TWO WEDDINGS, TWO FUNERALS

This is one of those posts that's more for me then anyone else. In the past few weeks I have attended two weddings and two funerals along side grieving the loss of both my grandparents whom requested no memorial services after their passing. To say the least I feel emotionally spent. Don't get me wrong, there has been joy and much celebration in participating in two weddings and there was the magical mystery of love. I have been in awe of how God brings two individuals together to share in life's journey. It was the Memorial services that really leave one thinking. The two gentleman that passed away where both men of strong character and faith. It was clear at both services that these two men had both left an incredible legacy of love, faith and joy to their friends and family. The services were packed with loved ones from all areas of life. In each case their memorial was one of celebration, it was a time to honor their lives and reflect on the goodness each had brought and left to this world. As both men where faithful followers of Christ, it was a definite comfort to know who they are standing with now.

I am finding it difficult to not know where my grandparents are. Emotions of sadness, confusion and even anger sweep over me as I reflect on the possibility of them not being with our savior. The questions posed at Sam's service, was "What kind of a legacy will you leave behind"? I am challenged by this question and hope in the depths of my heart that the legacy I and my husband leave behind is one of Faith , Hope and Love for many generations to come. As I attended the weddings I reflected on the story of "us" that my husband and I share and was reminded to continually seek the best for one another in love. It is good to be reminded of where we once where and how far we've come, it has also stirred in us a desire to be more mindful of where we are going and how to get there. In the same way a funeral reflects a glaring reminder that all of this is just temporary! What we choose to do with our life can either bless or curse others. The choice is ours everyday!

NOW AUNTIE, THAT'S A TRUCK!!!

So my sister says she got herself a new truck and the kids just about jumped out of their skin when Auntie pulled up in this rig. They even got to go for a ride with Lucy in the sleeper. Gods speed on all your many travels cross country Sis... may the horses thank you for such a nice strong truck to get them safely to their destination and may you be more comfortable and safe too. Congrat's! You are the coolest Auntie in the world!

ITCHING FOR SPRING!

JUST JEEPIN AROUND!

The kids got their first vehicle! A Jeep! Thanks M- they love it! There is a bit of a funny story behind getting this Jeep! My friend offered it to us, as her kids had out grown it. The two of us try to cram it into my husbands Ford Taurus, that in it self was hilarious. To say the least that didn't work! It wasn't till our family took a second trip up North a few weeks later that the story really turns nutty. My friend tells me that they are going to be out of town, so she gives me the garage code to enter and get the Jeep. Our family had a late night and where passing by her area so we decided to swing up to get the Jeep instead of doubling back in the morning. We arrive to a very dark house so we press in the code and the garage opens. Low and behold, there sat the family SUV. They where home! Oops! Scott and I went into stealth mode and transferred the Jeep to our mini-van as fast as we could and took off like a couple of thieves in the night. The scene was hilarious to me, as I looked back at my sleeping kids with a stolen Jeep in the back and my husband burning rubber in a mini-van. I thought the police lights would soon be behind us. M-sorry if we scared you guys! The kids are having a blast in their new Jeep... Thanks so much!

A LONGING FOR HOME!

I love living in Oregon, don't get me wrong, there are just some days when "There is no place like home!"

SO MUCH TO DISCOVER

Mama and Luke had a date yesterday. We finally made our way to a great childrens discovery world called Gilbert House. My little man loved every minute of his hands on freedom to play with new gigets and gadgets and sites to see, things to climb and sounds to hear.

LOVE LIVING BY THE RAILWAY!

Seams that most places we've moved, we've been blessed by the sound of the railway. In Kentucky it was a bit to close. Here it is just right, when you lay in bed at night you can listen as the strong engines pass by, giving warning at each crossing.

CONGRATULATIONS ERIN AND ANDY!

THERE ONCE WAS A GIRL

There once was a girl with a little tiny curl, right in the middle of her forehead. When she was good , she was very, very good but when she was bad she was....

WILL SHE EVER PUT THE CAMERA DOWN?

My husband, my best friend. The supporter of my aspirations and dreams. The greatest daddy ever. The most patient and loving man I know. My partner in life and legacy. I love this man with all my heart, even when he gives me looks like this! Honestly, Scott is just about as into this camera thing as I am, so don't let his expression fool you. He is a shutter bug too and is one of my biggest supporters. I love you, Hun! So to answer the questions your eye's propose... the answer is NO!

THE JOY OF BEING 6 AND 2!

This picture of Luke captures his 2 year old determined spirit to figure things out in life. Here he is trying to master daddy's rubix cube! Absolutly love the lifted eyebrow! And lets not forget the playfulness of 6 year old Sis...it's all about style, fashion and matching these days! May you never loose the child within you!

HAPPY NEW YEAR!

New Years Day we went on a hunt for snow to welcome in 2008! Luke and Makayla had a blast and the kid in mom and dad came out to play too. Happy New Year Everyone!