Happy Father's Day!

 

My littles are blessed beyond the feeble words which so inadequately try to express all they have. A Daddy who is fully present for them, who laughs and listens, who has always been there and always will, unconditionally loving and supporting them and cheering them on. A daddy who is not afraid to show his emotions, who is setting an example of how to live and love, fully and unabashedly. For me to know that we are a team in this parenting journey, that we are partners in this life we are so fortunate to be living together is truly an honor and a gift. I could not have asked for more of the father of my children. Happy Father's Day James Cannan and thank you for who you are and all that you do, you are truly amazing!

Eight

Ah my sweet girl, she turned eight today! This is a child who gets on and gets things done. When she sets her mind to something it is hard to make her change it. She is strong, yet incredibly delicate, still figuring out what life is all about. She loves hard. She does everything at the 100% level, no middle ground or halfheartedness for this one.

She is a sweet, yet sometimes tormenting sister. She is helpful and smart and beautiful. She works hard and plays hard and loves to laugh and have fun.

Sometimes I look at her and can see my mother as a child, she is my only child to give me that gift. My first daughter, we are learning much together and although the road has sometimes been a little rocky we will travel on.

I love her deeply and want only the best for her; to protect her for as long as possible, to encourage and challenge her, as she does me. We have fun years ahead.

52 Weeks of 2013 - Week 33

When my wonderful husband moved me to America, 15 years ago this October, I knew nobody other than he. That first weekend we met an engaged couple at church, who invited us over for lunch and thus began a lifelong friendship. We would spend weekends together, roaming San Francisco for parking and some new place to eat, driving aimlessly for hours on our little adventures. We helped to decorate at their wedding, years later we bought houses walking distance from each other, we went through pregnancies and had children together...and that is the fun part because now our children are best friends too.

We aren't neighbors anymore and they have accepted a new position at a new church so things will undoubtedly change, but they will always be people we can count on in our lives. We will just have to be more intentional with our plans. I know from experience that true friends can always pick up where they left off, no matter the distance or time between them. Here's to friendships that last forever, for us AND our kids.

(My sweet boy is missing from these pictures, as he has been hobbling around on crutches, but he is very much a part of the gang too).

52 Weeks of 2013 - Week 28

This child brings so much joy to my life and her smile truly is a gift, even in all it's gummy, missing teeth glory. She is kind and affectionate and thoughtful and sweet and she loves to sing and make others laugh. My days are going to seem a little longer when she starts school and is no longer by my side. She makes me smile, she makes me happy.

Then there are her eyes. She's just an amazing child.