Saddened

Gwenda Marie Williams - February 23, 1967 - January 3, 2010

I learned this morning that a friend of mine has passed away, unexpectedly. Gwenda was one of my California friends, who had recently moved to Montana. She was my roommate for years and I loved her very much. She is a member of that family that I have created for myself and was the little sister I never had. She had the most infectious laugh (and we made each other laugh...hard) and a smile that surely would light up all of Big Sky country. She is the mother of a 5 year old boy, Logan, and I hope that Logan is always reminded of what an incredible person his mom is. My heart, to put it simply, is broken. I am devastated. I am sorry that we had lost touch since I moved to Utah, but we had reconnected in the last year or so, and I am so glad that we did.

May we remember that life is indeed precious and fragile. Please remember to tell the people in your life that you love them every single day. And to my little Nood, I am so happy that you are at peace. Peace did not come easily for you in this life, now may you know it in abundance. I love you. The world will miss you. Deeply.

UPDATE: To the Cali connection....Jimmy and I are putting a memorial service together for her in OC. Stay tuned for details, but will probably be the second Saturday in March - we were aiming for her birthday, but will just miss it. If you aren't in Cali anymore and can't make it, e-mail me your memories and we will read them at the service - probably will be at HB! Thanks

In Other News....

Connor started Sunbeams today. He looked so very handsome and grown up! Will post a picture soon (as soon as I figure out my new camera, that is)

New Link

If you have a minute, check out the link to a blog I came across...Because Adoption Matters. It is for anyone that has ever adopted, is hoping to adopt, who has been touched in any way by adoption or just supports it. I am looking into getting a link to our blog on there, I am so impressed! Happy reading!

Happy New Year!

May your year be joyous and prosperous and made up of lots of what matters most!

Congratulations, Cassandra

Our amazing niece Cassandra got married yesterday in the Salt Lake Temple, to an equally amazing young man named John. We are over the moon, as she is so incredibly happy, and we love him as much as we love her! Cassandra (who is also going by Cassie these days, but darn it, I can't get used to it) lived with us for a year and so we got to see first hand what an incredible young woman she is. She excels at everything she does, be it school, sports or picking a soulmate!
Connor is particularly besotted with Cassandra, he loves her silly! He also loves John, but has a special place in his heart for his older cousin. He refused to believe she wasn't still living downstairs 6-7 months after she was gone! So of course, here is one of my all time favorite pictures of C & C:

I think he will get over the fact that she has married another, but only because of his love for John (who is teaching him high five, down low, too slow) and well, maybe one other reason. Here is my conversation with him the day before the wedding:

A: "Connor, we have to go to the store and get a wedding present for Cassandra"
C: "Because Connor and Cassandra are getting married?"
A: "No, honey, Cassandra is marrying John!"
C: "Oh" thinks about it for a second..."because I'm too little?"
Yes, my precious. I am sure that is the only reason why. We love you sweet girl and are proud of the choices you have made. Congratulations and a long, happy, beautiful life to you both.

Merry Christmas

from our house to yours....may your Christmas dreams come true. Much much love, laughter and a day that is bright!

(PS - I FINALLY got a new camera!!!! Oh, the blogging we will do!)

Kisses In the Wind

KISSES IN THE WIND (The Waiting Child's Lullaby)
I hold you in my heart and touch you in my dreams.
You are here each day with me, at least that's how it seems.
I know you wonder where we are... what's taking us so long.
But remember child, I love you so and God will keep you strong.
Now go outside and feel the breeze and let it touch your skin...
Because tonight, just as always, I blow you kisses in the wind.
May God hold you in His hand until I can be with you.
I promise you, my darling, I'm doing all that I can do.
Very soon, you'll have a family for real, not just pretend.
But for tonight, just as always, I blow you kisses in the wind.
May God wrap you in His arms and hold you very tight.
And let the angels bring the kisses that I send to you each night.
--- © Pamela Durkota, written for Josh