Multiple Generations

One thing that is becoming more and more rare as people choose to have families later in life, is that children are born without having or knowing any of their grandparents much less great grandparents. Jasmine is fortunate enough to have a great grandpa (paternal) and great grandma (maternal) and both grandparents on her dad's side; and both great grandparents (paternal) and a great grandma (maternal) and both grandparents on her mom's side. Truly a rare occurrence :) Of all of them, Jasmine has now met all except three. Just this weekend she has met two!

This is a rotating and overlapping Baker family weekend and week. B's aunt and girlfriend were down Saturday and Sunday, his grandpa came in Saturday afternoon and will be heading back tomorrow morning, and his dad came in Sunday afternoon and will be returning Saturday morning. Lots of fun visiting and good meals! Below are some special pictures from the visiting thus far, including a rare 4 generation picture. The picture of Jasmine in the polka dot top is over her signing "bird" at the Oceanside harbor, plenty of birds to see! :)

Give Thanks!

thank·ful 

[thangk-fuhl]  adjective

feeling or expressing gratitude; appreciative.

Give thanks with a grateful heart
Give thanks to the Holy One
Give thanks because He's given Jesus Christ, His Son

Give thanks with a grateful heart
Give thanks to the Holy One
Give thanks because He's given Jesus Christ, His Son

And now let the weak say, "I am strong"
Let the poor say, "I am rich
Because of what the Lord has done for us"

And now let the weak say, "I am strong"
Let the poor say, "I am rich
Because of what the Lord has done for us 

Give Thanks, Give Thanks, Give Thanks 

What am I thankful for? There isn't one or even 24 answers to that question but many. I am thankful for God's Mercy and Grace! Without it (Phil. 4:13) I would not have made it through the past year and a half. 

I am thankful for my husband's health and life! I am thankful that he has been surrounded by a very skilled medical team. I am thankful for the knowledgeable and caring nursing team. For the stable hands of the skilled surgeon. The Anesthesiologists and Phlebotomists for their steady hands and careful measures. For the initial Oncologist that put us in touch with one of the best local experts on Melanoma. For the Oncologist that has cared for and watched over Brandon for the past year, knowing when his liver needed a break and when to keep pushing forward to the end goal. For the kind staff and receptionists for making us all feel welcome, supported and loved.  I am thankful for the sound advise we have received from family and medical staff alike. I am thankful for the Psychologist that has helped B manage his medications and narrow down the best balance to improve his energy level to functional.  I am thankful that my husband only has 3 1/2 weeks of home treatments left!

I am thankful for our beautiful daughter. I am thankful that we were able to spend precious moments together as a family before the chaos of surgeries and treatment began. I am thankful for her good health and steady growth. 

I am thankful for the support that we have received. For those that came with encouraging words from unexpected places and directions. I am thankful for Uncle Brad and Aunt Nancy, they have been more encouragement and help than they will ever know. I am thankful for our amazing church. 

I am beyond thankful that B made the decisions to move forward with his surgeries.

I am thankful that I have pillars of care and strength in my life. For the unconditional love I receive from my dog, Chico, who cuddled me and let my tears fall.

I am thankful for my family, including the one on the way, and the memories we will make together. I am thankful that B and I get to celebrate another anniversary together.

And above all, I am thankful that God has placed His healing hand upon B.

10 Years (Some creative outlet writing)

10 years.

It sounds like an eternity yet a blink in the timeline of life. 

Over those 10 years there has been sadness, rejection, and change.

There has also been love.

Through reflection I'm ready to make another change.

I'm ready to melt with tears the icy wall that has built up around my heart.

To say "No" and "I'm sorry".

It is time to smooth off some of the rough edge that has been my exterior.

Return to a loving, trusting, selfless person to those around me.

Here's to another 10 years... full of change.