Tuesday, October 10, 2006

My how life changes you.....


This picture was taken at the old historic "Mission Inn" in Riverside, CA. We used this wonderfully romantic location for an opportunity to take some engagement pictures back in November of 2003. Seems like yesterday that I fell in love with my main man!!! I love you Randy!!!


This is yet another picture at one of our favorite fountain gardens at the Inn. We actually used this photo as the cd cover for our wedding cd that many of you received at our wedding.


This was the morning after Randy proposed to me!!!! Look, we are both glowing!!!


Outside the hotel where I stayed the night Randy proposed. This was right before we flew out together to Nashville for me to attend a conference. What happy times!!!!


Randy and I taking off from our wedding reception in grand style!!!!! I still can't believe you pulled this off Randy. What a fairytale!!!!


Randy & I on our way to the summit of Mt. Whitney in California. We've had so many great adventures.



One of my first attempts at skiing when Randy & I were dating. By the looks of this picture you'd think I was a pro.......HA HA!!!


Being romantic under the mushroom at the water slides at Lake Chelan. We'll always be kids at heart.


Randy took me into a simulator during those first days of dating.....what fun to see what my pilot guy does for a living.


Tubing fun with the nieces and nephews at Confluence State Park. We may have both twisted our backs up during this trip, but it sure was fun........HIT IT!!!!!!



Tonight I was sitting next to Little Bug's bed and his little eyes were swollen shut and I had a moment of tears and I laid my head on his chest and I wondered what had happened to our life??? I began to think of all the many, many fun memories that Randy and I have shared over the past 8 years and I had to smile. I wiped away my tears and I picked up Connor's hand and grasped it in mine and I began to tell him story after story of the wonderful adventures that his daddy and I had had!! After a while, I decided to pull out the computer and look at some pictures and when I did, I knew I had to share them with all of you.

You see, Randy & I haven't always been so worried and concerned. To be honest, we were as carefree as they come. Going place to place and adventuring the world with great ease!! We've seen things that would literally take my breath away and we have done things that even our families don't believe sometimes. We laughed so much and we've enjoyed our life together. Who would have known that our life would take such a drastic change. Circumstances have a way of stopping you in your tracks and changing your direction, but one thing I have realized is that it is not bad. It is just different. Our hearts have been expanded in ways that we never thought possible and that is a miracle. Becoming parents has been the greatest adventure yet and I can honestly say that I can hardly wait to post pictures on this blog of Connor and our growing little baby in backpacks enjoying all these fun things with us. We always knew from the moment that Randy & I knew we would be husband and wife that we were meant to be a family, not just the two of us!! With Connor it made three and now with our little unborn child on the way, it will make four. Our family is growing and so are we.

It was good tonight to come to these realizations in my heart. We will not always be sad and have tears in our eyes. We will adventure again, and it is going to be fantatstic....I personally can't wait!!!!

Lovebug Hugs,
Lori

12 comments:

Anonymous said...

Praise the Lord Lori. Your writing makes it seem like you have some peace in your heart. God is good. We have been praying for you for an uplifting in your spirit. We continue to pray of course for Little Bug & believe God is going to heal those lungs & once he is off medication will begin to act more like "Your Little bug"! We love him so much.

XOXO Connor, Now that that yucky tube is out you'll be much happier. I wouldn't like that garden hose either!

By the way those pictures on this blog were really neat to see. Makes me realize too how fast time goes & that when we are in the trenches soon we will be out of them & standing on solid ground. Hold fast to that Lori...it will come. Glad that we can come visit you on Thursday. We will be coming with open arms! We love you Lori

God bless you tonite with restfull sleep for not only you but for itty bitty wee bug.

Anonymous said...

Oops! I meant to say for itty bitty wee bug TOO.

Anonymous said...

Lori, it is so nice to see the two of you smiling and happy. It probably felt good for you to post those pictures of happier times. You will be there again soon with Connor in your arms and the new little baby as well. Hang in there!! We will be down in 3 weeks for Maggie's next surgery and I really don't want to see you still there!! :) I'm going to bed now to say big prayers for that Little Bug.

Anonymous said...

Good to see you are thinking of happy times. It helps the mind and soul.
Thanks for sharing your memories. Prayers for a safe return for Randy and con't hugs and prayers to Lori and Connor.

Anonymous said...

The above post is from Jon and Cheryl....oops forgot to sign.

Anonymous said...

My prayers are with you all Lori. I am still amazed each time I log onto your blog to find your strength, courage, passion, and faith. You are a testament to all of us who doubt and I pray God's favor will rest upon you today as you fight the battle before you. Hugs to you each in a very special way. Love, Angie

Anonymous said...

Lori,Randy and Family,
"Weeping may last for the night, But a shout of JOY comes in the morning." Ps. 30:5
I have personally made this an unofficial "verse of the year" as I have walked with you during this trying time. We do have down right horrible times but our God promises JOY in the morning. Your morning is coming. We can't say exactly when...it may sneak up on you but you can always believe that JOY is coming.
I love you all,
Maureen

Anonymous said...

Lori you have an incredible gift of writing what is in your heart and soul and I was overwhelmed with the incredible beauty as well as sadness the night you wrote "A vulnerable look through the window of my heart". It was so poignant and touching and then your sharing the beautiful pictures of your courstship and wedding, looking back at all of the joy and adventure, yet realizing that life isn't always about that, but also the challenging, heart wrenching, difficult times, that cause us to realize our utter dependence on the Lord.

I have been so touched and amazed at both Randy and you, as well as the Emery's willingness to be vulnerable regarding your struggles and fear, yet your strong faith in the God who knows all and understands all and is more than able to bring us through whatever He calls us to. I have been moved to tears in all that both of your families have endured and I'm convinced you have blessed more people for the kingdom of God than you will ever know this side of heaven.

This was shared in a devotional by one of our women at Ladies Life yesterday here in Everett New Life Center, and I want to pass it on to you . . .
Numbers 6:24-26 "The Lord bless you and keep you; the Lord make His face shine upon you, and be gracious to you; the Lord lift up His countenance upon you, and give you peace," and especially over your little luvbug Conner.

May blessing, peace, joy, and comfort be your today and always,
Judy

Leslie said...

Lori,

We are still following your story and praying for little Connor. Yes, you will have wonderful memories soon and these days will all be memories too. Thank you for sharing Connor's story!

Leslie & Jack

Anonymous said...

Lori,
You never cease to amaze me in your writings. You have once again encouraged me today in expressing your feelings. This last blog is a lesson to us all that in the midst of everything to look back and give God praise for the things He has done in our lives and then to look forward with great anticipation at what more He has planned for us! Randy & Lori we will be praying for your precious son for complete healing to his body! We love you!
Sue & family

Anonymous said...

Dear Connor

I hope you feel better and you get out of ICU. XOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXO

I love you very much and I give you hugs and kisses.

Hi Uncle Randy and Aunt Lori- I LOVE YOU!!!!!

I want to come see you soon. I had fun walking in the buddy Walk for connor.

Anonymous said...

Lori, you stated how you two were glowing right after proposed....well, I see you two still "glowing," Even through these difficult times I see you and Randy glow. Your love is strong.
I loved seeing the photos, you are truely an amazing couple/family! Stay strong- we love you!
Tammee, Howard, Austin and Angel Michael