Red Sky at Night, Sailor's Delight

A couple of weeks ago I was in my room when my roommate called to me to come look out the window...I came out to see this beautiful sight, of course I had to take a "couple" of pictures. I'm not even sure if what I took did it justice but it was gorgeous...I'm so grateful for the beauty that Heavenly Father has blessed us with in this world!

Addilyn JoElle Skousen

Brea was due next weekend, but we all kind of had the feeling that she would be going into labor early. Last week I was at my Mom's house because of my niece Sarah's birthday, Tuesday morning just as we were getting ready to leave to go to the dinosaur museum I got THE text from Brea informing me that she was pretty sure that her water had broken (somehow I knew that when she did go into labor I wouldn't be in town---be it only 20 minutes away I was still gone!). She told me that Darrell was coming home and then they were headed to the hospital (good!). I went to the museum with my Mom, Sonia, and Sarah but was having a little bit of trouble concentrating (who could blame me :D). So I asked Brea if she wanted some company until it got really bad, she said yes and so as soon as the next bus came I was on it.

It was a rather long day (even more so for Brea), but finally at 7:53pm with less than an hour of real pushing Addilyn JoElle Skousen joined us in this world! It was such an amazing experience to be there!!! Addi is so beautiful and has a good set of lungs like her mommy :D She is a little on the small side at 7lbs 1oz and only 17-1/4 inches long, but she is beautiful from head to tiny toe!

The first family picture! Can't say that Brea looks like she just came out of labor (we couldn't even tell most of the time that she was!)

To Let Go

While blog stalking Amy (a previous intern at Owl) I read this poem, it is beautiful and very true.

"to let go isn't to forget,

not to think about, or ignore.

it doesn't leave feelings of anger,

jealousy, or regret.

letting go isn't about winning or losing.

it's not about pride

and it's not about how you appear,

and it's not about obsessing or dwelling on the past.

letting go isn't blocking memories

or sinking sad thoughts,

and doesn't leave emptiness, hurt, or sadness.

it's not about giving in or giving up.

letting go isn't about loss and it's not about defeat.

to let go is to cherish the memories,

but to overcome and move on.

it is having an open mind

and confidence in the future.

letting go is learning and experiencing and growing.

to let go is to be thankful for the experiences that

made you laugh, made you cry, made you grow.

it's about all that you have, all that you had,

and all that you will soon gain.

letting go is having the courage to accept change,

and the strength to keep moving.

letting go is growing up.

it is realizing that the heart can sometimes

be the most potent remedy.

to let go is to open a door,

and to clear a path and set yourself free. "

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2010 Winter Paralympics

I was crying looking at these pictures, not sad tears but tears of happiness. How amazing is it to see the determination in these athletes faces and see the stories too in these pictures. Some of my favorite comments made by other readers were:

*If you ever feel like you cannot do something...check these pictures out! amazing.

*The human spirit is simply amazing.

*Thease pictures are must inspire every living person to live and to be happy in their lifes ... incredible !!!

*Disability??? That has to be short for "Discovering your Ability" Remarkable athletes, remarkable people!

If you have time, follow the link and check out these amazing pictures.

2010 Winter Paralympics - The Big Picture - Boston.com