100 Days

October 26th came and went without much hoopla, but it did mark a somewhat important day. On 10/26/09 Elias celebrated his 100th day since birth. The 100 day celebration used to hold great significance in Korean tradition because it marked a time when the baby's chance for survival increased dramatically, and although the advances of medicine and technology have all but made this celebration obsolete, I'm still thankful for the incredible blessing in little Elias. 

Every day is a gift of grace from God.

The Refiner's Fire

But who can endure the day of his coming, and who can stand when he appears? For he is like a refiner's fire and like fullers' soap. He will sit as a refiner and purifier of silver, and he will purify the sons of Levi and refine them like gold and silver, and they will bring offerings in righteousness to the Lord.

- Micah 3: 2-3

Contentment

Could he be more content? Elias at 3 1/2 months with his mama and Turtle hat, compliment of Halmuni. Thank you Candy!

Our Refuge and Strength

God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear though the earth gives way, though the mountains be moved into the heart of the sea, though its waters roar and foam, though the mountains tremble at its swelling.

- Psalm 46: 1-3

Snapshot

I love my little girl. That's about all I have to say about that.

Yes, Those Are Peppers

So here's the back story.

I was down in Albuquerque a few weeks ago (9/20) and hatch chile season was in full-stride. I wanted some real bad. Without really thinking through the entire process, I stopped by one of the roasting stands while on my way to the airport. The plan was to stop by Walmart. buy a duffel and throw in the 20# of fresh roasted chiles and bring them on as carry-on. Wow.... even I amaze myself sometimes.

As the time ticked by, I realized that this plan may not come to fruition, or if it did, would be at the expense of making my flight home. So I chose the latter and dropped off my bag of capsaicin gold on the back porch of the family I stayed with.

Lots of holes cut in it..... Is it..... a puppy? I open it up, and there is 8# of fresh chiles straight from NM.

Big love to my brothers in ABQ!

Now THAT'S Metal

On Tuesday, August 18th, while riding her bicycle to work, our dear friend Angela was in an accident. Details of how the accident happened are still unclear and the West Seattle Police Dept. is investigating.

Ang was rushed to Harborview and was quickly admitted into the ICU where she has received excellent care from the many doctors and nurses attending her multiple injuries. The list of injuries she sustained go on like an old testament genealogy.

It's truly miraculous the way she's recovering from all of them. Initially, there was an understanding that only 10% of cases that suffered the same injuries even woke up from their coma. Not only is she up, but she is walking, talking, laughing, joking and crying. There's a long road ahead for her and her husband Josh, but the refiner's fire (Mal 3:2-3) has already clearly changed them both and I'm sure will continue.

So about the picture.... I was at the hospital where she has started her intensive rehab recently started and she leaned over to me with a slight grin and asked, "wanna see something cool?" Out comes this picture of the hardware in her elbow. As if that wasn't enough, she went one step further and had me feel where the metal is pushing against, and almost seemingly THROUGH, her skin.

What a trip.

I'm thankful for God's graciousness to let us have more time with our friend Angela. We love her.

Like Peas and Carrots

Not much commentary needed. Evey and Elsie. BFFs.

A Sweet Moment

Today on the way home from church we had to stop at a store. Dana went in and me and the kiddos were hanging out in the car waiting.

As would be expected, Elias got a bit fussy and started squawking. What happened next was totally unexpected, but so sweet that it almost made me tear up.

Instead of getting irritated or, even worse, joining in the cry-fest, Elsie leaned over to him as far as the straps of her car-seat would allow and tells him, "it's ok baby-brother... it's ok - mama will be right back. Don't worry baby brother, mama misses you very much."

2 Guys

A little self portrait of me and the boy. Kickin it on the couch.

True Story - my mom sees the pic of me and boy and exclaims, "he looks **SO** much like you!!......... but more handsome."

I laughed. I love my mom.

No Teeth Required

Not much to say. Cute, happy baby.

Pedicures For All

So Dana came back with a fresh pedicure today and when Elsie saw her toes she exclaimed, "oh mommie, your toes are beuuuuuutiful!"

Dana then asked, "let me see your toes!"

Elsie shrunk with a, "my toes aren't beautiful."

*heartbreak*

So - Elsie got her first nail job. At first she was a little freaked out and thought it was going to hurt, so I volunteered to have one of my toes painted. Not only did it allay her fears, but I feel so much prettier too.

Not really, but it's all in the day of a daddy.