That One Time Judah Vomited in the Houston Airport...

It started the night before our departure from Texas. I took many hours to fall asleep as I thought ahead to the day before us, several hours driving, 3 airports, 4 hour layover, car seats, customs, enough diapers, snacks....zzzzzzzzz. Too few hours later I awoke to a crying babe, a crying babe whose tears soon turned to....vomit. Yes, Judah had the stomach flu and we were travelling for 14+ hours the next day. Well, a night of sick babe turned into a morning of yes, we are indeed doing this, and we arrived in Dallas after 2 hours in the car and more vomit than I could keep up with.

No, this is not a story about vomit, indeed, it is a story of humanity's goodness. So, stay with me!

My anxiety levels were so high as we boarded our first flight. It has been our experience these days that people really don't like freaks like us  other people who fly with small children! Even though our children are so very well behaved and travel like old pros, we get all sorts of skeptical glances as we wheel our bright red double britax through the airport and down the ramp.

Miraculously, our sweet and sick boy made it through the first leg of our flight with only a very stinky diaper that needed changing immediately when we landed. The flight was so bumpy that the seat belt sign never went off so I couldn't change him! Of course, our darling toddler also was doing her utmost to "hold it," but needed mama to RUSH her to the toilet while daddy waited for said red britax. I walked off of the plane holding Judah on the hip and Liliana's sweet hand in mine, dashing our way to the nearest bathroom when poor babe projectile vomited all over everywhere...his clothes, my clothes, our bags, the floor....every.where.

I stood there, dripping. I had no sense of what to do other than SCREAM AND GAG panic on the inside, smile on the outside, comfort poor Judah, and figure out where Joe was.

In the  meantime, I tell you dear readers, my hope in humanity was affirmed and surpassed. Those people in front of us who I thought where sending nasty glances? They ran and claimed our stroller while daddy ran L to the toilet. They proceeded to stand with me and reassure me that all was well while I waited for Joe to return with paper towel. In the meantime, I kid you not, at least a dozen strangers stopped and asked me if I needed help. They looked me in the eye with kindness, they cooed and smiled at Judah, and they wished me a happy trip.

Oh how much I learned that day. There is so much goodness in those around me! Do I take the initiative to smile at those we encounter before presuming their attitude towards my family? Do I seek to meet the needs of those around me, even in the smallest way, not knowing how it will brighten their day? Do I see beautiful hearts made for joy before judging a bitter heart seeking to judge?

It was a valuable lesson. Could I possibly be grateful for a stomach bug? Maybe just a little..

I mean, who could be too upset at that sweet face?

Love and prayers,

Why Blog?

The other day I read a comment from a friend on social media. It was something to the effect of, "I've not ever gotten on the blogging train, I mean, why would I want to read someone's diary?"

This comment really did get me thinking. Why do I blog? Why do I share so many things, lots of them quite intimate, with a random crowd? Certainly I started our blog to share our adventures in Australia as newlyweds with family and friends, but as life has evolved so has this blog. So now, what is it and why do I blog?

I started with the process of elimination.

I am not a fashionista (although I can't pretend that I don't often wish I was....oh vanity how I need to work on you!), this is not a fashion blog.

While I almost daily show people that I love them by feeding them healthy and delicious food, I do not take pictures of beautifully sliced, carefully measured, and gloriously presented dishes ergo this is not a food blog.

I am not a business woman, nor an intellectual, and my blog is seldom a place where I share business ideas or intellectual thoughts. (I think I am too much of a coward, I cringe and get stomach aches reading debates on social media that I am not even a part of). While I am in charge of the business of our home and I certainly think about many perplexing issues, due to my intense fear of conflict this is not a business or a philosophy blog.

 Am I a mommy blogger? I don't think so. My blog is pieced together, with no fancy tabs, awesome headers, give-aways, or sponsors. My children are certainly not dressed in amazing trendy etsy purchased clothing and I do not throw incredible to die for parties on an intensely low budget....thank you Mommy bloggers for inspiring me in so many ways!

This isn't a Catholic blog either, for while I often share bits and pieces of our faith life I am by no means a model of Catholic motherhood, education, tradition, or understanding. I am still learning and discovering. 

So then why, oh why, do I blog?

When I really get to the heart of it, I think there are two main reasons. 

The first is that I blog for my husband and our children. I honestly hope that one day my children will read my words and know, without a doubt, that they are loved. I hope they will smile at their silly mama who gushed over them and fussed over them and tried so hard to love them well. I hope they will be reminded of joy in the little moments, even the hard ones.  I hope that my husband is proud as he reads my words and knows that his wife adores him, even when she is too consumed with the little moments of life to say it enough. Of course, this extends then to our relatives far away who don't get to witness the little moments of joy and struggle. This is an easy way for me to share our lives with them, and one that is natural to me.

However, I also blog because I hope that in some small way my stories touch hearts. I try to take this gift to put thoughts into words and write in such a way that someone reading them can identify with the human experience and be touched and left happier or better. I've always loved to write, and I question often how I can, from my little house with my little loves, do some good for those around me and our world. Perhaps blogging is one of those ways.

Our life is far from perfect, and I don't want to give the impression that it is. I just want to be real and above all to write from a place of love, joy, and hope! If, in some small way I can convey a message of love, joy, and hope to another soul, I will be a happy woman.

Blessings on this snowy winter night!

xoxo

Judah David Turns One

I woke up this morning and glanced over at the little person next to me. With his round face, curly blond hair, long eyelashes, and cheeks flushed with sleep he looked so precious. I wanted to pull him into me and cover his little face with kisses. I remembered the morning, just one year ago, waking up to the tiny swaddled bundle next to me and having the same sentiment of overwhelming love. How is it, handsome son of ours, that you are already one year old?

"Um Mama, there is a problem here, and it is that I am not in your arms!"

We celebrated your birthday last night with a simple but fun family dinner. Big sister and I had such a fun time decorating the house in dinosaurs and scurrying about trying to get everything clean. We kept saying to you, "this is how much we love you, Judah!" as we mopped the floor and dusted everywhere. Of course, you were in your favourite place, my arms, as I scrubbed. You've mastered the art of clinging to me and lifting your legs high off the ground if I try to set you down. It sure is exhausting toting you around, but it makes my heart so full having your little self stuck to me.

 We had such a happy night celebrating your life. Looking around the room at all of the joy filled faces, it became so apparent to me (yet again) that even though the first year of your life was a very helpless year, the gift you gave to those around you by your very presence was above and beyond what we were able to give you. You made our hearts stretch and grow, you challenged our generosity, loved unconditionally, forgave instantly, infused joy into every circumstance despite how difficult it was. You, Judah David, are such a gift to us and to the world. Thank you!

"This is totally not as fun as you told me it'd be, mama!"

A perfect new toy from Grandad and Lolli!

Eyes of love for Lolli

There are so many things I want to remember about you this year. I just can't get enough of your beautiful little self - your incredible facial expressions, the way you start dancing anytime music hits your ears, how you absolutely adore your big sister, your ravenous appetite, the way you curl up close to us when you are sleeping and don't let go, and your intense need to hold onto anything that looks like a stick.

"What in heavens name is happening here?" 

"Oh, this is what all that hubbub was about...ok, very worth it!"

You are, in every way, so loveable and so loved. Thank you, dearest son, for everything that you are. We are so excited to see the ways in which you grow this year! You can already, among other things, say mama, dada, Liliana, and alleluia (who would have thought!). You are so very close to walking, and you stand at the window several times each day screeching to be let loose outside. You absolutely love putting straws in lids, caps on containers, blocks on top of each other. You are such a joy, Judah, we love you so much!

We are humbled and grateful that we have been entrusted the gift of beautiful little you to teach, protect, and guide towards heaven. Happy Birthday, Critter.

Love always Mama, Daddy, and Liliana

Remembering....

Remembering, with a slightly achy but joyfully overflowing heart....

- feverishly keeping our home clean as we waited with baited breath for our son. A nightly vacuum and mop, scrubbed counters, clutter gone, towels piled and the pool blown up downstairs, a teensy hat set aside

- holding my sweet daughter a little closer knowing that soon she would be a big sister and that the simplicity of our days as a family of three would be changed

- talking to our unborn baby every night telling him how we couldn't wait to meet him

- looking at my big belly in the mirror and dreaming of the teeny person inside, not knowing what he looked like or who he would be, and wondering if I'd ever look or feel like myself again (if I'm being entirely honest!)

- the first flutters of excitement in my heart when I thought "today might be the day!"

- sending L out the door to her grandparents and wishing I could snatch her up and hold her forever

- dancing in the dark kitchen through contractions, telling our boy I loved him and that he was very safe

- feeling utterly and perfectly connected to my handsome husband as we awaited our babe together and he anticipated my every need

- a flurry of excitement when our midwives arrived, midnight, snow falling, baby coming SOON

- the intense, utter, gut wrenching, life changing love I had for our son the moment I scooped him up out of the water and held him in my arms

- the sweet sounds newborn Judah made - no crying or screaming, just darling little 'bleating' noises

- being unable to sleep that night....tucked in bed by our midwives after a glass of champagne and piece of banana bread....he's mine? he's ours? how is this possible? how are we so blessed?

"Before you were conceived, I wanted you. Before you were born, I loved you. Before you were here an hour, I would die for you. This is the miracle of love.” (Maureen Hawkins)

I can't believe our sweet Judah is 1 year old in just two days. Where has the year gone? 

xoxo

Enough

"But he said to me, 'My grace is sufficient for you, for power is made perfect in weakness.' I will rather boast most gladly of my weaknesses, in order that the power of Christ may dwell with me. Therefore, I am content with weaknesses, insults, hardships, persecutions, and constraints, for the sake of Christ; for when I am weak, then I am strong." 2 Corinthians 12:9

We have had an interesting first four years of marriage. Jetting off to Australia with 5000 dollars cash to our name and a hotel for 5 days, a daughter born there, a return to Canada only to live in my parent's basement as Joe waited for status, working for a start up company...by no means are we the poster family for "be established and secure before getting married and starting a family."

For sure throughout the course of our marriage I have often wondered "will there be enough?". On its most basic level this has had to do with enough money to get by. However, as a wife and mother I often ask the same question with regards to time, energy, patience, LOVE. "Will there be enough?"

It has been astounding to me that, if we are doing our utmost to love always and do the right thing, the answer is always YES. The most startling thing about our life, as I look back over these years, is that if we dare to love greatly, BEYOND OUR MEANS, we are never left wanting.

In Australia, soon after moving there and yet feeling called to be open to a new life in the midst of all, we found ourselves expecting a baby and wondering what the next step was. I wondered, have we risked too much? Was our openness reckless? Do we have enough to get by? Within weeks we had been given a gorgeous granny-flat for next to no rent in one of the most desirable locations. Of course, we still had to work hard to make ends meet but we were so secure and cared for. Not only this, but my prenatal care was entirely covered by the Australian government. We experienced incredible midwife care and a birth centre birth. There was far more than enough, there was an abundance.

For most of our married life we've had very little as far as savings and income goes. There have been a few moments where I felt legitimate fear over how to make our next grocery shop happen and started sorting through our belongings to sell those things that we don't need (a very healthy exercise by the way!). Oftentimes in those moments we have also felt called to certain acts of simple generosity; whether it be hosting friends for dinner, providing a meal for someone sick or in need, buying a gift, travelling to see family because we knew how much it would mean to them, or lending money to someone who could not get by without. Sometimes we've wondered, in retrospect, whether these decisions were most prudent. Without question, each time we have acted in generosity beyond our means, we have somehow come upon money or groceries in abundance.

This blog post is not an ad for reckless spending or imprudent lending, but it is a reflection on our efforts to live abundantly in generous love. I can so easily apply these lessons to how I love my husband and how we love our children. SO many days I wake exhausted and wondering where the energy will come from to love deeply, to read, sing, play, dance....and then to do all of the normal things like cook, clean, bathe, or I don't know, think? Those days where I ruminate and pity my self are the days where the energy is limited and the patience seems short. Those days where I dig deep and seek abundant living are the days where there is enough! 

With this comes the important and humbling realization that I am weak and I need grace to be the wife, mother, and friend I am called to be. On my own, I really can't do it, but if I forge ahead with love, Love Himself will make much out of my little.

I have experienced this lesson over and over, and yet still I doubt. Still there are days where fear and anxiety propel me, consequently restricting my ability to love those around me with generosity and selflessness. Yet on those days when hope, peace, and TRUST motivate me, when I accept that alone I can do nothing, when I place my trust in a good God who supplies my every need and calms my every fear, those are the days when there is enough.

Onwards and upwards, right little Judah?
There is certainly enough cuteness to go around these days!!

xoxo

Thanksgiving

“Piglet noticed that even though he had a Very Small Heart, it could hold a rather large amount of Gratitude.”  

― A.A. Milne, Winnie-the-Pooh

Oh Thanksgiving...the smell of leaves and crisp air, the crunch underfoot, the fall flavours of a thanksgiving meal, songs and poems about turkeys, crafts.

I truly love this season of Autumn. Thanksgiving, placed right in the middle of it with its pumpkin flavoured goodness and colourful festivity, only makes it more delectable in every way!

I try to have a big heart, but admittedly with my melancholy tendencies and desire for perfection it is sometimes too small. I have noticed, though, that gratitude makes it swell and expand...gratitude pushes aside the selfishness and introspection, opening my heart to more generosity and more joy. What a beautiful thing that we have a day to refocus on living with a grateful heart!

Here in the Packard house we continue to work towards establishing our family culture. We are trying to create traditions and practices that are meaningful to us and will always be special memories for our children.....traditions that they will want to continue with their families many years from now.

One such tradition is the building of a tee pee. My Love's sweet mama used to make tee pees with Joe when he was a little boy, and he reminisces about it often. Finally, this Thanksgiving weekend, he made it happen for our children and OH was it fun. Squirt sat in it for many hours, snuggled up with snacks and books. I know it made her Daddy's heart so happy.

Little Judah, whom Joe has affectionately named Critter, is in a terribly frustrating funny phase. He is SO feisty, so immediately angry when things aren't going his way, and so obsessed with his Daddy. I am starting to learn how very different boys are from girls! All of the outside play this weekend has been so good for him. It has made my heart happy to see his little face covered in dirt, his jeans dusty and hands full of fun discoveries. Now, if only he would learn that everything doesn't need to be taste tested!

Outside cleaning up our front and backyards for many months of winter snow, we had tons of fun playing in the leaves. Joe, Squirt, and Critter also created their very own scarecrow, which is currently perched in our overgrown mess of weeds garden "protecting" the strawberry plants from rabbits and squirrels. I am sure a Thanksgiving scarecrow will become a tradition alongside the tee pee.

Last night sitting around a notably small Thanksgiving table (we were missing all of my aunts, uncles, and cousins from my mom's side), I was so struck by how full of joy the room was even though the crowd was small. Oddly enough, each family sitting there had a difficult year in their own way (although don't we all have difficult years in our own ways?). What I mean is, most had some pronounced suffering that had impacted their year, whether it be illness, financial trouble, or insecure job situations. However, the most notable thing was that small sufferings had created deeper gratitude for the things that are lasting and meaningful. Being stripped of security in some small or big way shone a light on what makes us most secure, most fulfilled, most humble. 

When it was my turn to express my gratitude last night it was very simple, two things stood out to me. I am so grateful for my Love. My sweet husband, you are my one and only, I love you more each year. The crazy beautiful life we have been blessed with is such a gift because of YOU. Darling Judah David, you also I am so grateful for. Your arrival into our life turned almost everything upside down, and yet my heart hurts when I think of how much I love you. Our family without you is inconceivable. You have blessed us in ways I can't express. Thank you!

God bless you dear friends and loved ones. Happy Thanksgiving!

xoxo

The Family that Plays Together

....Not to be confused with the family that prays together (stays together), of which we are firmly convinced....

It has just recently become so very clear to me about the importance of family PLAY TIME! 

Ever since we've lived in Calgary, Joe and I have had the luxury of an almost weekly date-night. Often we are watching our budget or short on time, but we still are convinced of what it does for our marriage and so we get out together! This care-free time (even if we have serious conversations!) notably bolsters our communication, unity, and peace. It is also a good shot of joy during the weeks that seem challenging. These days Squirt has become more aware of the fact that her toddler self would like to be the centre of the world and doesn't want us to leave her. We always tell her that Mommy and Daddy need time together so we can be better and more loving parents. While she may not get it, she senses the importance and acquiesces.

As I've said before, the days are long but the weeks fly by and I recognized that there have been seldom moments where Joe and I have given our total attention to playing with our children. While I try to engage in imaginative play while cleaning, nursing, cooking, or driving it is only ever half-brained! So, we've started to make a conscious effort to do activities that are pure play. We've had a few family swims, some simple outdoor play, lots of crafts, and this past weekend we even went to the corn maze!

It is amazing to me how demanding behavior out of my children is lessened throughout the week when there have been a few moments of carefree timelessness as a family. It is just like date night! When we immerse ourselves in joy-filled activities where all other pressures are put on the back burner we are rejuvenated and bolstered. I have been struggling with the question of how to fulfill my children's need for love and attention while not neglecting our home, my husband, or their education (among other things). While this is not the golden ticket, I think I am closer to understanding how to balance it all. Just like Mommy and Daddy, it is OK for our wee ones to move through their week doing their normal activities and, in moments, having to fend for themselves (actually this is probably immensely important for independence!), when there are small moments of all-out play injected into the mundane.

This parenthood thing, it is such a journey. So many moments of discovery and so much to learn! Sometimes I look at my life and wonder how in heavens name I am wife to this incredible man and mother to these beautiful babes. Such a gift, and such responsibility! Here is to many more moments of laughter together for the Packard family.

xoxo

I Don't Want to Forget

The hot summer days have been replaced by warm autumn ones. There is that definite smell in the air of crisp leaves and freshness. The mornings are slightly nippy, but by afternoon we have peeled our layers and opened our windows to let in the life-giving fall breeze. It is beautiful. If only it wasn't a premonition of the cold, long winter to come....although here in the Packard household we have been focusing on gratitude for each and every moment. Soak it up, breath thanks, find the silver lining....

Breath - a moment of peace in our beautiful mountains

Gratitude - a moment of joy with my prince
(Shari+Mike Photographers)

There are so many things I don't want to forget about these days. Some call them the tunnel years, and I get that. Two little beings so needy. All of my waking moments are consumed by one or the other legitimately needing me, and if not then simply trying to keep the house, make a little extra money, or find some time for lovin' my man. Joe's days are consumed with trying to provide and then the three of us who adore him. The days are so exhaustingly long and yet the weeks speed by. I dream about a time when I feel more rested, and yet I ache that my babes grow so quickly and I can't seem to stop greedy old time.  We are confronted with the ever present conundrum in which the urgent attempts to usurp our attention from the most important....so very many lessons to learn!

I don't want to forget how uncertain we are about what our future looks like. We wonder about Joe's career, where we will live, how to discipline/feed/school our children, how we will survive the hard times, how we will embrace the good, how gracefully we will age. All of these uncertainties weigh on me, but I don't want to wish them away. I want to remember these moments as gifts. I know that one day not too far away we will be sitting there together and we will know what our future looked like because it will be in our past. We will wish the moments hadn't gone so quickly, we will remember fondly, we will smile over our angst.

Precious moments!

I don't want to forget how funny Liliana is right now. Just the other day, buying new shoes for her (rapidlly!!) growing self, she introduced herself to a little boy, "Hi, I'm Liliana, I have high arches," (then she blushed and looked down). She is so tenacious, very stubborn. Transitioning from a stryder bike to a regular bike she was so determined to get it that she rode and rode until her poor bottom was raw. She quite literally couldn't sit comfortably for days, causing much drama for all of us! In the moment it was so bothersome, in retrospect it is such a testament to her drive.

Our spunky, quirky little love on a bug hunt!

Liliana has an imaginary friend named Alla. Everything that Liliana does Alla does too. It is HILARIOUS to request that L ask A something, because she quite literally turns to empty air next to her and states the question. She then reports back to us with the answer. How we want to laugh, but don't! Recently she came tiptoeing in to where I was settling Judah, almost naked and with marker all over her arms and legs. "Mommy, I don't know what happened but you better talk to Alla, I was just busy in my kitchen and she drew all over me!" Oh Liliana, you melt my heart, my wispy haired, gap-toothed darling 3 year old, caught between neediness and independence. How I love that I get to spend my days with you!

Thrilled to be a flower girl
(Shari+Mike Photographers)

I don't want to forget how much Judah adores me. He spends his days torn between determination to be down on the ground moving around, and in my arms. If I disappear for 3 seconds he has a slight case of panic. If he can just be on the ground next to me, touching my leg, he will be ok for a few minutes. At night he is determined to be touching my skin, and rolls in his sleep until he finds me. Our few first attempts at teaching him to sleep on his own were disrupted by the flu, but it is time again! We both have dark circles! To be so adored is simultaneously so wonderful and so exhausting.

(Shari+Mike Photographers)

(Shari+Mike Photographers)

I want to remember how it feels crawling into bed at night, more exhausted than words can say. Sometimes we gripe about how tired we are and then I say, "well we could be bored." Oftentimes after the children are down Joe and I are too tired to even talk, but we'll sit on our carpet in the living room sipping a glass of red wine, and then head to bed. We don't have to say anything, we just ARE. It is a gift, and undoubtedly one of the best moments of the day. I don't want to forget.

Being super-husband and super-dad to us three MUST be exhausting :)

My darling sister Eve just shared her wedding photos with us all. She included this beautiful quote, which resonated so deeply in my soul because as we strive (and fall) and strive again to live holy lives and keep our eyes on eternity, I couldn't feel more blessed to be walking this journey with Joe.

"I have taken you in my arms, and I love you, and I prefer you to my life itself. For the present life is nothing, and my most ardent dream is to spend it with you in such a way that we may be assured of not being separated in the life reserved for us. I place your love above all things, and nothing would be more bitter or painful to me than to be of a different mind than you." St. John Chrysostom

xoxo

Rearviews and Windshields

It was beauty I wish that I could capture and share, and yet I simply had to soak it in and try to impress it on my memory. Driving home from the mountains last Sunday I drove towards the most beautiful and vibrant supermoon and away from mountain peaks bathed in pink and orange from the glow of the setting sun. Looking forward or back I was awash in beauty and my heart quietly sang.

I realized that the beauty of nature outside my vehicle could not even compare to the majesty inside of it and waiting for me at home. In my rear view mirror were two gorgeous sleeping babes, snoring away and I'm sure dreaming of strawberry sorbet, splashing in the Canmore quarry, and fun with cousins. What a day we had together! Through my windshield I gazed at the road that took me home to my most amazing husband, the love of my life and my best friend. My children and my spouse, gifts from above....miracles of grace that have transformed me.

My mind couldn't help but wander to the memory, not so long ago, of a long and lonely road trip home from Vancouver. In my rearview mirror I gazed at very sad memories, broken realities, and desperate attempts to become something loveable to someone who didn't love me. Through the windshield I sought stability, meaning, identity, LOVE.

And now here I am, with a husband who loves me without question or doubt, and who I know always will. With two sweet ones who adore me, so much so that I sometimes feel smothered! What a difference a few years makes...

While I struggle almost daily with the demands that being a mother and wife place on me, most especially the sacrifice of time for "self" whether it be to pray, exercise, sleep, or lounge....I cannot imagine who I would be without these gifts in my life that make it necessary for me to choose the RIGHT over the EASY in each and every moment. I am so blessed to have been given these three humans to pull me out of my own selfishness and, through my intense love for them, help me become a better person.

With a grateful heart this night,

xoxo

Liliana turns 3

Our sweet little girl turned 3 one week ago. Liliana, how is it possible that you are 3?

As I sit here writing you play around me in an imaginary world, with a pot lid for a shield and a spatula for a sword. You already have a dress on, as you would live in those if you could.

The morning of your birthday...a princess tiara and a pirate sword (this combination perfectly describes you!)

We are in this funny place where you are simultaneously so sweet and so feisty...it is the age of you discovering your own will and trying to enforce it, while we help you discover how to do so with respect and with healthy boundaries.

Your birthday day was so fun! You woke up so very excited, aware from the first moment that IT WAS YOUR BIRTHDAY. Your eyes shone with excitement and anticipation. It is the first year you have been old enough to do this. We had chocolate chip pancakes and bacon for breakfast (your favorite), and steak and pasta (your request) with some veggies (mama's requirement) for dinner with our family all gathered around.

Opening a present from Nonna and Papa!

A new Lottie Doll (a great toy for any Mamas reading!)

With beloved Uncle Vince who THOUGHTFULLY
bought you the beautiful dress you have on!

A strong Daddy who loves you so well!

You spent most of your birthday helping me scrub and cook to host our family for dinner, but I felt as though it maybe wasn't such a bad lesson to learn...that our hearts are most fulfilled when we give, rather than receive. Of course, your 3 year old self LOVED receiving presents.

As I looked at you, my sweet girl, revelling in birthday celebrations that night, I marvelled at your inner and outer beauty.

My darling, you are so beautiful!

You have a sweet voice, kind heart, inquisitive mind, feisty spirit, sense of adventure, love of creatures, need to cuddle, tender way...you captivate and amaze us with your beauty. We want you to remember always how beautiful and what a gift you are!

"Beautiful. A work of art - full of life, exploding with a unique, dynamic, vibrant energy.

Beautiful. Eyes like the morning, a strong and powerful spirit, a face that brims with joy and hope. Beautiful because you were formed by God. Beautiful because He has known you since before you even existed. He has loved you since the beginning of time. Beautiful because you're real, beautiful because you ARE." (Matt Walsh)

Chocolate cupcakes with strawberry icing (flavored and coloured
with REAL strawberries!) YUMMY!!

Sweet girl with your big bow (of course your choice
for hair accessory!)

I love you so, my lovely little lady!

We praise our good God for the gift of YOU, Liliana Joy., In this year that has passed you have only continued to make the lives of all who meet you more rich and more joy-filled. Your middle name couldn't be more perfect. We pray that you continue to know Jesus' love for you through how we love you.

We love you so much, our darling sweet girl.