Taking Time to Smell the Tulips

May has been such a crazy month for our family. I won't go into a lot of detail, but we've had our share of interesting health issues. Last week I had a health scare, was in the hospital for a couple days, and at one point thought I would be having surgery. Thankfully everything turned out okay. The good thing about being in the hospital is that they discovered my hemoglobin was very low - meaning I am anemic. Now I'm taking iron pills several times a day and feeling much better. I have been feeling really tired for a long time but just figured it was due to being a busy mom of two active girls. It feels good to know there was another reason. :-)

This has also been a month of loss and devastation for so many people. Our hearts hurt for the people of Burma (Myanmar) and China. The earthquake in China hits closer to home for our family because it occurred in the Sichuan province where Ava is from. It makes us grieve for families who have lossed their one and only child and for the many children who are now orphans. This week we have also been grieving for the Steven Curtis Chapman family. Maria, one of three daughters the Chapmans have adopted from China, was killed when her brother accidentally hit her in their driveway. Such a heart wrenching tragedy. A friend of Hannah's best friend Lia also died recently in a freak accident on a swing set. Needless to say, our girls have been receiving lots of extra hugs and kisses.

We have really been reminded this month that life is precious... we need to take time to smell the "tulips" and appreciate those whom we love. We hope you are also able to take time to savor all that is precious to you.

Love and Hugs,
Sheryl

P.S. In honor of taking time to smell the flowers (tulips) :-) we've included some pictures from the Tulip Time Festival.