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We met over 8 years ago at church as Shaun was walking in and I was walking out. The few words exchanged sparked an interst that kept Shaun coming back. When we FINALLY began dating 4 years later we soon knew there was something special here. Our first year quickly flew by and we both decided we never wanted to spend another year with anyone else or without each other. We married in the place where it all began on January 1, 2011 (1/1/11) and gave birth to our beautiful daughter Ava Marie on September 22, 2011 our next little one, Clara Rose came 16 months later on February 11, 2013. This blog began with our preparation with our wedding and has entered into recording the days and events of our newlywed life and new motherhood.

The Happy Couple...

Daisypath - Personal pictureDaisypath Anniversary tickers

Ava Marie

Lilypie - Personal pictureLilypie Third Birthday tickers

Clara Rose

Lilypie - Personal pictureLilypie Second Birthday tickers

Gabriel's ticker

Lilypie - Personal pictureLilypie Angel and Memorial tickers

Twins ticker

Lilypie - Personal pictureLilypie Pregnancy tickers

Friday, December 27, 2013

Gabriel's Manger

Gabriel's little casket came in the mail today.


A dear friend told me of a place that provides beautiful, simple caskets made by Trappist monks.  Each one is made with such care and prayed over and given a special blessing.

Each child buried in one of their caskets has a tree seedling planted for them each spring and a special Mass said for them.

I could not help but think while looking at it and holding it's simple, beautifully crafted wooden frame in my hands... how much it reminded me of the manger.

No mother should ever have to choose a casket for their child, but it gives me peace to be able to provide such a beautiful resting place for our Son.

I didn't have much time to reflect on it before Clara was busy dumping orange juice from her sippy cup everywhere and I was cleaning it up and thanking God that I had children who had a way of "pulling me out of myself".  Even this everyday ordinariness is such a blessing... so full of simply "life".

Shortly afterwards, I put the girls down for a nap and was so happy to be able to nurse little Clara, perfect, beautiful, sweet, healthy, flawless little Clara and my dear Ava, (usually so independent) wanted to be held while she fell asleep (she's been more clingy than usual lately).  To feel her warm, healthy body and hear her small breaths as she softened and relaxed and fell asleep in my arms... for these simple blessings and many many more, we are so grateful.

8 comments:

  1. Oh, thank you so much for sharing this with us. We are mourning right along with you. We are able to let go through you and your beautiful words and pictures. OH, my gosh, what a beautiful little manger. How appropriate and perfect.

    Constantly remembering you in prayer. (and tears) ((((Hugs)))))

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    1. Thank you so much Jamie Jo. I am so moved by your love for our family. I have so much I want to write. I cannot even begin to tell you how much the prayers mean to me and our family right now. xo

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  2. Always in my prayers. Thank you for sharing his little manger with us.

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    1. Thank you for the prayers, Kari. Hoping and praying all is going well with that sweet life within and the abundance around you.

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  3. Just catching up tonight. Gabriel's Manger. There are no words, but reading your beautiful and simple posts share so much with us. You are an amazingly, remarkable woman and mom that even in mourning inspires and blesses those around you. Much love, dear friend.

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