The Kirk Family

MY BOYS.. Rodeo time!

2011-07-26T11:19:00.000-07:00

"Real Cowboys"
Lance, Austin & Cole
St. Paul Rodeo
July 4, 2011

Trip to WA. for photograpy, wedding, cousins

2011-06-04T14:09:00.000-07:00

My boys are growing so fast...as they grow my heart grows!

......apple cider......

While doing the photography for my cousin's wedding...in Washington...I

spent time with my sister and my nieces! The twins and I managed to destroy my

sister's house in only a few short days!

My sister and pretty Hadleigh!

Crazy Cousins!!

Kirk Family circa 2004

2011-02-11T08:12:00.000-08:00

Family in the orchard...

2011-01-01T10:01:00.000-08:00

Fall Cocktail our with my parents....

Family at the Cabin Reunion...

The while Martin Klan......on a walk

Our boys with a scary Ronald!!

D & D wedding

2010-08-13T12:54:00.000-07:00

Wedding day for friends

2010-07-18T11:40:00.000-07:00

Cole with a hotdog on a stick...running through the garden..

Friends at a wedding...Lacey, Me, Cole and Carrie (Austin took the photo!)

The County Fair this week....there's no stopping the twins

2010-07-17T13:02:00.000-07:00

Lovin' Life...Cole!

Embracing the fair spirit!

Cole (Austin hiding), at G'ma Martin's.....looking for something to eat :)

Fun in the Sun on the farm!!

2010-07-16T19:52:00.000-07:00

At the end of the day, we had gone to Dairy Queen, played Badminton, Bocce Ball (which I invented the directions), played in the pool, painted, had a water fight, made homemade play dough, set the table for dinner, and went to swim lessons.....and planned tomorrow....Austin said it was the perfect day!!!

Painting...

Literally, finger painting. What will Daddy think?

Fingering painting on the patio...enjoying the sun!

The Fourth of July Weekend at the Cabin

2010-07-04T14:29:00.000-07:00

The whole klan...moments I will never forget! What a blast!

The view.....

Picking daisies for Great Uncle Jim's memorial...

The Cousins...together at the Martin Cabin! Loving to be together!

Cowboy Up...

2010-07-01T14:06:00.000-07:00

Happy Fourth of July!

Mommy and her Cowboys...It was Cole and Austin's first rodeo this year!! A Kirk Family tradition since before Lance was born....the boys were so excited about their
cowboy wear....Cowboy Up!

"We have Wranglers.....just like Daddy's....LOOK!"

Daddy and his lil' buckeroos! I am so proud of my boys!

Old Friends making new connections

2010-06-26T14:54:00.000-07:00

Graduation!!

2010-06-11T14:43:00.000-07:00

Cole and Austin in cap and gowns...

Daddy and Cole and Austin...before graduation!

Mrs. Francis saying "goodbye" after a great year!

Cabo San Lucas, MEXICO!

2010-05-10T17:14:00.000-07:00

Lover's Beach and the rocks beyond...on the pirate cruise!

The Sky Pool above our room....it was a hike in the heat but worth the view...

Six days without kids in Mexico...my sister and I...margaritas....poolside bars,

5 swimming pools, and a sky bar.....beautiful,relaxing and talking constantly!!

Laughing 'til it hurt, a great visit to Cabo!

Sisters!

2010-04-10T17:07:00.000-07:00

My best friend...And Sister!

2010-02-13T20:09:00.000-08:00

Happy Valentine's to all my Boys!!

We just got back from the Monster Truck Jam in PDX, it was so fun

and soooo loud!! The best place to take the twins!

2010-01-31T20:00:00.000-08:00

Father in Law, Joe and Me...having a beer!

Lance and I at a friend's wedding!

Christmas and New Year's Eve

2009-12-30T19:30:00.000-08:00

On Bachelor....they lasted all day long!!

Daddy and Boys...getting ready

Getting ready for their first ski trip...

New Year's Eve

Austin....cute, cute, cute!

You know, I always thought girls were more fun to dress (even though I don't have a daughter)

But my lil' men were absolutely adorable--in their Christmas Garb!

Cole and his new Football

The beginning of Crazy Christmas trips...between all the families!

Martin Family Tree 2009

We visited the best place on Earth! DISNEYLAND

2009-12-08T15:50:00.000-08:00

The Fam....on the pier, Hermosa Beach, Ca.

Just after Turkey Day we hopped on a plane to Cali....the boys were better on the plane than I was! We arrived in Orange County with our handy GPS and found our way right to the hotel....with the help of my iphone. We visited Uncle Jason in Hermosa Beach, Disneyland and California Adventure for two days, and Universal Studios. Our food bill cost more than the planes tickets.....but we had a blast! The boys exhausted us...well, at least me every day! Lance ran everywhere with them! I have never been so amazed by anything.....seeing things through the eyes of our children was a remarkable thing. Seeing this trip through their eyes will forever be in my memories!

Cole and Mommy riding through "It's a small world" boat ride.

Austin, Cole and Mommy with Curious George!

"I don't believe it....." Austin repeated over and over with the brightest smile as he ran dead ahead of whatever was in front of us. Our last night in Disneyland we watched the most amazing fireworks...after all, we were in the best place on Earth....Cole was on my shoulders....snowed started spraying out over our heads onto the crowd as Cole threw open his arms and said, "I love Disneyland....this place is so special!" As he was thrilled, I had to hold back tears...being a mother is one of the best things in my life!

Cole and Austin with Santa's elves....the boys had to get their photo taken with them....Cole ran up to them and they got their picture and when one girl helped him down the stairs with her hand....Cole came running over to us to tell us "she has the softest hands ever...."

Almost six, and already they are into the girls!! Watch out world!!

Austin and Shrek....a little timid!

Lance, Austin, Cole, and Uncle Jason at Hermosa Beach....I was relaxing in the sand.

I could have stayed at the beach the whole week we were gone....it was gorgeous.

Happy Halloween!

2009-10-31T18:07:00.001-07:00

Four costumes in one hour.....

Austin and Cole started as Spiderman and a pirate and then Daddy brought home new costumes as a surprise....Mommy is home with the flu so, we re-dressed the boys in their new fireman costumes and off went all my boys ....into the darkness. Happy Halloween to you and yours!

CELTIC DANCING

2009-10-28T17:31:00.000-07:00

Kim and Darcy...prefunking before the Celtic dance lessons....
The whole group of "beginning" Celtic dancers!!

Dancing in action.....

Laughter between dances!!!

Odds and Ends.....

2009-10-23T18:32:00.000-07:00

Over 25 years of friendship....cheers to the "spice"....... girls!!

Have you ever seen something so beautiful...
my photography class from a year ago is paying off....

I can't imagine one without the other...these two are the perfect pair...

they even like the same little girl at school!

Now, this is some brotherly-love!

Cole and Austin getting a ride.....they were so amazed at how big this trator was....

frankly, mommy was too!!

A few photos of our activities....

2009-10-09T14:41:00.000-07:00

A.C. Gilbert Discovery Village....Cole, Austin, and Hadleigh

putting on a performance for the rest of the family.

Cole has found his calling in acting!

Austin....

Grandpa and Cole taking a break from beach fun!

Cole taking a rest alone...

Austin was so busy on the beach, he never stopped. Grandma and Grandpa Martin took them for the day to visit the ocean. We are all going back in November.

Rain or Shine?!?!

Cole admiring the view....he was a little upset because he got blisters from his new shoes. A rest, a snack, and no shoes.....the Willamette Valley....and the hike down.

Cole still talks about the "mountain" he climbed!!

Hiking with Grandma....Cole and Austin exploring the outdoors!

Mommy and Austin.....all dressed up for a date!

A Family Soccer game........then, the game turned into tackling Daddy!

This fall has started off very busy for us. Lance is so busy at the hazelnut processing plant and working for Wilbur, I am at my busiest time at work, and our two little kindergarten's never seize to amaze me. They run the show, this house, and I couldn't love being a mom more!

Fun at the Wacky Bouncy House!!

2009-09-18T14:10:00.000-07:00

Having the best fun.... mommy's and kids!

Darcy, Austin, Hadleigh,Cole, Ashtyn, and Auntie Jennifer

Obviously, I was having just as much fun as the kids! Sometimes, it is the best medicine

to act just kid a child :)

Grandpa, Cole, Ashtyn, Hadleigh, and Austin.....
the favorite slide!

Auntie Darcy and Hadleigh...isn't she adorable!

Sisters....I tried to help Jennifer to the top of the slide and she pulled me down

the wrong side! Laughter with my sister....is unmeasurable!

Ode to Uncle Jason

2009-09-09T20:20:00.000-07:00

Cole and Austin love it when Uncle Jason comes to visit...we all spent the night outside, listening to the boys saying ..."Uncle Jason...Uncle Jason...Uncle Jason..."! The fall breeze and the sunset made for good conversation and a few incredible pictures with an uncle with his nephews!!

Austin wanted his "own" picture with Uncle Jason...

Laughing more......

The last photo of the night!! Thanks for the visit! Next time we are coming to the beach :)

2009-09-09T12:41:00.000-07:00

First day of kindergarten at Henry Hill!!!

All dressed up and ready to go.....Cole was so excited and Austin was not so much!
I can't believe they are old enough for school....I remember rocking them to sleep like it was yesterday. I'm so excited for both Cole and Austin, happy they are in the same classroom, but sad my babies are no longer babies....

2009-09-08T15:58:00.000-07:00

Ashtyn, Cole, Hadleigh, and Austin

September 5, 2009

Cousins are the best thing! Every time the girls come to the farm, we take many rides in the mule which G'pa outfitted with an old Jeep seat in the back. I could not resist snapping some photos with them all laughing!! There is always a lot of noise when they visit but the kids and Jennifer and I get our much needed fellowship!

Cuddling Austin, Cole, and Ashtyn...waiting for Hadleigh to climb in....for a ride around the farm.

Sullivan visited Friday night for a BBQ and he loved the corn we picked from the field next to our house.....fresh corn is the best!!

Hadleigh tried so hard to peddle Austin's tricycle and give him a ride but her short little legs just wouldn't do the work!!

Part of our weekend adventures on the farm was picking corn...and then we had to teach the kids how to clean the corn.....which they quickly learned picking it was the easy job!!

Adorable Hadleigh after a purple Popsicle!!

Cousins are the best!!!

Ashtyn, Cole and Austin - 5 1/2 years

Hadleigh - 3 1/2 years

2009-08-31T15:44:00.000-07:00

Looking out the window of our kitchen, 10 steps away...we are surrounded by green beans on three sides! It is amazing. A few night ago, they started picking at night and it was so cool and very loud so the boys and I started a game of chase down the rows!! Exhausted and 10 gallons of picked beans later....we were ready for bed!

Hanging in the Orchard...

2009-08-05T13:49:00.000-07:00

Austin in the orchard....

Cole being cute!

My Little Daydreamer...

2009-07-27T13:40:00.000-07:00

Before the Rodeo....Best Buddies!! Austin and Cole dressed themselves from head to toe.

2009-07-21T13:30:00.000-07:00

We love our Cousins!!

Austin & Ashtyn....this is by far the best toy we have even bought!

It was worth every penny! However, Austin is the only one whole can actually drive it! Both Ashtyn & Hadleigh tend to run over plants, each other, and hit parked cars! While Cole, has no interest in being the Driver.....he just wants to ride!

Lunch on the farm....after running through the sprinkler...normally, they all wear clothing!

4th of July on the Farm

2009-07-18T12:44:00.000-07:00

Early on the 4th of July...running through the sprinkler!

Austin & Cole....went shopping at a firework stand in Independence...

Cole always seems to go for "big" items while, Austin goes for the pictures on the package!

So, I am embarrassed to just now be trying to catch up on my postings but this summer has been so crazy! Cole and Austin have been busy with T-ball and Swimming lessons, having weekly fun with their nanny/babysitter who we all love to death-Lacey...... and Love to talk about Kindergarten....when, when, where, who their teacher will be, when it starts....can they sit next to each other, can they get new clothes, and Austin is thrilled about going shopping for school supplies while, Cole just wants to play on the big-boy playground!

I have been swamped at work but I LOVE LOVE my job, Lance is busy at his job as well, but our business with the hazelnuts continues to grow...nuts or at least the "blanks" are already beginning to fall. Promising for a big year... we have signed many new customers! Hopefully, we will hit 3 million pounds this year.

Lance and I just got back from a biking trip in Montana!! I have not been there since I was born-to sum it up in one word-AMAZING! A week was simply not long enough! While there...

I fell in love.......with Yoga!! I went to a Yoga class one evening before going to a quaint little Wine bar and well, I have been going to Yoga about 3 days a week since. It is a great work-out, very calming, and quieting to the spirit and I just love it!

We love having company out here!! With the river within walking distance, our fabulous deck, a Rogue Brewery Tasting Room opening down the road in two weeks (1/4 of a mile from our door)and near picture-perfect view out any window........ our house has been a hub for the Kirk's and Grott's this year!! We have so much fun with them!!

My sister and her girls visit in almost ten days where I am sure we will play hide and go seek in the hop yards and pick fresh green beans in the acres that surround our house! Literally, 10 steps from our front and back door! And, of course Jen and my's laugh/cry/laugh sessions after all the kids are in bed and the house is quiet! We can't wait...

As for trying to catch up with photos.....I suppose I will start with 4th of July. I could go back further but that would mean more digging through folders on my computer! Enjoy!

We blew off fireworks from 4pm to midnight...and it was me who wanted to go to bed!

2009-06-04T14:28:00.000-07:00

Today was a big day!! The last day of pre-school for the twins.

This was there last circle time.....both Cole and Austin have their arms crossed.

Cole is in the brown shirt next to teacher Cindy and Austin is wearing blue smiling at the camera~! He kept telling teacher Kathy he loved her very much!! Out of all 12 kids she has, Austin was the only boy who continued the I love You's all morning but secretly she said she loved hearing them!!

Cole getting his Diploma from teacher Kathy.....he kept bouncing around and would not hold still!

I don't think he knows the magnitude of what was actually happening. No more pre-school and Kindergarten is coming!!

Austin just loves Kathy....some days I think he would rather be with her than me :) ....but he had to say goodbye today!! It was so sad!!

Well, it is nap time and then we are off to Tee-Ball-our last practice!!
More pics to come...

Spring is here...

2009-03-22T14:54:00.000-07:00

Cole & Austin being silly with "ant glasses" they got in the mail from Great Grandma!

It has been a busy few months....the boys have become known for their "one-liners" among our family and friends...
the things our boys come up with are hilarious most of the time and sometimes have the
shock and ahh' effect! Where I am left speechless....trying to put a quick response together in my head. Their intelligence far surpasses anything I ever imagined it could be at this age.
I love this age!!

We approach their first season of T-ball after spring break...which requires every child to have their own baseball mit....and I can't wait to see how that plays out. During that same week, we will meet Cole and Austin's kindergarten teacher for next year....I don't know where the time has gone....5 years old, going on what feels like much much older.

I already miss the babies they once were.
So, friends and family......enjoy your children every minute!

Austin - doing the "Travolta" move....with Aunt Dena's boots on!!

Both Cole and Austin love to play the Wii.....We had our friends over for dinner and what turned into- a Wii night!! Cole loves Guitar Hero....both the music and his dance moves he makes up....I have now idea where he got his rythym.....that kid can dance!!

* * * * * *

Dad and Me......

(dressed up like pioneers on the Oregon Trail)

At the Literacy Event.....Dad did an amazing job with the music!
Thank you....for being a part of my work, I loved spending this time with you!

Getting Packages in the mail

2009-01-29T18:41:00.000-08:00

Thank you Uncle Jason for the package...
the personalized piggy banks!

********************************

Mommy tried a lesson for work on preserving fruit....the way pioneers did on the Oregon Trail.
Cole with mommy's "apple face" - Day 6
Austin with mommy's "apple face" -Day 6

Apple Face - Day 10.....
the boys would not even touch the apple when it looked like this :)

5 years old....party time!!!

2009-01-18T10:38:00.000-08:00

The Family...

I don't know where the time has gone!! Yesterday we celebrated with our closest friends and family. I made the Kirk's traditional red cake which ended up being quite a chore but no one complained.

Thank you to all of you who came and sent gifts! These little boys are spoiled beyond their means! We are going to be working on our thank you's next week. Austin is excited to use his new pens and the fancy paper I bought for him to write thank you notes! I don't really think Cole was listening during that conversation.......he is still on the floor playing the toy truck from Uncle Eric and Jaimy! Thanks to everyone!!

Austin showing off his balloon!

Cole trying out his new T-ball set....he continued to hit line-drives!!
What a little athlete!

Hadleigh (3), Austin (5), and Ashtyn (4),Cole...missing
Their is something magical about these cousins......they love each other one minute and the next, they are fighting over a toy...but one things for sure.....they LOVE to spend time together!!

Oh, there he is.....checking out his new truck & trailer. Cole does'nt stop moving for much but when he does...he is often amazed by something!

Grandma Martin and Grandma Debbie

Grandpa Martin, Uncle Christian, and Auntie Jenny

Grandma Joe, Uncle Eric & Jaimy.....and Austin..
those darn packages!!!

Can I still say, "Mommy & Me?"

Daddy & Austin

2009-01-04T18:12:00.000-08:00

NO Training Wheels.....on the first day!!

Faster than a speeding Bullet.....

2009-01-04T18:07:00.000-08:00

Daddy playing Superman with Austin

2009-01-04T18:05:00.000-08:00

Mommy & Me!!!

Friends Always.....no matter how great the distance!

2009-01-04T17:56:00.000-08:00

There is something special about seeing someone from your childhood......once one of you, have brought children into the relationship. There are just some friendship in which you can always depend on--this is one of those friendships for me!

Although, Aubrey only spent a few hours with us Friday night, our son Cole can't stop asking for her. He wants to go on a walk to take care of her "tall doggy".....he continues, "that she is so fun" and when I said she wouldn't return this trip....Cole began to cry. What I couldn't show him was that saying goodbye to Aubrey brought tears to my eyes also!

2009-01-04T17:53:00.000-08:00

Another Friend, who came on the trip!!
Dane Gibson....
The Energizer Bunny

2009-01-04T17:44:00.000-08:00

Cole relaxing at Black Bear Diner.....
waiting to get seated!!

2009-01-04T17:38:00.000-08:00

- Young Friends -
Happy New Year 2009!!
Cole, Austin, and Sara going hot-tubing.....

2009-01-04T17:36:00.000-08:00

Austin always wakes with the best smile on his face...he tries to be so quiet not to wake up his brother. But this morning, he was so excited to get up and get ready to go sledding in Redmond with friends who came to visit us!

2008-12-28T14:09:00.000-08:00

At the beginning of December we were on a sunny beach with our close friends....sharing cocktails, conversation, and missing our little ones. Even on the first night away, somehow Cole & Austin and our friend's son, Sullivan all found their way into our dinner conversation.

The warm wind, the scent of salt water, and sushi on our dinner plates gave us the strength to get through the night. Five nights, in fact! No matter how far away I get from the boys.....I miss them every day!

Our vacation was amazing, the company couldn't have been better, nor the weather warmer. I hope all your hearts are full and warm, this cold winter day!

2008-12-27T16:24:00.000-08:00

Something breathtaking....

Austin- "Santa knew just what I wanted, mommy! Yay!!"

Cole-on his first ride. He calls it a "beaver bike."

2008-12-27T15:53:00.000-08:00

It seems like a lifetime ago when our boys were this size. After nearly five years, I still carry their first photo in my wallet. Things were so different then. It was just the beginning of our family adventures.

Our house was filled with tiny cries in the night, the clanking of bottles, the constant sound of our washer and dryer, and our alarm clock always going off at midnight when Lance and I would switch shifts taking care of the twins.

Our forth Christmas has just past. I watch out the window as Cole & Austin discover how hard it is to balance on their big boy bikes. It is so amazing how fast they learn.... I know their my kids but I truly do think these lil' guys are brilliant!

2008-12-22T11:21:00.000-08:00

"my hands are freezing..."

sledding on the farm...

2008-08-09T17:18:00.000-07:00

Who do you know who gets to walk out their front door and get
horse rides during the summer months??
Cole & Austin...

Cheers******THE SPICE...!

2008-02-19T17:05:00.000-08:00

Aubrey, Darcy Jane, Darcy Thomas, Cara
Happy 30th Darcy Jane!!

Sisters at Christmas 2007

2007-12-21T17:11:00.000-08:00

December 2007 - Sisters!!

I am so truly blessed to have a sister, I can call my best friend!!
Although, she lives a state away we talk through email and on the phone. We are skilled at running up phone bills and wearing out the keys on our cell phones from text messaging!

Something you should know about my sister.....she is my hero! She is strong, often non-partisan ......she does not take sides even after I already have.....she is amazing, she is beautiful, and she is the best mother! I dream of a call--- that in it, she will tell me she is moving back to Oregon but for now, I know her home and her heart is in Washington!

I miss her every day.....literally, I could see her ever day and still want to see her that evening....
Jennifer is one of the best people I know!

I am lucky to call her......sister!!

2007-09-01T17:25:00.000-07:00

The boys playing leapfrog...

2007-07-03T17:12:00.000-07:00

Uncle Jason visiting and helping Cole with his shoes....
Cole loves "Unc Jason from far away."

Events in 2007

2007-01-27T14:11:00.000-08:00

Happy 3rd Birthday, Cole and Austin.
We had a great party at Riverview Elementary School, Lebanon, OR.
Mom opened up the gym to our friends and family and everyone had a energy-filled time....we played with the parachute, scooters, we played dodgeball, and basketball....it was so much fun!
Even the adults were playing old school gym games!!

We often spend New Year's at the Kirk's vacation home in Eaglecrest - Redmond, OR.
We are so lucky to have this place to share as a family! We go sledding every year and the boys will keep going until we "make" them stop.....we often are the ones who get cold first!
Austin pulling mommy and Cole near Bachelor Mt.
The boys both call it, "the mountain house."

Puget Sound, WA.
Cole and Ashtyn feeding bread to the seagulls....Cole slipped and fell in the mud and was such a trooper! We rode the ferry across the Sound to Bremerton and back....near 3 1/2 hours without complaining of being muddy and wet......he smiled the whole time!

Baby Farmers in the Kirk Orchard

2006-06-04T16:38:00.000-07:00

Summer 2006
Baby Farmers...in the orchard checking out the hazelnuts.

2006-04-09T17:07:00.000-07:00

Cole-
"Mommy and Daddy keep hiding my binkies but I can always find them! Just you try and pull it out of my mouth!!"

Austin....eating baked beans!!

2006-03-01T13:15:00.000-08:00

Austin & Cole-driving G'pa Martin's restored Chevy pick-up

2006-02-01T15:20:00.000-08:00

Puerta Vallarta, Mexico

Travelling with friends can sometimes backfire but this trip was awesome!!
There was a revisited chip bag after too much drinking, a water fight between rooms, first massages for the guys, an adventure that lead us through the S & M district and
swinging through trees on zip-lines! I have great memories of this trip with Scooter and Angie....
but I know our next trip will be to somewhere like Disneyland with both complete clans......
all eight of us! Yikes!

2005-06-03T13:08:00.000-07:00

Mommy and Me....in a bouncy house...
Austin with his first black eye.
He fell and hit his eye on the coffee table-

2005-05-15T13:00:00.000-07:00

May 15, 2005 - Austin and Cole
about 1 1/2 years old

2005-03-15T12:38:00.000-08:00

Cole and Austin loved the sports car Uncle Jason sent them for their 1st birthday!

Powder House

2005-02-18T15:40:00.000-08:00

Well, Well, Well.....I took a shower and left the boys for no more than 10 minutes and they found the talc powder and had a ton of fun....they came running into the bathroom to tell me
they made art!! Those little guys!

2005-02-01T12:56:00.000-08:00

Storybook Land, Albany OR.
Ashtyn and her Auntie Darcy...

2005-01-15T12:35:00.000-08:00

Happy 1st Birthday!! Cole

Happy 1st Birthday!! Austin

2004-10-15T11:28:00.000-07:00

What a handful.....Austin (left) and Cole
about 10 months

Cole's first reach for Daddy...look closely,
Austin watching in the Johnny Jump Up...

Uncle Christian with Cole....
the love of music runs in the family.

2004-05-26T13:02:00.000-07:00

Grandpa and Grandma with all their grandchildren...
Ashtyn is 3 weeks younger than Cole and Austin
(the wires you see are the heart monitors the boys were sent home on)

2004-03-14T12:30:00.000-08:00

March 14, 2004
Cole (left) and Austin
the night before we took them home, we spent our first night with boys...
this is how they were sleeping when we got to their room...holding hands!

3 a.m. - the boys sleeping. Comfortable much?
Five hours before we headed home...together!

2004-02-29T12:45:00.000-08:00

3 Generations of Martin's...
a beautiful moment!
All generations were crying...

2004-02-27T12:42:00.000-08:00

Holding the boys...this was how we spent every night for 3 months at Scared Heart in Eugene.
Lance and I would each hold a baby....for as long as we could....

2004-02-18T12:49:00.000-08:00

Grandma Brigitte...both babies in one arm!

Grandma Debbie...what a handful...both Grandma's visited weekly for Cole and Austin's entire hospital stay!

Grandpa Joe and Cole...

2004-02-11T12:22:00.000-08:00

Sharing a bed in the hospital...

Growing Austin (left) and Cole -
this is often how the boys slept.

First time we saw Austin's face...no wires and no tubes.

2004-01-15T11:59:00.000-08:00

Jan. 15th, 2004 - "baby A" - 26 weeks and four days
1 hour after being born, a machine breathing for him, within 3 hours Cole was breathing on his own....medically - a miracle.

Cole was baby A and Austin, baby B.

This photograph speaks volumes...and even after I have found it in the archives of my computer, it makes my heartache and my stomach tighten....my eyes fill with tears.

Daily, I would write letters to Cole and Austin because we could not touch them, I would cry every day and pray for them to just survive through the night!

It is hard to imagine for some....giving birth to your baby and just touching them would send their system into complete shutdown and their heart rate would drop...

It was day 9 when we first held Cole

...A true test of faith...

"baby B"
Day 16 - Austin had a machine helping him breath for 12 days.
This is a nurse handing Austin to me for the first time.....I was terrified!
Notice the size of Austin's foot in comparison to my thumb.

Be thankful for your children and their health......
cherish your lives!

2003-07-15T15:32:00.000-07:00

Before marriage, before family, before kids.....
I loved going to the Country Fair with the Zettler's. I grew up knowing their family and feeling like I was a part of this great celebration with them! Best of all, I got to spend time with
Darcy Jane....quality time! Every year Darcy invites me to come visit she and Aubrey, and Dustin.....but somehow family always gets in the way.
The two people I now see in this photo bring to mind so many wonderful memories....
a true friend......no matter how far away we are...I am always thinking of her!!