Growing girl...

Isabelle is now 13 pounds 9 ounces...she is 24 and 3/4 inches long. She is a week shy of 6 months. I can't believe I have a 6 month old baby. Time goes so fast.

Boise Trip

We flew to Boise last week. Isabelle and I got to spend time with Carrie and Nate. It was good to see them. Gosh, I miss my sister so much.

Family photo...

We had proffesional pictures taken a few months ago and they turned out SO cute. Isabelle was in such a great mood. So here...for your viewing pleasure...

Gone...in Montana and Minnesota

Kyle is in Minnesota, for his Masters degree. He goes twice a year for two weeks. I HATE IT WHEN HE IS GONE. Have I told anyone that before? I wish that I could go with him, now that I could since I am not working. But financially, it doesn't make sense. Too expensive. Really I am happy for him...to be fulfilling a dream so that one day he can write books, write curriculumn, speak at conferences and fire up his passion for ministry. He is so smart and keeps everything he reads in that brain of his. I quickly forget things that I learn...memorize for the test and I am good : ) I envy his brain.

I didn't want to be alone at home for two weeks. I would go crazy. So I left for Montana to stay with my mom and dad. It's great cause I get to hand Izzi to mom and do what I want. I read two books in two days. That's all I did literally for two days...laid in my sweats reading. I read "The Shack" and "The Atonement Child". The Shack...simply put...amazing. It really changes your perspective on your relationship with God and the people in your life. I want to read it again and take notes...as Kristine would say. I loved it. Did I say that already!? Wow! I am going to buy it for everyone I know for Christmas! Not really...I'd go broke. So go buy it and read it for yourself!

My Isabelle is growing so fast. She is getting so good with her hands. She works them like crazy and it melts your heart. She is babbaling alot too. My dad is so cute with her. He gets her all these toys and is excited to see the look on her face. He lit a fire in the fire place and promptly took her over there to watch her look into the fire. She was amazed...her little eyes were huge! He also went to town and came back with a Johnny Jump Up...and quickly put it together excited to see how she would like it. Boy did she. She bounces like crazy. I got her on video camera so Kyle can see. Recently she moves her legs and walks when you pull her a long. Before she drug her feet and didn't understand. But now...she walks! I had to send Kyle a video on my phone. She gets so excited and makes all sort of cute noises. I spanked her little butt and told her to slow down. She is growing up too fast. 5 months and 4 days old....sigh.

Friday I will be home...I will pick Kyle up on Halloween late. Then life can get back to normal. Not really...he is so busy. He leaves the following weekend for Boise. Taking kiddos in the youth group to "Perspective" to see if they would like to attend BBC. I might go with him...it's hard traveling with a baby...so we will see. I am still deciding.

In loving memory...

I remember this time last year, we had Kyle's parents and grandparents over for dinner to announce that we were expecting a baby. We asked Kyle's mom what she would be doing in May... because that was when the baby would be here. I remember the look on their faces when we told them. Roberta was so excited and she squeeled with joy. Bill just kept chewing with the funniest look on his face. It is a memory that I will hold in my heart forever. But Roberta wouldn't be here in May.

I have been struggling with the fact that Roberta's not coming back. She isn't here for the so many things I was looking forward to. I thought she would be here when I became a mother. I needed her to give me advice along this journey of parenthood. She did such an amazing job raising her two boys. I hope to be half the mother that she was.

Why did God take her of all people? We all loved her so much. She was one of the most kindest people that I ever met. She was such an amazing listener, but gave me the wisest of words when necessary. I feel like she will just walk back in the door one of these days. I have dreams about it. I keep hoping that will happen.

She was always buying children's books for her future grandkids. I thought she was funny, as I was not even thinking children yet. One of the books she bought is "Grandma Read to Me". Everytime I look at it, it kills me. She isn't here to read to Isabelle. Why? Why God?

We are all having a hard time now that it is fall. Summer we are always so busy, but the fall is when things slow down and we do alot more family get togethers. I remember coming over to carve pumpkins with Bill and Roberta. It's alot of "first times" without her now... and it's rough.

I know that the world is just temporary and God has great things in store for us. I know all of the right answers but it doesn't make it easy. I want her back. I see Roberta in Isabelle. Izzi has a quiet and gentle spirit and she is dainty...like her grandma. Roberta was such a beautiful person. We will carry on her legacy of loving people for who they are and always having something positive to say. We miss her more than words can say.

2-3 months

Izzi had her first boat ride in August...not such a great time. She hated the wind in her face and being stuck in a big old life vest. Next summer will be more fun.

Izzi with Obi (Sean and Anna's dog)