Even Before You Were Born

Glorious Mother's Day (lolli day)

2010-05-20T04:29:00.000-07:00

Lil Miss Mackenzie, you gave Lolli a Mother's Day (our first together) she will never forget! It was one of the most blessed family days I have ever felt.

Now, I might need to give Pops, Mommy & Daddy, Aunt Nicole & Uncle John and Aunt Lori & Uncle Rich a little credit here. They organized the perfect day for all of us!

We started with brunch...the weather was glorious...and we strolled through the Dallas Arboretum for the day.

There is so much beauty there...words will not suffice.

Maybe the next time we go, you will be awake ;p.

You stayed awake long enough to get your bottle...I snapped a quick photo. The only one I got the entire day with your pretty eyes open!

and snapped this real quick...

Pops really wanted you to wake up...

And you totally missed his story about Peter Rabbit! We got you a Beatrix Potter copy of Peter Rabbit...so we will certainly read the story later (when you're more than 2-1/2 months old).

And look at Ferdinand!

And my gifts...sugar pie...I loved them!

Months ago I found this artist on Etsy.com, shared that I loved her work and would really love to have this necklace. I think a little bird (Pops) must have shared that with Mommy & Daddy. (Thank you to all involved...I do so love this necklace).

Sweet girl, Lolli and Pops do believe the angels sang the day you were born.

I also got new photos of you...you are growing up so fast. That probably sounds like and eccentric grandmother...well ok, I probably am.

I read this the other day...

"I learned a lot about the faithfulness of God from my grandmother. I know I was never far from her thoughs. She showed that in a thousand ways...letters written to me at school, phone calls, little gifts purchased here and there with me in mind. She delighted in caring for me but not because of anything I did, but simply because I was hers."

I hope to be that kind of grandmother...that you always know I love you so - always. Because, you are ours.

Lolli and Pops will get to spend the night at your house this weekend...and I can't wait! I just don't think this week will ever end.

Sweet girl, I pray for you daily...

And love you beyond words (and so does Pops).

Love,
Lolli

Your First...Our First

2010-05-05T13:02:00.000-07:00

Age: 2 months old

Little Miss Mackenzie,

Lolli and Pops were so happy that you, Mommy and Daddy all came to stay the night with us. Your first sleepover!

You even got here early enough to cheer at your first Tiger softball / baseball game.

As usual, Pops grabbed you first...and I had to practically wrestle you from his arms to get a turn to hold you.

I tease Pops about him "hogging" you...but deep down...I so love that he is so possessive of you. It's symbolic, to me, of his fierce love for you - and I love it!

And we got the best surprise when it was time to tuck you in. Mommy and Daddy invited us into the bedroom, we all held hands (starting and ending with you), and prayed with that cute little bear..."Now I Lay Me Down To Sleep..."

Mackenzie - moments like this will be burned into my heart forever.

I will get to see you again in just a few days. We are all going to meet at the Dallas Arboretum for Mother's Day lunch and family photo day! Might not sound so great to someone else - but to Lolli it's a dream day.

Can't wait to hold you, and getting to love on you (as soon as Pops hands you over) ;p (never worry...I can make up for lost time). I love you, and God hears your name daily.

Love,
Lolli

P.S. I have big news...it's all about "time"

Morning Has Broken...First Easter

2010-04-13T17:33:00.000-07:00

Your first Easter dress...

Your first Easter chick...

Your first Spring visit to Papa's...

Your first Easter meant so much to so many....

You were very relaxed on your first Easter...

And still...everytime I see those eyes...

My heart melts.

Easter 2010
Dear Lord,
Please guide my grandchild Mackenzie to your gift of salvation. I pray that she will come to know you, to love you and to walk close to you throughout her life. May she boldly claim Jesus as her Lord and Savior. Guide her as she mkes choices that have eternal consequences. Help her to follow you each moment of her life. I pray this in Jesus' name. Amen

Little Ones to Him Belong

2010-04-02T14:57:00.000-07:00

Little Miss Mackenzie,

We are approaching Easter. There is so much to teach you about Easter, but for now, just know that because of Jesus and the events of Easter, we will enjoy eternity in heaven.

There has never been, or will ever be, a greater gift.

I received a present this week that could not have come at a more appropriate time.

I have a sweet friend named Rosemary. Like Beverly I told you about earlier, she is a grandmother extraordinaire, I should offer to pay them for lessons!

This week, she gave me this...

First glance, yes it IS a beautiful book. But you should see what is inside...

and...

definitely a favorite of mine...

This Bible will help guide us to grow stronger in Christ together. Yes, this Bible is a partnership for children, parents and grandparents...I love it! It will certainly be one of our "forever" books...and I thank Rosemary so much for thinking of us.

It is such a privilege for parents and grandparents to pray and prepare the hearts of their children or grandchildren. We are so helpless when it comes to so many things, but here we have strength.

It's an odd combination of tenderness and an almighty power.

I can't wait for our first Easter together little love.

I pray that God will always find your Lolli worthy of you.

Another thing about Easter...there are earthly gifts, none can compare of course, but they definitely create traditions for families. We will dye Easter eggs together, shop for beautiful little dresses (Mommy & Daddy have a beautiful one for you already), shoes, bows, and family Easter dinners. I look forward to each, and will be thankful for (no matter how small or insignificant) each pleasure.

Happy First Easter, Lolli and Pops pray for you daily.

Guardian Angel...

2010-03-21T07:19:00.000-07:00

Guardian Angel pure and bright
guard me while I sleep tonight.

Little Miss Mackenzie, your room is just precious. I started to say as precious as you, but have decided there is nothing that precious.

Mommy and Daddy have done such a good job at creating a beautiful, sweet reflection of the peaceful world they intend to provide for you.

There were many "big" jobs before you arrived, like LOTS of painting, putting up beadboard and trim and hours of dreaming of how to make it perfect for you.

Mommy and Daddy finished your nursery just before you were born...and here are just a few of the details...

cozy, comfy, beautiful changing station (great lamp, Endie!)...

lots of friends always waiting...

a sweet, musical mobile...hearts (of course!)

and "i" want to thank Mommy and Daddy for letting Lolli add a little something to your room...

love to think that God's word is always near...

Maybe someday Lolli will post something that is not so mushy...(maybe not)!

You have changed our world, our family and taught us so much about love in just the few weeks you have been here.

We love you...and pray for you daily little love. I can't wait to hold you again (soon)...

Lucky Charm

2010-03-17T16:20:00.000-07:00

MAY THE SUN SHINE
WARM UPON YOUR FACE,
AND THE ROAD RISE
GENTLY TO YOUR PACE.
-old Irish lyric-

Lucky for us...

Lucky for you...

Happy first St. Patrick's Day, Miss Mackenzie.

You are definitely like warm sunshine on our faces.

Love and prayers...Lolli

(PS...Pops got to hold you today...lucky Pops!)

first

2010-03-07T06:24:00.001-08:00

You are one week old!

When I say it like that, it "sounds" so short. But when Lolli and Pops haven't seen you for a whole week...it "sounds" like a looonnnggg time.

There are so many people that love you and praying for you. We are blessed to have friends that remember to go to God in praise, not just in the difficult times of life. So, when God hears your name each day, he then hears thank you.

Mommy and Daddy are just so good with you. Their confidence astounds me, and it is a powerful, comforting sight to see them working as a "team" to care for your every need. You are blessed that God has loaned you to such a good Mommy and Daddy.

You're getting extra feedings right now, you are so sweet to watch. Within just a few minutes your eyes begin to close...you'll pop them open to try to stay awake...but then you just drift back off.

(by the way, you are yawning here...no crying allowed when Lolli and Pops are in the house) ;p

Your eyes are captivating, so big, so beautiful...

I know you must be tired of hearing the camera click...you must feel like a movie star! In the reality of our world, you are much more important than any movie star! And Pops would add more beautiful, too.

Lolli and Pops both said as we walked out of your pretty little house, "it's so much harder to leave now." And it is.

You change so much from week to week. You continue to be a little miracle for this family. It's true, the angels danced the day you were born.

Lolli and Pops can't wait to see you in a few more days. Keep growin' little one.

The Minute

2010-03-01T04:38:00.000-08:00

He said, "I didn't think I would get teary eyed."

"But the minute I held her I did."

Day two he said, "I got teary eyed again. Every time I hold her, I tear up."

As we closed our eyes tonight, Lolli prayed and gave thanks.

And Pops said (he said), "Life is changed forever."

Amen

Welcome to our world...

Mackenzie Lynne
02.27.10
7 lbs. 10 oz.
19-1/2"

Yes...life IS changed forever.

Amen

Lil' Miss M...it's almost time!

2010-02-22T11:19:00.000-08:00

Lil' Miss M,

We are thinking that the time is near that we will get to meet you. Mommy is SOOO ready.

Another party was held in your honor this weekend, this one was hosted by Mommy's friends. They are a precious group, that love Mommy deeply - and you will be spoiled by all of them!

Nana was so gracious to be the host home...and everything was perfect!

Another beautiful cake

LOTS of precious gifts

Here is your first outfit that Lolli bought (Lolli - who may need a part time job to support her buying for Mackenzie habit). I can't wait to see you in it! It has the cutest little hat with a GREAT BIG flower...sugarpie...you should see all the bows that Lisa made for you! You are set!

And, the first thing I painted for your room...

(photo will enlarge if you click on it)

Mommy and Daddy picked out all the scripture to coordinate with each letter of your name. It was such a blessing and honor to do this for you (and Mommy & Daddy).

Perfect love sometimes does not come until grandchildren are born. Welsh Proverb

Endie and I spoke this morning, we are doing our best to be patient grandmothers. (I'm not sure either of your grandmothers received many of those "patience" blessings...) Mommy, Daddy and God are all taking really good care of you. We are all so lucky to have each other.

Lolli prays for your daily, I'm so ready for you to come out and play!

Little Valentine

2010-02-13T05:38:00.000-08:00

Mackenzie, tomorrow is Valentine's Day. Lolli and Pops have invited the entire family over to celebrate with all our LOVEs and the February birthdays.

We will have a big old lunch after church. Lunch after church is a valued tradition of some "mature" Southern women , we look forward to when it is our turn. Whether the "tradition" of Sunday lunch began as a gaurantee to get your family to go to church together, or whether the family begged the Mom or Grandmother to cook - who cares, both are great ideas! It is something I have looked forward to all my life, and I'm glad it's finally my turn. The only thing that will make it better - when you and your brothers, sisters and cousins fill the house.

Wow...Sunday morning, church, lunch and everyone together...it will be a precious time for my heart.

"From the heart of a godly grandmother,
Living water flows...
Refreshing the lives of her family." Unknown

Your Mommy's birthday will be celebrated tomorrow, she asked for Mummy's strawberry cake, and she shall receive. That was one of Mummy's special gifts to the family - you got to pick out your cake and she would make it from one of her yummy recipes. Your Pops loves Mummy's strawberry cake, too, it may be his favorite!

As badly as we all want to hold you, I must admit it's a little unsettling to see your own children become parents. Where did the time go, in the blink of an eye, they were grown...

And I LOVE this one of Mommy with Grumps...the perfect Valentine photo.

Your Mommy is beautiful as a woman, but as a little girl, doesn't she just knock your socks off! And look at that charm...bet she could bat those big eyes and have the world at her fingertips.

We are all fairly confident you will have those same abilities. Yes, you undoubtedly will be precious - but I'll tell you right now, you've got a fairly easy group to control...we will be putty in your sweet little hands.

Life does teach us to treasure our time together.

Next month will be your birthday. And I have a feeling that this little family, as deeply as we love one another, have not a clue about the love to come. That Mackenzie kind of love...can't wait!

I've got to get busy making the cake now. Today, I'll be thinking about when we can bake together...we should get matching aprons!

Lolli and Pops love you sweet Mackenzie. We pray daily, God hears your name each day. The days are close when we can pray for you, as we hold you.

Cake, Tutus & Baby Shoes

2010-01-24T13:58:00.000-08:00

Here I am...did you miss me?

We are getting so excited, you are growing SO fast...we are thinking we may get to see you a little early. We will be ready when you are!

Aunt Nicole and Uncle John threw a party in your honor. It was called a baby shower, and they really did a beautiful job. Look at them with Mommy and Daddy, and look at that beautiful diaper cake and the "real" cake!

You received LOTS of presents...

Mommy and Daddy opened them for you, with the assistance of your sweet cousin Aiden. She is going to LOVE you, she will feel like the big girl when you are born.

Twin brother Brayden was way more interested in Thomas the Train and coloring, than in pink tutus and precious shoes (BTW...a girl can NEVER have enough of either)!

Everyone is excited you are arriving soon.

I've got tons of photos from the shower, we'll look at them in a few years and Lolli will tell you all about it.

Auntie Nicole gave me a cute button that says "Future Grandma." I keep it attached to my purse, just in hopes that someone will ask me about it!

Mommy and Daddy gave me a precious book at the shower entitled "Words to Warm a Grandmother's Heart." I love it! It is full of sweet quotations and scripture, all about appreciating the blessing of grandchildren.

One of my favorite quotes comes from Amy Carmichael. I am unfamiliar with her works, but I do love these words...

"Let us give all that lies within us...to pure praise, to pure loving adoration and to worship from a grateful heart - a heart that is trained to look up."

And listen to these words from Gracie Faulkenberry (age 5).

"I love to open my door and see my Granny standing there. It's like opening up a gift from God."

Well Miss Mackenzie, let me tell you...I would like to borrow those words from Gracie, but the gift from God (the way I see it) is you.

I want you to know that I feel about you the way she feels about her Granny. I do think my heart skips a beat when I speak of you. I am going to do my best to never make God regret allowing me to be your Lolli.

I have so many examples of incredible grandmothers in my life, including your great-grandmother, Mummy. She has set the standards high, and we are all blessed for it.

I'll be back soon...we are going to look at your nursery together. It is precious, Mommy and Daddy have had great ideas and have done a beautiful job. You are just going to love it.

Until I return, remember Lolli loves and prays for you daily. This is one of my daily prayers...

"Train up a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not depart from it." Proverbs 22:6

I love you little lady... ;p

LCBM (last Christmas before Mackenzie)

2009-12-28T08:29:00.000-08:00

Mackenzie, Lolli and Pops have been really loving on friends and family during this Christmas holiday. Much like Thanksgiving, you were a popular topic of conversation. We, with everyone else, will love having you here NEXT Christmas! YIPPEE!

There is so much for us to talk about...remember I told you that Pops and I were going to practice with five little friends and a gingerbread party? We might have had more fun than the kids did...but look what we made!

We had so much fun, and can't wait until we get to make gingerbread houses with you and your (hopefully many) brothers, sisters and cousins!

Mommy and Daddy lovingly told everyone that anything for you would make a great Christmas present. BIG MISTAKE...they got very little...YOU got alot!

Lolli and Pops bought this (so you can come and stay here ALOT)...

Dad, Pops and Uncle John had to assemble it, and yes - they ultimately did have to refer to the directions (they HATE to do that you will learn).

Auntie Nicole went CRAZY and bought you some precious clothes, actually ALOT of precious clothes. Your Mommy may have had more fun unwrapping them than anything else she (ahem...you) got.

And Lolli won out where you were concerned as well...

Opening my first present...look what I (ahem WE) got!

Lolli got a bag for when we are together...look it says LOLLI! And, for some reason Mommy and Daddy also thought I would want this great photo clutch...wonder who they think I'll be carrying photos of ;p

And look what Pops gave us to create those photos...really big YIPPPEEE! (I "practiced" alot this Christmas...just ask anybody) ;p

Pops and I have this precious friend named Beverly...she is a grandmother extraordinaire! Look what she gave US!

And, I can keep adding all our other grandchildren as they come into our family...isn't it cute?

Auntie Nicole and Uncle John gave US a great book...LOOK, don't you love it?

And look inside...aren't the illustrations just beautiful? We will have fun learning how to play the games, sing the songs and learn the poems...it is a very special gift and I know your Auntie Nicole spent alot of time to choose the perfect book - it is one of my favorite things, for sure!

And speaking of learning games and singing songs, cousins Shelly and Gennie made this CD for all of us...can you imagine how much time they spent making this for our family? See how much you are going to be loved!

There are so many fun photos from our LCBM (Last Christmas Before Mackenzie), I can't possibly fit them in...so, I'll pick a couple of my favs...

All of us girls wore matching jammies and socks, and can't wait until next year when we get to all match with YOU! Although the manly MEN of the family wouldn't totally play the game, they did (because they love us so much) agree to this family pose. We plan on posing like this each year....it will be such a fun way to watch our family grow!

We did have a great LCBM, but Lolli wants to remind you that Christmas is really about a big birthday party to celebrate the birth of Jesus. It will be such a gift to teach you about Him...

God loves you so Mackenzie Lynne, and soooooo does Lolli! We're counting the days until you arrive.

P.S. Speaking of counting the days...you haven't even heard about Grumps & Endie's LCBM yet! You are one lucky little girl!

Storytime

2009-12-20T17:43:00.000-08:00

Oh my, Mackenzie...look! It's the first "official" present Lolli and Pops have bought just for YOU. I know I should have hid it till Christmas...but I just can't wait!

One night, with the Christmas lights on the tree, the mantle looked warm and cozy...Lolli and Pops sat and talked about THE book that meant the most to us at Christmas time when we were children. Of course, our Bibles, the story of the birth of Baby Jesus is the most important book to all of us...

Another book that both of our families spent hours and hours and hours with was The Night Before Christmas.

The book we have for you is illustrated by Mary Englebriet, she is a very colorful, very happy artist that regardless of your age...she just makes you smile. I trust you will love her work, just as Lolli does. There are many artists, with many styles that makes Lolli smile...we'll just have to find the ones that make you smile! What a journey, what fun we will have...

So, Lolli and Pops will let Mommy and Daddy unwrap this book for you on this Christmas. I hope your Daddy will read the book to all of us on Christmas Evening.

As you hear your Daddy's voice read the story, I hope you are awake and can hear the magical tale. I would love it if you started kicking Mommy's tummy as you hear the story! But if you're taking a nap...no worries.

We'll just have visions of sugarplums...dreaming of holding you next year as we tell the same story.

God loves you Mackenzie, and so does Lolli.

Lolli and Pops Are Rehearsing

2009-12-13T17:17:00.001-08:00

Mackenzie look at your Mommy! And look at you, you little sugar pie, you are just perfect and beginning to grow!

We've all been getting ready to celebrate Christmas. Every time Pops and I go shopping or get ready to decorate, we find something we want for you, everything makes us think of you and how special next Christmas will be! Fun, fun, fun, fun, fun and full of lovin'!

This week Pops and I are going to "practice". I'm pretty sure we won't need too much training to be your grandparents, but practice makes perfect. Lolli and Pops have invited five little friends over to make gingerbread houses and drink hot chocolate with marshmallows. I'll send you some pictures later. We are excited, everyone is wearing their Christmas pajamas, we're taking pictures, reading Christmas stories and singing Christmas songs. Can't wait sweetie till we can do that with you!

And you only deserve the very best grandparents in the whole wide world. Grumps and Endie already are in good shape, they have "practiced" with your cousins Aiden and Brayden...you are gonna love them, and they are gonna love you! There are so many people angel that can't wait for your arrival.

Some of those people are Lolli's friends, because I am driving them nuts! They know more about you than they might care to know, oh well...can't help it! Actually, I haven't even made an effort. I've waited a lifetime for you!

Auntie Nicole is getting excited for you, too! She is planning a very special party next month in your honor. At this "shower" you will receive many things that will be frilly, cute, beautiful, sentimental and uncomfortable. Yes, Mackenzie, being a girl requires discomfort occasionally, but it is usually so worth it. Bows, shoes, tights...ultimately you may grow to love them, because they make us all look OOHHH so beautiful.

Oh, and someone else wants to say hello before we go.

This is Gracie, she is part of the family...she is kind, big, gentle and will take good care of you when you are at Lolli and Pops'.

God loves you Mackenzie, Lolli prays for you everyday, you are perfect in His eyes and mine. I'll be back soon, going to go now to get ready for our five little friends. Next year, we'll hold you and tell you all about Christmas...the best gift we will ever receive.

Thanksgiving Memories

2009-11-28T06:50:00.000-08:00

Thanksgiving is over.

When the family was here, it was mentioned several times that you will be here next Thanksgiving...YIPPEE!

Mommy and Daddy are taking good care of you...

Our Mummy couldn't be with us - but look how cute she, Papaw, Uncle Rich and your Pops are! This was taken at their family Thanksgiving table in 1962.

These are the memories we will be making together, we are already dreaming of them.

Lolli loves you, and prays for you daily.

Wait till you see what we talk about next time!

Thankful For So Many Loves

2009-11-18T16:06:00.000-08:00

Dear Miss Mackenzie,

We are all very busy, it's holiday time - I am sure you will LOVE all our holidays!

Thanksgiving is a holiday that families and friends gather and give thanks for all our blessings. This weekend we are "gathering" a little early...the family is growing, some can't be with us, yet you will soon learn that we are devoted to maintain our familiar traditions, and build new ones.

Tonight I made fudge (half without pecans so Uncle John can have some) and am waiting for a carrot cake to come out of the oven. You will also quickly learn that you can count on this family to provide, in the words of your Pops, "enough to feed an army." I think it might be some our Southern way of lovin' on our family.

I didn't want you to think I was too busy for you. It's something that Pops and I talk about alot...we intend to adjust our lives and commitments to guarantee plenty of love time with you!

Your Pops is a pretty big sweetheart...we'll talk about him alot! I want you to know that your Daddy is an "apple that didn't fall from the tree" (another Southern phrase you may pick up). It simply means that they share very many of the same sentiments and qualities.

This week your Daddy posted a message on a message board that made my heart melt and my eyes cry. It was a VERY sweet message that let me know he has a special place in his heart for "Mom".

We will all be sure you get to know your Grandma Nelda. She is your birth grandma, your Daddy's mother. She went to live in Heaven quite a while ago, and I'm sure she has been assigned as one of your guardian angels. She is very special.

Although I am not your "natural" grandmother, I love your Daddy & Mommy, Pops, Aunt Nicole and Uncle John as if I were.

That might help you understand why your Daddy's message was especialy sweet...this is what Daddy wrote, what Auntie Nicole said, what I said and then what your Great Auntie Lori said (whew)....

Justin Spies: Just wanted to let you know you were being thought about up here; about how much of an amazing gift from God you are to all of us, and how thankful we are that He brought you to my dad and into our lives. Thanks for being a great mom (and Lolli soon)Sun at 9:05pm

Nicole Spies Spurlin likes this.

Donna Spies: I read this immediately as you posted it...now that I've been able to compose myself enough to reply...I am the one that is thankful. I love you (all).
Sun at 9:37pm ·

Lori Spies: Smiling as I read this...
Mon at 9:06am ·

Pretty beautiful stuff, huh? Miss Mackenzie, prepare yourself to be loved beyond belief! Your Daddy is one incredible guy (we'll talk about your precious Mommy next time).

So Miss Mackenzie, as we are preparing for Thanksgiving, we are also preparing to welcome you into this big, wonderful world.

Your family is here giving thanks and waiting for you....don't they just sound great! Well, they are...

Lolli loves you, prays for you, and can't wait to hold you. We have SO much to be thankful for...we are especially thankful that God has created you.

"Before I formed you in the womb I knew you," Jeremiah 1:5

Happy Thanksgiving family, friends and our newest love, Mackenzie Lynne.

God is so good...

Even Before You Were Born

2009-11-15T17:18:00.000-08:00

Thursday, November 5, 2009
Even before you were born...

So they phoned both sets of grandparents....

Justin & Casey invited both sets of grandparents to a restaurant on the day we knew they were having a sonogram.

They walked in with two gift sacks, one marked for Casey's parents: Grumps & Endie, the other marked for us: Lolli & Pops.

They excused themselves, and left the gift sacks in the hands of the one most likely not to peek...

Grumps...holding the bags!

When they returned, thankfully they didn't make us wait until the end of the evening...they gave the grandmothers the gift sacks...

So, Endie and Lolli reached into the bag and found....

A sonogram photo, in a precious picture frame...

So Little So Loved, it said. And in glittery pink letters, we saw the photo of our precious GRANDDAUGHTER...

Mackenzie Lynne

Grumps, Mommy, Endie & Mackenzie

Lolli, Pops, Daddy & Mackenzie

She is due March 24, 2010.

As a grandmother, it is important that my granddaughter knows this...

Dear Mackenzie,

I loved you the moment I knew you were on your way.

My joy was unable to be contained. I've already forced family, friends and yes - even perfect strangers to learn your date to arrive, how to spell your name correctly and to look at your sonogram photos as I point out each of your perfect features.

When I look at your Mommy and Daddy, I try to imagine who you will look like. I just simply can't wait to see you...whether you have Mommy's eyes, Daddy's hair...don't worry about a thing - they are both lookers ;) Lucky Girl!

More important than their good looks, I pray, and have full confidence that you will be born with your Mommy & Daddy's profound love and trust of God and devotion to family.

Although I ache to hold you, to place goofy over sized bows on your head, and gush in my baby talk voice as I read to you (I do have different story voices, I intend to impress you with my full repertoire)...the thing I long for the most...

Is to see the smiles on your Mommy & Daddy's faces when you are placed in their arms.

The circle will be complete.

God loves you Mackenzie Lynne and so does your Lolli. You are perfect in His eyes and mine.

Lolli & Pops (forever watching over you)

OOOOHHHH Baby

2009-11-15T17:13:00.001-08:00

Thursday, August 27, 2009
OOOOHHHH Baby

I never wanted to be anything but a Mom....well, actually that's a little fib...I wanted to be a Mom to at least six kids. I wanted to be in the stands every Friday night cheering for years and years...for my kids, then their kids.
God's plan was not for me to be a birth mom. My sister shared her children in a way that I'm not sure many would do. She allowed me to love them as she would, she allowed them to love me as they love her. What a gift...she will never be able to understand how she truly filled a hole in my heart. They are now 25, 24, 20 and 18 and are as much a part of my life today as the day they were born.
Then, John did the same. When we married, he allowed me to love his children as their Mom would have. Many times I have felt guilty that I am here for this part of their precious lives, but try to honor her by simply filling in - never to replace her. And, fortunately, Justin and Nicole have allowed me into a special place in their hearts - not one that is reserved only for their Mom - but one in the parking spot right beside.
So as Nicole married John last summer, and Justin married Casey last fall, it was no secret to anyone that I couldn't wait for them to build their families.
We've known for a few weeks that it is happening, but honored them until they were ready to share the news with the entire world.
Well, world, please meet our first grandchild....OMG, can hardly believe it!
Our daughter-in-law Casey is 10-1/2 weeks pregnant, and we are thrilled.
Full out warning, I will force you to look at pictures all the time, you will be laden with stories about something (probably ordinary) extraordinary that this child will do. I will be the grandmother that will spoil them rotten, and remind their parents daily that God has trusted them with his greatest treasure.
And, we have "our" official names....
Let me introduce two new soon-to-be grandparents: Lolli (me) and Pops (John)
You will recognize us - we're the ones that you couldn't wipe the smiles off our faces if you tried!