Home sweet home...

When I was six, my dad married a beautiful, sweet woman named Micki, with an adorable one year-old son, Reid. They were the perfect addition to our family. When I think back on my childhood, my memories are filled with the joyous times we all shared.

Everyone was shocked a month ago when she passed away suddenly from a brain aneurysm.

This past week, we drove from Washington to California for her memorial service and some much needed time with family.

Before the service on Saturday, we drove to the coast to visit my mama, sister Hanna, brother, stepdad and friends. We had a wonderful time.

The kids were very glad to play at their favorite park.

My handsome husband, my beautiful sister and

lovely Ruth

Aunt Hanna and Ruth


Daddy playing

Josiah

Hanna and I, and the twins

Visiting our dear friends, the Barkers

Baby Weston

Josiah and his pals, Jack and Caleb

Another adorable Weston

Layla, Leanne and Weston

Ian and Hannah

Layla and Weston

Josiah and Caleb



My handsome little man turned

five while we were there!

My sister having fun with

her niece and nephew

My handsome husband

My mama and I
Then on to my dad's...

I got to meet my niece, Addison for

the first time!

My brother Mike with his baby and

my girls

His lovely wife Stephanie with Layla and

Addison

Hannah and I


My brothers, Christian and Reid
The boys having some musical talk
A family picture



A lesson I have learned is to not let relationships slip away. I am so greatful that I was given the chance to get my brother Reid back into my life. I had neglected that relationship and, sadly we have missed too many years of each others lives. We can make up for that now though, and we will.

Me, Reid, Dad, Christian and Mike

Micki, you are so lovely, and I know

you are at peace in the presence of our Lord.

Thank you for being you.

Thank you for loving me.

I love you.

On preparing for a week trip

We are busy preparing for a week long trip to California... 2 adults, 5 children.

To Bake: Instead of spending tons of money on unhealthy, not very delicious food, I am trying to bake a lot of stuff so we can have breakfast and lunch ready while on the road.

2 1/2 dozen pumpkin chocolate chip muffins
2 dozen blueberry muffins
2 dozen bagels: plain, onion, and cinnamon
3 loaves of bread

Will also bring along peanut butter, jelly, various lunch meats and cheese
Snacks to include graham crackers, pretzels, and fruit

Will also buy a pack of two of water bottles

Hopefully this will be sufficient.

Then on to clothes...

I am assuming we will have access to washer/dryer at some point

Twins:
4 pairs of pajamas (each)
5 outfits (each)
socks, shoes

will be using disposable diapers on the trip instead of cloth

Everyone else will probably bring 2 pairs of pajamas and 5 outfits...

Toys and books

Must make sure to bring lots of books for the twins...they love them. Also, their baby dolls, Raggedy Anne dolls, toy phones, and blankets. These are their favorite things.

The other kids will pack some books and toys of their choosing.

Also, we will have a bag of wrapped birthday presents for Josiah, as he will turn 5 on Wednesday the 18th. He is very excited to have his birthday with some California family and friends, and he wants to have it at his favorite place, the Avila Beach Park. I guess that depends on the weather.
Barkers, Moores, Delmores, Wahls, anyone else... he (and we) want to see you all. You're all invited...details to follow I suppose.

Anyway, lots of preparing to do...

And school...

I must go.

Have a lovely day.

Nothing exciting

Sorry I have not been around lately. My step mom passed away unexpectedly last week. It has been hard for us in my family, and my heart especially breaks for my just turned 14 year old brother. I cannot imagine how he is feeling right now.

We will get to go to Sacramento in a couple of weeks for her memorial service.

Then we will head on down the coast...yes, we are going home for a visit, and will be able to get the rest of our stuff out of storage!

Please, enjoy your families. Your children, your husbands, your parents, your siblings. Love on them everyday!