Our Week Off, Goodbyes and Hellos

It's been a special week for us. Patrick finished his semester last week and we were looking forward to spending some quality time as a family and hoping for some good weather. I feel we accomplished our goals.

Gloria turned 5 months decided she doesn't like food. This is the look she gave me when I put the tiniest piece if poptart crust in her mouth.

We gained a greater appreciation for our past by visiting the Abraham Lincoln Presidential library.


Our visit was made complete by a stop at the Pink Elephant Antique Mall and Twisty Cone. Gloria was especially skeptical of the Harley Davidson Giant. I love that she is forming these opinions so early.

We enjoyed the beauty of Spring at the Botanical Gardens with our friends.





In addition, we learned more about life by attending an infant funeral. A friend of ours, Shante, lost her baby when she went into unstoppable labor at 5 1/2 months.

I've learned a lot about myself from this experience and for this reason I am grateful for it. Every soul is precious and God is mindful of each one. I believe in the Resurrection of Jesus Christ which makes this experience no less painful but eternally more hopeful. I am learning how to feel things differently. Maybe it has to do with being a Mom, maybe it's just how life is, but I find myself recognizing the value of emotion in a way I have not appreciated before.

Patrick begins class again on Monday and I would be lying if I said I wasn't excited to get back to a regular schedule. I think Gloria also misses the rhythm of non-vacation weeks. Everyday she shows us a little bit more of her sparkling, happy personality. She is so fun.

1 Month of Glory!

We have enjoyed so many little moments the last month it is hard to believe. Patrick will be going back to school on Tuesday. We were excited to introduce Gloria to her Grandpapa and Oma this week. Look how she's grown. Happy Birthday Mike we love you!

Joy to the World!

Gloria Susan is born! We're sorry we haven't posted for so long. Here is our little joy. She is so fun to be with all day! I love watching her change through all her faces: distraught, then smile, then surprised O-shaped mouth!... We have been blessed to have both our mothers Jan and Susan come out and stay with us. They were such a HUGE help and we really miss them. Happy New Years everyone!

Bike trip? no. Southern Hemisphere? yes.

So in case you haven't figured it out yet, we are unexpectedly expecting! All plans to bike across the United States have been put on hold for now. But when God sends a baby, he also gives you a free trip to Australia! Here we are "down under" and enjoying a fast forward view of family life. We are helping Andy and Natalie Goddard (Andy is Patrick's cousin) with their five children while they are here building a DoTERRA following here in Australia. We have been here a ten days and learned heaps about our Heavenly Father's incredible creations as well as parenting.