Who she is....

Josiah was so disappointed this morning when the Tooth Fairy did not come. You see these girls don't lose a tooth and immediately put it under their pillow. They will put it under their pillow days or even weeks later. I'm not sure what happened to the Tooth Fairy last night, but I am sure she was unavoidably delayed in some way. The best part however was WHAT she put under her pillow for the Tooth Fairy. Mind you, it's a secret message that was not shared with any members of her family. It was for the Tooth Fairy's eyes only. So shhhhhh!

It read; Dear Tooth Fairy, I just found this tooth! It has been lost of almost 2 months! I was wondering if instead of quarters, I could get something to give to Mommy or/and Daddy or/and Adie. If you would I would be soooooooo grateful. Your friend, Josiah.
When I read this, my heart melted! This is who my Josiah is in her heart of hearts. I know that one day she will probably become a rebellious teenager, but I hope that she will come full circle and remember the little girl who would ask the Tooth Fairy for a gift to give someone else! Until then, I will continue to admire her sweet spirit!

Thanksgiving a Little Different

This year we celebrated Thanksgiving a differently! With the arrival of our little Cousin Libby, we found ourselves surrounded by family in Bakersfield. The weather was warm and beautiful which lent itself to lots of outdoor time. I spent most of my days in the hospital with the new family soaking up all I could of Libby's sweetness!!

Libby

The call came at 4am Thanksgiving morning. I don't know exactly what my brother said, but I knew a call this time of night meant only one thing.... baby is coming! In a split second, I was out of bed, the shower was on, and I found myself grabbing a bag from the closet and throwing clothes in. As soon as I hung up, Adalie peaked her little head up from behind Seth and said, "Is the baby coming?" And Josiah, who would sleep through a hurricane, came into our room, took one look at my half packed bag, and ran to her room shouting "I'm packing!" So, we all jumped into high gear and were on the road in less than 1 hour. The excitement in our truck was uncontainable as we got updating messages.

At 8am we were the first ones to meet Jonathan in the hallways of the delivery room. Electricity seemed to be in the air as all the family arrived to wait together for the delivery of this special and long awaited for little miracle.

Just 2 hours later, she took her first breath and we heard her first cries!  She was perfect and beautiful. It was one of the most incredible experiences of my life. To be given the gift of being present and experiencing this miracle with Jon and Jen was completely overwhelming. To come full circle with them from the very beginning and then to be standing in that place, given the privilege of providing encouraging smiles, and words of strength.... words cannot describe the joy! 
I am overwhelmed.... Thank you!

Cousin Slumber Party

The 4 girls had a fun sleep over night. Of course not much sleeping actually happened, but at least we had alot of kicks and giggles....
Josiah and Piper (8yrs), Ashlyn (7yrs) and Adalie (6yrs)

Last Game

Last game of the 2011 soccer season! Thank you Daddy for coaching both girls' teams. We are so thankful to have a Dad who puts such great priority on his girls!

We love you coach!

Us

In Yosemite I often find myself more introspective than usual. Perhaps it is the majesty surrounding me, or the quiet escape from the noise of life. Today, I saw these trees and they struck me so that I had to try to capture them (despite never being able to do them justice). Two trees that seemed to lean into one another. Close up they were still two distinct trees, different in size and structure. But, from afar they looked like one tree, full with branches and leaves. And I began to think of being made in His image. I see these trees as Seth and I, different and yet the same, leaning on one another for support, growing together while still maintaining our own selves, covering one another's backs, each reaching for nutrients and sunlight separately and yet together, standing together because without the other they each would fall.

I love this image..... my trees.

Happy Halloween

Trick or Treat 2011!