Catching Up

It's been awhile. So much happening. So many changes.

Towards the end of March, Ethan was here for 10 days for his spring break.The weather didn't always cooperate.

 Because it was last minute, I wasn't terribly prepared with activities for him.

He is such a joy. He has matured in so many ways.

In April, both Ethan and Josiah were here for 4 days. It was Josiah's first time overnight with Gramma and Grandpa.

He did wonderfully. He was a snuggler, which typically he isn't.

 So fun to get to know him better on his own.

The last day they were here, Ethan was able to play with the neighborhood kids. I cried.

He enjoys a version of "cops & robbers" with his aunts and uncles. 

That day, Ben and Grace both willingly played along with him.

A little later two more boys joined the fun with nerf guns. Ethan had friends that interacted with him.

They shot at the bad guys. They protected their turf.

They chased each other. I cried. I want Ethan to have friends like this every day of his life.

The following weekend, we went to Colorado Springs to celebrate my oldest daughter's birthday. I have been a mom for 35 years.

That's almost 2/3 of my life. What joy to see Christina grow from a sweet, compassionate, smart little girl into a very wise, intelligent, thoughtful, hard-working, creative mom.

It's a busy, blessed life. I couldn't be more thankful for my family and the rich full life.

Truthfully,

Joanne

"Surely you have granted him unending blessings and made him glad with the joy of your presence."

Happy Birthday Hilary

A very happy birthday to you Hilary! I am so proud of you. This is your last birthday as a single lady.

Next birthday you will indeed be a Mrs.

Where has the time gone?

My little Hilary 

who was so happy and made us laugh all of the time.

Now you are a beautiful lady who still makes us laugh.

 You are always there

for your nieces

and nephews,

for siblings and us.

 I can't begin to tell you how thankful I am to be your mom.

You are a beauty, both inside and out. You are thoughtful, loving and a joy to be around.

I love you so much. I am so excited for your wedding this summer and dancing the night away.

Truthfully,

Joanne

    "...their children will be a blessing." (Ps. 37:26b)

I'm exhausted. It's late. I sit and rock. Her downy soft head nuzzled against my chin, I breathe in her newborn smell, wanting to savor this moment always. It's my last night in Atlanta. I've been here 3 weeks.

The two of us have snuggled together each and every night, in the quiet, late hours, hoping her mama might get 1, 2 maybe 3 hours of uninterrupted sleep.

This sweet babe must know it's my last night with her. Her little eyes are wide open. She studies my face as if to inquire, "why won't you stay Gramma?"

"Little one," I say, "I will miss you so much." I pull her close against my chest, stroking her soft hair against my cheek.

Bone of my bone, flesh of my flesh. I'm not ready to leave you. I have so much to tell you, so much love I want to impart to you.

I blink back the stinging tears. I don't want sadness to mar this beautiful moment.

Has it really been 3 weeks since I arrived, with great anticipation of seeing this baby be born? I almost witnessed her first breath, but at the last minute, only her daddy could accompany my daughter to the operating room.

A miracle birth.

I am blessed. Abundantly blessed.

Yes, sweet one, so fresh from God. You were created and formed from the heart of the Father. You've been given gifts and talents, abilities and personality so unique there has never been and never will be another person like you.

You are valued. Your are cherished. You are loved. Your newborn scent is intoxicating. I inhale deeply.

Truthfully,

Joanne

"He gathers the lambs in his arms and carries them close to his heart; he gently leads those that have young." (Is. 40:11)

March

March, you make me happy. You have always made me happy since you are the month I celebrate the day of my birth. But I love you for so much more.

I live in Colorado. March, you are the snowiest month of the year.

Each time it snows, the grass grows greener.

Flowers pop up from the dead earth.

Life emerges in blooms,

babies, and blossoms.

Spring happens.

Summer will be here soon.

March, marches onward, utilizing the last bursts of winter,

ushering in all of the goodness and hope of warmer weather.

Truthfully,

Joanne

"As the rain and the snow
    come down from heaven,
and do not return to it
    without watering the earth
and making it bud and flourish,
    so that it yields seed for the sower and bread for the eater,
11 so is my word that goes out from my mouth:
    It will not return to me empty,
but will accomplish what I desire
    and achieve the purpose for which I sent it." (Is. 55:10-11)

Grandbaby Number Seven

Introducing Aspen Elizabeth, 6 lbs. 10 oz., 20 inches, delivered via c-section. So proud of her mama, Sarabeth. What a miracle birth!

The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. 

He makes me to lie down in green pastures; He leads me beside the still waters. He restores my soul; 

He leads me in the paths of righteousness for His name sake; 

Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil; For you are with me; 

Your rod and your staff, they comfort me. You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies; 

You anoint my head with oil; My cup runs over. 

Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life; And I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever

Truthfully,

Joanne

"Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one's life for one's friends." John 15:13

Happy Birthday Elisabeth

Happy 29th Birthday Elisabeth!

Same beautiful smile you've always had. What a joy it is to watch your journey into motherhood this past year. I see so much of you in Beckham, his smile and laughter.

He has that special, cute way of drawing others to him, bringing joy everywhere he goes. 

As a mom, you have multiplied your gifts and talents. The nurture and love you so freely give shows that you walk as it says in Galations 5, "when the Holy Spirit controls our lives he will produce this kind of fruit in us: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, gentleness, faithfulness, and self control." 

Thank-you for the joy and love you bring to all of the family.

I could not be more proud of you. Happy Birthday!

Truthfully,

Joanne

 "I ask the Father with his great glory to give you the power to be strong in your spirits. He will give you that strength through his Spirit. I pray that Christ will live in your hearts because of your faith. I pray that your life will be strong in love and be built on love.  And I pray that you and all God’s holy people will have the power to understand the greatness of Christ’s love—how wide, how long, how high, and how deep that love is.  Christ’s love is greater than anyone can ever know, but I pray that you will be able to know that love. Then you can be filled with everything God has for you." Eph. 3:16-19

Happy Birthday Dad

Growing up in a family with 4 kids, I didn't get to much one-on-one time with my dad. Whenever I had the chance to tag-a-long on an errand, especially when my siblings chose to stay home, I jumped at the chance. My parents owned a laundromat for awhile and one afternoon Dad and I headed out to take care of the chores. We worked hard. 

We filled the dispenser machines with product, and emptied the coins. While dad filled and emptied the change machine, I cleaned out the lint trap on each of the washers.  Everything was wiped down and cleaned. Dad let me mop the floors with the big string mop and wringer bucket. I felt so strong flinging it back and forth. He locked up and I climbed up into his old blue pickup truck. As usual, he set the big metal coin box between the two front seats next to the gear shift. As a reward for our hard work, we each had a cold soda pop we wedged between our legs for the 20 minute drive home, a Pepsi for him, Mountain Dew for me. He started the engine, but before shifting, he leaned over and opened the metal box. He pulled out a 50 cent piece and handed it to me.

"Here. You worked hard today and I'm glad you came with me." I took the shiny coin. It felt like a million bucks, mostly because of the pride with which it was given. As we drove home, we listened to country music and sang. No, we jammed. The tin box became our snare drum and the handle of it made a tambourine sound. Dad would slap the side with the back of his hand, tap the top to jingle the metal together, beating to the rhythm of each song. When it was my turn, I was a little shy as I knew I wasn't as good as he was. Dad encouraged me to just feel the rhythm. By the time we got home, He turned to me and said, "we make a pretty good harmony team." I felt like a master drummer.  Getting out of the car, I don't remember feeling tired, but I believe I walked a little taller.

(I know I've shared this memory before, but was thinking about it and thought I'd share it again.)

Truthfully,

Joanne

For he gave his laws to Israel and commanded our fathers to teach them to their children, (Ps. 78:5)