A Baby To Love

A new grandbaby

I was so focused on this newborn babe, so fresh from God, as he was placed in his mama's arms I cropped my daughter's face. At least I caught her beautiful smile.

Watching the birth of my grandson, was nothing short of a miracle.

Welcome to the world, Elijah Kairos, 7 lbs 2 oz.

The love Ethan has for his new brother is precious.

Brothers

A family of five

Truthfully,

Joanne

"A friend loves you all the time, and a brother helps in time of trouble." Proverbs 17:17

Sacred Moments

Sacred: worthy of or regarded with reverence, awe, or respect.

A sacred moment is a most precious, intimate space and time that can't be shared with anyone else. I'm choosing to share them anyway. These are God moments when all I can do is silently praise Him, as no words will do justice.

Holding a newborn in your arms, knowing they are fresh from God.

Seeing my seventh grandchild, in the womb, healthy, it's a girl! (Even if it was an ultrasound photo on my phone. It was almost as if I was there.)

Sisters

Alone in the dark of the night, watching the super blood moon eclipse, knowing God has numbered our days and our nights.

Sharing a memory with my dad that only he and I remember, via emails.

Sitting in church with my son, listening to a testimony of God's sustaining love in the darkest hours; tears streaming down our faces.

Arriving at Elisabeth's apartment; Beckham's squeals and smiles when he sees me.

Joy as the date is set for wedding dress shopping with Hilary. Sadness that Michael's mom will miss it.

Holding Michael's hand, while sitting in church, such love.

Truthfully,

Joanne

 "As he listens, his secret thoughts will be laid bare, and he will fall down on his knees and worship God, declaring that God is really there among you." (1 Cor. 14:25)

It's A Boy!

When I was expecting my third child, Michael and I picked out names. If the baby was a girl, her name would be Elisabeth, for a boy, Ryan. Elisabeth was born soon afterwards.

When I was expecting our forth child, we picked names again. Sarah for a girl, Ryan for a boy. Sarah was born soon afterwards. A few months later we changed her name to Sarabeth.

When I was expecting my fifth child, it was decided this would be our last baby. I figured this baby must be our Ryan. Hilary arrived soon afterwards. We were a little surprised. I supposed we were not meant to have a son named Ryan. I was wrong.

On Saturday, Ryan proposed to my youngest daughter Hilary. She said yes.

I love what he posted on Facebook:

We will finally have a son named Ryan!  Congratulations Hilary and Ryan.

Truthfully,

Joanne

 "Then make me truly happy by loving each other and agreeing wholeheartedly with each other, working together with one heart and mind and purpose." (Phil. 2:2)

It's A Girl!

A new little one to love.

Ivydee and the rest of us awaited her arrival with great anticipation. 

We didn't know if baby was a he or she.

Jolie Irene made her arrival on September 2, at 2:45 a.m., weighing 7 lbs. 7.5 oz.

A sister is a special kind of friend.

The bond of sisterhood is forever,

And so is the love a grandmother has for her grandchildren.

I can't wait to love on them very soon.

Truthfully,

Joanne

"May the Lord continually bless you with heaven’s blessings as well as with human joys. May you live to enjoy your grandchildren! And may God bless Israel!" (Ps. 128:5-6)

Three Years

Three years ago today, we celebrated the marriage between two beautiful people.

Danny and Christina,

 we rejoiced in your union before God.

Our fun-loving family 

enjoyed celebrating you.

Today we have so much more to celebrate.

Happy 3rd Anniversary!

Truthfully,

Joanne

Love never fails. (1 Cor. 13:8)

Happy Birthday Favorite Daughter-in-Law

Happy Birthday Lauren! You will always be my favorite daughter-in-law. It's been more than 12 years since I first suspected you might become my favorite. How well I remember Christopher's senior year of high school.

Typically around midnight, before heading to bed, I'd walk past the bedrooms of each of my kids. Most nights I found Christopher on the phone. "Christopher, get off the phone!" I'd hiss. "Who are you talking to so late at night?" The answer was always the same, "Lauren." He never seemed to mind that I got angry. I knew whomever he was talking to must have been worth it.

You were the first one to marry into our family. What a joy it was to see you go from the fun loving, always up for adventure girlfriend, to the devoted wife who gave strength, beauty, and order to Christopher's life. I knew you were the blessing I'd prayed for all those many years. You and Christopher complement one another very well.

Two summers ago, I watched you become a mom for the first time.

I knew the two of you would be loving, faithful, thoughtful parents but what a delight to see you in action. You've always exceeded my expectations.

I am excited to see your family grow. Your new little one should arrive in the next couple of weeks.

 Ivydee will be a great big sister. Her mama has prepared her well.

I love you Lauren, happiest of birthdays.

Truthfully,

Joanne

"Your wife shall be contented in your home. And look at all those children! There they sit around the dinner table as vigorous and healthy as young olive trees." (Ps. 128:3)

One Year

Last year, on this date, we were celebrating.

Today is Elisabeth and Brian's First Wedding Anniversary.

It was a spectacular wedding.

So much has happened since this wonderful union.

Three of these lovely ladies are expecting babies.

And these two have the sweetest baby boy.

Congratulations Elisabeth and Brian, and a very Happy First Anniversary!

Can't wait for many more memories with you all!

"Enjoy life with the woman you love all the days of your life that will soon be over. God has given you these days under the sun. This is the good you will get in life and in your work which you have done under the sun." Ecc. 9:9

Seventh by Jennifer Wilson

A friend of mine wrote the following poem. I felt it was appropriate to share.

I know I'm number seven,

but the fact you can't deny

is that God, Almighty Giver,

is the Author of my life.

My soul is no less special,

and my spirit no less great

than those that came before me--

be they one, or six, or eight!

So many eyes are blinded

by the whispers of this world--

to them, there is no miracle

in a human life unfurled.

A baby's just a plaything,

a burden, or a chore,

and we must proceed with caution

to prevent too many more!

Only a fool would trust the Lord

to give as He desires

and live a life of trust in Him...

whatever that requires.

A new car may be exciting;

a new house may be a prize,

but my new life is better

than any thing that money buys.

So all the world may roll their eyes

when seven now they see--

But I can't wait until I meet

the "fools" who welcome me.

Seventh
by: Jennifer Wilson