Showing posts with label Seasons of a Mom's heart. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Seasons of a Mom's heart. Show all posts

Thursday, September 4, 2008

Back to School....

We are well on our way into the month of September, and as the cooler temps begin to settle in, I’m dreaming of fall colors, anything pumpkin, (cakes, breads, candle’s) and the amazing feeling that is in the air.

This past Tuesday, Andrew started his Junior year of High School and I’m once again reminded of just how fast time moves forward. For some reason the prep for H.S. seems much less stressful than when he was younger; perhaps it’s because he only has 4 classes a day which require a quick trip to Target to pick up 4 folds, 4 notebooks, pens and pencils? (And, let’s not forget the must need $120.00 calculator… Thank goodness he doesn’t need that until 2nd semester.)

Our week has been off to a good start. Early to bed, early to rise, and so far, we’ve been holding to our new schedule/routine pretty well. In fact, he was up and at em’ bright and early on his first day, with a smile on his face knowing we’d be taking “first day of school pictures”! What a guy. (I think he was happily anticipating our annual “pizza night”, which has been a first day of school tradition since Ashley started preschool.)


Andrew is truly an amazing young man, and he brings so much joy and humor to our family. He’s so stinkin’ funny, and his one liner’s crack all of us up and he loves to repeat “funny” things that he hears. His most recent favorite thing to say is:

“It don’t make a nickel bit of difference”

He heard this line one Saturday when we took him out for lunch as we overheard the conversation from the neighboring table. So now, it’s a part of his vocabulary as he says it with a “southern twang” to it. Now mind you, he’s a northern boy, so it’s hilarious to hear him say it when I ask him things like:

“What do you want for dinner buddy?” He responds, “it don’t make a nickel bit of difference!”


Here are a few more funny things he will do:

*Many nights, as we all begin to settle down he will haul his pillow and blanket upstairs to Ashley’s room, knock on her door and ask her if she wants to have a slumber party with him?

*He’s packed himself in Ashley’s luggage (she’s packing to leave on Sunday) and asked her to take him with her.

*When he’s having a hard time getting up to his alarm in the morning and I have to remind him for the ump teen time to “get up”, he responds by saying, “Oh Mom, are you having a rough morning? Do you need a hug? “

* For those of you who may be familiar with the “Aflac” (insurance) commercial and how the duck says, “Aflac”. Well, Andrew calls Ashley’s name the same may the duck says Aflac. It’s a riot, although, I don’t think Ash would agree. lol

*Andrew pat’s his hair, and walks with his hands in his pants pockets the exact same way my dad does. He even has the same grin as my dad, and the same laugh as Tim’s dad.

*Anytime Andrew finds me relaxing in my favorite chair, reading a book, looking at a magazine or watching TV he will say, “wanna cuddle mom?” (in his southern twang voice) And he will squeeze on the chair with me.

His Andrew-isms are so funny.


As we drove him to school on his first day, saying a prayer with him on the way, I kindly reminded him to not say to his teacher: “it don’t make a nickel bit of difference”, as I’m sure he will be using that line…as he’s often considered somewhat of a ‘class clown”.


The Seasons of our lives continue to change as we will soon begin to be a family of 3 again, as Ashley begins her next adventure, so far from home as she follows after the heart of her Father; and we anticipate many memories with Andrew as he enjoys his junior year, works at the golf course, and will soon begin his basketball season.


As much as some thing seem to stay the same, so much more changes, and we are excited to see the amazing things God has in store, just up ahead, around the corner.

Wednesday, August 27, 2008

The State Fair Anyone

This past Monday, Ashley and I ventured out on our own to attend the MN State Fair. Mind you, I'm not really a State Fair type of girl, I much rather visit a small town Country Fair anyday, but since we live in the city, this one will have to do.

One positive note about attending a Fair is the "great" people watching. It never ceases to amaze me the things you see/don't want to see but do at the Fair.

It didn't take me long to discover:

a. I do dress rather stylish

b. I don't look to bad

c. I'm thankful for your bloodline lol

d. I am rather thin.. :-)


Of course, there were plenty of opportunities for Ashley to either:

a. grab my arm

b. whisper quietly in my ear, "Mom"

She did each of the above because I do get rather annoyed by:

a. people who for some reason, decide to stop smack dab in the middle of the walk way and just..stand there. No worries, I don't mind waiting...and waiting..until you can decide if you want ANOTHER pronto pup, or if you want to go see the cows?

b. people who are ....how shall I say, under dressed. (why is it you NEVER see someone overdressed at the Fair?)

I did have a dicussion with a close friend recently and she had a great idea for a booth that should be at every fair. Are you ready for this???

A BRA booth! Seriously. Don't laught....I'm sure I'm not alone in this thought!!!??

However, I did come up with a reason as to why so many woman are bra-less at the Fair. Consider this thought; with the price of admission, I can totally understand why a woman may need to make the following decision. Humm...let's see, do I:

a. buy a new bra

of

b. save the money so I can pay to get into the fair?

Seriously ladies. What in the world is wrong with people???

All kidding aside, we had a fun time...just the two of us..out on a little adventure before Ashley packs up and leaves for Maui again..in oh....say...11 days.

Here we are...getting ready to leave. Yes, you will notice, I'm in jean capri's, a sweetshirt because I know it will get cold during the evening; and Ashley..sweet Ashley is in a dress!! Of to be 19 again! sigh :-/



Here Ashley is holding the bucket of Sweet Martha cookies that are a must. Don't even ask how many cookies the two of us HAD to eat just so we could get the lid on! Oh my.....but they were yummy!


Here we are sitting at a concert. I'm not a huge Country Western Fan; but since Ashley boss bought her two tickets, in the 6th row (yes...we were THAT close to the stage) we couldn't say no.

Here's another shot of the two of us..well into the concert. I did recongize a few of the songs...and my heart certainly was pained as the reality of just "how lost" people really are. There was such a depth of "lostness" (is that a word) in what the singers shared....there was NO hope....and my heart certainly sensed a lot of pain in those attending.

I was so amazed to watch people going crazy.....jumping up and down, hands frailin' in the air...all for a country western singer. OH..if the church....could ONLY get this excited about our Lord and Savior! We. the believer's, have SO much to be going crazy about....so much to be jumping up and down, hands frailin' in the air.....about!!!


Aside from all the "things" that were NOT so appealing about the fair, I truly had the BEST time. Why, because I was "blessed beyond measure" to be able to spend the day/evening with Ash! She truly is a gem....and I'll hold tight to the memories of the State Fair this year, during the month ahead when she's gone. I'll hold tight to the funny things she said, the funny things we saw, and the funny things we laughed at...during those days, when I miss her like crazy!!

You are one AMAZING young lady Ashley!! Thanks for choosing ME...to take to the concert!! I LOVE ya girly!

Sunday, August 24, 2008

The boy is growing up...

What do you get when your son turns 16...



you add his dad's truck:



and one of his favorite pass times????(which comes in a close 2nd behind Basketball):


His FIRST job working at a Golf Course.  Andrew is THRILLED beyond words.  He's now excited to get this:


They grow up WAY to fast!!!  Now we have ANOTHER schedule to add to our fall calendar!


Sunday, July 6, 2008

24 hours....

That's how many hours are left until my vacation is over, and I'll be back into my work routine.  It's been a good week....we've had sunny/hot days, which made way for lot's of relaxing on the deck, lot's of grilling out, and lot's of doing nothing.

The only negative part of my vacation was not having our vehicle fixed so we could travel home to spend the 4th with our family.  To say we were disappointed, well, that word doesn't describe the depth of how we felt.  

But, as we learn in life, when you have lemons, make lemonade...so we did.

We ventured out around 9:00pm on the 4th to watch fireworks.  It always amazes me that in the summer, we still have some amount of sunlight until 9:30pm, so the fireworks didn't begin until 10 pm.  As always, they were very good and the hi-lite for the kid's was: "people watching.".  In fact Andrew said, "this is more fun that people watching at the airport."  (when Ashley left for YWAM last Sept, the guys had to wait about an hour as I took her to her gate.  Upon my return to the guys they were laughing so hard and they said that they had a great time "people watching") 

Here are a few pictures for the fireworks:


                               Ashley and Andrew
                                  Andrew and Mom
                                 Hubby and I
                                 Mom and Ashley

Enjoy your Sunday........

Kim~

Tuesday, June 10, 2008

Schools out...



It's hard to believe that another school year is coming to an end today!! As we drove Andrew to school yesterday we went talking about what his final two days of school as a 10th grader would look like.  Of course, Andrew wasn't all that thrilled about completing final exams; but he was excited about getting out of school by 11:00am.

Today, as we dropped him off I couldn't help but think about the fact that the next time he enters the front door of his High School he will be a Junior. A JUNIOR!!! Where does the time go????

Last night I was thinking about the lazy days of summer from my youth.....spending days at the beach, working part-time, hangin' with friends, driving around town in the car....oh what fun I had.

I then thought of Andrew's summer break...everyday he will be in the gym from 6:00am to noon (as per the basketball program) lifting weights, and running until he just about throws up. Now doesn't that sound like a fun summer???

Where and when did things change??? When did summer as we knew it change to summer breaks which for our kid's seem more like a full time job, rather than enjoying...the final carefree days of their youth???

Today, as we said good-bye to 10th grade....I couldn't help but realize that time goes WAY to fast....and my sweet, naughty little boy from the past, has turned into a very handsome young man...who has dreams....and goals...and he's hoping to use this summer to help reach them.

Enjoy your summer break Andrew...even if you are too tired to truly enjoy it!

Friday, May 9, 2008

Favorite Foto Friday-Mother's Day Edition



This week in honor of Mother's Day...I'll be participating in Favorite Foto Friday. To see more Favorite Foto Fridays, please visit Sarah here!

First, I want to wish a HAPPY Mother's Day to my M*O*M. Although we will not be together on Mother's Day, know that you will be in my thoughts. You'll be receiving a card in the mail (hopefully) tomorrow...and as thing go, I forgot to put your gift card in the envelope.....so I'll be mailing that out separetly.


Here are the two of the most important ladies in my life...my Mom, and Ashley. (My Dad is pretty speical too...but he will have to wait for Father's Day for his day!)



Both Ashley and I share many characterists and trait of my Mom's. She is one of the most caring, compassionant people I know. Almost every holiday that we are together, there's always the possiblity that someone (who isn't a part of our family) may be joining us, so that they do not spend a holiday along.

She's a giver....always concerned for those in need.

My Mom has a heart for Missions...although, I don't think she could ever go...as her heart is drawn to children in orphanage's...and she'd never be able to visit an orphanage and not want to bring EVERY child home with her.

She's an amazing care giver...always putting other's first.

She LOVES her Jesus....and has a sweet, gentle spirit.

And, she's an AMAZING Grandmother!!! Her Grandchildren truly LOVE her!!!


We ALL LOVE you Mom...and wish you an WONDERFUL Mother's Day.


I'm also so BLESSED to have two beautiful children in my life. Ashley and Andrew have truly brought SO much joy and laughter to my heart.




Ashley and I at her High School Graduation in 2007.




Andrew and Ashley....horsin' around.



Andrew's first day of 10th grade 2007.

Two great kids....who have each etched...so much on my heart.


Mother's Day wouldn't be complete...without enjoying our "Pup-daughter"...sweet Annabelle!

Wednesday, March 26, 2008

Mom Overture

">

I've been blessed to see Anita Renfroe in person...and I know you will be blessed too.

Since it's Wednesday.....I'm a Mom.....and I needed a good laugh..I couldn't resist sharing this.

Grab a chair...kick up your feet....and enjoy!!!!

Kim~

Tuesday, March 4, 2008

Change......

Today, our sweet Ashley arrived home from her YWAM experience in Maui, HI. Although there were mechanical problems with the plane that kept her grounded in Hawaii for an extra day, she's now home, safe and sound and that makes this Mamma's heart smile.

It would seem that the flight delay would be unappreciated, yet I know God's hand was in it. What a blessing it was for Ashley to have an entire day, alone, in Hawaii, relaxing, reflecting, eating and staying at the Hilton for free!! What a sweet blessing this was for Ashley after she spent the past 8 nights sleeping on the floor.

Her plane was repaired, and her flight was uneventful and she arrived at the airport at 8:10 am. God gave us great favor as we made it the 45 miles through rush hour, in less than an hour. PTL. As we pulled into the parking ramp, we received a text message from Ash saying, "We just landed!" We arrived at the baggage claim, just as Ashley did.

The hugs were sweet, as we celebrated Ashley coming home....home to us...her family. As I stood back and watch our family of 4, I was once again amazed at how our family finds laughter in any situation, and as always, Andrew didn't disappoint. He loves to talk to EVERYONE...so he greeted almost everyone at the baggage claim as we waiting for Ashley's luggage; and then he found a way to make the removal of her luggage from the track.....too funny for words.

Of course, it was 9 degree's when we picked Ashley up, and Ash was in a tiny t-shirt, and flip-flops.....I'm SO glad I took her winter coat. (Even Annabelle went to the airport to pick up her big sister) Ashley couldn't believe how cold it was.

We then headed for breakfast....and we enjoyed hearing so many wonderful stories from Ashley's experience. One of my favorite moments that will forever be etched in my heart was watching Andrew (he was sitting next to Ash) lean over, put his arms around her, hug her and he told her that he really missed her!!! Talk about tuggin' at Mamma's heart!!

Upon arriving home the boys hauled 3 HUGE suitcases into our living room....let the unpacking begin!! So far, we've done 10 loads of laundry, and thankgoodness...we are almost done!!! Ashley also LOVED her room.......and in fact, I made another bulletin board for her to hang some outreach photos.

I have much.....much...more to share...but it's our first night home......and after Ashley's finished with her bubble bath, we want to make some popcorn, and watch a movie!!!

I'll leave you with a couple pictures.....more will be coming.

Have a BLESSED week friends.



Ashley at her DTS graduation.



Ashley with kitchen crew that she worked with.



Friday, February 29, 2008

A sneak peek.....

Wow..it's hard to believe that in 3 days Ashley will be home! Today both she and I spent time confirming her flight details, as well as Ashley confirming that she's bringing home LESS than she took. And that's even after she's done some shopping!!!!!! :-) (she said you can get the deals in Thailand)

I pray that as you watch this video, God touches your heart. I'm truly overwhelmed by the realization of the cost, it cost Ashley to take the name of our most precious Jesus..to a lost and dying world, offering them God's HOPE through the best gift of all.....SALAVATION!!!


Mark 16:15 says: "And He said to them, Go into all the world and preach and publish openly the good news (the Gospel) to every creature (of the whole human race). (Amplified Bible)


May each of us, be challenged to take the gospel of Jesus Christ...into our worlds!

Have a BLESSED weekend!

Kim~

Tuesday, February 26, 2008

He did it...

Now that Andrew has turned 16, what kind of parent would I be if I did not encourage him to PLEASE...pretty please with sugar on top....rush out and take your driver's test?



Why not, I can HARDLY wait to have ANOTHER teenager driver in the house to worry and fret about.....and let's NOT forget about the HUGE ding to our monthly insurance premium we will be hit with by adding ANOTHER teenager driver.


(let me explain the picture to your right...I couldn't find one with a teenage driver...so ya..the picture probably depicks my hubby and I.....sigh....)

(What kind of Mom am I to encourage Andrew to wait until Feb. 26th to take his test when he really turned 16 on the 25th??? I use my noodle...I told him that technically, he didn't turn 16 until 10:31PM on Feb. 25th and since the DMV isn't open at night...he'd have to wait until the 26th. :-)

Wait....there's more.....I miss the days (remember...Ashley's been gone for 6 months) between 2:20pm and 3:30pm while I sit at my office...with that awful....feeling in my stomach as I wait for my precious children to call me, to check in and say, "Yes Mom, we are home from school."


Or the Friday night football/basketball games when my dh and I leave the game at 8:40pm, and are home at 8:45pm and for some reason...it takes you till 10:00pm to get home and we live within 2 miles of the school???


Or, the nights when you and your friends are out for dinner and bowling, and your Dad and I stay at home so I can...pace....and wait...and pace some more. And then, I hear the sudden sound of police cars with their sirens on and I'm SURE it was you!!!!!!!! (I think your Dad has other reasons for wanting you to grow up...and they have NOTHING to do with you son, but rather, I think he's tired of scrappin' me off the ceiling!)


Andrew, I can hardly WAIT to relive these days with you now, rather than your sister Ashley. I thought...or rather, I should say I talked myself into believing that things are different with a boy than they are with a girl. But now, my reality tells me otherwise.

Yet I know it's during these times, God gently reminds me that you are HIS precious son....and that my LOVE for you, cannot even TOUCH the depth of Love, he has for you!


So during the first year of your driving, I will find myself on my knee's more, clinging to the hem of Jesus' garment just a little stronger, as I pray for your protection and safety, know that you are in his hand, and he WILL give me his peace.

The Season's of my Heart continue to change...and this is just one more step in the process.....and although the thought of you graduating (which will be your next milestone) in two years tugs at my heart....God is truly teaching me...to cling to him....for there...I will find his complete PEACE and REST!!

P.S. Although...deep down, I had hoped/prayed that Andrew would get that DMV guy (you know the one I'm talking about) that doesn't believe in EVER passing a teenager on their first test...(the same one who failed Ashley her first time)....well...he didn't get him..because he PASSED with flying colors!!! Yippee....

All kidding aside Buddy...my buttons are bursting today......cause I'm SO proud of you!!! Now...let's beat those Bengals tonight in Basketball. (sorry Ashley....but we do hope we crush your former H.S.)




Monday, February 25, 2008

Happy Birthday Sweet Boy....


Today is a *special* day in our house, as our son Andrew celebrates his 16th Birthday!! Where does the time go??? It seems like just yesterday he was 3 and driving his jeep all around the driveway. And then fast forward, and tomorrow he will be taking his drivers test! YIKES!!!!

Andrew is truly a special young man and I thought I'd share some of his amazing qualities:

~He has such a gentle spirit. My husband has taught him well the importance of being sensitive, a good listener, and the type of young man that prefer's others.

~Although my 6 foot boy is so tall, he STILL loves to cuddle up with him Mamma every evening and watch TV.

~He has such a natural knack of driving me crazy...to the point of anger, and then with only a few words, brings me to complete laughter!!!

~He has an amazing sense of humor, and has some great one liners. He never has a lack of something funny to say that is sure to make you crack up!!

~Andrew has GREAT passion for the game of Basketball. We simply sit in awe as he plays the game...never boasting, never being proud...just simply lovin' the game, and playing so intense...that he leaves his heart on the court!!

~I love watching him play basketball....and often I catch his eye....as he makes either an amazing shot, steals the ball, or has a block shot...as he looks up into the stands...and gives me his special, *Andrew grin*.

~I love how Andrew loves the Lord, and strives to do the right things. Trust me, he's human, and a teenager...and without flaws. (just this past week we had a character issue moment...yet through it all...God's grace was there..making him a best young man)

~I love that no matter how old Andrew gets, or where life may take him...he will always be...my baby boy!!!

~When I look at Andrew...I see me. It's funny how your children reflect you!!! Our daughter reflects her father....and Andrew, well..let's just say...he's his Mamma's boy...through and through. (Ashley....if you are reading this....stop rollin' your eye!!! lol)

~I love how Andrew is humble...often people will comment to him about his basketball ability and they ask him where he learned to play so well? He always response..."My mom played basketball...and I learned from her." (Ya right...I did play b-ball...but NEVER...at the level he plays!)

~I love that my 16 year old son...LOVES to hang with his parents on a Friday night...or the weekend for that matter. While his friends are out with their friends...Andrew chooses..to hang with us....and that truly means a lot to me.

~I love that I see my Dad in Andrew. It's amazing how he tilts his head, or pat's his hair, or walks with his hands in his jeans, or has that silly little grin..the EXACT same way that my Dad does!!

~I love how Andrew cares for his Sister...and how he's missed her SO MUCH the past 6 months that she's been gone!!!! What a sweet guy.

So today, to honor Andrew on his 16th Birtday, we will take him out for dinner. Andrew is a HUGE steak person, and my husband found the perfect place to take him called: Pittburg Blues. This is truly an amazing steak joint, and Andrew will be grinning from ear to ear.



So after work, I'll head home, meet the guys...get all dressed up and head out to celebrate Andrew...on this his special day!!

We LOVE you buddy...and we are SO blessed...that God has entrusted you..into our lives.....you truly make our family complete!!!

Love Mom~




AND...for all of the FAITHFUL Ashley followers...I have an update.....


She's home...she's home...well..not exactly home...but back in Maui!!!! Ashley and her team landed in Maui this past Saturday safe and sound. The count down has begun and she will be back home to us in 7 days!! We are so EXCITED we can hardly wait. We have so many wonderful, fun things planned for her return.

In fact, my parents will be driving into town on March 7th and staying till the 10th so we can celebrate Ashley's, Andrew's, and my Mom's birthday, as well as Christmas.

This will truly be a busy week as I finish up all my last minute projects to prepare for her return.

Please know that I truly appreciate each and everyone of you who have prayed for Ashley while she's been away at YWAM. God has truly been faithful!!

Blessings~

Monday, September 17, 2007

Ash is safe and sound in M*A*U*I


Ashley has been safe and sound in Maui since last Thursday evening, and we are SO thankful for all of God's provisions.

We started off last Thursday (the 13th) at 7:00am to enjoy our last family breakfast; and let's just say we ate...we laughed....we ate some more...we laughed somemore...perhaps you see a pattern here???

Following breakfast we made the trek to the Minneapolis Airport through rush hour traffic, (and we were surprised at how fast the traffic was moving) arriving at the airport in good time.

It was interesting watching the guys pull all 3 suitcases out of our van...and pull them to the luggage check.

I don't know if this is good news..or not...BUT...my scale at home is accurate....or at least it's accurate with the airport scale. (And here I though my scale was weighing at LEAST 8 pounds to heavy...lol) We were having difficulty trying to get both of Ashley's checked luggages under the 50 pound limit!! We tried as we might...but nothing seemed to work. So, we decided to stuff one 48 pounds full (and free)...and the 2nd piece of luggage we stuffed to 69 pounds and only had to pay an additional $25.00 for being over 50 pounds. (Spending the $25.00 was a lot cheaper than paying to ship things to Maui)

The gal at the luggage check was so sweet with Ashley asking her questions about where/why/for how long she was traveling. Once she heard that Ashley was a first time flier...and leaving home for six months the luggage attendant graciously gave us passes to go to the gate with Ashley!! Let's just say, I was beyond THRILLED, as I didn't want poor Ash sitting at her gate for 2 hours. And then, throw in the fact that her gate was the LAST gate...at the end of the airport!

Now I've not flown since before 9/11, so it was very interesting to see the many changes that have taken place at the airport! Yet, I was very impressed with how fast we moved through security...shoeless..and all.

Ashley's flight was right on schedule, and our good-byes with her were precious. You may find this weird, or strange, but we didn't even cry!!! We had such a peace about Ashley following her heart to YWAM, and I believe that God gave us great wisdom in raising a Godly young woman who was ready to spread her wings a fly!! Now, how in the world could we be sad about that????

Of course, reality may set in...oh, let's say around her birthday in December...or around the holidays when she's not here! But for now, for today, God's been so faithful to fill our hearts with so much joy, and happiness for Ashley that there haven't been any moments of tears!!

So, for now, it's just my dh, Andrew, our dogs and I..and we are beginning to settle into a new routine. A routine that is without another driver to help run Andrew hither and yawn.....but after much talk, much planning, and some rearranging of our schedules, I think we have a system down.

We are also enjoying the interactions between Ashley and Andrew, now that Ash is gone! He's so excited to share with us a text message, or a phone call he receive's from Ashley....and I can tell...in him own quiet way....he misses his big sister!!!! In fact....last night he asked if he could sleep in her bed!!! Now HOW sweet is that!!!

Ashley's YWAM program began last Saturay night with a Welcome Reception, and Sunday morning they were to pack (ONLY) one change of clothing...and they are off...with their backpacks for 3 days!!!!

I'm thinkin' we are doing pretty well..since we've officially gone 52 hours without hearing from her!! Hopefully the 3 months of training when we do have contact with her often...helps prepare us for the 3 months when we may only hear from her once a month!!

Thanks to SO many of you...how have called, emailed, prayed, or sent well-wishes for Ashley!!! Praying that God blesses you for your faithfulness!!!!

Tuesday, September 11, 2007

It's time....


We can hardly believe that it's time for Ashley to leave for YWAM! All the months of praying, planning, making lists, and packing have finally come to an end and we are fast approaching the departure day!

I'm taking off of work in a few minutes for the rest of the week so that we can spend the last 38 hours together. ( I know, very pathetic that I'm now counting down the hours until she leaves)

Tomorrow, Ashley and I will spend our last Mother/Daughter day together enjoying some pampering, lunch and one last trek to Target to pick up a few last minute things. Then we'll enjoy a final family dinner (I'm guessing...that she'll want to do a DQ run..oh...say about 10:30pm...) before she heads to her youth/college group to say her final good-byes!!

So many people keep asking me, "How are you doing"? Honestly, we are doing well! How can we be sad when Ashley is choosing to follow God's heart???? How could we want to keep her with us, when God has AMAZING plans for her life and her future??

We are truly blessed that God is providing Ashley with this opportunity to follow her heart....to follow his heart...and we can HARDLY wait to read her updates on her blog. To hear the amazing things that God is, and will do in her heart and she *runs after him*!!!

I truly believe the greatest blessing a parent can have, is watching their child..deny the world...and follow Christ. I know this brings amazing joy to our Heavenly Father's heart!!!


I've heard that we need to give our children two things: roots..and wings. We've made it through the *root* times in our lives...and now, we are focused on the wings!!!


Ash, your Dad and I have prayed for you....long before you were born!! We prayed that God would bless us with a sweet baby girl....and he did!! You were ALWAYS such a happy, and enjoyable child! You'd sit in the front row of church from the time you could hardly sit up...and you'd clap your little hands and sing in your baby talk...all through the worship service..as you'd watch your Dad and I as we'd lead worship! You'd carry your little bible under your arm, and you were ALWAYS prepared at a moment notice to sing a song about Jesus and his love for you!!


God truly blessed you with a gentle spirit...a heart that is always kinds.....supports the under-dog....and hates to see people treated poorly!! God's shaped and molded you in his image....ALWAYS seek the road God has for you! Knowing that NO matter what you may face or go through....a bad day with Jesus...is FAR better than a good day without him!!


We may not know where the road ahead may lead.....but with God leading us...we can walk each step with great anticipation! Spread your wings Ash...and fly!!!

Wednesday, September 5, 2007

We're home.....

We are home SAFE and sound...and we had a W*O*N*D*E*R*F*U*L time!!! I've not laughed so much...and so hard...in so long......and like good medicine...laughter does the soul good!!!

We left Minnesota on August 26th to meet my parents 1/2 way to their home in Wisconsin, then it was early to bed and early to rise as we left for Mackinaw Island at 6:00am. It certainly was a LONG drive along the North Shore pulling a huge fifth wheel, and traveling down a curvy two lane road. After 7 hours of driving...stopping...eating.....laughing...we finally arrived and camped right on the lake shores of Lake Heron.

It didn't take long to get things set up and we were ready to head out sight seeing! Here Ashley is with my parents as we are ready to hit the sights!!

We spent one entire day in Mackinaw City visiting all of the cute little shops, eating lunch on the lake shore and then we where off to visit Colonial Michilimackinac.

Ashley is a huge history buff and she could hardly wait to visit the 13 buildings that are inhabited by a regiment of redcoats as well as traders and colonial ladies who demonstrate cooking, sewing, and other domestic arts of the time.

Next stop was an hour drive to the Canadian border where we went on a Soo-Locks boat tour that took us into Canada!! It was very interesting to see and experience what the huge ocean liners go through as they bring their goods into the United States.

Following the boat tour, we toured a HUGE boat that had a lot of artifacts from the Edmund Fitzgerald. For those of you who are not familar with the Edmund Fitzgerald, it was a huge ocean liner that went down in a storm in Lake Superior on November 10, 1975. We were amazed as we watched video from the rescue workers, to other boat captains who were sailing Lake Superior at the very time the Fitzgerald went down!


(I couldn't resist to post a picture of Annabelle. She too had a wonderful time on vacation...visiting the sights!! )




Then, finally Thursday arrived and Ashley was beside herself with excitement as we headed to the boat docks to head for Mackinaw Island!! Of course, words, and pictures do NOT do justice to how beautiful it is on the Island!!

The only form of transportation on the Island is either:

a. horse

b. bike

c. your legs!

It's amazing how huge boats bring all of the supplies to the Islands for those who live there! Here are a few pictures of the beautiful home's we saw:





We were also amazed to see a rather large school on the Island for those children who are growing up on Mackinaw Island!!

After walking close to 8 miles....in 8 1/2 hours...we were exhausted and ready to head back home.

We then spent the remained of our weekend visiting with both sides of our families as they said their final *Good-byes* to Ashley as she is now down to 7 days until she leaves for YWAM!! It was very heart wrenching to watch the good-bye exchange between Ashley and my Mom!! :-)

We are now home safe and sound...and we already have one day of school under our belt!!! Last night we celebrated the first day of school (for Andrew) with our annual pizza party...which consists of too much food...and lots of laughter!!!

I wonder if my dh and I will continue to have pizza parties once the kid's are both off at college???





Thursday, August 16, 2007

Change is coming all too soon........



The count down has begun for Ashley leaving for Maui and we are under the 30 day mark and my heart keeps asking…..WHERE has the time gone?? Wasn’t it just yesterday that this sweet girl was born into our lives and forever changed them?? Wasn’t it yesterday when she started kindergarten, or learned how to ride her bike without training wheels??? Wasn’t it just yesterday……….sigh……the reality is…it was many, many…yesterdays ago.

I keep asking myself, when did we go from ruffled dresses, with ribbons and bows, to a beautiful young woman who is all too eager to spread her wings and fly on her own???

Why on one hand is my heart saying,

“Go Ash…you’re ready to spread your wing! Don’t be afraid, we’ve given you Godly tools to help you on your journey. Go ahead, fly away!!”

And then, on the other hand my heart says,

“Don’t go Ash….there is still so much for you to learn. Stay with us! Let us continue to help you on this journey, as we know from experience all to well that more times than not the road is rough, the journey is hard, and you will face many…..many heartaches.”

Then my heart whispers to me in that still small voice that *everything will be ok!* It’s ok to let her go, while I still want to hold her close! And, it’s ok for me to be excited about her new adventure; all the while my heart feels heavy! And, it’s ok to miss her like crazy even before she’s gone!!

Even though my heart is dreading the day she leaves, I’m purposing to focus on the fun times we are having the final weeks she’s here. Doing things like:

*enjoying countless 10:00pm drives to Dairy Queen in our PJ’s. Listening to the banter from the back seat as the kid’s laugh, joke, and I find myself laughing so hard till the tears come.

*the late night *pillow talks* we seem to have with Ashley nightly; as she asks us if we know how much she loves us?

*late night movies with popcorn even though we all fall asleep and never finish the movie

*cuddling’ on my favorite chair on the weekends and watching the kid’s fight over which one get’s to sit with me. (They both usually end up sitting with me)

*preparing all of Ashley’s *favorite* foods before she leaves and her options will be beans and rice.

*watching Ashley and Andrew chase each other around the house, wrestling, laughin' and enjoying the bond that they share.


Nothing is ever constant, and that is why God takes our hearts through seasons! I’m just thankful that we have a Savior, who will walk with us, each step of the way. We may not physically be in the same place, but I'm comforted in knowing that my precious Jesus will be with my sweet precious Ash...wherever she may go……