Prayer for Claire

My heart is passionate about this family, and I sincerely ask you to pray along with Andrew, Alekzander, me, and the rest of Claire's Army.  For ways to help, email me!

“Since I was a little boy, I had the image of God being the captain and me being the ship. He guides me through these awful storms only to find calm waters and a soothing sunset on the other side. As hard as it is and as uncertain as things can become when the waves are crashing over the boat and the lightning is crashing down all around, I must look up to the wheel house and praise that old salty sea captain because I know he will get me through this storm,” Kevin Ratliff, Daddy to Claire.

For the Ratliff family, Kevin, Emily, and Claire, the storm hit over Memorial Day Weekend.  Sweet Claire (21-months) was diagnosed with Neuroblastoma, a cancer that affects the body’s sympathetic nervous system, and treatment began immediately.  As the family settles into a new routine at a new temporary “home” at Presbyterian Hemby Children’s Hospital, their faith remains rock solid.  At less than 2-years old, Claire’s strength and sweet demeanor has amazed her Mommy and Daddy; smiles, laughter, snuggles, interest in the “fishies,” and wagon rides in the sunshine are simple, yet beautiful gifts each day.  Without a doubt, God has his arms wrapped tightly around this precious little girl and her family.

The Ratliffs are facing this journey with family and friends, a prayerful Army, and the unconditional, unmistakable love of God. He is already visibly at work here in Charlotte, NC and all around the United States as Claire’s story is woven deeply and passionately into our hearts and our prayers.  We pray that you will become part of Claire’s Army and join us in prayer for Claire and the Ratliff family.

Follow Claire’s journey as a strong, beautiful ROCKSTAR fighting cancer.

Let us then approach God’s throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need.  Hebrews 4:16

Blooper Reel

LOVE that Leah (also a mommy) included this one for us!

We told Alekzander to give Cyrus to Leah ...  

he clearly did not like that idea!

Buckets of Fun

This child makes me giggle.

 

As does this sweet mutt! 

Syra isn't normally the smartest dog in the doghouse, 

but today she definitely was.

It was 87 degrees at 11:30; we all needed some relief.

Alekzander especially loved having his friend join him in the pool!

Boys and Girl

::A few favorites from our Boy&Girl Photography shoot 

over Memorial Day weekend at Freedom Park::

 I love that Leah captured our {very real} interactions as a family.  

Can you tell that we love our little guy {so much}?!

Dirt, Happiness, and Other Truths

I love the feel of sand between my toes, but not in every nook and cranny.  I dig in the dirt only to make my yard pretty.  When I find a worm, I squeal, apologize for unearthing it, and gingerly fling it far from my work place.  When I am done gardening, I scrub my hands until they are clean.  I can sit peacefully and do nothing, and still feel tired afterward.  I remember being sad when I got the first scar on my hand; my hopes at a hand modeling career were ruined. {Ha!}  I wear make-up everyday; my lashes feel naked without mascara.

And I am a mommy to the most precious little {curious, daring, social, outdoor-loving} boy who eats sand and rubs it on his belly and grabs handfuls of dirt and throws it in his swimming pool.  {One day Alekzander will bring me a slimy worm or a bumpy frog, and I will pretend to love it.}  At 18 months, he cannot sit still; he has to be climbing on or under something or dragging chairs to and fro ... and he rarely gets grumpy and tired.  Already, his knees are scarred as a result of many tumbles on the driveway. {Someday, Alekzander will compare scars with a buddy and be proud of his 'battle wounds'}.  He is handsome as handsome gets even when he has oatmeal smeared from ear to ear.  His little bare belly and chunky thighs are going to be trademarked summer accessories!  If only we could all be so comfortable in our own skin!

I am so proud of this little guy who has changed my life and taught me so much already.  Who knew that being caked with dirt {instead of make-up} and making forts out of empty pools could bring me so much happiness?

 

 

Boys are found everywhere -- 

on top of, underneath, inside of, 

climbing on, swinging from, 

running around or jumping to ... 

A boy is Truth with dirt on its face, 

Beauty with a cut on its finger, 

Wisdom with bubble gum in its hair,

and the Hope of the future with a frog in its pocket.

{Alan Marshall Beck}

Sprayground Date

 Sprayground fun with Norah

 Getting brave!

 More interested in the "vrrrm kruck" {trucks going by}

Coloring, conversation, and carbs with Norah and Kitty

Splash!