Proverbs 31

"When she speaks, her words are wise, and she gives instructions with kindness." - Proverbs 31: 26

That's what my mom was like. She spoke wisdom and instructions/criticisms were clothed in kindness.

With Mother's Day so close, she's coming to mind more often than usual. While missing her, I'm certain, will never stop and while sorrow still comes and goes, more and more of her character is seen and her impact on others has become more visible.

"Her children stand and bless her. Her husband praises her: Many women do noble things, but you surpass them all." - Proverbs 31: 28-29

Remembering who she was as a wife, a mother, a friend, and a follower of Christ is inspiring and so encouraging. While it seems unfair at times and I miss her so much, I'm constantly reminded of the blessing I had in her for more than 23 years and the impact she's left on me, my family, and those around us. I want people to read Proverbs 31:26 and think of me when I'm gone, just like I think of her. I've never met anyone who better emobied the Proverbs 31 woman, and I'm so grateful for the example the Lord gave to me in her.

"Charm is deceptive, and beauty does not last; but a woman who fears the Lord will be greatly praised. Reward her for all she has done. Let her deeds publicly declare her praise." -Proverbs 31:30-31

Adoption Finalized!

My precious niece's adoption was finalized today! She has been such a joy over the last 5 months (I can't believe it's already been that long!) and we are so thrilled that all legal issues are taken care of now!
We love that little girl a whole lot and couldn't imagine more perfect parents for her.

(she was not lovin' all the family-camera attention... but she's still a cutie!)

San Diego

Some VERY generous friends let Daniel and I (and two of our close friends) stay at their condo for a long weekend. So. Much. Fun. (There aren't many people in these pictures because the couple we went with, one of them is a professional photographer and the other is known for taking pictures on vacations so we left that to them!)

We got in early on Saturday and went to the Midway, where we toured and old aircraft carrier. The weather was chilly and foggy the first two days, but that had zero effect on us!

 The next day, we met up with a good friend who moved to LA a few years ago and headed to La Joya to check out the sea lion caves... and visit the Ghiradelli store while we walked around downtown San Diego.

 And of course, the zoo. My favorite by far. Seriously the most intense and awesome zoo EVER.

Couldn't get enough of that ocean... 

There aren't many people in these pictures because the couple we went with, one of them is a professional photographer and the other is known for taking pictures on vacations so we left that to them! :)

Playing Auntie for the evening

She just won't smile when a camera is around...

unless a dog is present.

Can't even stand how cute she is.

Homemade Pizza

Homemade Chicken, Bell Pepper and mushroom pizza from this blog.

Delicious AND healthy :)

Two Peas in a Pod

She loves her uncle, let me tell ya.There's a chance he feels the same... ;)

Milestones

Today is my mom's birthday. She would have been 62. It's been 2 1/2 months since she went to be with the Lord and it's funny how these milestones have started to come up, where the usual things that we would do are no longer part of these days.

Today there will be no off-tune singing of Happy Birthday or eating a birthday dessert. There will be no gifts and silly cards. There will be no jokes about getting older or teasing because of my dad's cheesy cards.

There are tears and there are smiles. There is heartbreak and joy all in one big, confusing wave of emotion. There is still a family. There is remembering and laughing and rejoycing and mourning.

There is a lot of thankfulness. Thankfulness for the almost 62 years she spent on Earth, for the 30+ years of marriage she shared with my dad, for the 20+ years she shared with all 4 of her childrem, for the 40+ years she spent committed to Christ, for the hundreds of lives she's impacted.

But mostly there is hope. Hope that we'll see her again. Hope that this is her best birthday yet. Hope that great things are coming from our great loss.

Gettin' Crafty... Kind of.

Yep. Pinterest.

This can barely be called a craft since there's very little to it... Just a couple of $1 metal containers, a white paint pen, twine, and wall hooks (thank you, Target for being only $1.50 a piece!)

I know the picture's not the best quality but these are hanging above my stove on little hooks and they read "Cooking", "Baking", "Serving" and have freed up quite a bit of the little counter space I have!

Easiest. DIY. Ever.