Spoke Too Soon... Gone Too Soon...

Early last week I got a text from my friend that her father had passed after slipping back into his coma for another week. And while it was not the same shock of the news of his stroke the week before it hit me like a ton of bricks. I suppose after his day of recovery talking with his children and grandchildren we all had hoped he was in the clear and on the road to recovery. But that was a wonderful moment that his children never got before they had to say good-bye to their mother so I am sure it is time they will come to cherish.

I have to admit selfishly I may have morned more for myself than my friend. She has not lived here for quite some time and after the death of her mother the pain of coming back was much more of a challenge than she had anticipated so her face has not been seen around here much. I feared that now with her father gone too she might not have any reason to return and being that she is like a sister to me the mere thought of it was more than I could handle on top of everything else this week brought with it. However to my surprise she thinks it might give her more of a reason to return. As unfortunate of an event as this was it brought her much healing that has been almost 7 years in the making. Saying good-bye to her Dad has allowed her and her family to finally let go of their Mom as well.

I would have to say the service today seemed to be just as much a tribute to her Mother's memory as her Father's. Same event, same church, same family and friends, same magnificent loss of a wonderful person all over again. These two people touch every one's life they came into and it was no different for me. They were friends, mentors, and the parents of one of the most important person in my life. They shared an amazing life together and an even deeper love so I suppose we can maybe all take comfort in the fact that both of them are exactly where they want to be ~ with each other once again... The Church after the service...

Some Recent Favorite Pics...

What can I say she loves the camera and is ALWAYS the first to come running when it is out!This is not our dog but I think he/she is beautiful and far less obnoxious than our last neighbor's dog!Love this picture of Gage not only because he is smiling which is hard to catch on camera these days but him in general is simply hard to catch on camera these days... although thinking back he always has been our most elusive kid... he is always the one standing away from the rest of the pack looking like someone else's kid in our shot...These next two will probably go down as a few of my all time favorites of Ozzye, especially the one of him reading the paper with Grandpa!LOVE, LOVE, LOVE this one of Brody, Although I find I like most pictures of Brody because he is so animated in general... come to think of it Gage was VERY much the same at this age but I think Brody may love the camera a tad more... he must get that from his sis!Not only is this simply a sweet picture of the oldest and youngest but it definitely sums up how we see Kain these days... I would be lying if I said I wasn't looking forward to having him home this summer and next year. It feels like far too often someone is missing from our days...

One of Those weeks...

I certainly can't complain that it has been a bad week by any means there has been far too many positive things come out of it for that label, such has my baby not getting hit by a car, my brother's new job, and my friend's father not dying. But it has been one of those weeks when every slap to the face makes you wonder what in the world could possible happen next. Luckily most of the downs have been followed rather quickly by enormous blessings leaving me with a new perspective and gratitude for all I have in my life.

The week started out with my brother leaving after a two week stay interviewing for a job and all his hard work finally paying off. He was released from his job late last year and left in limbo as him and his family decided what the next step would bring. After months of pondering and sorting through things they will be moving back here which has of course left them with mixed emotions and us with excitement for ourselves and sympathy for them and all (both good and bad) which lies ahead of them now.

During the middle of the week I got a glimpse into why people probably think I am completely insane for having as many children as I do. I know that probably seems obvious to most but honestly to me I do have a hard time understanding what the "big deal" is. Sure I have more to do, look after, take care of but that also includes more of all the precious moments one benefits from with having a child. But alas a few days ago after after our photography group met, the children had asked more than once if we could "PLEASE, leave NOW?" to which I actually decided to follow through with my yes reply. As I started towards the door I noticed Brody and Gage struggling with the door. Gage was trying to hold it closed while Brody was opening it, so of course during their power struggle Ozzye managed to slip out and start running towards the parking lot just as a truck came blowing through (not very slow I might add). So naturally I started yelling to Gage to "grab him!" which very quickly escalated to a terrified scream just as Gage tripped over Brody leaving him in tears, to snatch the baby just steps from the curb. As I reached the door to pick up Brody now knowing that my baby was indeed not flattened I heard nothing as I turned to gaze over my shoulder EVERYONE in the cafe was staring at me blankly. I announced that he was fine and hauled ass to get all my kids out the door so I could leave. Once everyone was accounted for and buckled in their seats it set in how completely crazy we must have looked! But I am learning to shrug this off like the rest of the thoughts, comments, "kind" suggestions because you know what: Mom's with only two kids have their crazy days too, right?

I awoke the next morning to a call from my best friend that her father was in the hospital dying and they were taking him off of life support later that day. Of course my heart sank at the news. It would have for anyone of my my friends that was about to lose a parent and lose one so young as well but the thing with her is that she lost her mom to the very same thing only 6 years ago. Not only was I over come with grief for her but anger as well. How can this happen... AGAIN? How much can one person take? Just earlier this year she had to bury her Grandmother, the Mother that had out lived her own daughter. My friend just had her first baby last August and she is surrounded by heartache and loss. That is not what we expect to be doing when we are starting our own families.

I waited at her father's house last night with many friends and family. We expected them to all walk through the door somber as they returned from releasing his body but instead they returned with hope and confusion. For days there had been no response and the staff was sure the brain damage was too sever for any sort of recovery. But soon after they took out his breathing tube he began to respond. He open his eyes, he moved his head. They left the hospital hoping for the best but trying to get their hopes up too much at the same time. In the morning they would re-evaluate with some more tests and see what happened. I got a call from her later today saying he was responding even more... talking... moving... remembering... talking to his grandbaby. He has a long road of therapy ahead of him but it is truly amazing what he went through this week.

It is certainly the moments like this that leaves you humble... leaves you wondering... leaves you grateful. I have ended this week with an unusual email out of the blue I didn't expect and it certainly makes me wonder about the timing of many of these events. Perhaps response to many of these things would have been different if perspectives had never been jarred... All in all life is good, it has shown me what could have been and what is and it leaves me feeling blessed for what all of us have rather than worried about what we might not and I have to think that is a huge gift!

Pictures from Easter Morning...

I thought about writing a bit about our Easter and why still choose to celebrate it despite the "fact" that it is a Christian Holiday but honestly I am feeling a bit lazy this morning. Let's just say while I respect all other religions I kind of think Easter has to be one of the most ridiculous that Christians try to claim as their own. I mean even if one could find some evidence to support that Christ was born in the middle of winter (which they now think is quite crazy in and of itself) at least it falls on the same day every year!

Easter is determined every year by the Spring Equinox, the first full moon after that and then is held on the first Sunday to follow. Could that be any more Pagan? At least Christmas is simply held near the Winter Solstice but you don't actually need to acknowledge the holiday to figure out a Christian one. So Alas we love Easter, named after a Pagan Goddess. We love to celebrate the Spring time after a long cold winter and all the life that bursts forth with it. We love the warming sun and the budding blossoms! We love the promise of a new season and cycle the Equinox brings with it and the renewal again, many times here in the great north (since we are bond to see yet another cold snap after the 1st day of Spring which we did this year) that Easter than brings with it... or as in years past is seen even several more weeks after Easter. But never the less we like to call forth the brighter days that we know are on their way.

Well how is that for someone that decided not to write much?! Okay for real though let's get on with our day. It was quite and beautiful and we enjoyed our down time at home from our busy schedules spent with family! We hope everyone else enjoyed their holiday and celebrating whatever newness was brought into your life this year!

Yay, for summer!

Okay it isn't really summer but it feels like it to us so there you have it! Aubriel even came in all sweaty complaining about how hot it is outside today. Kain has the day off so the kids have been outside in the sunshine all day and are now taking a much need rest on the couch.

My brother has been staying with us for the week while he waits on a few interviews. He has one today and we are all holding our breath as we wait for good news. The poor guy has been bombarded with our children bugging him none stop which I am quite sure only makes him miss his own family that much more as they wait back at home for updates on the process. It has been great having him back but it just doesn't feel the same without the rest of his crew with him. I know our kids are especially excited to see everyone as well!

Here in no particular order are some pictures of the last month as we transitioned from winter to summer like weather. I love to see what the kids pick out to wear based on the weather and how they feel about the day...Okay this picture isn't an outside one but was far too funny to not post and yes he did pick out what he is wearing!My friend's daughter whom Brody is in love with. Aren't they adorable?And that would be me riding Kain's bike in the background as he took this picture...Getting ready for a game of tag!