Off to Arizona

I'm off to Arizona tomorrow and excited about seeing my sisters Mardi and Carol. I seem to have developed a cold though and I'm afraid the plane flight will be difficult. I am really looking forward to basking in the sun by the pool and enjoying the warmth!

This will be a difficult trip in some ways. Tomorrow is dad's birthday and in the past I would be going to Phoenix to see him and celebrate our birthday's together. It will be strange to be there and know he's not. It reminds me how much I miss both him and my mom.

It also reminds me how important it is to remember our history and to celebrate our future. I was so blessed this weekend to attend the baby shower for Melissa and Brian. It was so much fun to see all the beautiful little girl things and so different from what we have been use to. I also got to see Parker and Kent and Erik and Bethany on Saturday which was so much fun (except for when Parker choked on his hot dog which really scared us)

I look at Parker and Kent and I am amazed at how they are growing and becoming little boys who are creative and inquizative and so full of curiosity. It causes me to appreciate even more God's intricate design of creation. And then to consider the tiny little girl that Melissa is carrying. How amazing! We are all so anxious to see this precious gift from God.

Thanksgiving is next week (already!). I look forward to spending time with family and making special memories. I hope we can really grasp how important family is and how important it is that we do life together.

To Erik Brian and Michael, I love you and am so proud of each of you.
To Bethany and Melissa, I couldn't be more blessed to have you a part of our family.
To Parker, Kent and baby girl. What gifts you are! I look forward to seeing all of the ways God is going to use you.
To my friends, thank you for your friendship, your love, your prayers and for all the ways you bless me.