Prayers for Sally

Yesterday was horrible. At 2:49 I got a text from a friend asking for prayer for Kevin Ivey as he was in a work accident and flown to OHSU. I was driving through town and I turned the radio off and lifted my words and my heart to the Lord praying for a blanket of protection over his body. 2 hours later I was driving to Newberg and called Stacey to see how things were going. I couldnt believe what I heard. She whispered through the phonen; He had passed away. I started to shake. I had no words to console my friend because I was in shock myself. I told her I loved and I loved Bret. I told her that I was praying for them . I told her that I loved Sally and Im praying for her. I told her I was so sorry. I didnt know what else to say. There isnt anything else to say. No words can heal or comfort at this point. Even as I sit here typing I dont know what to say.

Kevin was one of the coolest guys Id ever known. He was hilarious, so light hearted and had a zest for life. He was an amazing father and my gosh; a husband. If you've ever seen The Notebook you have an idea of the type of love that he and Sally shared. It beamed from them. They were absolutely best friends and were so, so, so in love. You always hurt for someone when their spouse dies, but it feels so much deeper for Sally. They were a marriage mirrored by God's design; they were one flesh. So Sally didnt just lose her spouse, she lost a part of herself in a real way. When I got married I listed couples that I wanted to mirror in my own marriage. They were the first couple on my list; the no brainer couple. I have so many memories of Kevin. For years Cass was my best friend and I spent more time at that house than at my own. It is so tragic to lose anyone so suddenly, but my heart breaks so much more because of the love that was lost. He was loved by so many people. I can still hear his laugh and see his crooked smile. His whole body laughed. As I sit here right now I can see and hear him and Sally laughing together. It filled the room and made everyone smile. But I cant help but picture where Sally is sitting right now and what she is feeling. Again, NO WORDS. I pray for Sally right now, God. I pray that you wrap her in your arms of love and comfort her if that is even possible. Speak through every person that comes in contact with her that their words may have a chance to comfort her in some way. That the silence will be filled with your voice. Sally has always been the most ispirational person in my life. I even wrote an essay on her in college. I wish there was some way that I could lift her up right now the way she has lifted me since I have known her. If not me, that someone else could.

I pray for my friends Bret and Stacey. The shock and the loss that they are feeling. Two of my best friends are so broken right now and there is nothing I can do. It is such a helpless feeling. I pray that God wraps them in his love and lets them know that we are all here for them whatever they need. Meals, prayer, a shoulder, whatever.

I pray for my friend Cass. She was my best friend for many years and although paths of lifes have taken us apart there is something about that deep of a friendship with someone, it never totally fades. You get a piece of each other's heart when you are that close and that piece doesnt get replaced. Cass has a piece of my heart and I pray that that piece might replace in hers right now some of the pain she is feeling. May it comfort her. I treasure from the depths of my heart the years we spent together and my heart is so broken for her right now.

This whole family has always been so inspiring and so supportive and loving of one another. I pray that right now, that is what gets them through this. My God hear my prayers this morning.....

Cade Jordan Mackeson

So Saturday I let my adventerous side out. I was DYING to go see my friend Megan who lives in Bend and her new little baby boy, Cade. Being that Cade was only 10 days old and they had been housing visiting family most of the time since they had been home, they really werent up for an over night guest. So, I had to weigh out how badly I really wanted to get over there....and I REALLY did! So, Kirk stayed home and had a boys day with Landon and I left the house at 8:30 in the morning and drove to Bend. I got there at 11:30 and stayed till 4:30, than got back in my car and headed back home. It was a LONG exhausting day of driving, but it was SO worth it!

Me with Cade bug (its a nickname Im trying out:)

Me, my besty, and her little bundle:)

A Landon Update

Im deciding that lists are my favorite way to blog. Time flies by and there is so much to share once I finally sit down here that listing is far easier.

My favorite recent Landon moments:

1.) The other day I went in and got him after he woke up from his nap. He is always super happy, standing up and holding onto the rails while bouncing and giggling (Kirk and I race down the hall when we are both home.) This particular day I threw the door open and starting screaming with excitemnt (which always encourages an exploding smile from my son.) I picked him and started spinning and dancing. Than I meandered down the hallway to his high chair where I had his lunch all ready for him. Only than did I realize (and not a moment before) that he was b-a-r-e butted! Evidentally he had removed his diaper at some point during nap time. Luckily the bed was safe from soiling. It was hilarious though... mostly on my part.

2.) The sounds coming from my little boy are so cute these days. His influctions and tone are dead on, by the sounds are random. Something resembling "Hey guys?" is frequent, "Oiy Oiy Oiy" also frequent. We were spot on with our animal sounds a few weeks ago, but now everything just moos. Thats ok, its a cute moo. Oh, and we cant forget the elated "YA!", flexed everything included.

3.) His little brain is impressing me each day. I know that he is learning everyday but none the less when he understands something it boggles my mind. Ill let him to bring something to me, and he does. He repeats his morning cartoons, favoriting Little Einstiens and Handy Maney. He remembers how to use toys he hasnt played with in weeks. And, he will go to the room in which he wants to do something; kitchen to eat or drink, bathroom to take a bath, and bedroom for naps.

4.) Its no surprise but the kid has huge feet! None of his shoes fit anymore and after cramming his little toes into them the last couple weeks I broke down, packed up the adorble footwear, and went out and got 3 new pairs for the fall. Or, with our luck, the month of October. One foot was a 5 the other a 5 1/2 so we bought size 6 shoes. Craziness.

5.) It is very sweet, but a little annoying too. Landon L-O-V-E-S his daddy. I mean LOVES him. Did I mention he freaking LOVES his dad? It is so cute to see him copy him and get so excited, but it can also break a mommy's heart. I know that we will have a special bond and I treasure that, but I can already tell that this kid will be looking at Kirk for every move. No pressure babe!
Some recent pics. Ive had to grab my point and shoot camera recently and Ive really ralized how spoiled Ive gotten with my Canon. Oh well, he is still super cute!

Kirk was laying on the floor and Landon literally came over lifted his arm up, scooted his little butt right there and sat down to watch cartoons with daddy.
He did this all on his own, no help or guidance.
Every loves to give Landon kisses, including Landon.

Amy's Maternity

I was able to do another set of maternity shots. My friend Megan's sister Amy decided she would give me a chance after seeing Megan's pictures. I am so thankful to have these opportunities cause I keep getting more and more comfrotable and learnign new things each time. Here were some of my favs. (oh, and it was super cool cause we got a very special phone call while out shooting; Cade Jordan Mackeson was born!!!! hooray)

this is their first son Jaxon.