Nothing like Granparents!

The day of Wesley's surgery, my mother and father-in-law (Ken and Carol) came for a visit. Here are some pictures of them camping and seeing Benjamin up on his knees for the first time. They both made Wesley feel so much better and we all enjoyed their visit! Thank you for all the effort you made to come see us!

Signs of New Life!

We recently saw these 5 little ducklings at a local fishing hatchery. It was amazing to watch them and how they followed their momma around. What a joy to see signs of new life!

A Day to Remember

Today was the final chapter in the life of our beloved Brittanie. It was a somber day around here as we had to put her to sleep. Her legs had completely given out as well as some other major health problems. We will miss her terribly but are thankful for the 13 years we shared together, the good and the bad. You truly were our best friend!

Freckles...got to love 'em

Treasured Moments

All Together! We all felt very blessed!

Dinner with Michael

Michael's last night here, we were blessed with a night "out on the town" from a young couple in our church who watched the littles. We went to dinner at Marie Calendars and walked along the Willamette River. What a great time we had! Next... off to college!

The Healing Begins

Here are some pictures of our little Wesley Ann following her surgery. Unfortunately, our pictures didn't turn out the greatest with all the commotion going on. She did come home to a handful of one eyed siblings as they greeted her with their own homemade eye patches. (Mesa had one too but lost it before the picture) The final picture was taken yesterday, just 5 days after surgery. She is feeling much better and her eye looks so much better. She says that she can see much better than before the surgery! We are thanking the Lord for His protection and healing hand on Wesley Ann! Thank you again for your prayers!

The Recovery Continues

I didn't forget that yesterday I promised to post pictures of the recovery of our little Wesley Ann from eye surgery. However, Casey (and his camera) left today with Scott, the other kiddos and Grandpa Ken so that Wesley, Grandma Carol and I could rest. Wesley continues to improve although her eye is still very swollen and tender. Aside from a few errands today, she has been pretty tired and restful.

One very special thing happened while we were in the hospital. Wesley was pretty concerned about her upcoming surgery when the nurse brought in the perfect "worry" reliever... a little build-a-bear bunny. Upon joining Wesley in the recovery room, we were surprised to see that the nurse had dressed up her little bunny in hospital clothes. It was so cute! What a simple thing that made our hospital stay so much more enjoyable. So, today we ran to the build-a-bear store to see if we couldn't pick up a few accessories for her new little friend, Patch. We'll be sure to post pictures of her very soon, as well as some of Wesley:), camping with Grandpa and our last days with our Michael (who is doing very well at his first days at Bible college). Until then, here's a picture of my little man in a backpack on me. I'm counting down his baby days as he's racing toward boyhood! I'm pondering these moments (or at least trying to)! Thanks so much for all your prayers! Kimberly

Seeing is Everything!

Benjamin and Mesa enjoy their new glasses. Too funny!

More Beach Pictures

A Family Day at the Beach

With only two weeks to capture his youthful days before college, we headed to the beach as an entire family for a mini vacation.

Years ago, a mother of a large family once told me that her happiest days were when all of her children were home. At the time, I mustered all the strength and foresight possible to treasure the countless loads of laundry and dinners knowing that they were only for a season. As that season has come to an end for one of my nine, I better understand how quickly time flies with momentous moments mixed in the mundane.

The question flirts with the your mind wondering if the pain in this moment really is worth all the effort and loss. Yet, as quickly as the thought enters, a deep emotion emerges that testifies to your heart that indeed, it's worth it all. Nothing has refined me more than being a mom, embracing what true selfless love entails. And I truly have found no greater joy than watching my child grow from a boy to a man in the Lord, an arrow being made ready for Kingdom work in the continuing process of the potter's hands. Each day has been a gift, knowing that the countdown begins to a new season, not a march towards loss and fear but one of deep joy and spectacular sights that are now seen from the band stand that simply weren't visible from the ball field. I know that the days ahead hold seasons of loss, great triumphs and victories and the ever present mundane in the middle. What a joy to journey through it all with the ones you hold so dear even across the miles in some seasons! May God grant us a heart that ponders and treasures the lives of those around us! Yes, this moment is worth it all! Kimberly

He's Home!

Our Michael is home! We are enjoying having him home and being ALL together! After picking him up at the airport, Mesa just stared at him. It wasn't long until we could hear her saying, "Muck, Muck..." wanting him to turn around and look at her. Then she would just smile! It was just precious! How fun to be around my little boy who is now his own man! We are treasuring every moment with him and excited about launching him into his future as he walks into the unknown with his God by his side. We'll keep you updated with some fun family pictures!

Summer Days

Trampoline's aren't just for jumping:) We are all a little leery about getting back on the trampoline but it worked great for this homemade water slide. Nothing like a little water play to cool off in the hot summer! Fun!

She's Two!

Our little mini Mesa Hope is 2! Her big day was the best ever...picking her brother up from the airport, going to Chuck-e-cheese for lunch, watching a movie at the $1 theater with her family and coming home to chocolate chip pancakes for dinner! Mesa has been true to her name, bringing our family much needed HOPE throughout her two years with us! Happy Birthday, sweet darling, we pray for many more years of LIFE! We love you!

Another picture of Wesley

Here is another picture of Wesley after her concussion closing her eye due to the double vision!