God's Timing and My Goosebumps!

I have a story that might just give you goosebumps. I am going to back up about 24 months when we found out about Maddie missing her arm at our ultrasound and just how devastated we were at the time. After finding out I can't even tell you the countless stories people told me of people they knew they were missing an arm and how it didn't effect them one bit. God was constantly sending us encouraging stories as we awaited her birth.

One story that has always stuck out to me was one my cousin Sally told me 24 months ago. Many years ago she grew up going to Butterfield Country Club to go swimming. In a choked up voice she told me she always admired this beautiful girl who was a lifeguard at the pool, and always wanted to be just like her. She always had all the guys ooo-ing and ahh-ing over her and was super outgoing and just beautiful. This lifeguard was missing part of her arm just like Maddie. A lifeguard with one arm YOU HEARD ME RIGHT:o) So AMAZING. Just wait this story gets even MORE AMAZING!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

So then this morning we headed to MOPS (Moms of Preschoolers) at our church, CCOB. As I waited to check myself and Maddie in, this older women stopped me and said I just have to tell you I have a 45 year old daughter just like your little girl. She is missing part of her arm and nothing ever held her back. She was a lifeguard at Butterfield country club 20+ years ago, was in beauty pageants, always had many dates, and had such a bubbly and outgoing personality. She went on to tell me she is married and has three beautiful children. She showed me a picture of her daughter and she is gorgeous. Would you believe that this was the person my cousin Sally had told me about 24 months ago.I couldn't believe that God had put this women right there at the right time and we had made this amazing connection. Then I went on to tell this lady that my cousin grew up swimming at Butterfield Country Club and always admired this lifeguard, who is your daughter! She got a little teary eyed as did I. Amazing how God works isn't it????

I still have goosebumps thinking about it! LIttle things like this that remind me God is here and keeps on sending me waves of encouragement. This is nothing short of a total God thing and I wanted to share this with you. I will keep the stories coming as God sends them to me! I hope these stories are an encouragement to you as a reminder he is right there with you. Don't be dismayed as he is always at work around you.

Morton Arboretum, Edward's Apple Orchard, Sonny Acres, and the Zoo! WHAT A WEEK!

Morton Arboretum!
Enjoying a sliced carmel apple with snickers. It was pretty much amazing!!
Maddie went down this slide at least 2 dozen times!


Edward's Apple Orchard!
Maddie enjoying her apple cider donut. They are incredible!
Playing in the choo choo:o)
A ride on the "tactor"

Sonny Acres!!
Maddie and Gavin riding the train all by themselves!!!



The ZOO!
Hanging at the Zoo:o)
Maddie and Georgia kissing eachother. So sweet
Of course we had to snap a pic of them on the hay stack!

As you can tell we had a really busy week! Keeping this child on the go is key because she has A LOT of energy! We are really enjoying the suburbs and everything there is to do with kids! I feel like the activities are endless. We have had amazing weather, and have enjoyed spending every day outdoors since that will soon change once winter hits! Fall is my favorite time of year, so I am savoring it!!!!

Hope you all have a great weekend!