Oregon

This past week I had a chance to spend a little more time in Oregon with my family. It is always fun to visit, but time is especially precious to us now with dad being sick and our new baby on the way. It's an interesting balance we're learned to strike between the highs and lows of life. We continue to learn to recognize God's presence in both and to acknowledge His hand in it all. While I was up there my siblings continued to amuse themselves with my growing belly. Sadie received many rubs and pokes and Kendra and my cousin Michaelah even spent some time practicing for when she arrives. Although I'm not sure that I'll be leaving her with them anytime soon. :)

One of my favorite things about Oregon in the summertime is all the fresh fruit! I especially love the blackberries that grow around my parents' dairy and am so glad that I was able to bring back what I picked on the airplane.

Finally, on my last day there Dad surprised us by requesting to take a trip outside to see what the boys were up to. Robert started building a new barn a little while back, Ryan purchased a new welder which he is putting to good use making all the stanchions and gates for the barn, and Mom, Grandpa, and Caleb have been working on getting a garage ready for the winter. Dad has been so worn out over the past few months that he hasn't felt up to getting outside at all recently so this was hugely encouraging to us. These are the little moments that have become anything but little to us. They are the moments that encourage us on and remind us to be so thankful for every "today" that we get to spend together.