Happy Birthday, Kami

  Today Kami turns "2"! I wanted to publically say Happy Birthday to her. We are sad that she is not here with us to celebrate, but we have learned (again) that God has a plan and His plan is perfect. We thank Him for the work that He has done in our lives over the last several months. He has taught us so much through this difficult time. We continue to pray the "prayer that never fails" (so says Father Tim from the Mitford series), "Your Will Be Done!" We still don't know what the future holds for Kami coming to our family, but we have learned to trust God in His sovreignty and His unfailing faithfulness. He alone knows what is best for all of us and we are thankful that we can let the future rest in His most capable hands.

  I was reading to Brett about tides and the ocean from "A Child's Geography" last week. It was amazing to think about the oceans of this earth holding 326 million trillion gallons of water and Isaiah tells us that He "has measured the waters in the hollow of his hand." Amazing! How Great is our God!!

  So, today on Kami's 2nd birthday I thank God. I thank Him for bringing her into our lives, I thank Him for the hard lessons learned (learning), I thank Him for sending Jesus so that we can the power to live for Him everday, and most of all I thank Him for Himself that lives within me! May His Name be continually praised!!

Florida Fun

So, I wasn't planning on posting anymore pictures from Florida, but I uploaded these to the computer today and some were just too cute not to post. So enjoy!

We have enjoyed feasting on fresh shrimp a couple of times this year. I always enjoy eating them once I get over the fact that I just boiled them whole in boiling water. I think I prefer the kind already beheaded and shelled!

Brett and Briana getting one more hold time in before U. Dave's left. 

Actually getting to feed Camen was a real thrill! 

It has come time for Cole to leave. Everyone loaded up for the trip downstairs. This morning Brett said, "Mom, I wish Cole was still here." We miss you, Cole! You were so much fun to have this week! What a blessing to look at the world through your eyes!!

We took a walk on the beach this morning with Mom and Dad Riffey. Brett found a fish head to investigate. He wanted to know if he should put it in his bag. I had to laugh, but told him it probably wasn't a great idea. That reminds me of Cole this week. 

About Friday, he asked his mom if they could take a seagull home with them! Boy, wouldn't that be a lovely trip home.

Brett and Grandpa (Dad) walking along on the beach. Brett and Briana's personalities really show when we go shelling. Brett picks one up and says, "This is really pretty, Mom" and then promptly throws it back down on the beach. Bri picks up broken pieces and puts them in her bag for safekeeping. You can tell who the packrat will be!

Daddy and Briana

I will treasure this picture always. There is a bond here that I cannot explain. Sometimes I am tempted to be jealous, but I praise God for this father-daughter connection! God is so Good!

Our Family Arrives

Mel, Dave, Cole, and Camen arrived Saturday morning. Cole was sooo excited to be here. Too bad it was a gloomy, rainy day. We did get enough time to take a walk on the beach and get in the pool a little. It is so refreshing to see him get so excited! Today was cloudy too, but still nice enough to be in the pool. The kids were thrilled. It doesn't matter how much time we spend down there they don't want to get out. Mom and Dad Riffey made it here late last evening. We are enjoying the fresh strawberries and bananas they brought us. We are hoping for a sunny day tomorrow. Here are a few more pictures.

I am so thankful God created oceans and beaches.

Bri can't get enough when it comes to holding Camen. Just when we 

get him fixed, she wants to hold him. 

Dave changing a very dirty diaper!

Brett and Cole having a great time walking on the beach.

Bri is having a great time swimming. 

They have so much energy! They are ready to scoop for shells.

Brett and Briana coming up for air.

They are up now, but not for long! Brett barely leaves time to get a breath.

Bri was gracious for the moment and let Cole dump water on her head.

Florida

We arrived in Florida Saturday morning and are enjoying a few days with just our family before more of the Riffey family arrives. We have had beautiful weather so far. It looks like some rain might be moving in for the next few days, but we have plenty to keep us busy inside too! Hopefully, it won't rain all day and we can at least get a good walk in at some point.
Brett and Bri are definitely at a good age. They enjoy the sand, but I must say that the pool is the highlight this year. Bri took right to the water and remembered what she had learned at swimming lessons last summer. As always it took Brett a little to get used to it again. He took off today and is doing quite well. Of course, he is still a little on the cautious side!!
I have spent time scrapbooking, reading, and a lot of time researching home school curriculum. The latter is quite a chore, but I am trusting that we will find a match for us!

Here are a few pictures taken on Sunday. Enjoy and God Bless!

Camen John Miller

Dave and Mel's 2nd son was born this morning. We are so thankful he is here and everyone is doing well. We were blessed with a little lull in the snowstorm and were able to travel to Kokomo to see the new little one. He is a sweetie!! Truly a blessing from the Lord. He weighed in at 7lbs. 3oz. and his length is 21 in. Congrats Dave, Mel, and Cole! Praise the Lord!!

Andre's First Birthday

We celebrated Andre's first birthday one week after the big day. I know it is universal, but, wow, I can't believe that it has been a year since he made his entrance into this world. What a blessing he has been? We wondered why God would give a baby to Bev and Clem so soon after their marriage began, but we wonder no more. Over time our questions are answered and even though we have believed by faith that God's ways are best; now we see and know why Andre is here. He has been and continues to be a blessing to us all. I am thankful beyond words that Andre has grown up close to my children so that they can enjoy taking care of and seeing a baby grow that first year. I praise God for this experience for Brett and Bri. Bri continues to believe that he is still a baby and she can take care of him. It drives me bonkers (and you, too, Dad!), but Andre and Bev take all her "mothering" very well! Thanks Bev! Clem's parents were here from Washington and we able to be in on the fun. We are thankful for this first year and pray that God will give Andre many more! We love you, Andre, Happy Birthday!


Andre's car from his Bowman grandparents was a hit with all of the children. Cole, you would really like it too!

Bev set a beautiful table for Andre's Birthday party amidst all of her business.

Maebrianna latched right onto Travis. Travis, you must have the touch!

Andre was thrilled with his cake until the flame received too much of his 

attention and the finger just had to go in it.

I think he will be fine once he gets over the hurt feelings.

His Riffey aunts, uncles, and cousins gave him a tricycle which is still a little large. He loved it anyway and really enjoyed the soft rubber on the handles. They made an excellent teething toy. 

It's a Wintry Day

It started snowing this last Wednesday. It came down beautifully all day long. I was able to enjoy it more because I knew I did not have to get out in it. Ken had promised Brett and Briana that he would go out with them so about 4:30 I suggested they get going since it was supposed to get really cold. They had a wonderful time as you can tell from the pics. The kitties were glad to have them outside to play. Ken tried to start the mower so they could take rides on the sled, but it was just too cold for the mower motor. Jumping on the trampoline, going down the icy slide, and making snow angels was lots of fun for them all. I went outside a little to get some pics and could not believe how quiet and still it was. Even though I am not very partial to winter weather and snow, I have to say that it was BEAUTIFUL!!! On Friday morning the thermometer read -18 and I can't say that was all that great! It was down right COLD!! In weather like this, we are constantly thankful for our warm homes! We are hoping that it is going to warm up in the next few days. 20 and 30 degrees is going to feel like a heat wave. I am looking forward to it!