Eden's birthday

Today Eden turned 13. She's so much more beautiful and poised than I ever could have hoped to be at 13. I'll always be the first to say I don't know what makes her tick but it never stops me from sheer admiration for how amazing she is at all of the things she loves. I think most any parents would find it challenging to parent this amazing little woman child but I particularly had little confidence in my abilities until I went to healing prayer. I still  puzzle over her and think too hard but all in all I can honestly say I'm looking forward to having teenagers. It's fun to laugh all day at cute little toddler stuff but a kid who gets your jokes, wants to go thrifting and grab a coffee, likes interior decorating, relates on the big stuff, helps move furniture and makes the birthday cakes for you is definitely equally as enjoyable. Ok so she's been doing all of that for a couple of years... I'm just saying I like it... Usually. 

Happy 13th birthday Eden. God has a special purpose for your life and I pray every day that you will hear His voice and bend to His will so you can experience something amazing.

I'm gonna take a little minute...

To tell myself that only big love wide open will ever bring about the life God wants for me. And every time I feel grouchy about anybody in my life that Jesus needs me to pray for them. That pretty much covers it. 

To Michelle

You are always in our prayers and I'm thinking of you especially today. May you be blessed richly and filled to the brim with big love. Our hearts will always ache to know you. May God send you this message on angels wings. 

She loves me as he did

Hazel loves me like Dad did. She's always connecting and loving. She encourages me like he did. Her eyes search for mine and she beams joy into me like a channel. She tells me lovely stories about him. She knows me like he did. My tears never dismay her, she comes right into my pain and asks if I miss my dad. 

Oh my Hazel, I never got around to publishing this on your 4th birthday but the intention was there. I love you so and I do not know how I could have lived through the last 2 years without you. I cannot imagine this world without you. I love to make you happy. May your heart always be as pure as it now is. 

Day 1 letter to my kids and their response

Hi Allen Children! How can I already miss you!? 

This morning in the airport I saw women with toddlers and babies and strollers and car seats. All I could think was "that's been my whole life for almost 13 years and here I am just eating breakfast and drinking coffee with just Jody!" 

We flew west without clouds all the way to the border of Utah. I saw the golden aspens  from the sky for the first time in my life.

 

We picked out roads we drive on, the towns of Boulder and Nederland and Winter Park and saw a peek of a glorious orange canyon that looked amazing before the clouds overtook us. 

Now we have lost track of where we are and don't have the cool little TV screen with a map. I guess $20 plane tickets don't come with tvs! We landed under cloudy skies and spitting rain. I'm so lucky I planned the first two days in Healdsburg with sunny skies and 80 degree days. 

We drove straight out of San Fran (look for it on the map upstairs!) across the Golden Gate Bridge in spatters of rain. I looked up and said "we're not in Erie anymore Baby!" 

Then we went to Lagunitas Beer Garden in a wonderfully cute town called Petaluma. Super cute place but they owe Kim royalties for using Saydee as a mascot.

Then on to Russian River brewing in Santa Rosa (yes the town where Kaitlyn, Marcail and Sean lived in the Lori Wick books we read) who make the most popular craft beer in America called Pliny the Elder. 

Your dad gave the seal of approval. 

After that we perused the square at Healdsburg and enjoyed a wine tasting.

I'm sorry you missed it but we watched the sun set over beautiful grape vineyards and I even ate a stray raisin on a nearby grapevine.

Now we are cuddled up in a cozy room in Guernesville and we have no regrets except that Grandma and Grabdpa didn't bring you along in a separate room! Love you and miss you my darlings! 

Here was their loving reply:

Dear, Beloved Parents 
     Did you get a selfie stick yet because seriously they are popular (look up "China selfie stick) (hilarious).
     We are off to bed because it is 9:30 😉.
           Love, 
               Eden Kaitlyn, Nick, Hazel

As well as some pictures theyattached in another email.