Babies, Babies, Babies!

I am so excited for my upcoming nieces and nephew. Joe's sister is expecting a baby girl and time. Joe's brother and his wife are expecting a baby girl around Thanksgiving and my brother Josh and his wife Kyra are expecting a baby boy around the same time.
I am surprised at myself with how excited I get over it. I guess my love of babies and kids has just never faded, even with having my own and being surrounded by them at every family function. Perhaps it has only made that love grow. I have been in somewhat deep thought today while cleaning and watching Josiah. I sometimes feel the deepest nostalgia for the past. Especially when I look at high school and college friends' myspace pages or blogs. I see them with new friends looking as happy and cozy as ever in their new lives. I really do yearn to have that close social setting again. I miss having the knowledge that somewhere within a 10 minute walk or a few minute drive that one of my friends is hanging out and I would be welcome to stop by and hang out. I feel deep sorrow over the loss of so many incredible friendships I had in the years before "adult life."
After I get done letting myself slip into the past, God always reminds me that we have seasons for a reason. Each one provides lessons and joys of its own. I am one that requires quite a bit of motivation to change, even though I enjoy it. I am always excited for the future. I couldn't wait to be married and have children of my own starting as soon as I sort of understood the idea.
I think my anticipation and joy for the future is a lot of why I get so excited to have new additions to the family. I love seeing the new personalities and joys God brings all of us with each one. They are most of all a blessing to their parents, but there is always a great joy they bring to us as well.
When I search my heart and God's for what my purpose is here in the short time I have in my physical body, I am reminded that being a parent is so much of that purpose. As I knew so innocently when I was 12. I need reminded of that often. I have always loved the mental picture of God smiling at me. And I think that is what he does when I accept the responsibility of motherhood. Without sadness and nostalgia, but with excitement and anticipation of what He will bring. I can sit back and enjoy every little moment with Joe and Josiah, because, right now at least, that is my job.
So to all of my expecting sisters...God is smiling at you. Enjoy it. And know if you are looking for anyone to adopt them, we are here. :)
Congratulations.

A few more trip pictures

There are a couple pictures of Jeff, Joe's step dad, and Josiah at the fourth of July parade in Rockaway Beach. There is one of Taylor and one of Nolan at the parade as well. The last one is of our last little trip to the beach on our way home. We went to Joe's mom's house for a few days after. Then we came home.

Oregon Coast Trip

We just got back from another week long road trip. We went and visited Joe's Grandma, then headed about an hour away and visited his Grandparents. After a few hours of visiting with them we went to the Oregon coast and met up with Joe's two brothers and their wives and families, and his mom. Overall it was a fun trip. It is always refreshing to be on the beach looking out over such a beautiful creation. I found a few cool shells, but forgot them. Oh well. Josiah seemed to really enjoy the view from the pack. He made some funny noises when I walked out into the water and we were surrounded by it. It will be fun to take him when he is walking on his own. The first picture is of us and Joe's grandparents. Then there is one of Josiah's expression from seeing th ocean for the first time. The next few are of his brother's family. Then the last one is of Josiah, Nolan and Taylor playing together. It was fun seeing Josiah interacting in a playful way. They grow up so fast.