Life Is Precious...

Monday, June 27, 2011 is a day I will never forget as long as I live. And although I would love to document it word for word, play by play, I find that even just thinking about it makes me short of breath, makes my heart pound hard, and leaves me feeling quite emotional. So for now I am going to say this...

Brooklyn was extremely sick and after thorough examinations and a spinal tap she was hospitialized with meningitis. Dr. Papiez did an amazing job diagnosing and treating her, but we are confidant that The Great Physician was at work in her little life and is truly the reason that she is with us today.

We are forever changed...life is more precious than ever. In the blink of an eye, it can go from peaceful & wonderful, to upside down and so unpredictable. I am finding that we hug tighter, listen more intently, truly cherish every second that we are together, try harder to find the good in each & every situation, and...we LIVE!

In so much pain!

Nana taking good care of my little girl!

More morphine

Some Family Visiting the sick.♥

Nothing makes you feel better than a stuffed animal from Nana!

Brooklyn was in the hospital on her actual birthday, so they brought her a little treat to celebrate...we were just happy to see her bright smile return!

Reflecting...Life is indeed precious!

WOW...Brooklyn is 9!

So very hard to believe that my firstborn is 9. Time has indeed flown by, I remember her birth like it was yesterday. It is said many times over in my family how thankful they are that Brooklyn was the firstborn grandchild. Her kind, gentle spirit, and ever present responsible way make her to be a wonderful example for her younger cousins. She takes being the oldest so seriously and is always making sure that they all follow the rules, are having a good time, and that everyone is being fair and kind. She has a tender heart, we adore this about her. This summer, all on her own, she gave her heart and life to Jesus...we were beyond thrilled and so very proud!

Like always, we celebrated Brooklyn's birthday in Nampa at my parents house. She choose a 'crayon' theme, so Brooklyn!!! For goodie bags she gave all the kids crayons, color books, and crayon shaped water squirters...they LOVED them! ☺

Brooklyn's cake was one of the highlights of the party. My very talented sister-in-law once again agreed to make the cake and she didn't disappoint! Brooklyn was so excited for her cake to arrive and couldn't keep the smile off her face once she layed eyes on it.

We enjoyed the evening of celebrating this precious gift from God!

The Birthday Girl & her cake!

Brooklyn & Rochenda (The Cake Boss)

Our little family!♥

In her Laura Ingalls Wilder outfit from Nana & Poppy

The evening ended with our tradition of FIREWORKS!!!☺


Reflecting...how has time gone so quickly?

Brylie Turns 1!

Our little 1 yr. old!

Having a bite of cake...YUM!

So very happy with her baby from Nana & Poppy!

Mommy & Daddy with our little Birthday Girl! ♥

Brylie ~ God certianly knew what He was doing when He placed you in our lives. You are full of life, love to be silly & laugh, to make others laugh is your delight, you are a chatter box, love to sing & dance, and while perhaps our biggest hugger & lover, you are blessed with a strong will. Our prayer is that we can lead you on the path towards Christ and His direction. May it be His will and not yours! We love you more than words can express...you have each and every one in the family & beyond wrapped around your little finger. Always be sweet, live for Jesus, and mind Mommy & Daddy.♥

Favorite Toys ~ Baby Dolls, Books, & Balls
Favorite People ~ Mommy, Daddy, Brooklyn, Poppy, Nana, Brian
Favorite Food ~ Mac & Cheese
Bottles ~ You LOVE them - before a nap, bedtime, and anytime you can talk mommy into giving you one.
Accomplishments - You count to 3 all the time and sometimes to 5, Heartily sing "Might of Mine" while furiously waving your little fist for your light, You can climb up onto the couch, Make sounds for the bear, kitty, puppy, cow, snake, & lion, You pray - "Gee Geeus, Amen".
Words - you learn a new one everyday and are perhaps our biggest talker. Here are a few of your latest - Oh,no, Oh, dear, Uh-oh, side (outside), Go, No (not my favorite), Baby dis (baby this), Chash (trash). Keep talking little one...we love it and you!♥

Reflecting...Can she really be 1?

Happy Father's Day

We love our Daddy and feel that we were indeed blessed with the best! No matter what, Brook ALWAYS takes time...even if he doesn't have it.

This year found us at home, just us 5! We loved every minute of getting to celebrate Brook by ourselves and share in the day with him without having to share him.☺ It was a relaxing and wonderful day that ended with the kids and their Dad watching, 'Nomeo & Juliet', a gift that he received from the kiddos.

Happy Father's Day, Brook!

Reflecting...My children are blessed with an amazing Dad!

Awana Awards

May means that we completed another year of Awana! We love it, our children love it and it is a GOOD thing!

Our Sparky & her friend - Gabby & Brooklyn ~ They have gone through the complete Sparky program together!

Our Little Cubbie..."We are Awana Cubbie's, we're happy all day long...!"

Reflecting...Time spent memorizing God's Word is always time well spent!

Second Grade Spider Reports!

It is the highlight of their year, the one project that they wait for, talk of, and dream about from the first day of school, on...Spider Reports!

Thankfully, this is an 'in class' project. And although we got nightly reports about the progress being made, Brook & I didn't have to lift a finger. We were thrilled, book reports had us just about 'projected' out!!

Brooklyn LOVES projects and did a beautiful job on her report, the poster, and the presentation! She gave her report in the morning right after school starts and so Brook went in and listened to her give her report. Sadly, he forgot the camera, but he did come home giving me every detail and wearing a proud smile.

Reflecting...The Bolas Spider is something we won't soon forget!

Mother's Day '11

It was my turn to host 'Schatz Lunch' and it also happened to be Mother's Day. Go figure, the one day a year that Mom's are supposed to take it easy and I have a houseful of 15 plus people.☺ I didn't actually mind until cleanup came along and I found myself in the kitchen alone...where were the husbands, I thought that it was their responsibility? Never fear, they were close at hand drinking their coffee. This is something that we will need to tweak for next year.☺

Three precious reasons I answer to the name..."Mommy".

Reflecting...I am so blessed to be the mother of these 3!!