Im in love. 

I mean, Ive been in love for a while, with my husband.

But Im NEWLY in love.

With her. 

You remember her?

Well Im lucky enough to spend a few days with her, her mama and even her papa!

And oh, I am so happy! 

She has been woo-ing me since I got here! (Here being Portland) 

You should see the little smiling eyes she sends my way! 

That, combines with the chubbiest little cheeks! And those giggles! 

Well, she is just puuuuuuure de-light! 

And since I know our time is limited, as all good things must come to an end,

(Why oh why must they end!?)

I am soaking it up! 

Sopping it up like I sopped up the sauce from my delicious pulled pork dinner! 

Drinking it in like I drank in my delicious peppermint latte! 

Eating it up like I ate up my fig-with-goat-cheese-and-bacon snack!

Enjoying it like.....

well, I think you get the point! 

(The point being, Michelles cooking is waaaay too good!) 

I am so glad that I got to come down and spend a few precious days with them.

Cuz if you think shes cute, you should see her mama! 

I am on the hunt for a watch and who knew there are so many options?! 

I am looking for something for our trip next year. 

It has to be waterproof and have an alarm, but I DONT want some giant G-shock that looks like Im back in 1999! (You know the ones. Admit it, you all had one!) 

Here are some that I am considering:

I am in love with Nixon right now, although this one (and many of their other options) doesnt have an alarm. 

The tortoiseshell! I love love love this Michael Kors watch. (but once again, no alarm)

Its so much fun preparing for our trip. It feels like a lifetime away, but also, we have so much to do. Taking steps to get ready is very exciting! 

I can hardly catch my breath. This is so funny. I have replayed it so many times! Enjoy!

This post is late. But oh well! 

Angela and I took a short (less than 48 hours) down to Portland to meet out beautiful (quasi) niece! 

She's is even more beautiful than I imagined! 

Heres a few pictures of my cuddles with her! 

Like I've said a million times over, I love her! 

The hubby and I also have been getting chances to babysit my adorable nephew Cody! He's getting so chubby and adorable! He's smiling when I walk into the room now (I like to think that he knows me) and laughing tons! 

 He is a joy to our family and we are blessed to know him! 

Have I told you lately that I love you?

This lady? I LOVE her. (Notice the bump? Thats my little Claire Bear!) 

This picture? I love this picture because it means precious time together.

This poor little one? Mom, auntie Angela and auntie Edolbina are mean and wanted a picture of her next to a pumpkin. 

This look makes me heart melt. Best friends with babies? Be still my sentimental heart! 

Do you see those cheeks! This picture actually makes my heart hurt. Oh how I love her. 

This man? Well, he's just being adorable and spent time cuddling with the little one.

 (Hes in love with her too!) 

I am so thankful for every moment with Michelle and Claire. I know it is a matter of time until the only time I see them will be on skype. It is amazing to hold this little one, to see her smile and giggle. She's a product of Michelle and Spencer, two dear friends and I love her!

Faith is risking what is for what is yet to be.

It is taking small steps knowing they lead to bigger ones.

Faith is holding on when you want to let go.

It is letting go when you want to hold on.

Faith is hearing God’s yes

when everything else says no.

It is believing all things are possible

in the midst of impossibilities.

Faith is looking beyond what is

for what is yet to be.

It is seeing the Light in darkness,

the presence of God in all.

~ Ellen M. Cuomo

What a crazy couple weeks we have had!

We made it to Mexico and back safely! We had a wonderful time, worked extremely hard and were completely exhausted by the time we got back. But it was worth it.

We finished the house!

What a blessing it was to hand over those keys.

The family was overwhelmed, as were we. Its always humbling to be used by God, such a reminder of His love and grace in our lives.

Heres our lovely team:

The sweet family that we built the house for:

The "house" they lived in before we built them one:

My amazing co-leader!

We had a "fun" day in San Diego before our flight home and I was so happy to see an old friend of mine. We met in Australia, where we were bunk-mates, and then spent 3 months in SE Asia together. It was so refreshing and exciting to see her!

Once we got home, we had 2 short nights in our comfy bed, then we went camping for the weekend with family, which I will talk about later.

OH, and while we were in Mexico?

This dear friend on mine had a baby girl!

Welcome to the world Claire bear, you are so loved already!

On the day she was born (Sunday) I just HAD to mark our work day somehow:

Tomorrow a friend and I are heading down to Portland to welcome Claire properly. It will be a quick trip, but I am so happy to be able to spend a little bit of time with Claire and Michelle.