baby brother.

I've spent the past four days quietly reflecting on what life would be like if Kyle David lived longer than he did. Sometimes I'm not sure I could have handled two little brothers. Other times I've wondered if I would have the same friends I do now or if he would have been friends with them instead. I've wondered who he would be more like. Would he like golf? Play the piano? What would he be studying in college?

Then my attention turns and I remember that it's not up to me to decide all of that. God is the giver of life and what he gives, he also has power to take away. It's up to us to be thankful for it all no matter what the situation. So, today I'll be thankful for Kyle's short time on earth - for the smiles I'm sure he gave my two-year old self; I'll be thankful that he's worshiping Jesus even in this very moment; and I'll be thankful for the way he causes me to think about how small life is and how big God's sovereignty is - especially on these few days every year in mid-November.

Kyle David Vander Heide  |  November 11-14, 1989

mr. b's first snow.

Well, friends, despite the fact that the sunshine is currently reflecting off the pretty yellow leaves on the tree in the front yard, it happened. It S-N-O-W-E-D today. As much as I dislike snow, even I have to wear a smile when I see the first big flakes fall from the sky (especially because I knew it wouldn't stick to the ground for long and would be melted by tomorrow!). The first snow of the season reminds me of the happy times that are ahead: celebrating Christmas, sitting in our warm house sipping coffee in the morning while we watch the snow fall, wearing sweatshirts and sweatpants, and all sorts of other good things.

But this year the snow meant something else: Mr. Beacon Puppy's first snowfall!

He loved it.

Here he is trying to bite the snowflakes. It's like it was playing a game or something.

And here he is being the cutest puppy ever catching snowflakes on his tongue! 

Rob and I are currently reading the book Cold Tangerines, by Shauna Niequist. It is an awesome book. If you've never read it, you should. The tag line for the book is: "Celebrating the extraordinary nature of everyday life." I feel like we did that today by celebrating Mr. B's first snow - celebrating the little things that would be overlooked by so many...but make us stop and smile and say: "Thanks, God, for this awesome life and all the good things you've given us."