O Love That Will Not Let Me Go

Friends, In the last two weeks I have learned of three mothers whose babies will be born with Trisomy 18.  Because you have traveled this journey alongside me, you know it's not an easy one.  God has a special plans for these little ones.  Please pray for peace, strength, and courage for these mothers.

Our newest member, Max (the dog), had his first birthday!  Walt (ok, I have to admit I was really excited too!) was so excited to have a birthday party for him where Max's cousins (Walt's cousin's dogs) came over to celebrate Max.  This precious dog has our family's personality and fits right in with us.  The dogs had a special birthday cake just for them, and I made my first cookie cake for the humans at the party.  The dogs were allowed to bring their human siblings.  Dog cake The honored guests Max got some great gifts! Human cake So proud his dog is 1 year old!

Four years ago today, we didn't know that it would be Magdalena's last hours on earth.  We knew that she was sick, and we were taking shifts staying awake with her.  I went to bed early planning to wake up at midnight, and then, Noah would sleep.  As I fell asleep weeping I prayed out to God for more time, and even as I prayed I knew that He was saying "I have not left nor forsaken you" (Hebrews 13:5). These are the last few pictures we took of Magdalena.  Just days before she went to be with Jesus, she joined her cousins for movie night watching Horton Hears a Who (how appropriate might I add - "a person's a person no matter how small" - Dr. Seuss) at Loli's house.  I remember that I was basically still in my p.j.s looking terrible so there are no pictures of me.  But I love these pictures because they embody how much Caroline and Emma loved Magdalena.  In one you see Emma patting Magdalena's booty gently, and Caroline was so proud that she go...

I have not been so good about posting updated pictures of all of us, so here it is!  Of course, Max, as a member of the family, joined in the picture too!

My mom taught me to have and enjoy so many traditions, which is one of my favorite things about the holidays.  We are so blessed to all be together this Thanksgiving Day, and I adore my sweet family! Pumpkin Pie! Blueberry Muffins with Chocolate Milk! Watching the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade! Walt attempting to take a big bite out of the turkey! Cousin Fun!