The Tooth Fairy is Overrated

On our last big adventure hiking from rim to rim of the Grand Canyon, she was nicknamed the Canyon Mime, for her gesture-filled story-telling and wisdom. I've decided to rename her: My Travel Fairy. Indeed, my generous friend has gifted me tremendously and has nominated me as her travel buddy this summer. I'm officially booked to embark on my first trip to the Western Caribbean! How fun does that sound, as the snow in my backyard refuses to melt?!
The details of said adventure are still in the works...all I know are the dates and locations of my next oceanic escapade: Key West, Belize and Cozumel.

Ahhhhhh.

Bathed with Gentleness and Love

Sunning with Mom

My Heart: It Grows Again

My nephews and I have a tradition of telling stories as we're falling asleep when we're together. They range from gross to sappy; including funny moments, fishing tales and my memories of their dad when we were kids. One of the frequently told stories was rekindled this week...probably a given, considering their new addition to the fam. It is of the day when I first met Caleb.
I packed up my little red Acura and sped up Highway 63. I remember getting pulled over near New Hampton. I thought it was for speeding (I most certainly was), but the lovely sheriff's deputy was requesting a chat because I didn't have a license plate on my front bumper. I remember being most agreeable, fluttered the eyelashes a bit and shared the news that I was off to meet my newest nephew. Thankfully, he let me go without a ticket or a warning and I was back on the road to Austin. The closer I got, the more serious the butterflies. I love Jake so much. I kind of feel bad for this next kid because I don't have any idea how I could love him as much. And, what if Jake gets upset when I hold him? How do I share my time and love? When I get to the house, who do I greet first?
I parked the the car along the street in front of the house. I tried to think of a game plan as I trudged through the Minnesota snow. By the time I reached the front steps, Jake was standing in the open door, beaming. With that first hug, my jitters were gone. I set him down and he grabbed my hand, and said,
"Pammy, you gotta see him."
He lead me into the living room and the second I saw Caleb, I was changed. I had never felt anything like it, but it was like my heart just doubled in size and any thought of sharing the love I had for Jake was erased. That was the day I learned that love grows the more you show it, so there's no need to hold back...there's always going to be plenty to give.

It happened again a week ago today. This time, it was Caleb who ran out to greet me as I pulled up their drive in Chatfield. I had the ol' familiar butterflies as I stepped out of the car. But they weakened as I saw my 10 year old nephew running to me, red t-shirt and shorts, clopping along in someone's too-big shoes. I managed to avoid being knocked over by his huge hug as he barreled into me. He offered (as usual) to help carry my bags, but we decided to leave them for later. So, he grabbed my hand and, walking a step ahead of me, pulled me down the long drive and into the house.
"You ready?" Caleb called as we kicked off our shoes at the door.
Jake yelled, "Yeah."
Somehow, he made it into the front room ahead of me - looking back over his shoulder, smiling, waiting with his camera-armed Mom. I rounded the corner to see (14 year old) Jake holding baby Ivar on his lap, rubbing the thick dark hair on his new brother's head.
"Isn't he cute, Pammy?"
I looked into Ivar's eyes, and again, my heart.
Unmistakable.
The feeling I had with Caleb, then with Ella and with Will...it was here again, with Ivar.
Blessed.
I'm just so blessed to know love like that.

Ivar Stone

Definitely Left Me Thinking...

Boston reached toward me, brushed off the backside of my shoulder and said,
"You've got a little somethin' back here, let me help you shake that off."
I raised a confused eyebrow.
"In the past hour you've thrown all of these labels into our conversation, and I don't think you realize it. 'The teacher. The bridesmaid. The good girl. The youth leader. The friend. The crazy aunt. The bad girl...' You're carrying an awful lot back there. But maybe you should think less about what expectations come with those and just enjoy being Pamela. God made you, right? He created you, you're unique and you're more than any one of those things. You're Pamela. No expectations attached. Just you. Pamela."

My 48 Hour Adventure