Some Thoughts

It's been a rough weekend for everyone in our family. Andrew and Jared had the hardest time with Charlie dying. Jared has always been a sensitive child and he was just heartbroken that our little bird had died. I would think he was doing a little better and then look over to see tears streaming down his cheeks. I was sad about the bird dying but I was even more sad to see my kids that I love so much hurting so bad! I couldn't keep my own tears from falling as I watched Jared cry. As I was sitting in church Sunday I thought of the story in the New Testament when Lazarus dies. When Jesus arrives he is greeted by Martha who is weeping and says, "Lord, if thou hadst been here, my brother had not died." Jesus knew he had the power to raise Lazarus from the dead yet the scriptures record that "Jesus wept." I think this is significant. Jesus wasn't sorrowing because Lazarus had died, he was weeping because of the sorrow of those he loved. Just as I cried when I saw my children so sad, Jesus still feels our sorrow just as he did Martha's then. Life is hard sometimes but I'm so grateful to know I have a Savior who understands no matter how big or small.

Yesterday we all woke up feeling like it was not a holiday. After a lot more tears I decided we needed to get out of the house and do something fun. We sent a text to all the cousins and took a trip to Gateway Discovery. It really was a relief to have some fun and think about something besides the bird dying. Here are a few pictures of the fun day. I'm glad a couple of my sisters-in-law could make it on such short notice!

Andrew, Jesse, and Jared on the Life Flight helicopter.

Everything the kids ever dreamed of doing in the sink but I won't let them!

Kaitlyn loved planting the flowers and playing in the house!

Winston, Andrew and Jared as news reporters.

Last night when we went back to the pet store to pick out another bird. Andrew and Kaitlyn both wanted to get another one. Jared didn't. Andrew ended up winning since it was his Christmas present. Jared seems ok about it now and is starting to like the new bird. Andrew picked out a blue one this time and named him Herkey. (In case any of you don't know that's the name of the Iowa Hawkeye mascot.) Now we get to go through the whole process of taming another bird. I'm having nightmares that this bird will die too. If you have any tips on keeping parakeets alive please let me know! I don't think my kids can handle another one dying!