Look out Mickey Mouse...Here we come!

We're off to Orlando for the week for Kevin's conference! I'm sure we'll have many adventures to document when we get back! See you next week... :)

To Crystal and Candace: My "New" Sisters

Both of you have welcomed me into the family with such love! I am so appreciative of that. Being twins, I somewhat expected to feel a little bit like an outsider because of your super-close relationship, but it has been anything but that. You both have treated me like a true sister. Thank you so much for that!

To Crystal: You are one AMAZING woman and mother! I honestly don't know how you do it. There are times when I am at my wits end with one child...let alone three all the same age! You have persevered through the last year with such strength and grace. I don't know ANYONE who could have gone through everything you have gone through recently and keep it together so well. You are a wonderful mother and continually search for ways that you can give your children the best head start in life possible. You are patient and loving with Ethan, Evan, and Emma. Your efforts have paid off because they are such sweet, loving, happy, and well-adjusted children! You have sacrificed so much for them, putting your own wants and desires aside to take care of your triplets.

You have one of the most beautiful smiles of anyone I know and you are a wonderful friend to so many! You are honestly one of the most generous people I know...giving your kid's clothes, toys, etc to anyone who needs them! We are all so blessed to have you in our lives. Thank you for being a friend to me!

To Candace: You are the friendliest person I know! You brighten the lives of everyone around you with your exuberance and bubbly personality. You take a genuine interest in the lives of others and are so caring and compassionate with the patients that you see! So much so that you sometimes take on their burdens yourself! You have such empathy for others and a very soft heart! You are always smiling, always positive, and always in a good mood! You are definitely an optimist and see the world in a positive light. You are such an encouragement to me as a full-time working wife and mother. What a huge responsibility...I don't know how you do it either! Blake and Luke adore you and you are so sweet with them.

You wouldn't know the things you have also persevered through because of your sunny disposition. I know that God has great plans for you! I am so glad that I have you in my life. You are a beautiful, wonderful woman!

To Dean & Donna: Two Wonderful Grandparents

First of all, I want to thank you both for raising such a wonderful son! I cannot imagine my life without Kevin...he is my best friend and so much more. I thank you from the bottom of my heart for raising him to have a soft heart for others and an open heart to God. I know that your example is a big reason of why he is who he is today. Thank you!

Also, I just want to take this opportunity to tell you both what wonderful grandparents you are! From watching Blake and Luke on Mondays and Thursdays to helping Crystal with the triplets to watching Caleb so that Kevin and I can go on dates...you barely have any time for yourselves! Most people might be a little overwhelmed with 6 grandchildren all 3 and under, but not you guys! You take time to enjoy each grandchild and to get to know their own individual personalities. You spoil them with love, attention, affection, and gifts. I am so thankful that Caleb will grow up to have such a close relationship with both sets of grandparents!

To Dean: You can carry on a conversation with anybody! You are so outgoing and always friendly to others. You take a genuine interest in the well-being of others. I think Kevin got this aspect of his personality from you! You also are willing to drop whatever you are doing and give someone a hand. You have done this for us on countless occasions with various projects on the house. You are always thinking of other people. Caleb loves getting to spend time with his grandpa! Thank you for being such a wonderful grandpa to him!
To Donna: You are also always willing to help/babysit at the drop of a hat. I can't count the number of times you have helped me with various sewing projects. You are patient with me when I don't know what I am doing and offer helpful advice! You are honest and love your family more than anything! You are so generous and have something to give us almost everytime we see you. You play, read to, hug, kiss, and love Caleb. He absolutely loves getting to spend time with you. I really appreciate your willingness to babysit for us so that Kevin and I can spend some quality time together. That gift is such a blessing! I am so thankful for you! Thank you for making me feel like part of the family!

I love you both and am so blessed to have such great in-laws! :)

To My Siblings: Sharers of Laughter & Tears, Joys & Sorrows

I cannot imagine my life without each of you. Individually, you have all added to my life a relationship that I will treasure forever, each unique and different just like you. My childhood is filled with wonderful memories of spending time with my brothers and sister. You have brought so much joy to my life and I am so thankful to have had you by my side as we have experienced life events together (both good and bad). Seeing you become uncles and an aunt this past year has been so fun! I want you to know how much I love you and how thankful I am for you!

To Chris: You always know just how to make me laugh and smile. You truly have a gift for brightening the lives of others with your sense of humor. Everyone gets along better and is just geniunely happier when you are around. You are a peacemaker through your use of laughter and joy. You also have one of the softest hearts of anyone I know. Your heart aches for the suffering around the world and you have already decided to make a difference through your involvement in various outreaches. You are truly a man "after God's own heart" and you have been an example to so many! God has used you to bring so many of your friends to Him and you should be so proud of yourself! You have an unwavering passion for God, family, and soccer that is absolutely incredible. You are the MOST self-disciplined person I know. You are absolutely crazy about Caleb and the feeling is definitely mutual! I am so proud to call you my brother and I love you so much. You are one of my closests friends and I love the time that we get to spend together. I am excited to see God reveal what He has planned for your future!

To Brad: Brad, Brad, Brad. Where do I even begin? First of all, let me tell you how proud of you I am. You have been an example to so many at school and at church. You desire to stick to your beliefs and morals is to be commended. Your aspiration to help those less-fortunate is definitely amazing. You have shown leadership in your youth group, friends at school, and on your soccer teams. You have the potential to be an incredible leader in life! You are SO smart (it really is sickening to me...I had to work super hard in school to earn decent grades and you can do it without even trying...not fair)! Your sense of humor brightens my day whenever I get to see you! You are so sweet with Caleb and he adores you. He goes to the stairs whenever he is over at the house and yells "Bad" even though you're not there. I am SO excited to see what God has in store for you...I know that he is going to use you in amazing ways to further His kingdom. Your plan to become a youth minister is wonderful. Again, I love you and am so thankful to have you in my life! I'll be cheering for you every step of your journey!

To Kellie: My beautiful, wonderful sister! Before you were born, I remember wanting a sister more than anything. I was SO excited when you and Brad were born! Now I look back and I don't know that I have shown you as much love and affection as you deserved. For that, I am sorry! I am SO THANKFUL that I now have a wonderful sister! I remember the days that we used to call you my shadow. Everywhere I went, you wanted to go to. Now, you are all grown up and have charted your own course. You have been a leader at school, in cheerleading, and in the many activities that you have participated in. You are wonderfully unique and add so much to our family. I know that your early years were really hard as we were all grieving Brian's loss, but I believe God has a plan to use that experience and transform it into a testimony that only you can offer others (as I know you probably already have). Beauty from ashes! You have SO much to offer this world. You are beautiful, smart, caring, and determined! You have such a soft heart for the underdogs! You are not defined by any other person other than your creator. I have learned that no matter what a wonderful man Kevin is, he cannot completely fulfill me, nor should I expect him to. God is the only one who can do that. When I seek Him, I feel more secure in myself...just remember that. I am so proud of you for being an example to your friends. I look forward to growing in our friendship as we get older. I love you so much and am so thankful to call you my sister!
To Brian: I couldn't write a note to the rest of our family without remembering you. Your life was an amazing testimony and we miss you everyday. I have yet to meet a 19-year old that was as mature in his faith as you. You were an example to thousands (especially the four of us), in life and in death. You were the ultimate "big brother" always driving us here or there, helping mom take care of Brad and Kellie, and even coaching my soccer team. In fact, you were a huge reason why I was baptized the summer before you went to college. You did so much for each of us and I don't know that I ever told you "thank you." We love and miss you like crazy. I can't wait to see you in Heaven someday (God-willing) and introduce you to your nephew who carries your name! I love you!

I love you guys so much!

To Mom and Dad: My Pillars of Strength

You both have been an extraordinary testimony to faith and strength in my life. You have endured unimaginable hardships and persevered...stronger with every trial you have faced. You have sacrificed your own needs for the needs and wants of your children. Not only have you raised 5 wonderful kids (if I do say so myself...), but you have opened your home on countless occasions to friends and loved ones. Most of all, you taught us about Jesus and encouraged us to seek a relationship with him. All the while, you have made a difference in the lives of countless people through your own individual gifts.

Mom: You are ALWAYS here when I need you! You are my very best girlfriend and the one who I call when I seek advice, counsel, or just to cry to because I feel like my baby doesn't like me anymore! :) You will drop everything in the blink of an eye to help one of your kids. Last week, when Caleb was sick and Kevin was out of town, you "slept" on my couch, helping me whenever Caleb got up at night. I don't know if I properly thanked you, but that's just it...you don't want recognition for the things that you do. That is your nature...A TRUE SERVANT!

You also have the amazing gift of hospitality (oh, how I wish I did too). Over the years, you have probably fed thousands of people! Your efforts helped to make events in my childhood so memorable. Not only our family vacations and activities, but also church and friend activities too. You sponsored ski trips, took kids to soccer tournaments (in addition to your 5), hosted youth group events, and had an annual Easter Egg Hunt which is a memory I will cherish forever. I am SO GLAD that you have decided to start this tradition again...Caleb will have such wonderful memories of Easter too.

As Caleb has gotten older, I am continually wondering, "How in the world did my mom do it with 5 kids?" I think God must have given you superhuman strength and patience! You take on every joy and pain as if it were your own (which is probably why you are getting high-blood pressure!). You "speak the truth in love." You are amazingly complimentary (your kind words almost made my cry this morning), but still tell me when I need to change my attitude about something (in a loving, gentle way of course). You love giving gifts to others and have such a generous nature. Finally, you are an INCREDIBLE "LoLa" to my son. He loves you so much and you constantly shower him with love and affection. I know that as he grows, you will be cheering him on at every sporting event and school function. He is so very blessed to have you as a grandma! I am so thankful for you, Mom. I want you to know how much I love and respect you. You are an amazing woman and a dedicated servant of God!

Dad: You have touched the lives of so many with the hospital in Zimbabwe and your own medical practice here! You are a dreamer and no task is too big for you to take on! These last few months, I have cherished the times that I get to spend with you working on Nhowe Mission stuff. I have realized just how much of an endeavor it is to coordinate such a huge humanitarian effort...and I don't even do near the amount of work that you do. I will forever cherish our trips to Zimbabwe together (which I hope to do again sometime...just maybe not for a few years). You have one of the biggest hearts of anyone I know and always extend a helping hand to those in need. You are such a hard-worker and use your God-given talents to the best of your ability.
You are also so very wise. On every occasion, you always know the right things to say. Whether I am rejoicing in a victory or just had my heart broken, your words always brought me comfort and peace. You have encouraged me to seek God's will in everything that I have done. Your knowledge of the scriptures and desire to learn more about God have encouraged me in my own walk. You are an eternal optimist. You see the glass as half-full, which has given me self-confidence in those very awkward years.

Seeing you become a Papa has been so fun to watch. I think it is has softened your heart even more! Caleb loves his Papa (especially when you have pens in your pocket) and I know that you guys will have a very special bond as he grows up! I love you so much, Dad. I am so thankful for your wisdom, optimism, and loving and generous heart. You are an amazing father, doctor, grandpa, and follower of Christ!

I am eternally grateful for both of you! I am so amazingly blessed to have been raised in such a loving and nurturing home with two incredible Christian parents.

To My Precious Caleb: The Keeper of my Heart

I know that you are not old enough to read or understand this letter, but I hope that many years down the road you will read this and know just how much your Mommy loves you!


When we first found out that I was pregnant, I was very scared. I do not handle change very well and I didn't know how having a baby would affect your dad's and my relationship. It took me a little while to bond with you in my tummy...but once we found out you were a boy, I felt that bond immediately. We knew in that moment that your name would be Caleb Brian and I immediately felt like you were a part of the family. The next several months I will cherish forever...feeling you move inside of me night and day and getting to see your sonogram pictures. We anxiously awaited your arrival by decorating your nursery, washing all of your clothes, and breathlessly making sub plans (for my 12 week maternity leave). You loved going to the movies and would always kick like crazy whenever we were in the theatre. It was such a fun time and I could already tell you were going to be an active little boy!

Nothing could have prepared me for the moment that you were born. You were placed on my chest immediately and I remember tears of joy flowing from my eyes that instant. An overwhelming love came over me and my heart must have expanded ten-fold. "Love at first sight" doesn't even begin to describe my emotions. The day after we brought you home from the hospital, I remember holding you in my arms while I was sitting on the floor listening to "The Rocking Song" by Acappella. I began crying at the sight of my "angel baby" (as LoLa calls you), so precious and perfect! The months have passed faster than I ever anticipated. You now say about 25 words and love to walk everywhere. You enjoy reading books and just making a mess out of our entire house (which is absolutely fine...we will cherish these years of messiness because I know they won't last long). Literally EVERYWHERE we go, people comment on your sweet smile. You love meeting new people and can't wait to go the nursery at church! You make friends instantly and brighten the lives of everyone around you. I know that you will continue to do this as you grow older because it is just part of your nature. I cherish you!
As you have grown, you have gone from a sleepy newborn, to a cooing and smiling infant, to a crawling baby, to a walking and talking toddler. Every couple of weeks, your dad and I continue to say, "This is my favorite age." The truth is, we have cherished every stage and every moment with you. You are a gift from God and I feel so humble and grateful that He entrusted us with such a precious child!
I know that God has great plans for you! I continue to pray for God's guidance for your dad and I to raise you to love Him. You already have such a soft heart for people and a passion for life...I can't wait to see what God has planned for you. Whatever it is, I know that the lives of others will be touched by your example and sweet spirit. I will be cheering you on every step of the way...
I love you more than words, my precious boy!!!!

To Kevin: My Best Friend

There are so many ways that I could have titled this post: husband, soul mate, accountability partner, confidant, lover, sounding board, playmate, travel companion...the list goes on. The truth is, you are all of these to me and so much more. But the title, "best friend" seemed most fitting. You are the first one that I want to share my joys with, the first one that I need to talk to when I have had a bad day. You are the one who loves me in spite of my sensitivity and crazy emotions. You are the one who encourages me in my walk with God. You are the one who is calm and collected when I am totally stressed out. You are the one who knows when to bring me flowers and when I would rather have a Sonic Dr. Pepper. You know when to listen and when to hold me while I cry for no other reason but just needing a good cry. You are indeed my very best friend.

We have gone through many stages in our relationship together. From the early days of "puppy love" (and your gift of our sweet dog Sage) and wanting to spend every waking moment together (which we still love to do) to seeing you tear up at the altar on our wedding day. From fighting about whether we should get Advil or generic Ibuprofen in Wal-Mart exactly 2 weeks into our marriage (our first fight as a married couple...you won but I still maintain my stance that Advil really does work better) to marching into the kitchen on the morning of May 15, 2007 to tell you that I was pregnant. From first sonograms to welcoming our precious baby boy into the world on January 18, 2008...we've done it all. From Zimbabwe to Jamaica and everywhere in between, you are the one that I want to spend all of my days with!

I thank God each day for the honor of growing old with you. I am still amazed at how we ended up together...I know it must have been His plan. I am continually encouraged by your genuine love for people (especially the elderly...when most other people our age ignore them), your desire to be a spiritual leader in our family, your pure heart, your ungossiping manner, and your amazing ability to be a father to our son.

Caleb is amazingly blessed to have you as his daddy. You play hard and love hard. You have the uncanny ability to roughhouse and kiss him all at the same time. You shower him with affection. playfulness, and an abundance of love. I know that there is no one in this world that loves that little boy as much as his daddy (and mommy). You would do anything for him. Most of all, you pray for him and ask for God's guidance to help you be a Christian father. You are a living example of a Godly man and I am so thankful for you!

In the midst of clothing, diapering, wiping, feeding, chasing, entertaining, disciplining, cleaning, cooking, playing with and reading to our sweet boy...I often times don't have much left to give when you get home. On those days when your hours of work to support our family (so that I can stay home with Caleb) go unnoticed and unappreciated, let this serve as a reminder of how much I love and appreciate you! I know that in many ways our journey together has just begun and we will have our share of heartaches and hard times. Through it all, I want to be by your side...'til death we do part!

Family Appreciation Week

It's after midnight and for the third night in a row, I can't sleep. I'm not sure why, but thankfully Daylight Savings Time is still working its magic and my precious boy is sleeping 13-14 consecutive hours so I can sleep in!

Tonight I attended our marriage class at church (unfortunately Kevin has class for his MBA on Wednesday nights so he isn't able to go with me) and was reminded by our minister that one of the greatest gifts we can give our spouse is to praise him/her in public. Since the internet has now become my "public" as a stay-at-home mom, I decided to take the opportunity via my blog. :) As I was laying in bed, I was thinking, "Why just stop with Kevin? I rarely take the opportunity to tell others in my family how much I love them without it being on a birthday card written 5-minutes before the get-together." Knowing first-hand what it's like to not be able to tell someone how much you love them just one last time, I decided I needed to make this a priority. So...I officially declare the next 6-7 days FAMILY APPRECIATION WEEK!

Besides, when I taught first grade it seemed like we had an "appreciation" week every-other-week (teacher--my favorite, secretary, counselor, bus driver, custodian, librarian, boss, etc). Shouldn't we tell the people that we love most in the world how much we appreciate them too...not just those that we work with?

Stay tuned...(and be sure and tell your loved ones how much you care about them this week)

"Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen." -Ephesians 4:29

Down!

"Down!" is now Caleb's favorite word. Since becoming a proficient walker, he has begun to exert his independent spirit! We went to the zoo today and had a really fun time. Whenever we would lift Caleb out of his stroller to see the animals, he would immediately say "down." Needless to say, we went through several "Wet Wipes" after his clumsy steps caused him to fall. :) Oh and he has the goofy "winter" hat on because he had an ear infection this past week and it was windy today...just trying to protect his ears (and my sleep).

We also got to see the grizzly bears eating/bathing up close! It is definitely the neatest bear experience I have had at the zoo!

Out of my sight for 1 second...

And this is where I found him...

His face seems to say, "It wasn't me, Mommy. I promise...I'm just cleaning it up." I guess that's what I get for being on the phone too long! :) Here are some more recent pictures of play time and teeth brushing. Whenever he gets excited lately, he opens his mouth really big and smiles with such an animated expression. Kevin and I were thinking the other day that if we had to sum Caleb's personality in 1 phrase, it would be "loves life." These pictures definitely depict that!