Dear Morfar,

My Morfar (it’s grandfather in Swedish – by the way I’ve always loved that I have a special name for my Mormor and Morfar. something exclusive for me and my cousins with these two incredibly special people). start over… My Morfar is turning 90 years old and unfortunately I’m unable to attend the pseudo family reunion they’re having in Coeur d’Alene, ID to celebrate him.

I was thinking of a gift I could give my Morfar, something that would be appropriate for this wonderful man, and I came up short. Instead I thought about gifts he and Mormor have given me. Every Christmas growing up all the kids would wait anxiously until everyone was home so we could open the package from Post Falls. Immediately after the tape was cut, four heads would simultaneously lean in to smell the distinctive sweet scent of Morfar’s workshop in their basement. We were so excited to see what ornament they sent for each of us (our Christmas tree now is littered with ornaments with my name on them – and accessorized by a couple of Bell’s ornaments because we copied their tradition and get her one a year).

There was a purpose to this post, more than my favorite memories of my Morfar. Start over… because I couldn’t think of a gift good enough for Morfar, I thought about gifts my Morfar gave me – and it didn’t take long to come up with the best one.

I saw this video on a friend’s blog a little bit ago, and while a good amount of it was completely relatable to Justin and I, I couldn’t help but think of my Mormor and Morfar. They’ve celebrated well over 50 years of marriage, five children, 12 grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren. They’ve given us a legacy. They’ve set an example for all 24 of us of a solid Christian marriage that has withstood decades. I don’t get to see them often but when I’m able to spend time with them I watch them take care of each other and delight in the company of their family. I’m unable to put into words how helpful it is to be early in my marriage and have that example from my grandparents.

the actual fantasic music video is here - unfortunately they won't let you embed it. nuts.

So, Morfar, on your 90th birthday I have nothing to send other than my love, thoughts and very sincere thanks for the example you have set for me. I wish I could be there, and look forward to the chance to introduce you and Mormor to Austin, and have Bella make memories spending time with you. I love you and remain always, your Dana.

Plays Well With Others

When I was pregnant we were constantly asked how we thought Bella would be as a big sister. We quickly told them our "push 'em or pet 'em" theory - pretty self explanatory - I had no idea how she'd react... she's always been really good with animals and very cuddly, but when my niece and nephew were visiting I had Isaiah in my lap and Bella literally crawled up and tried to push him off. The question has developed into how she is as big sister. We couldn't be more proud and happy how she's reacting to Austin and how he, in turn, responds to her. She loves to love on him. She completely lights up when he laughs or watches her as she reads, or sings her songs or plays with her. She's so proud of her ability to trap his attention, and he's so content having her attention. I quite literally pray constantly that they stay confidants and friends - I tell her to be kind and always love him and I'm already telling him to look out for her and love and protect her.

when I bring Austin down in the morning to join Bella and Justin,
she insists he sits right next to her so she can hold him.

this was is fantastic - couldn't have posed it better if I tried (but totally didn't)

...occasionally she wants to try to feed him, not so effective, but really cute.

I caught this when they weren't paying attention to anyone other than each other.

LOVE it.

((that's it Jenn, I'm committing to a blog re-design. my videos don't fit anymore!))

To Jesus, with care.

"I prayed for this child, and the Lord has granted me what I asked of Him. So now I give him to the Lord; for his whole life he will be given to the Lord." 1 Samuel 1:27-28.

We dedicated Austin at church this morning. I am so blessed and thankful for the opportunity to give the Lord what is His. We were surrounded by a small group of friends and family that gathered to support us and Austin. It was such a special moment - one of the first of truly relinquishing ownership of my child and recognizing that he is the Lord's. We are blessed with the ridiculous pressure to raise him and Bella in a way that encourages them and prepares them to be servant leaders.

We were challenged the other week at church to find life verses for each of our kids... pressure! I don't have one yet, I want to pick something that I think will challenge each and play to the strengths in their personalities that are already coming through. Austin's would use his tender heart and joy he brings everyone around him. Bella's would be about her ability to reach people and bring them together with her humor and personality. and something in leadership, her fierce independent personality will certainly aid to that.

meu irmão

Over the last few years I have become especially grateful for my brother-in-law Alex. When this 6'7" Brazilian gentle giant married my sister Andrea three years ago she and I had a... difficult relationship. Things have since smoothed over between us, in part I believe, to Alex. Not once did I feel judgement or disapproval as as we mended bridges. He and Justin kept an appropriate distance and didn't hold it against us for hurting each other in the past. Alex and I have developed a friendship and he's more like family to me than some of, well, my family. When he answers my calls he greets me not by name, but as "sister" and I can't remember the last time I answered his call by anything by "brother".

Recently I received some sad news from Andrea - Alex's mom passed away at the beginning of the week and they were on their way to Brazil for the funeral. Unfortunately I never had the opportunity to meet her, she was unable to attend their wedding, but I sort of feel like I knew her if for no other reason than knowing her son.

I know she must have been kind because Alex is quite literally one of the nicest people I've had the pleasure to know. He seems to have this outlook on life that I'm envious of. I know he's been stressed and I've seen him angry, but I've never seen him mean - he keeps it all in perspective. He's extremely generous and gracious and good.

I know she must have been loving because Alex loves fiercely, especially when it comes to his family. I so admire how protective he is of my sister and has an obvious desire to protect her and provide for her. In the little bit that I get to spend time with their whole family, I've seen how proud he is of his children in the way he interacts with them... his smile beaming and infectious.

I know she must have known Jesus because Alex has faith and wants to be a Spiritual Leader to Andrea, Lili and Isaiah. He's heard and heeds the call to be Christ-like. He believes in people and emulates instruction to love others as Christ loves us.

So, while I may not have met his mom, I'm extremely grateful for her and for the son she raised and the husband he is for my sister and the father he is to my niece and nephew and the brother he's become to me and Justin. I love you Alex, and am keeping your family in my prayers.

ready or not...

This is how I found Bella this morning during hide-and-seek...

she really committed to her hiding place!

Seriously, I love this girl so much. She's hilarious and a little bit crazy!