Saying Goodbye

My friend Shelly says she hates goodbyes. And today I gotta tell you so do I! Mom and I flew out to Sacramento, CA on Tuesday. I received a call on Saturday afternoon that my precious, beautiful, hilarious friend Shelly Howard who has been battling breast cancer for over 3 years is in her final weeks. Hospice came on Tuesday to try and make her comfortable.

It just "feels" wrong. She is 37 with 5 darling children ages 3-11. We spent time playing with the kids, doing home work and then surprising Mom with Halloween a little early. SO FUN!!!

My visits with her and her lovely husband Anthony have not been sad or full of fear. They have been amazing conversations about heaven and what she is going to do there. When we asked her if she was afraid she said "NO... I'm really excited. I mean I get to see Jesus." She is an amazing mom, wife and to me a dear friend. She is one of those girls that make you laugh until your stomach hurts. I will miss her dearly but as she said last night. "I can't wait to hang... FOREVER". She promised to meet me at the gates of heaven and until that day arrives I'm anxious to see her face again and laugh FOREVER!

I'm so glad she is leaving behind her precious children for us to love on and laugh with. They are full of joy and their Mother has prepared them well for her passing. I love you Shelly and will miss you for a little while. Can't wait for FOREVER!!!
We are still laughing.....

Taylor

Anthony

Sydney

Shelby and Jaden

Homework with the girls

Book Ball

Lauren and Emily attended a Patriot Book Ball on Friday night after spending the day at Animal Kingdom. It was to celebrate their summer reading for school. They were dressed up and had a ball, at the ball. Especially winning door prizes and dancing with friends. It was a very special night. Lauren finished 4th in her grade and Emily finished 3rd. I'm so proud of them. They looked just beautiful!

Animal Kingdom

n Friday I took the girls to Animal Kingdom for the day. It was perfect weather and the crowds were light. My idea of a fun time at a theme park. Us locals are spoiled with the way we want to play. The girls were just lovely and we had a blast together. No doubt the highlight was the safari ride. We did it first thing in the morning and most of the animals were out. It was so fun! They also loved the petting area. Amazing the joy my little people get out of touching sheep and goats.

We Love Lexi

Some of you have asked about how we like Lexi. We LOVE HER!!!!! The girls carry her around and love to try and dress her up. I can't say she really enjoys it... but she is a great sport. Took her to the vet today for her final puppy shots and she weighed in at 8lb. Many of you have asked to see pictures so here you go.

Kate loves to sit with her. I took these this morning while they were sitting right by the office where I was working. She is a great dog!

Visiting California

Brian and I took Emily and Lauren to San Diego to meet our new niece Aviana. She was a week old when we first met her. She is darling! We are so excited for Jon and Christina and their precious daughter. We had a great time hanging with our older girls. We took a boat out in the bay and saw dolphins. It was a blast!

Review of 2009

I can't believe that September is just around the corner. I decided to begin capturing our memories from this year so far in a family movie. Hope you enjoy!

A little behind

Okay so I finally put our 2008 pictures into a movie. Here it is just a year and half late.

First day of school

I just realized that I need to take another picture of Lauren as her first school day picture didn't really turn out. But here are the other 3 all ready for school. Emily is in kindergarten at Circle. Kiley is in the 3 year old class and Kate is in the 2 year old class at Willow Creek. They are growing so fast!

A time to reflect

Today I came up to the beach all alone. It's not something I normally do. Usually there is a row of children following in my footsteps. But not today. Brian has all the girls and is taking them to a fun hotel for the night while I get out of town and have some quiet. What a fun Dad!

It's amazing what a few good hours of rest and silence will do for my heart and soul. I have some dear friends coming later today for the rest of the weekend so the silence will soon be filled with laughter. But in the mean time I'm taking the opportunity to rest in silence, think and write. I realized I get weary from meeting the needs of children so many hours in the day that when I have a few hours of silence I can be a better wife, mother and friend. So thankful today for all the sounds of 4 little children and the amazing, dedicated, love of a godly man. I'm blessed!

Puppy Love

I've been asking for a puppy now for a little while. I think Brian was afraid I might start asking to adopt again if I didn't have a puppy soon so he finally gave into my request. He didn't fully realize all it would entail. Just a short flight for him to go to Seattle to pick up the puppy and bring her home. Not because you can't find a cockapoo (cocker spaniel and poodle) in Florida. You just can't find the one I REALLY want in Florida. So my accommodating, darling husband flew to Seattle and came back the next day with my sweet puppy Lexi. She is wonderful and the girls just adore her. We are truly in puppy love.

Kiley's 6 Month Pictures

I can't believe it has been 6 months since I met Kiley in Ethiopia for the first time. It blows my mind to think how much our darling little girl has changed. She is fluent in english and she makes me smile with the brightness in her eyes. Her eyes was the thing that captured my heart last September when I first saw her picture. I already can't imagine our lives without her. She is such an important part of our family. We love her deeply and are so thankful every time we stop to think of her journey to our family. Happy 6 month gotcha day Kiley Joy. We love you!

Getting ready for the wedding

Tim and Andrea were married on July 23rd and everyone was invited to be in the wedding. Brian and I decided it would be a little too much for Kate so we left her with a baby sitter but everyone else got to participate in the ceremony. The girls were all flower girls and they looked beautiful!

We are so excited to have Andrea now a part of the family. The night of the wedding after the reception was over Andrew proposed to Nicole. So now our family is preparing for the last Werner sibling to be married in May. Super excited!!!!

Emily

Kiley

Lauren

The groomsmen at the rehearsal dinner

Bridesmaids, flower girls and ring bearer at the rehearsal dinner

A Beautiful Gift

Grams and Gramps (the girls great grandparents) brought all the girls a special gift. Gramps made each girl her own treasure chest and Grams placed special books specific for each girl inside. They are beautiful and the girls love them! They hold all their stuffed animals or special treasures. We are so thankful for these heirlooms that they have been given. Gramps hand made these chests just for Lauren, Emily, Kiley and Kate. We are so appreciative!