mommy's Spicies" and asked for frequently.

Hard to believe it has been 2 years- we love you like crazy Elaine Karis and are so thankful for the spice you bring to our family!!!!!

Still my "baby girl" at bed time- Lainie loves her pink "ba" and Lamb Chop!

Pink Cupcakes... the Bassett family tradition!

After her first slip n slide experience

Snuggled up with Sissy and Daddy for song time

My Little Lady

Lainie loves her Nana and PawPaw!

Not even sure what is going on here, but Elaine is always doing something to make us laugh:)

Meet Uno and Dos!

Summer Time! Popsicles shared with Sissy:)