The Big Move

No, I didn't mean to get that kid running in the picture. But it sure looks like I did.


A few weeks ago, this little family took on three days of a moving, packing and transitional fiasco, and we have moved up to Snohomish, WA. We are staying at a one-bedroom apartment above a garage, located on a lake 30 minutes outside of town. The apartment is roomy, and the lake is beautiful and quiet. The place is owned by some extremely generous family friends that are the picture of kindness. I did not expect that we would be so much happier here. There are so many elements that have made our move prove to be the right choice and a real gift. We feel like a complete family, with dad home from work quickly and lovely evenings that aren't rushed the moment he walks in. We've found a church that we really love, we actually want to stay there and visit with people when the service is over (which we've NEVER done). And I've joined BSF (Bible Study Fellowship) for my 6th year here, and even more exciting is that Amelia was placed in her first class this year! I also live close to a long-time friend, who is mother of two of Amelia's good friends. I've also made new friends that I feel like I've been best friends with for years, and I've fallen in love with a group of fantastic women who are as in love with God, their husbands and their children as I am. We live closer to Grant's family, which is an immense blessing, and convenient for date night :). I'm sad that I had to move further from my family, but I know that I can (AND WILL) hop on the ferry and spend a couple days there as often as I need. We are so happy, and so thankful for this new stage in our life.

Our new mailing address, for anyone who'd like it, is PO Box 1855, Snohomish, WA 98291. We don't have internet where we live, but I'll try to keep blogging and updating as much as possible.

Amelia and the deer

A few weekends ago, Grant took Amelia scouting around my parents house, looking for signs of deer activity for hunting season. Grant took Amelia on a hike for a little over an hour, and they saw four deer! One of which, they were able to get very close to. Grant said that when Amelia saw it, her mouth dropped, she pointed at it and said "assshhhh!!" (Meaning "Cash", our dog's name, which is what she says when she's excited about something). Then she gave the deer one of her big arm waves to say hello.

Since then, if Amelia sees a deer or something that resembles a deer, she is in awe. The mouth drops, and she gives a big gasp. It looks something like this...

This photo was taken while dad was watching the hunting channel.

Also, this summer has been a blast, and I've been given lots of breaks thanks again to my sisters and mom. But now that school is starting, Meg is going back to school and Grant and I are looking at some new oppurtunities for our whereabouts in the future, it's hard to know what the next few months will look like. But I do know this has been a fantastic summer and I'm so thankful for all the special memories I've been blessed with, like this one...

family jewels

We all have our weird phobias. Some people can't stand spiders, some heights, some water. And then there are some people out there who are literally spooked by very strange things, like...jewelery. I was surprised to learn that my good-ol'-boy-husband has this jewelry phobia. Necklaces, rings, earrings, you name it, he hates it. He's not "scared" of jewelry, but he really is grossed out by it. He's very specific about when jewelry crosses the point of disgust for him, but he will make it clear that he can't stand it, especially in piles on a counter and especially not in someones mouth. Interestingly enough, his little sister shares this phobia. After doing a little research online, although rare, there really are people who are grossed out by jewelry.

When I first learned of this, naturally I did what any normal person would do, I dangled as much shiny jewelry in front of his face as I could, saying "Really? This is gross to you? Really??" And then watch him cringe and gag. "This?" with a little more shaking near his face. If I'm feeling down and need a laugh now and then, I'll get out a big ol' necklace and watch him go. It always seems to lift my spirits.

Well, as you'll see in this video, the apple doesn't fall far from the tree....

good morning, beautiful

Amelia is becoming a kissing expert. I get awoken every morning to little hands grabbing the sides of my head, turning me toward her and then I receive several big, wet, loud kisses from tiny lips right on my mouth. And she doesn't always close her mouth to give you one of her REAL smooches. Of all the things in the world, nothing can beat getting woken up this way. I have been so pleased that she also gives other people kisses when asked nicely.

So yes, we do bring Amelia into our bed in those early morning hours when she wakes up much too soon for us. What a special time this is!! Snuggling and kissing, hearing her sit up and say, "hi! hi!", and then crash down on us for more snuggling.



Since it's the end of July, my little toddler has also earned a very nice little tan. It's so special to have a little person, squishy legs and fingers sprawled all over me, who is the exact same color as me in the summertime. And hard not to giggle when Grant holds her, who is not so bronze, to see such a big difference in color! Of course, her sweet round little face, bushy eyebrows and deep dimples reveal that she is indeed his baby girl.


Watching Amelia running around, learning more everyday and changing so quickly made us look forward to watching our family grow. That's why I'm 7 weeks pregnant with our next baby :)

it's no big deal...

BUT SHE'S WALKING!!!!



and if you think it's really cool...(like we do of course) here's a really long video of her first night of walking!!

salmon with raspberries

A couple of videos for you...

Amelia not only feeds herself, but also helps dad finish his dinner.

This is a little post-bath ritual she's been doing for a few months now. I think this must break some type of record for a person her age.

Bless my sisters

Since becoming a mom my eyes have been opened to how fortunate I am to be blessed with so many sisters, and of course a fantastic sister-in-law. If there's one thing I hope to give Amelia it is the gift of a family like I have. I don't know what I would do without the unconditional comfort and support I receive immediately from each of them, while they expect nothing in return. So many times I just need a "we've been there" phone call from an experienced older sister with tried-and-true ideas; or the comfort that comes from one of them saying "it's a stage, there's absolutely nothing you can do but hang in there". Not to mention the familiar way they all can grab Amelia and shower her with kisses, knowing exactly how to make a 13-month old giggle. I can just sit back knowing there is not a hint of judgement in any of them, only a genuine nod of the head that they know exactly how fun, frustrating and frantic having a toddler can be.

And the very special blessing that I have that very few people get, is a twin sister. Meg is not only just the aunt that looks, talks and moves exactly like Amelia's mom; but she is the living, breathing version of me, pre-Amelia. I get a peek at who I was before everything changed. In other words, I get a timely "what the heck are you doing??" from Megan to remind me of who I was, and standards I had before Amelia came along. For example, pleasant suggestions to not let Amelia completely run my life, or demanding me to give her to a grandma and get the heck out of the house. Or to remind me that some people actually enjoy talking about things other than naps, laundry, and how my daughter is the cutest, funniest and smartest.

So, all this to say I don't know what I would do without my sisters. I would be lost and crazy. Lost...and crazy. I love all of you.