Gracie's big day

it's hard to believe the time for Gracie's

next palate surgery is finally here.

we'll be at the hospital early tomorrow

for a surgery time of 8:30.

the plan is to finish closing her palate,

so it will be a somewhat more extensive

procedure than her last one.

for some reason this time around

Brian & I have had a harder time preparing.

we came to the conclusion yesterday that

it's because we now know a little

more of what to expect.

no parent likes to see any of

their children have fear

or be in intense pain.

it can also be a very lonely place as a parent.

I have been mighty weepy lately.

it was so good to see my sister this morning.

she, of all people, can relate.

she has been through countless

surgeries with her son.

she prayed over me, helped Quinn with school

so I could check one more thing off my to-do

list before we leave, and said she's bringing

a meal when we return...

your love, prayers, and encouragement

mean more than you know sista!

we leave this afternoon for Charlotte

with all the kids.

I must admit, the best part of these

trips are getting to see my brother & his family!

they are always so gracious to us

& we always feel so loved there.

we would love for you to pray for us!

please pray for incredible peace, especially

for Gracie in the morning.

pray for Dr. Matthews as the Father guides

his hands as he repairs her palate.

pray that Gracie's pain will be managed well,

and that our night in the hospital will be a peaceful one.

(the last time had some tough moments

between pain & recovering from the anesthesia)

and finally, please remember us as we come home

on Friday - that Brian & I would have the strength

to be there for Gracie, & her siblings as well,

and that Gracie's recovery will be a

grace-filled process.

I know God will Father us well tomorrow.

He is always so faithful to us.

we have sensed His peace already.

Gracie has always loved a certain picture

that is in one her favorite books.

it is of an Asian little girl who has

a guardian angel hovering over her.

she will stare & stare at it & say

"Wacie's angel!"

the other night she just wanted to hold

onto it in her crib.

Psalm 91:11

"For He will command His angels

concerning you to guard you

in all your ways."