Good fathers leave a legacy for their children. It may not be the worldly riches that most desire…but I am blessed to have a dad that I can be close to…one that has taught me much… One whose legacy is still imprinting my heart.. .I believe his legacy was left to him by Paw Paw, who now looks down from above and thinks to himself, “that’s my boy…carry on…carry on”. Blessed to have my dad…wouldn’t be who I am without him. Some may say that I am the oddball in the family…I say, “yep, I had a good role model”. Love you, dad…more than any words can ever express.
What is Community?
The article below shows so much perspective on life… and the story is one that I have already heard twice this week. I never knew many of the details – only the small details that Lance would take home from Ruthie’s husband, Mike, while on shift at the fire station. Community is something that we have been searching for for a long time… and we too have moved around locally and not so locally to find what “community” means to us as a family and as individuals- and we are blessed to say that we finally feel at home (even when things fall apart around us) – We are strong… we are family… and we have roots here… and we are making the commitment to grow these roots deeper – so that our girls may grow up with a firm foundation.
Click the excerpt below to read the article:
Finding Hope in the Hurt
Attached is a song that has gotten me through loss in the past, and also the meaning behind the lyrics. Perhaps you will listen to it, and it will take its own shape for you and your circumstance (past or present). Now for my own advice – Hold your babies close… remind your spouse daily how much he/she means to you…call your best friend and tell them how much they mean to you, don’t take your parents for granted (the little things they do often go unnoticed)… if you still have grandparents, visit them. For all of my family and friends, thank you for being a part of our lives.
Click here for the story behind lyrics.
Happy Birthday Sissy!
I remember the first time I met this beautiful little girl. She was probably about 2, and her little tummy was about to pop from eating “shrimpies” at a Chinese restaurant… Then, shortly after that… our second meeting – she threw up all over Lance and I got to rock her to sleep while he got cleaned up. I knew from that day that she was special… and it was hard not too fall in love with her (and her dad)… I am blessed to have her as my daughter – even if she will officially be a teenager tomorrow! YIKES!
Blessing all around us…
As one day is ending and another one is about to begin… I am feeling really blessed! Today, we made a lot of progress on the school room; the girls were the best listeners and VERY loving sisters; we took a breather and played with baby goats; I have a clean kitchen; and NO dirty laundry (and only 2 loads to fold tomorrow)… So, tomorrow – I may work on the school room by my lonesome for a little while – but most of my day will be spent just spending time with my little girls! SWEET! I remember when I was in elementary/middle school -I got the biggest kick out of this little bird on some computer program (this was back when there pretty much was only Apple computers- you know, the Carmen San Diego/Oregon Trail days?) – Well, the boy sitting next to me, said something along the lines “you must be really simple minded because it doesn’t take much to make your day”… well, I would say that today was nothing out of the ordinary – (except for the no dirty laundry part) – but most everything about today, makes me smile and look forward to tomorrow. So, the insight into Erin from the boy that sat next to me in grade school, was dead on!
“Our most basic instinct is not for survival but for family. Most of us would give our own life for the survival of a family member, yet we lead our daily life too often as if we take our family for granted (Paul Pearshall).”
A Lesson about Christmas
The heart of a child… not an easy task for “worn” adults – yet something we should all strive for this Holiday season. When discussing with my 4 and 3 year old girls the meaning of Christmas, what the 4 year old said really touched me. I told them that Christmas was about giving (not about receiving) and that we celebrate it because of the best gift of all (Jesus). We had just bought presents for an 8 year old little girl that we never met. My girls were so excited to fill the basket that we didn’t quite stick to budget (but we were close). Once we were in the car, I continued my “meaning of Christmas story” by telling my girls that this year, we have decided to give to those that need it most – those that are sick and hurting… and the little girl that we bought presents for (so she could have 1 Christmas) – and because of this our Christmas at home might not have as many presents as we are used to having. Then, the 4 year old said, “that makes me sad.” I asked, “what makes you sad?” And what she said next, not only surprised me, it really touched me (and made me one proud mama)… “I am sad that the little girl will only have one Christmas.” If a a young child who really loves receiving gifts (what child doesn’t) can come up with something so selfless and really “get” what is important, why do we (as adults) struggle to do the same? I am convinced that this Christmas our home will be rich in love… rich indeed!
What a Decade
Happy 10 Year Anniversary to the best husband and father!
Happy 3rd Birthday Roo!
3 years ago today, we were blessed with our youngest. All three of our girls are so uniquely different. When I think about words to describe this little one, the first word to come to mind is “compassionate”. Such a big heart for such a little bundle. The next words that come to mind are “courageous with God as my might” – which is the actual meaning of her name. She may cry if she doesn’t get her way or if you break her sensitive spirit… but rarely does she shed a tear for a booboo or when she “got holes in her ears”… She is one tough cookie. The last word that describes her is “nut”. For all that know her, this one can definitely go without further explanation. We love you Roo and are blessed by you every minute of everyday.
Discipline and Makeup
5 minutes before leaving to go to church… Iz: “Daddy and Mommy, I put make up on!” Lance: “You know you are supposed to ask first.” Iz: “But… I tried to ask…but, my mouth wouldn’t let me.” Lance and I hiding our chuckles behind closed doors…Lance: “Well, tell your mouth to let you tell us next time or your mouth will get in trouble.” Iz: “Ok, daddy.” I must say she had the most beautiful blue nose, forehead, and eyelids that I have ever seen.
Beyond the Elm 