Andrew and the ER

We have had company this past week. Micah's brother Matt and his wife Stacie arrived Saturday and stayed with us while they attended the "New Attitude" conference in downtown Louisville.

As the Lord would have it, we would need a couple of extra hands this past Monday evening. I have heard the phrase "You are going to bust your head wide open!" many times growing up and have adopted it myself in warning the boys about rough play and running/jumping/climbing in the house. Monday evening around 6:45, Andrew proved this saying can actually transcend words and become reality. He was running and hit a wall corner in our apartment and busted his head open! Thankfully, after visiting two ERs, consulting with four docs, his head was stitched up around 12:45 a.m.. Andrew was so brave. I remember when he broke his arm being astounded at his ability to stay calm and follow directions despite his pain and uncertainty. Micah and I both as well as the doctors throughout each of these instances have given him clear expectations of what was going to happen. He listens and trusts. It is very convicting for the adults to see a child do this better than they do sometimes! Thank you for your prayers for Andrew. He goes to see a facial surgeon on Monday to see how he is healing.
In every trial, there is so much to be thankful for- The fact that God saw us through it, that it wasn't worse than it was, there were doctors and nurses who knew just what to do to fix it, that Micah and I could be there for Andrew (as we watched a child being brought in from an accident separated from his mother and very frightened), and that Matt and Stacie were her to help care for Elijah. Blessings abound.

Good, Gracious Gift of Vacation

There are few things in this world more beautiful than the way waves crash on the shore, especially when illumined by the glow of a full moon. There are moments when joy is multiplied ten thousand times and spills over into contagious laughter. There is a quiet that calms a weary soul and brings peace where there was turmoil. There are friendships that God gives that will encourage in just the right ways. There are days when God's extravagant gifts are so evident a person would have to intentionally try to ignore them for them not to overwhelm a soul. There were all these elements in our vacation. It was completely undeserved rest from the everyday and we are so thankful for our time away. Interestingly enough, we were glad to get home where luxury doesn't prevent our faith from being tested more frequently:) More specifically...

Andrew loved the water and the beach.

Elijah loved the beach... not the water so much.

We had the privilege of taking all the kids putt-putting; a favorite Abernethy pastime. Here they all are in the van entertaining themselves!!!

And here are the boys sinking holes-in-well, whatever it took. We didn't keep score this time:)

The boys got to touch an alligator. He was quite docile!

Our last night at the beach was spent catching ghost crabs. You should have seen Andrew go after them with his pail!

Everyone celebrating with lots of ice cream.

Beautiful Sandestin, Florida

We arrived in Florida yesterday after about 12 hours of traveling. We had safety all the way! Today, and spent our first day on the beach. This is Andrew's second time at a beach and Elijah's first. Every time I am near the ocean, or in this case, the gulf, I am always overwhelmed at the vast and beautiful coastline. This beach is especially mesmerizing with the water's blue/green color against the white sand. The boys love the beach. It took them a while to enjoy jumping waves in the ocean, but they are warming up to it with appropriate respect. Playing in the sand is what they like the most.

We have had a great time with our friends, the Meyers. Our children have all had such a good time, although Andrew wasn't sure at all at first about all the "girl toys" they brought to share in the condo! Thankfully, beach toys are generic~

Happy Days

We recently traveled to NC to visit with family and celebrate Micah's 30th (yes, I said 3-0!!!). The trip was quick, but enjoyable. It was especially nice to drive in view of the beauty of a NC spring. The flowers, grass, and trees show God's glory and creativity in creation in a way that always awakens my sleepy, winter soul. The time with family was sweet, though brief. I want to take this opportunity to say hi to Ben- Micah's cousin and avid reader of Joy in Our Journey. It always humbles me to know you read our blog!

May 6th was Micah's actual 30th birthday. I am so thankful to have had 15 birthdays with him. I used to think it was cliche' to say that time goes by quickly, but these days I am in complete agreement. Here is the picture the boys included in their birthday card to him. It was their attempt to read Grudem's Systematic Theology. I love the look on their faces!

"Active" is the theme of their lives right now. Andrew loves his friends and brother. Elijah likes to emulate his brother and seems to have very little fear of heights (yikes!). These are pics of them playing at their new favorite place in Louisville called "Incredible Dave's".

Here they are at Tom Sawyer Park, a place we frequent often.

We are leaving Sunday for a much needed vacation thanks to some dear friends who are lending us their condo for the week. I will make sure to include pics from sunny (we hope:)) Florida next time.

Grace and peace to you all!