BLESSINGS!

I recently received a birth announcement in the mail from my sister and her husband announcing the birth of their daughter Mattea. For them, this is the fulfillment of their dreams. Naomi had suffered several miscarriages before having Mattea. As I looked at the photos, I could see in their eyes the pure joy. On the phone it is evident as well. Naomi is #5 of the 7 children my parents have. As a child she was shy and always willing to do things for others. She is a fabulous social worker who now has chosen to be at home with her child. Today she is a mother and a wife. She has grown into a beautiful woman. It is so wonderful to see her as a mom and to see things a bit through her eyes. She takes nothing for granted!

Today my brother Nick and his wife Mara had a daughter, Sofia Rose. Nick and Mara were married last July. Nick is two years younger than myself. We have watched him fall in love with Mara. It is amazing how I once looked at him as my brother, the boy who mercilessly teased me as a child. He is no longer that person. He is a man who loves a woman. He has become tender and thoughtful. He laughs. Today he is a father. Incredible!

I am overwhelmed with the blessings we have received as well. Children are truly a gift from God.

Thank you Lord for my family and for the blessings you have given all of us!

LOOK! We are totally bigger than before

Roman and Rya continue to help us train for our role on the US summer olympic team, where we are co-captains of the insomnia squad. With the assistance of our newest family members we are sure to bring home the GOLD. Seriously, they are a wonderful blessing. They are developing as they should and do not seem to be affected developmentally due to their premature arrival. All of the older kids are great helpers when needed. Sterling and Spencer did a phenomenol job in their respective roles in Seussical the Musical. We are very proud of their dedication and fearlessness to go before a crowd. Hannah is appreciating her home life more after working at the Boys and Girls Club. It has been a great experience for her. She is driving quite a bit and keeps naively asking what kind of car will she get. Sadly for her, I have already purchased an excellent Schwinn 10 speed for her to use when transportation is required (LOL). Linnea and Sterling have grown 1-2 inches over the past few months and Linnea has been able to continue her training for her future career as a socialite. She is always receiving invitations from friends. Spencer shaved the mohawk he had for the play, and now looks much older than his 14 years. The summer months are hectic as there is the stabilizing lack of routine that the school year provides. Our time with the children is short in the big picture, and they will soon be gone. We appreciate this, and relish the noise, mess, and mayhem because one day soon it will be gone. May you remember to cherish and enjoy those around you while they are here, because as TobyMac says "You don't know what ya got till it's gone"