Reese's 2nd Birthday

"A Time to Remember Babies and Children"

this charm / heart was a gift to each family from the hospital along with a book on grieving



This evening Todd and I traveled the 38 miles to Huntington Memorial Hospital where a Memorial Service was held for all the babies and children who have passed away this past year. As I drove to meet Todd there was a flood of memories and emotions that hit me. Happy, excited, sorrowful, tearful, thankful, and memorable is how I can explain my drive over. Thankful for the loving family and friends who cared for our family during our year long journey with Reese. Thankful for the phone call over to the hospital with one of the first nurses I met for my pre-op appointment. Thankful to have her through each step of the way and for another nurse/friend to meet Todd and I in the lobby to bring us back to the NICU. Happy to see the nurses and doctors that cared for us during our 365 days in the hospital. Excited to give/receive hugs with the loving staff in the NICU and PICU. Sorrowful to see other families hurting as they look over their children and sorrowful to see other parents mourning the loss of their child. Tearful as our sweet Reese Renee's name was read among the other 35 children. Memorable as each parent placed a flower in the vase for the life of their child.

This evening was sweet as it reminds me of God's grace and the hope we have in Him with every detail of our life. How HE carried us through and how HE continues to carry us on. Here are the lyrics to the song "Perfect Peace" by Laura Story. Her words are both convicting and heartfelt as I listened to this song on my way to the hospital, "Perfect Peace".

stay close by my side
keep your eyes on me
though this life is hard
I will give you perfect peace

in this time of trial
pain that no one sees
trust me when i say
I will give you perfect peace

and you'll never walk alone
and you'll never be in need
though I may not calm the storms around you
you can hide in me
burdens that you bear
offer no relief
let me bear your load
cause I will give you perfect peace
stay close by my side
and you'll never walk alone
keep your eyes on me
and you will never be in need
though this life is hard
know that I will always give you perfect peace
I will give you perfect peace

We are forever grateful to the loving staff at Memorial Hospital, CHLA, and All Saints Healthcare. You've touched our family.
grate⋅ful
1. obliged, indebted. Grateful, thankful describe an appreciative attitude for what one has received. Grateful indicates a warm or deep appreciation of personal kindness as shown to one: grateful for favors; grateful to one's neighbors for help in time of trouble. Thankful indicates a disposition to express gratitude by giving thanks, as to a benefactor or to a merciful Providence; there is often a sense of deliverance as well as of appreciation: thankful that one's life was spared in an accident; thankful for the comfort of one's general situation. 3. pleasant, gratifying, satisfying.

pumpkins and tractor rides

Faith Kids for Our Lexi Lea

First Grade for Our Boy

Sunriver, Oregon

A very tired girl from an early morning flight into Oregon

Santa Rosa Trip

Bright and early we were at our nephew Joshie's baseball game on Saturday morning. Our weekend was filled with visits with my side of the family and time to relax and catch up.












There's always time for the DS










Auntie Bria and Lexi being silly during Hannah's soccer game


Josh finally realizing that the Dodgers are far better than the Giants.


Hannah after her 2nd soccer game for the day!!! She's now in Junior High and for most of the trip she was off with her friends and year end parties. How she used to spend her time with us ~ she's now off with her friends and growing up. sniff, sniff.


Toddy scored points with Maxwell as he rubbed his head ~ Maxwell could barely keep his eyes open as he was drifting away to La La Land. Not ready to go until he had his bottle.






It's finally our time to meet these sweet babies! We were able to love on Maxwell and Piper. Well, maybe we should just say Maxwell. Piper didn't want much to do with any of us, except for her mommy, daddy, and Grammy. We were able to win over Maxwell. Next trip, we'll work on Ms. Piper. Oh, how we love these two. Ian and Carisa, they are adorable and we can't wait to come back and hold them more!


Uncle John rubbing my sweet Lexi's back while she watches a movie at Grandma Lu's.


visiting great grandma Lu at her home in Santa Rosa.




cousin Josh and Lexi with Izzy, their puppy


taking Izzy for a walk on Sunday afternoon






Gavin's first trip out to the driving range at Bennett Valley Golf Course.






On our way back home, we stopped to visit baby Moriah. Our visit with Victoria and Moriah was a highlight. It was moving to see Moriah so happy and alert. Her little smile with all her teeth and her mannerisms are precious. I want to squeeze her up as she is so darn cute. Her curly hair and her chubby little hands I could not get enough of.

Victoria, you are doing an amazing job. Todd and I continue to pray for you and Justin as you continue on. This next week will be very telling for Moriah and we are praying for her body to grow stronger by the day and that she will be fever free. We are also praying for peace as you make more decisions on when to transfer and all the details that this includes. Know that you are loved by so many and my friends and family continually ask about you and pray for you.

The Lord is using your family and you continue to be a blessing to those around you. I know your days are long and we will continue to pray for strength in these next few days.

Thank you for our visit...we love you oh so much!!






Todd enjoying this sweet girl.


Gavin and Lexi finally were able to fall asleep as this makes the car ride seem so much shorter! We were no longer asked, "how much further?" I can't tell you how mnay times this same question was asked. We are happy to be home sweet home.