Christmas is coming!

I asked Virginia today who's birthday is on Christmas day and she excitedly exclaimed, Jesus! I am truly looking forward to the excitement and joy we will experience watching this little girl experience this Holiday with new eyes.

Cousins

These girls... They are a piece of work right now :) I love listening to them have little conversations with each other. They are rather "possessive" right now. They like to say "NO!" and steal each other's toys! Haha! Oh, well... They'll grow out of it eventually. They do love one another and Virginia often asks to go see Arden. I love watching the grow up together.

To chapters closing and new beginnings...

Grab the tissues Mom :)

Tomorrow marks a significant day in our household, especially to the life of our little Virginia. Unkie is moving out and moving away. He's been here, in our home since we brought her home from the hospital. As excited as I am to be making room for baby #2, it hurts my heart to see him leave. In knowing that God has the perfect plan, I can be at peace in knowing that includes a perfect plan for Jake. He's my baby brother, my only brother, my only sibling. It has been a joy getting to see him and have a piece of my family so close to me. Sharing our home has been worth it for no other reason then I've been able to watch him watch my little girl become a toddler. And oh how she loves her Unkie, or as she says now "uh ee". He's be a constant part of her little life and she knows him like she knows her own mommy and daddy. I am so glad that she's old enough to recognize him, because I know it'll be easy for her to jump back into that familiarity when he visits. Thank the Lord for video chat!

We love you Jakey. No matter what path God is leading you on, I know it will work together for your good. "for I know the plans I have for you declares the Lord...". I trust, with all my heart, that He has great plans for you and that this time of uncertainties will draw you closer to Him.

No words can express how much I will miss you. I hope you know how much I love you and how dear you are to me, always and forever!

Easter Sunday

Last year. Wow, it is so hard to believe how quickly she has grown in one year.

Back out at the campground we arranged a little Easter egg hunt for our little girl. She was really good at it!

Being the only grandchild there, she was the center of attention. After every egg, she would look at everyone and yell "yay!!!"

Next year there will be two little people to post about. Wow!

Easter Weekend

This past weekend we went camping with Jason's family. The weather was amazing, to say the least. Virginia was in her element, "shoshide". Here are some pictures...

She got a little ambitious...
then a little nervous...

Then very pleased :)

Happy "Birth" Day mom!

Twenty-Seven years ago today, you answered a noble calling! You became a mom. God gave you to me as my mother. I am truly grateful for you mom. I realize now, being a mother myself, that a great deal of sacrifice takes place. And that the day you give birth to your child is priceless and there is nothing else quite like it!

I want you to know, that from the bottom of my heart I respect you and love you. Your love for me as your daughter is evident on so many levels. Even now that I have my own home, hundreds of miles from yours, you seek to care for me and bless me as much as you are able.

Thank you for raising me to be who I am now. Thank you for being faithful to God's word and for speaking truth to me, even when I don't want to hear it. Thank you for standing by my side when the road has been rocky and I've been difficult to love. Thank you for the example you set in loving others and selflessly giving of your time to those in need. You are a true and faithful friend to many, I have no doubt of that. Thank you for making me want to be a mom!

"Well done, good and faithful servant. You have been faithful over a little; I will set you over much. Enter into the joy of your master." Matthew 25:21

I love you mom. All of these words really don't express how much you mean to me. Thanks for being my mom! I'll leave you with a little verse to encourage you :) I know it will speak to you!


“And let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up.”
Galatians 6:9

Sneak Peek

Jason's sister, Jennie, was married this past weekend. The past several weeks have been busy, busy. It will be a little while before all the pictures are organized and edited, but here is a little sneak peek...

Some more Little Neck memories

This face cracks me up!

My Grandpa

Great Aunt Betty meeting Virginia

hanging around the bar...

My cousins Hilary and Laura. and Laura's fiance, Sean (from the previous post)

Julie, Ryan, and Kim. We have know each other since we were all babies.

The annual couch picture. We need a bigger couch.

It had bee a long, long day!

Woodman's - LOBSTER

That's my girl!