Sunday Evening at The Hixson's

My guys hanging out on the couch this evening (in between wrestling and building towers with bristle blocks). By the way, the pelt on the wall is a wallaby from Sydney, Australia (from Josh's Aunt Cassandra and Uncle Graham).

And here I am relaxing in B's Tonka Truck chair :o)

Reunited and it feels so good!

Josh and I playing with my new laptop last night.

Josh was able to come home yesterday. It was a long day with lots of ups and downs, but in the end he came home and that's what is important. There is going to be a lot of adjustments and there is a whole new set of rules, but things are starting to feel much more normal (if there is such a thing as normal).

In other news, my body has decided that it is exhausted and I am not battling some sort of sinus ailment. I feel good for the most part, but I have a lot of head congestion. I guess if I have to be sick, at least it's now when Josh is home to help with B.

Answered Prayers

B and Josh, May 2008

We learned yesterday that Josh will be able to come home possibly as early as Monday. We decided that instead of waiting and petitioning for the judge to reconsider the sentence, our best bet would be to request in-home detention (house arrest). This situation will allow Josh to still carry out his sentence but he'll do it from the comfort of our home where he can help me care for B and take care of things around the house. He'll have to wear an electronic ankle bracelet equipped with GPS so he can't go more than 1000 feet from our home - except to go to work. I especially like this stipulation since I have a lot of work I need done around here! Kidding -- kind of!!

While this whole situation is far from "ideal", I still stand firm in my belief that God works all things for good. He doesn't want us to hurt and go through hard times, but He does promise to use those hurts for good. I can attest to a lot of the good that has come out of this less than ideal situation. And while I'm admittedly apprehensive about the weeks ahead, I am also so excited to see the amazing things God has planned for my family.

So if you think about us this week, please pray for an easy transition for my family, especially for B.

Happy Mother's Day

I know most of you are probably thinking this very same thought with Mother's Day quickly approaching - but I'm fairly certain that I have the greatest mother on the planet. Not only did she give me life (which I hear wasn't easy due to umbilical cord complications during my birth!), but she has taught me about life. Not by words, but by example. She inspires and encourages me on a daily basis. She is beautiful inside and out. She is my best friend and biggest fan even when I'm least deserving of love and admiration. I am so blessed and I thank God every day for her. While it's nice of Hallmark to give us a day to honor our mother's, I think my mother deserves a celebration every day.

I love you, Momma!

4th Birthiversary

Yesterday was my "birthiversary". Josh and I were married on my 24th birthday, so it's a combined birthday/anniversary celebration. This birthiversary was difficult for me, obviously, because I wasn't able to celebrate it with my husband. I was able to see him, hold him, and exchange cards - for that, I am thankful. The past few weeks have taught me to cling to what is good and find any positive I can in daily life. So instead of being depressed and sad, I had a good birthiversary and was thankful for the things that God has given me even though I am undeserving. As silly as it sounds, I am even thankful for the current circumstances because they have made me dig deep inside and strive to be the momma/wife/sister/daughter/friend/etc. that I know God wants me to be. When people ask me how I am doing or comment on how well I am doing, I want them to know that it is not because of me - it's all God. I would be a complete wreck without His grace, mercy, love, etc.