Boys Weekend at the Cabin

A special part of Dirk's childhood was spending time in Grand Marais at his parent's cabin. This fall he took Beckham with him to stay with Nana Ghlee and Papa Bob.  Dirk also got a chance to play with his new lens and I got a chance to do some fun editing...I love photography.

What People Say

Precious Evalyn, what we hear most about  pretty blue eyes and crazy hair (I blame your dad for that one). You make people smile wherever you go as they comment on how tiny and delicate your features are. 

But what I love the most is...

your smile.

Easy and Hard

As a mom of 2 little ones people often ask me how I am doing. Well, not just like that, it's more like they say:

"Wow, you must be busy!" of "You really have your hands full!"

It seems to change moment by moment as to how I want to respond. Sometimes I feel like I have it all under control and then Evalyn needs to eat and Beckham won't eat (he is going to food therapy by the way). The other day I went upstairs to find Beckham feeding the dogs all the treats from the jar and had them in their kennels. Yes, sometimes it's  a little out of control at my house. Most days it's wonderfully chaotic and I wouldn't change it for anything.

Then there are times I feel like this...

or like this...

How about you?

Sarah's Retired

It is official, I have relieved Sarah from her duties of photographing my family. Although I may call in a favor every so often (Sarah, don't put the camera away just yet). So I contacted a woman from Craigslist that does wedding photography and is getting into newborn. She came to the house and did a great job capturing my little girl at 8 weeks.

Guess Who?

Yes, that is Wally the Beerman. Our neighbors had a housewarming party and Wally was serving up some beverages. Who would have guessed that Evalyn would get to meet him so early in life...

Father's Day

I just wanted to celebrate Dirk yesterday and make him feel special and appreciated. Yet, the day came and went and felt more like an ordinary day that I wanted it to. I know that I have a newborn and a 1 1/2 year old, but still he deserved to REALLY be celebrated. Every year I update a scrapbook page from the kids for him with a letter and I actually did get that done but still the day felt...unfinished.

So Dirk, here are some precious pictures of us and our beautiful and simple life. Thank you for choosing me to spend your days with and for all of your LONG days you put in to support us. We have seen some of the happiest days and days that are filled with more sorrow than we could have imagined. You keep me focused and remind me to cherish each moment. You help me see the big picture when the moment seems overwhelming and you love me. You love the real me, the good and the bad and I have such security that. You are my perfect partner, my lover and my friend. It is an honor to be your wife and watch you as a dada.

I love you...

Newborn photos from a beloved god-mama

Sweet Sarah blessed us with newborn photos of our little Evalyn at 2 weeks old. We also got some action shots of Beckham which I love...it's exactly who he is right now. Not only is Sarah known as "Auntie Sar" at our house she is now God-Mom Sar. Dirk and I asked Abe and Sarah to be Evalyn's Godparents. As with Beckham, we decided to have a couple outside of our family to support our kids in prayer and offer guidance that we aren't able to as parents. Often people chose an Aunt and Uncle and we think that they already have such an important role in our kids lives we wanted to have someone outside the family.
Justin, Annie and Ryker are Beckham's "Godfamily" and we are so excited that Abe, Sarah and Baby Wolfe will be Evalyns.

God has just blessed with us in abundance right now and I find myself overwhelmed with thanks. I have this wonderful little family to enjoy, an amazing husband that has been so helpful, extended family that has supported us and helped beyond measure, I have a job (total shock!) and the beautiful summer to enjoy it all.

Sarah gave me this new book, "I Will Carry You" by Angie Smith and it has totally changed my life and made me celebrate and miss Briana in a whole new way. I am thinking this is what my next blog entry will be about. For now here are some of my favorites about my precious kiddos for the month of June (which, by the way is going by WAY TOO FAST!).

BECKHAM:
I adore the way he is imitating everything Dirk and I do. He cheers "YEA" and puts his hand in the air during a touchdown. He picks up my cell phone and says "hello" and is always talking to Dada. He sits in our desk chairs and types on the keyboard. Beckham runs everywhere and is so gentle with baby Ahh. He kisses her head and for the most part she has just slipped into our lives without him noticing much. For those of you who have asked the hunger strike continues but is broken up a little by milk, chips (veggie ones at least), the occasional oatmeal and watermelon. I can't remember the last time that kid ate some meat...oh well.

Beckham is so helpful lately and loves bringing shoes to people in hopes that will play outside with him. He loves bubbles and points out every door, window, bird and dog. I have a great laundry helper and we are working on picking up toys. Animal sounds are going great and we are now working on colors and counting. You have to hear this kid say purple, it will melt your heart. I can't believe I was so worried about having a second child, Beckham still holds the same precious place in my heart.

EVALYN:
Oh, sweet girl I am so glad that you are here safe and sound at home. I have loved getting to know you and am so impressed with what an easy baby you have been so far.

I adore the fact that you have a duck tail, Beckham had a mohawk and you a duck tail...gotta love the 80s.

I love that when I pick you up you stay scrunched up like a little frog and open 1 eye to peak at me.

I love how you pucker your lips like you are waiting for a kiss when you are hungry.

I admire your long fingers and toes and hear constantly what a delicate little girl you are.

It is so fun dressing you up in adorable outfits (thank you for all the gifts!) and putting huge bows and flowers in your hair.

I can't get enough of holding you, cuddling you and praying over you. You are my last baby which makes me sad and thankful and cherish each moment even more.

God has once again overwhelmed me with His faithfulness and blessing. It is hard to imagine a God that loves us more that a mom loves her children, but He does.