Love of Family

Last week was spent preparing for my brother's wedding.  From packing, to decorations for the rehearsal dinner, our family spent the time together.  My parents came up a week before the wedding to help with the preparations and to support their son.  A couple days into their stay Kyla came down with a stomach bug that would then wipe out the family, including the groom.  Thankfully we all managed our way through the week and were able to enjoy the wedding day.

Justin is my only brother and only sibling.  We have a close relationship and share life's joys and challenges with one another.  I am sure you are familiar with the movie Father of the Bride and the opening scene where you find the Father sitting in a chair wondering where time had gone, while in awe of the days events encompassing his daughter's wedding.  I can relate to this just being a couple days out from the wedding, not being the father but the sister.  I cannot believe that my younger brother got married.  His wife is amazing and is going to bring so much to our family.  The wedding was gorgeous and time stood still as I watched my brother and now sister-in-law commit their marriage to God and each other.  But as I sat on the couch yesterday, I couldn't figure out why I was a little sad until I saw this picture.

Justin has lived with us the last six months.  We don't know Portland, without Justin. This picture of Justin spinning Kyla on the dance floor at the reception, is a common sight in our home as well.  I paused for a moment realizing the atmosphere in our home will change.  Justin loves his family.  He helped around the house when Jason was gone.  He distracted Kyla when I was cooking dinner or cleaning house.  He has been my friend in a new city and in moments of loneliness.  And made me laugh when I wanted to cry.   

Like the Father in the movie, I find myself looking into my living room with so much joy that I was able to have him live with us, but wonder how life will be like during this next transition...next season of life.  

At the wedding I looked onto the dance floor as my mom and brother were having their dance.  As tears flooded my face, I embraced my daughter and longed to cherish the moment.  I then felt tiny hands grab my face and I was met with laughter.  My father-in-law captured this moment, to which I am very thankful for (I am smiling underneath Kyla's little hands).

I realized that the brother who always can make me laugh, who helped during a tough transition with residency, was still here in my daughter.  For although Justin is not living with us and beginning one of the best times of his life (and has gained a new roommate), I am blessed with being able to see some of Uncle J in Kyla.  

Thank you Justin for loving our family.  We cannot wait for him to come back and visit!!

(More pictures of the wedding to come soon)

All about Hair

Kyla has been blessed with a full head of hair.  Her hair grows fast and has cute little curls in the back.  We had a couple of milestones this last month...yep both involving her hair.  I have to admit, that both times I stood and looked at her and couldn't believe I was looking at a little girl.  Not a baby anymore.  It is amazing that as you change her hair, she grows up.

The first milestone was moving from pig-tales to pony-tales.  Not just having half of her hair pulled up, but all of her hair pulled up.  It took a bit of enticing with cookies, but Kyla was patient and we got a very special hair for Christmas day.

The second milestone was Kyla's FIRST HAIR CUT.  While down in Ashland we had a good family friend who is amazing with kids (and I trusted she wouldn't give Kyla some weird cut with wild bangs).  Kyla's hair was a little crazy and with her first wedding appearance coming at the end of this month, we decided to give it some shape (or at least attempt).  We didn't need to take off much.  

Kyla before the haircut (yes, we used Emmy's teddy graham cookies to help us)

Snip, Snip, Snip we have some bangs

A little off the back, save those curls

All Done!

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!