Rachael

Today marks 12 years since the day Rachael died. It was a peaceful day thinking of her. This picture used to make me so angry; we all look fabulous and then BAM! Bunny ears. But I saw the picture again today and it warmed my heart. My family is so kooky but I love them all entirely. My memory is imperfect and my brain wears rose-colored glasses but I am convinced my family is the best. While we were in Utah last month, six of the eight siblings were there (missing Flannel and Rachael). It was healing to hear stories of Rachael come up in regular conversation. We all know and love her and it was happy. I am grateful for pens and pictures that are stronger than my memory. I curled up on the couch tonight and cry-watched the video montage of her life and remembered: Rachael was goodness. What an incredible blessing it is to have a family.

Happy 8th Birthday, Alex!

I look at Alex and my heart swells and I puff up my chest; I am a proud mom. Alex is such an incredible kid. He is in tune to his feelings and the feelings of those around him. He notices people and wants to help them. He tries to follow the rules. But he is also a kid. He laughs at fart jokes, gets angry when he thinks he has been wronged, and throws a pity party with the best of them. He is eight years old. Unbelievable. I have vivid memories of his birth and now he is making vivid memories of his own. We are so glad to have Alex in our family. He is a gem.

(Camera battery died at the end. "We love you, Alex! Happy birthday!")