Yes…Ella has had some kind of cold, but the good news is that it’s staying in her head, she’s not running a fever, and boy…she’s still in a great mood. Just gotta watch out for the snotty sneezes. It also sounds like it’s been tapering off since this afternoon.

It just affirms how much Ella’s clinical behavior indicates how she’s really doing. The fact that she’s so smiley, babbling, and being herself lets us know that this cold hasn’t really got her down. If she’s not feeling well, you can tell by her body language.

My sickness has subsided a bit, but now Kelly and Tina are both feeling it. We’re just hoping that all of us don’t impact Ella too much.

Tina and I enjoyed a date night this evening while Kelly watched our girl. We escaped to an Avalanche hockey game and what a thriller. It tied up 1-1 and went into overtime. Then, it tied in overtime, so it went to a shootout. Back and forth 5 times, and we pulled it out! My voice is hoarse from screaming my head off =).

It’s nice to get away like this, giving us a break from the heaviness that can be our life. But once we do step away and get some perspective, it tends to emphasize just how overwhelming life has been these days.

What I do know is that we could not have come through, and continue to go through, what we have experienced without our faith in our Savior. Having a personal relationship with Jesus and trusting in him doesn’t guarantee an easy life, but it does offer a peace through times like these that could not be had otherwise.

Thank you Jesus for your unconditional love, mercy, and grace. You are worthy of our praise at all times, and through all circumstances. Thank you for the gift of Ella Renae. We pray that her life and ours will be glorifying to you on a daily basis. May your Spirit work through us as we surrender our will to you. Praise you Jesus! Amen

John 14:1 (NLT)
Don’t let your hearts be troubled. Trust in God, and trust also in me.