Santa Barbara.

I jetted to Santa Barbara for a quick weekend away to celebrate (in my opinion) one of the country's most eligible bachelors getting married.  My amazing cousin tied the knot with his lovely (and equally just as amazing) new bride.  The weekend was filled with family, sun, laughter, wind & food.

Here are quite a few pics of our great weekend away.

Sisters!

Mom with her siblings...

Cousins!  Sisters, Gretchen & Tami with the man of the hour!
(side note: These girls kept us buckled over all wkend.  What fun they are!)

This fig tree (planted in 1876) was AWESOME!
If we were able to walk up to it, you'd see that the roots would come up to my chest!  

Harrison fam!  

WIND!!!

Kiran & Katie - I hadn't seen Katie in years!  So great to catch up!  

With my sweet "little" cousin Luke...

Cousins...

Mi familia!  How can you not crack-up at this!? 

One word:  PINKBERRY!!!

View from our room.... 

WEDDING!

The gorgeous couple!  

We decided that we probably won't eat this well again until we're in Heaven...

HEADING HOME...  on our drive back to the airport we stopped by Malibu & Long Beach for some time in the sun.

In memory of Jeff.

I'm the first to say that I've really never been a fan of rhododendrons... until NOW!  There is a gal within the SFD that plants a plant in memory of every Seattle firefighter that has a job related death.  She was out shopping for a plant for Jeff and came across THIS!  The "fireman Jeff" rhody was discovered!  Can you believe it!?!  She then bought the nursery out of them & is giving one to us!  I can't wait to get this special rhody planted in our yard!  Thanks Kim (& Sheila for transporting!)

"Mo morning"!

"Mo morning Axey!" is how Lai used to greet her brother every morning...

Mo morning to each of you faithful readers as well!  

Matchy matchy.

This morning was the first walk around the lake in quite awhile.  Upon arriving to J&M's we realized all 3 blondies had their Converse on, all had matching strollers & all had matching blankets made by a dear distant relative.

Speaking of triplets... Can you imagine having to get one of THESE???  Personally, I think their should be a non-profit set-up to bless any parents of triplets with one... $1,000 for a jogger!?!?  Yikes!

Triple D.

One of Jeff & J's favorite shows is "Diners, Drive-ins & Dives" (shout out to Jeff real quick.... I usually call it "DinNers, Drive-Ins & Dives" (by mistake) & he would always correct me...) sigh...

When Jeff, Melis, Lynette & I were in Austin together we hit-up a diner that was featured on the show.  It did not disappoint... Last night, Jason & I ate at a local hot spot also featured on Triple-D.

Austin:

Seattle:  

Not sure if they really charge that much for a grilled cheese...?

I kinda wanted to order the big a$$ bowl for kicks...

Tower of cuties.

This is how these 3 walked home from the park today... What a darling bunch.

If you'll look closely Baby Greta is on L's shoulders,
who is on daddy's shoulders

Hold on to your fork.

Have any of you checked out this fabulous blog?  This gal is a friend of a friend, she's local & is as creative as they come!  I've spent quite a bit of time on her site & encourage you to do the same.  Her home decor ideas are inspiring & totally amazing but, I'll be honest... they stress me out a little (in the same way Martha stresses me out...) 

Her latest post is a little off the beaten path but, so fitting for J, K, Lai & A...

Hold on to your fork!

"I heard a story this weekend and wanted to share. Perhaps you’ve heard it, or maybe it isn’t even true, but the meaning is sweet, nevertheless. You can read many different versions online, but this is my recap:

A woman who was nearing death, requested that she be buried with a fork in her hand. When asked why a fork, she went on to share that her favorite moment was when following a meal, she was reminded to ‘hold on to her fork’ which, of course, meant dessert was on its way.

She chose to be buried with a fork as a beautifully symbolic picture to those who would mourn her death that this world was not her home, but that the best was yet to come. Her view of eternity was so true … a place where even the best of this world would pale in comparison to what Heaven will offer.

I know it is easy to fear death or pain or hardship – especially when you just can’t seem to escape it – but please know that there is good to come for those who put their trust in God. Whatever your circumstance, whatever your current struggle, whatever your fear, know that not only is there hope of an eternal life with our Lord, but He also offers unexplainable peace, joy and comfort as we walk through trials here in this messy world.

Be encouraged and remember to hold on to your fork – the best is yet to come."

Proud to be a Birt.

Look at those handsome Birt boys in their Class A's...  What a legacy!

Our sweet Jeff (husband, dad, son, brother, uncle, Believer, firefighter) went to be with the Lord May 6th surrounded by family.  It's now been a week & I still feel a sadness so deep that it's hard to describe in words & is certainly too raw & personal for me to gab about on my blog...

Jeff & Natalie 8/8/08

His service was nothing more than moving & honoring of such a great man.  He would have loved it.  He requested to have only one service (no media!) at his church (Westgate Chapel), to not let the fire department take over & to have it completely faith based.  Done, done & done.  The sanctuary that seats 1,150 was packed, filled with family, friends, the fire department & even Seattle's Mayor (whom I guessing Jeff did NOT vote for...)  ha!

Where many of the programs will be kept for awhile...

The gospel was preached, folks dedicated their lives to Christ, & the Seattle Firefighter Pipes & Drums did their thing.  It was beautiful.  Ladder 4 then led us in a motorcade to the burial, followed by a private party.

Jeff's truck

It's been a long journey, a journey that did not end how we wanted but, we choose to continue to trust in the Lord & stand firm on His Word.  Thank you from the bottom of our hearts for those of you that attended the service, to all of you that have brought us meals, prayed for us, watched our kids, & sent us cards & flowers.  We are forever grateful!

Love, J & K

How Great Thou Art!

Love THIS performance by Ms. Carrie Underwood...

*Photo taken by Leah Rixmann Photography

This week we are praying without ceasing for my brother-in-law, Jeff Birt.  He has been given grave news by doctors (so, it's fortunate we don't put our hope in doctors...!) We choose to stand firm on our Rock, Jesus Christ, our Lord & Savior.  Please join with us in praying for our dear Jeff.

Psalm 121

¹ I lift up my eyes to the mountains— 

   where does my help come from? 
² My help comes from the LORD, 

the Maker of heaven and earth.

 ³ He will not let your foot slip— 

   he who watches over you will not slumber; 
⁴ indeed, he who watches over Israel 

   will neither slumber nor sleep.

 ⁵ The LORD watches over you— 

   the LORD is your shade at your right hand; 
⁶ the sun will not harm you by day, 

   nor the moon by night.

 ⁷ The LORD will keep you from all harm— 

   he will watch over your life; 
⁸ the LORD will watch over your coming and going 

   both now and forevermore.