firefighter ethan

We are so grateful to have our very own firefighter. He's always ready to jump into action at a moment's notice!

american girls

Audrey had the opportunity to go to the American Girl store to celebrate the birthday of her dear friend,  Lauren. And she had a wonderful time. She has not stopped talking about it! They were able to shop, get their dolls ears pierced, and dine in the restaurant. It was the perfect girlie outing!

Happy Birthday Lauren!

happy birthday gram!

My grandmother Audrey turned 95 this year and our extended family traveled to San Jose this weekend to celebrate with her. We had a great time with this very special lady.
Fifteen of us (including six kids) traveled down together. Traveling with a large group certainly has its challenges, but overall it was very fun.
This was Ethan's very first plane ride. He did great and said it was "awesome" about one hundred times!
We took a trip to Santa Cruz one day.
Tentative at first - that didn't last long!
Watching the kids play.My brother and his beautiful ladies.
Playing in the sand. Too bad Mom forgot a change of clothes for them! But they had a ball and dried off quickly once the sun came out.
Courtney took the three little boys on a train ride. They loved it!
The roller coaster crew.
Family photo.
Trying to get a shot of all the kids!
Four generations. Audrey, Ray, Rachel and Audrey.
Dinner out. Loud and fun!
Letting off some steam after being so good in the restaurant.
Such a fun time with the family (but we missed you Kevin and Kelly!). And reminded once again just how blessed we are.

Easter fun

We had a great Easter weekend. For starters, God gave us the most beautiful weather to enjoy. And we were so very thankful for it. On Saturday, the big kids had soccer games in the morning - in the sunshine, did I mention that???!! Then in the afternoon, our good friends and neighbors organized a neighborhood Easter egg hunt. From just our little cul-de-sac, so many kids turned out! It was very fun. And then on Sunday we enjoyed a big yummy breakfast, a wonderful church service, and a family BBQ. All in the sunshine!

visitors!

Courtney and the boys came for a visit this week. We had so much fun! It has been awhile since she visited and we were really feeling the difference of our kids being older. She and I had time to relax and even complete a puzzle. This type of activity would have been unthinkable just a year ago! We also threw in some Easter activities - an egg hunt and coloring eggs. And we got outside as much as the weather would allow. This was a wonderful way to spend spring break!

remembering

Dear Little One,

Ten years ago today I said good-bye to you. Way, way too soon.

I woke up that morning filled with excitement. I had known for several weeks that you were inside of me. Numerous positive tests, extreme exhaustion, fluttery tummy. You had made yourself known. But this was to be the first day that I would see you on an ultrasound. Daddy got off work early and met me at the doctor's office. I'm so glad he was there. Together we stared at you on the screen. The doctor grew very quiet as he examined you. His exact words I'll never forget: "I think we need to guard our hearts on this one." He found no heartbeat. You were not okay.

I spent the next several days in shock. But I felt fine. I felt pregnant. How could you not be okay? Wouldn't I know? I'm your mother. I should know this. Several blood tests, another ultrasound and surgery followed. It's all a bit blurry. But my heart hurt. More that it ever had.

To this day there are so many things I do not understand. I should have been able to hold you. I should have been able to touch your face and snuggle you close. I should have been able to watch you grow. I should have been able to hear you laugh with your siblings. But of this I am sure - God is good. He was right there with me as I said goodbye to you. And He will be right there with me when I meet you one day.

I miss you little one. And I love you.
~Mom