Another year ends

I have to say that this past year has really been a bit of a mixed bag for me.  Filled with much joy as my baby brother got married to a wonderful woman, my daughter experiencing many firsts, and several trips both near and far (well, at least as far as San Diego.)   We also got to do a lot of camping this year, which we had always said we would do, but never really got around to much. But this year has also held some sorrows for us as well, losing three babies to miscarriage being the biggest of these.  This summer was really a challenge for me, trying to cope with all that was happening, both physically and emotionally. Aside from this we also had the daily trials of life - not having work for a little while, etc. to get through.  Though thankfully Seth has had steady work for a while now. But through all the ups and downs God's grace has abounded in our lives.  There was never a need (physical, mental, or emotional) he didn't fill and he has blessed us in a thousand different ways.  God has really put us in an amazing community, everywhere we look we are surrounded by loving and supportive friends and family.  It's been really awesome to see how strong our family has come though all that has happened. And looking back I really can't say I would change anything, 'cause I know God's plan for me and my family is better than my own, and he never lets me down.
 
 One of my greatest joys this year was simply watching  my baby grow into a little girl. How wonderful to see! Every new experience a life changer for her.  She is simply delightful.  So as we look forward to this June when we will welcome another little one into our number, we really can't wait to see what God has in store for us!
 
 Regardless of what this past year has held for each of you, I really hope that it has been one that has brought an increase of  Faith, Hope, and Love into your lives, and I hope that carries over into this new year.
Much love from our family to yours!

What a lovely snow day we had on Tuesday.  Short lived, but wonderful.  The girls had fun "making" or rather watching their mother's make, a snowman.  Masters of making snowmen with 1/2 an inch of snow, we really did have a fun time.  Hopefully this won't be the last of the white stuff we see this year!

Life these days

     As fall has completely taken over and the leaves now litter the ground, accompanied by drizzling days and gusty winds, Mikaiah and I find ourselves inside much more often.  Probably too often.  I know I've cooped my daughter up too much when (usually around 4 or 4:30) she decides to put on her rain coat and rain boots and plays with the door handle - okay, even I can take a hint!  I have enjoyed our short yet slow walks as she discovers splashing in mud puddles and tries to pick up leaves (as she's stepping on them.)  I forget how different the outdoors looks in the fall compared to the summer, it's so fun to watch her explore it.
    Besides lazing about and taking walks about the neighborhood, this past week my dear friend Amelia got possession of her new house (a sweet mobile home about 100 ft from ours) so we've been busy tearing out carpet, pulling staples and getting ready for new flooring and new paint.  It's been a busy week, but rewarding.  It will be neat to see Amelia and her daughter Elowen installed in their new home!  

    Right now I'm just trying to enjoy this time before the craziness of holiday's begins and looking forward to seeing my niece and nephew, my brother, and sister in law and sister all this weekend in Seattle for my nieces second birthday.  How fun now that Mikaiah and Verity (not to mention Owen) are getting old enough to start playing together!

Autumn is coming...

      I like summer. I like camping on long weekends, sitting around the campfire laughing with friends.  I like berry picking and fresh produce from the garden.  I like vacations that let me visit with friends and family I don't normally see, and I like going to weddings and celebrating new lives beginning together.  But I just LOVE Autumn.  The smell of change in the air.  The slightly cooler breeze that stirs the leaves in the trees on sunny afternoons.  I Love the way life takes on a new rythm again that was once lost in the chaos of summer.  I love taking out my winter sweaters and greeting them as old friends (even if I only wear them in the house with the AC on - at first at least!)  I love sipping tea and reading a book on a comfy couch or making applesauce.  You can still go camping or go for "one last swim" on a warm autumn day.  Maybe what I love about fall so much is that it makes me savor the things of Summer I know I'm going to miss, and helps me get excited for the things winter will bring. What a perfect transitioner Autumn is.  But before we get too far into this Autumn season, I do have to (of course) post some pictures of my recent journey South of the (Oregon) border.

    I just returned from a wonderful visit to the San Diego area with my mother, sister, daughter.  We were able to visit my mother's parents as well as my lovely cousin Abby, Uncle Vic, and second(?) cousin Christina.  We were able to balance some nice hang out and relax time along with a trip to the Zoo (in 106 degrees) and a trip to Coronado Beach.  But it's nice to be home, getting back into the swing of things and enjoying some slightly cooler weather. 

Random Highlights

Time seems to be getting away from me, and I am hopelessly behind in my blog (but since I don't think many people read it, and most of these pics are on facebook I'm not too worried.) Anyway, I decided to just post a few highlights of the year so far.  Can't believe how big my girly is getting.  I'm so excited for this summer, I think we're all going to have a blast!

 

 

 

 

 

Mikaiah's first birthday cake.  I can't believe she's already a year old!

 

 Mikaiah got to spend a little time on the Coronado beach, in the San Diego area with her great grandma.

 A little early spring snow made for some fun play (for both Mikaiah and Mama.)  Okay, mostly Mama!

                                      First ever ice cream. What can I say?  Love at first bite.

         Camping in Tumalo state park. First camping trip of the year, hopefully many more to follow.

                                               Yeah, she's a dirt fan. Just like her grandma.