Hello there!  Oh boy isn't a 3 day weekend wonderful?  We've tried to make the most of it.  Don and I went on a 'date night' thanks to our dear friend Carolyn.  We went to Olive Garden and a movie - 'The Other Guys.'  As tacky as it is, I adore Will Ferrell so it was right up our alley.  We got some good laughs, some time away, and it was great.  Thank you Carolyn!!

That was Friday night - now today (Sunday) we are going to 'attempt' the Evergreen State Fair in Monroe.   Casey has heard of 'fairs' but never seen one, so he has begged us ever since he saw the commercial.  He can't believe there's one place on Earth where there are rides, food, and animals all in one place!  Pictures to come.

Cody has had about 4 really nice days in a row.  He's been happy, giggly, tuned in.  I always rejoice after an illness (he had strep throat for over a week) - when he is fully rebounded. 

Casey just swoons when Daddy is home for an extra day on the weekend.  He is such a little cutie. 

He has really developed a true LOVE of the Bible!  It's amazing to see and only attributable to the Lord because (although we try) we have certainly not been pillars of spiritual leadership thanks to the crazy life we lead.  But nonetheless, God has bubbled up in Casey a true desire to learn about the Word. 

He will try to inject Bible conversation into anything he hears.  For instance, yesterday some friends of ours were here and we were debating whether something would be 'tax deductable.'  Casey, trying to be part of the chat, says 'Taxes?  Like Zaccheaus, the tiny taxman does taxes?'  We DIED laughing.  Another time we were talking about someone and referred to them as 'mean.'  Casey interjects, 'was he mean like the Pharoah in Egypt?'  It's a stitch.  He listens to every single word we say, which is funny.  But on top of that, he tries to chat with everyone and fit into the conversation any way he can.

I must spend hours a day trying to satisfy his curiosity.  He'll say "how can God and Jesus be the same?"  "what was Jesus like when he was my age?"  "Sing me a Jesus song."  "What does the cross mean?"  These from a 3 year old.  It's humbling, and terrifying at the same time because I can barely keep up with him!  Last night when he wanted to know how Jesus and God could be the same person...I called Don in and said, 'why don't you ask daddy that one!'  Don and I fumbled, and we finally used the analogy about how water can be fluid, ice, and steam...but it's still always 'water.'  I said that's the same thing with God, Jesus and the Holy Spirit - they take different forms - but they are still the same one thing.   He seemed satisfied with that, thankfully.

I'm glad he's starting pre-pre school next week because this boy needs more stimulation than we can give him!  I'll let his teachers field some of these questions!  At his school (Overlake Christian) they have Pastors come in thru the week to give devotionals so that will help sop up some of his spiritual energy too.  What a beautiful thing, and so unexpected from such a little soul.  I pray God continues to fan the flame of curiosity and love for the Bible in him.  And I better start studying so I can keep answering those tough questions!! 

Oh gosh, one more thing to share about that.  Whenever he gets hurt, he does the exact same thing.  He gets a bump or a bruise, crys, then climbs in our laps and says, 'will you pray for me?'  And of course we do.  I will say, that I do think that is born from Cody's seizures and us praying over Cody so often for healing.  Casey equates that to any 'ouchie' I think.  Such a backward blessing from seizures, no? 

Anyway, in the midst of Cody's trials and our battles against his disease, God continues to show Himself mighty and awesome within our 4 walls.  Unfortunately, He hasn't changed Cody's circumstance so far, but He is here every moment changing US instead.  And we will take it.  No doubt as Casey matures he will continue to get life lessons that most children don't thanks to his having to deal and grapple with Cody's illness.  I see, every day, God redeeming this disease in our lives.  Seeing Casey's childlike faith is probably the biggest evidence of what God can do to elevate us from our circumstances and keep our eyes fixed on Him.

All for now - we have a fair to get to!  With love, Shawna