My 33rd Birthday and A Suprise Beach Trip.

The week leading up to this birthday has been one of reflection. Last year at this time I was a mama of a newborn, a mama who had drenching night sweats, crippling fatigue, neurological issues caused by what would later be discovered as large tumors, weight loss, no appetite and life altering itching. I was on the cusp of a shocking diagnosis, but for the moment was treated like I was crazy and sleep deprived by medical staff. Oh, what a difference a year makes. This year, I celebrated turning 33; I made it to 33. This age was never one I thought I would struggle to get to. Now, each moment is so precious, so beautiful, and I spent a few days reflecting on what has changed with cancer. I no longer accept less than the best on the big things in life. My marriage will be the best, and I will die on that battlefield. My children will be exposed to Jesus, and I will die on that battlefield. I will love my children fiercely and lavishly, not because I could relapse at any moment, but because even if I live to be 110, I want my children to know they were incredibly special. I am more quick to speak that compliment that scurries through my head, one that used to go unsaid. I notice people's pain, suffering, hurts and have much more empathy. While lounging on the beach watching my children play happily, I didn't have to fight for my health, and I don't take that for granted. All that said, yesterday was a biggie for me. I was surprised by Colin with a trip to the beach and later, a lighthouse. My boys also surprised me with this necklace, which I not only cherish for its unique beauty, but also for the proceeds going to help a woman fighting cancer. It's a constant reminder to be still and know He is God.

I snapped pictures like crazy yesterday as I took in all the awes of nature that left me speechless (and once again proved how big my God is) - the ocean, the cliffs, the fog and mist and grains of sand... all things I felt I truly never saw before last year.

Here are some pictures - we went to Cape Mears and Cape Lookout. 

 God's thoughts toward us outnumber the grains of sand in the world - isn't that amazing?!

 Cape Mears lighthouse.

 Abe doesn't care how dirty a piece of fruit may be - he will eat it anyway.

 We obviously gave up trying to keep Abe clean.

 I took this while laying in the sand next to Sissy - her curls to one side, Samuel running on the other. I love it!

 Sissy loved this ladybug.

Juliet's First Day of School and Ear Piercing.

Yesterday was a big day for Sissy! She had her first day of preschool and also got her ears pierced.

Do note that she has been talking wistfully about preschool for 6 months, wondering when the day would come that she could be dropped off at Miss Susie's house, to collect chicken eggs, paint pictures, and most of all EAT GUMMY BEARS! Yep, that's really why she wants to attend this preschool - the snacks.

This was her attitude before going in - the door wasn't unlocked yet (gasp, we were early), and she wasn't happy. After I let her know that I wouldn't drop her off at school with that attitude, she changed it promptly.

Look how happy she was!

This is Miss Susie.

And here she is getting her ears pierced - she chose sparkly pink flower earrings. Do you know it costs $50 to get your ears pierced these days. Let me back up. It is free to get your ears pierced when you buy $50 earrings. Hmm. At least I got my earrings for half off - yes, I got my ears pierced as well.

Here are the earrings - she didn't even cry during the piercing!

I let her pop into the Disney store after to look around.

Here we are showing off our newly pierced ears.

This is before as we pick out the earrings.

Samuel's Baptism

 Yesterday was truly one of those very moving moments as a parent - Samuel decided he wanted to get baptized. Our church baptizes a few times a year and for this one they decided to meet up at George Rogers Park in Lake Oswego. We all gathered at the river's edge and began by singing worship songs. Slowly people filed into the water to pray with one of the three pastors before being baptized.

Here Samuel waits his turn:

 Still waiting....

 Jeff prayed with Samuel before he went in.

 Pastor Brett and a couple of guys led worship.

The crowd gathering for the baptism.

Brynn talked to Samuel about how Jesus was baptized.

They prayed together.

The old self is gone...

Family photo of Wes, Samuel, Jude, Sissy, Colin, myself, Susan and Andrew.

Right after the baptism.

Sissy played in the water and the sand the entire time.