This One's for Daddy

We are all snowed in and Daddy is at work.  While looking through pictures, Kyla pointed at these picture, smiled, and said "daddy".  Although he is not at home today, he is not forgotten!

Snow Bunny

First snow this season.  Although there was only an inch or so, we still bundled up and went outside.  No pictures in the snow quite yet...we only had street lamps as lighting.

PJ's and new boots...waiting to go outside

Next comes the bibs

Then the gloves, hat, jacket, and boots

The Walking Battle

Convincing Kyla she needs to keep her hat on.

Keeping Kyla out of the street.

Watching Kyla run until she finds something to pick up.

Being patient while Kyla gets distracted and sits down.

Telling Kyla it is time to start walking again.

Picking her up and carrying her to the next house.

Then putting her down and starting all over again!

Rejoicing with Thankfulness

Residency.  This phase of life we are in seems to flood my mind with mixed emotions.  I have to say the emotions have been more like a rollar coaster lately.  Jason started his ICU rotation last week, the day before Thanksgiving and will end the rotation three days after Christmas.  Did I mention that he has the honor of working both Holidays, including the days before and the days after.  Six months ago when we received his schedule, we knew that this rotation which requires about 80+ hours a week would be one that would bring a new challenge to our family.  How could we be so lucky to have this rotation over the Holidays?  Just like anyone, you begin to dread what lies ahead.  It is as if you are down in the dumps before the tough time has even began.

Last week I was attending my MOPS (moms group) group at church when one of the pastors challenged us with these words "Are you thankful?  Regardless of your circumstances, Are you thankful?".  It was as if time froze for that second, and those words continued to echo in my heart.  How could I over look what God has done and what He is doing.  With Thanksgiving a couple days ahead, I knew that it was time to grab ahold of the meaning for this season and begin to thank God for all that He is doing in the midst of this tough phase that was about to begin in our lives.  

The bible verse came to my mind, "give thanks in all circumstances".  The reality of this, and the power in the words, begins when you take your focus off of your challenges and put it onto the positive things that are taking place everyday.  

So my list began.  My marriage is stronger than it was when we started.  My daughter keeps my on my toes and always laughing.  I have the basics of life: food, clothing and shelter.  I have an incredible extended family who supports from a distance.  I have a husband who works 15 hour days, and yet still greets me with excitement and a heart of service.  I have a God who cares about my greatest needs, and as promised me that I don't have to do this alone.

It is during this Holiday Season that I am so thankful for the things that God has blessed me with.  It might not be the tangible things or mass amounts of time, but it is a life filled with Joy from God.  A true attitude of giving thanks.  Today, I am Rejoicing with Thankfulness!

Swim Lessons

Kyla is half way through her first swim lessons.  She loves the water!  

Dr. Kyla

Introducing the new family Doctor.  Dr. Kyla!!  Kyla was decorated from head to toe just like her daddy.  She had her white coat, pink scrubs, pink crocks, and stethoscope in hand.  We started out our halloween day by going to visit Jason in the hospital.  Kyla brought a lot of smiles and she loved having endless halls to walk in.

After a well needed nap in the afternoon, we got all suited up again for Kyla's first trick-or-treating.  We let her walk to the first house down the block.  The joys of living in a great neighborhood.   However, it took ten minutes to go two houses away, so we decided that we would do some walking and some carrying.  Dr. Kyla was assisted by Nurse Mom and Dad the patient.  Kyla loved picking out candy (for her parents) and LOVED carrying her pumpkin candy bag.  

The BEST Pumpkin Patch

The sun was out, it was beautiful in Portland, and Jason had the day off.  We headed west towards Sauvie Island Farm.  We were recommended that this was the place to go, and were definately not disappointed.  The farm had many activites for younger kids, and since Kyla is walking she could enjoy almost all of them. 

The farm had two tractors for the kids to climb on and pretend to drive.  This gave great picture opportunities!  Kyla didn't really pay much attention to the tractor as she did the other kids running around the farm.  

Next we headed towards the hay pyramid.  It was stacked about 15 feet high with hay bails and super fun for the kids to climb.  Kyla had to have help to get up and over the larger ones but the smaller ones she had no problem.  On the way we saw the picture board, that almost everyone cannot pass up the opportunity to take another picture.

Looking up at the top of the pyramid...Can I do it?

I made it!!

After Jason took this picture of Kyla and I, we had another lady take a family picture.  She took about five pictures.  She said that they would make a great holiday picture.  We were excited to see them.  We climbed down the pyramid and went to look at the pictures.  Wait, there were NONE on our camera.  Poor lady... thought she was taking pictures, but really never pushed the button down far enough.  So, we will look for another holiday card opportunity.  

Next stop was the hay bail maze for the young kids.  Kyla spent about 20 minutes wondering all around.  She always seemed to find her way out.  Granted that the maze was not difficult, but for a 12 month old to figure this out was pretty amazing.

We headed over to the barn to see the animals.  We saw a pig, goats, turkeys, a baby calf, chicks and a rabbit.  Kyla especially loved to bang and shake the cage of the chicks.  There of course was a sign on the cage saying to not touch the cage.  So we distracted her with other animals, but some how would find the chicks cage again.  Towards the end was the discovery of the rabbit.  As you can see in the picture bellow, something about the rabbit was calming and caught Kyla's attention.  Sometimes I wish I had a rabbit in our house so that I could get Kyla to sit and stop moving for just a split second.  

The hay ride was just like others.  Kyla loved it!  She moved and danced the whole time.  She had so much fun.  Although, she doesn't seem to look excited in this picture.

 

Last but not least, the pumpkin patch.  As you can see by the pictures, Kyla started off by pushing the cart, and ended her day exhausted and going along for the ride.  (Notice that the clip that was in her hair at the beginning of our day, is no longer there.  Lost somewhere in the hay.)

Happy Birthday Jason!!

Happy Birthday Jason!  

Jason you are doing and incredible job balancing the role between a Medical Residency Intern, Husband, and Dad.  Your work for the family does not go unnoticed and your perseverance through the difficult times is admired.  Thank you for all that you do for both Kyla and I.  

This last year could be classified as a whirlwind.  Never knowing which way the wind is blowing, or what circumstance would come our way.  Life was definitely moving fast!!  Relocating, starting a new job, and raising a daughter.  So many changes...never knowing what was coming at us next.

I couldn't pick a better man to go through life with.   Thanks for being a great leader of our home!  Your encouragement and positive outlook lets me know we can make it. 

We love you!   ~Rachel and Kyla

Kyla's 1st Birthday Party

We filled our small little house with family and friends to celebrate Kyla!  We cannot believe that our little girl is one.  I am certian of one thing...the first birthday party is more for the parents than for the one having the party.  The decorations had to be just right, a BBQ feast was to be made, and the giant cupcake cake for Kyla was a definite must. 

When it came time for the party, I must admit that bubbles are the best party favors!!  Kyla's cousins and neighbor friends all played outside with the bubbles while the food was being cooked on the grill.

When it came time for presents and cake, Kyla was a little beside herself.  Not wanting to take an afternoon nap (too much going on), she looked a little zoned when it was cake time, this didn't stop her from digging in.

Here are some pictures of her party:

An Amazing Woman called...

MOM!!

Two days ago my mom celebrated her 50th birthday.  Although many would look at these years and fear the age, my mom looked at the number and saw joy.  For she was celebrating another year of life she was blessed to live.  I stand amazed at the woman she is.  Filled with a love for the Lord, her family, and her friends.  She is a listener, a teacher, a companion.  One who loves, laughs, encourages, and gives.  She gives not of what she wants, but what is for the good of others.  She gives sacrificially out of love.  She offers forgiveness and grace.  Although these can be tough to give, my mom gives these because she knows God has offered them to her unconditionally.  

Mom, you are an extension of His Hand, His Touch, and His Love.  

Thank you for being all these things.  For allowing me to receive the love of a mother.  I am so grateful that I not only get to call you mom, but friend!!

A look back through Kyla's 1st year

September 29, 2007

1 month

2 Months

3 Months

4 Months

5 Months

6 Months

7 Months

8 Months

9 Months

10 Months

11 Months

September 29, 2008