Barbara

It’s hard to believe that our Barbara went to be with Jesus 36 days ago. For me personally it has felt like 6 months. Sometimes it’s still hard to believe she’s really gone. I’ve wanted to write something about her but didn’t know where to start. To make it simple, I thought I would share a few things I frequently think about. I’m a “list” person so I’ll write in bullet point fashion. :)

Barbara was a “Proverbs 31 Wife” as some would call it.

“An excellent wife who can find? She is far more precious than jewels. The heart of her husband trusts in her, and he will have no lack of gain. She does him good, and not harm, all the days of her life.”
–Proverbs 31:10-12

One look at my dad and there’s no denying he was head over heals for this woman. “A perfect match” I’ve always called them. She was his prize and gift from God. She loved and respected him. She modeled for me what it’s like to be a godly wife. In every conversation we had before she passed away, she NEVER once seemed to think about herself. All her concerns and thoughts were for my dad. In a situation that could easily become self-consuming, she focused on his future well being.

She loved to decorate. I so wish she was here because I’m having the hardest time getting our house to look the way I want it. I’ve often thought how I would totally pay her to be my interior decorator! Haha. Every time I go to Bed Bath and Beyond or Pier One, I can’t help but think “Oh, I wonder if Barbara would like this?” My dad recently told me how she would buy a vase and bring it home only to exchange it 4 more times until she found the perfect one. This made me laugh because I am the SAME EXACT way!

She loved sweets. I think about past holidays and how she and her tiny self would always go back for a second piece of pie. It was always a joke between her and my dad. She would have the cutest little smile on her face when he’d poke fun at her.

And most importantly, she had great faith in Jesus Christ. After getting to spend some time together earlier this year, I was blessed to hear more about Barbara’s faith. She shared that, in a way, she viewed her cancer almost as a blessing. Now, I’m not saying she was skipping around excited to be going through this, quite the opposite at times, but she knew God had used this illness to draw her to Him. Getting her second diagnosis brought her to a point where she truly realized she had no other choice but to rely on God. Although it was extremely hard, painful, scary, sad, heart-breaking, frustrating and every other negative adjective you could use, she viewed her sickness as God’s grace in her life. Through this, she truly wanted to follow Him. She trusted what Jesus did on the cross for her and knew nothing she did could earn her way to heaven. For her it was about surrendering to Him and accepting the grace He so lavishly pours on us. I have no doubt she desires for everyone she loved to accept this same gift.

“In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses, according to the riches of his grace, which he lavished upon us…” -Ephesians 1:8

I know she is in Heaven now experiencing complete joy and happiness. We miss her and never stop thinking about her. We’re not sad for her anymore but for us. As I go about my days I always think “I wonder what she’s doing right now?” The first thing I imagine is her smiling……

First Day

Thought I’d share Clara’s first day of Happy Harbour. She was excited to go this morning then became a little apprehensive when she realized Ella and I were leaving. She didn’t cry, but just kind of held onto me. I was really surprised because I thought she’d run away from me and never look back! When I picked her up they said she was “ready to graduate preschool” because she did so well. HAHA! They said she was one of the few that didn’t fuss the entire time. She yelled "mommy!!!!", was all smiles and kept saying “more, more.” I had no idea what she was talking about until she motioned toward the room they have “chapel” and sing time in. I asked “you want more school?” and she nodded her head with a sad face. When I told her we had to go home, her bottom lip pooched out and her eyes started to water. Haha, silly girl! I’m pretty sure she loved it.

My friend was taking pictures at the Meet the Teacher celebration thing last week. She was dancing and singing here.

Was so passed out this morning I just had to take a picture of it! I turned on the lights and opened the window and she didn't even move. haha

Breakfast of champions

Ready to go

Still growing into her backpack

Silly Ella

I'll miss ya sis!

So this is the first thing Clara played with when she walked in. When the sweet little boy in the picture tried to play with it too she shoved him up against the cabinets behind her and yelled "no!" That was a fun teaching moment. haha. Mmmmmm....teaching toddlers to share is fun. I'm so glad she's not going to be an only child! haha

Play-dough!

Change

Wow, how much can change in just a short time. Quick overview of the past 3 months:

• I turned 28



• Clara turned 2
  


• We completed the Pearland triathlon



• After 2 years I have FINALLY started serving in our church again. I’m working in the baby room and enjoying it so far. (Well, maybe not the crying, snot and poop part of it).



• We decided to put our house up for sale



• Sold our house



• Bought another house
  
  

We are now in the process of packing our stuff. (Tear). Even though we've only lived here for 4 years, it feels like 20. As we pull all our stuff out of cabinets and closets, I feel nostalgia for all the memories we’ve created in such a short time. I can’t imagine how people live in houses for 20-30 years and then leave! I just don’t think I could do it. We are very excited though about creating new memories in our new house. I think Jason is especially excited about not having my “arts and crafts” take over the house anymore. Haha.

We will be finishing up our triathlon season this weekend as we race in the Clear Lake Triathlon. The start is conveniently located 5 minutes from our house! Jason will be racing in his first Olympic distance race. This is a 0.9 mile swim, 24 mile bike and 6.2 mile run.

Clara will be starting a little Mother’s Day Out program next week (Happy Harbour). She will go Monday and Wednesday mornings. I anticipate she will LOVE it and will probably want to go every day (which will make me sad). What’s new in Clara’s world? Well, she’s totally into Winnie the Pooh and Elmo (or as she calls him, “Hell-mo”). HAHA. For some reason, she adds H’s to some of her words. She calls our dog “Hamber” instead of Amber.

Ella is now sitting on her own, grabbing things like crazy, eating solids and screeches in delight. So far, I’m thinking she might be my “loud child.” She is a happy chubby little thing, and I seriously want to squeeze her all the time. I’m looking forward to having a little more one on one time with her when Clara is at Happy Harbour.

Along with all these exciting things, we’ve also been dealing with some hard times too. As we walk along side some of our loved ones enduring trials, it really has put life into perspective more than ever. All of life’s excitements such as buying houses, completing goals and getting raises are such blessings and we are beyond thankful for them. But as I take a step back and look, none of them are COMPLETELY satisfying. None of them lead to true and complete happiness. As you watch a loved one endure a trial, everything else seems pale in comparison. Nothing else seems to matter. (I don’t mean that in a depressing way or anything). It’s just that at the end of the day our relationships on this earth are the most fulfilling things we have, and most importantly, the one with Jesus Christ. Although He has never stopped pouring His grace in my life, it’s still hard sometimes to accept the truth that He is ALWAYS good in ALL things. I know He is and will continue working to strengthen my faith in this truth.

We are really looking forward to all the joy that comes with moving into a new house and I’m cherishing every millisecond I get with my family. My love for them is stronger than ever...

Loves cooking with Mommy

Can't believe she's already half a year old!








Clara wanted to take a 6 month picture too. I swear she looks 5 years old here.

First swim with floaties




Making it official. (Sold in one month exactly!)












Mulching the yards to impress potential buyers!










Sweet thing

Cousins Mira, Misha and Micah visiting from Colorado

Rolly Polly Baby

Officially 2

I was dying laughing at this awesome "hairstyle" she had in the tub the other night. It so reminded me of something I'd see at Walmart....or a trailor park

They LOVE each other and are always making each other laugh....I'm one blessed Mommy

The Clampetts

So much has happened….Jason and I celebrated our five year anniversary on the same day my best friend Christy had her little baby girl Savannah. The girls and I visited the zoo for the first time in April while Jason and I just completed the Capital of Texas Triathlon. This was Jason’s third triathlon and my 6th. We plan on doing a couple more this summer. Clara is now 22 months and Ella almost 4 months. WHAT!?! I can’t believe we will be celebrating Clara’s 2nd birthday so soon! Clara is officially in toddler hood with some of her favorite words being “mine!!!” and “NO!!!” We still haven’t entered the full blown, ridiculous temper tantrum stage, but she is definitely testing her limits and constantly looking at how we respond to things. We love how she just becomes more and more fun and turns into a “real person.” Ella is just the happiest thing ever! Sometimes I think she smiles even more than Clara did. She is staying up for longer stretches now and is on the verge of really being able to interact with her big sister. We successfully survived our first trip as a family of four to Austin. With two adults, two kids, two dogs, two bikes, luggage and triathlon stuff packed on top of the car, we probably looked like the Beverly Hillbillies driving down the road.

I have to brag on my husband a little bit. Today he was awarded Employee of the Month at his job! He gets a fancy, super close parking spot, a paper certificate and a free month membership to the Jelly of the Month club. Ha, just kidding about that last one. But for real, this is his 4th time to be recognized at his job and I couldn’t be prouder.

20 Months

21 Months

Christy and Savannah

Anniversary getaway to Galveston

Bluebonnets

Trip to the zoo

Cara and Ella

Summer girls