Day 11 - Oldest OR Youngest! - All are precious!

Well, I have decided now that I have highlighted my middle children I will go with Ladies first on the last two! Emily Anne Lowe was born while we were still trying to decide what direction our lives would take. I must admit she was a calming yet directing influence on Randy.
I didn't get morning sickness, but Randy did. The reality of providing for a family came quickly and we both had a strong desire to keep "mom" in the home. At that time I had a job I really enjoyed and not a care really in the world, however, from the moment of conception we felt our lives changed and blessed for the better. It was our first real introduction to faith with such magnitude.We really never questioned what this would mean to us, because we knew this was a gift from God. As we have gone on to raise our children, I think the times we feel His hand the most are the situations which deal with our family. Emily always tried hard to do what was expected of first children. She had lots of pressure on her, but always came through. As I began motherhood, I decided I wanted my children to be my best friends - - NOW - -I know Dr. Laura says that we can't always be their friend, which I have learned to be true, but I am so grateful for my children now as they are the ones who call me the most, look out for me and share with me. (Actually the single ones are still a little bit afraid to share with me, because according to them I get too excited and share with to many others)
I am so grateful for my daughters husbands
and their ability to share their wives with me. I hear all the in law jokes, but I feel so blessed with the boys Rachel and Emily have brought into my life. Steven, being the first son in law was probably raked over the coals a little at first because it was all so new to me and I wanted to be so sure my daughter would be taken care of. I think he paved the way for Brad and whoever the other kids decide to marry. Growing up I always felt like my dad would accept whatever friend I brought into our home and I have tried to maintain that quality with my children.
I remember when we pulled out of the driveway in Idaho on our way to Alabama - Emily only 2 1/2 and Nathan not quite a year old - pretty traumatic for me and my parents, but the next year when we drove straight through from Oklahoma and pulled into the driveway in the middle of the night, Emily ran into my mom's room and jumped right into bed with her. She was so aware of everyone around her. I see that trait in her mothering skills. I know sometimes her siblings harrass her for her mother hen instincts, but I know she loves them with all her heart! I appreciate her sharing her brief moments with Bella Anne with us. It was a most horrific thing to watch my child go through, yet also one of the most spiritual times of my life. A day doesn't go by that I don't think of the influence little Bella has had on all of us and I
pay tribute to Steve and Emily for the life they have chosen to lead in order to have her in their arms again. I want them to know that I know they will have her. In this world of turmoil and everyone thinking the world owes them and we shouldn't have to follow God's laws, how grateful I am for children who understand that God's laws only bring happiness!