Happy Birthday Man Cub

Our Man Cub turned twelve. 

A complete adoring, sensitive, compassionate, hardworking, smart, musical, caring dozen years of being our one and only boy child. 

Charlie's been working on his skills of desiring to be "just like Dad" when he grows up from the early years on and has perfected the look of the Mini Me of his Dad. 

The once chunky baby, has grown almost as tall as his Mama and can light the room with his sweet smile. He's quick to offer hugs, never goes to bed without saying his "I love you's" and, even though he fights well with his sisters, he still loves them all like any prince should when 

princesses are around. 

Playing his guitar and basketball continue to be his extra loves while doing chores remain low on the list of to-do's. Organization skills are lacking, but according to teen boy mom's, I'm prepared for further mess, stinky rooms and lack of tidiness being a lack of priority in his life. 

A happy dozen and parents to scream a dozen more times of how proud we are of what you've accomplished and will accomplish in your life. 

Thank you for loving Jesus and making it easy to love you. 

Happy Birthday Charlie!

 

{ Doin' the work.}

 { The handsome hunks of the home. }

 { Middle kid. We can always be so dramatic. This was a simple time-out turned into a complete meltdown. Parenting often requires the ability to not laugh while holding your ground. }

{ Adventurous is just one way to describe Charlie. }

 { After tourney hot shots with Nate Robinson }

{ I pray he always wants to be my date. }

{ E I G H T }

I know. This is late...
But better belated than never!


{ Mimi }

This past November Myriam turned eight years old. The weeks and days were counted down and anticipated Red Robin birthday sundae well deserved. She had been waiting for that one since my birthday in August and made it very clear how we'd celebrate this years birthday.
Lunch at Red Robin, jumping at Summit with family then dinner at McDonald's.
That last bit never happened for obvious reasons!


 { This face. }

Turning eight years old was a big deal in our home this year. Second grade, taking guitar lessons, impressed with how tall she is and calling herself a big kid are a few high lights.
I pray Myriam never gets too big to snuggle and the sweet side never gets lost.

 { The best snorkel smile ever. }

Cupcakes & Cider

Today was a good day. 

The kind of day that allowed Myriam to play hooky from school and do all things Auntie's favorite with Papa and Nana. From hiking at Lake Whatcom to dingy rides in Bellingham Harbor, playing at parks and lunches at the Web Locker... all things that brought joy to Auntie Traci. 

Today would have been my sister's 40th birthday. 

And as crazy as it may be, I wanted to remember and celebrate the day my mother gave birth to the oldest daughter; my big sister. 

A day that no mother will forget. 

So, we did just that. My parents played, the kids sang the birthday song, we ate cupcakes and gathered as family to remember, laugh, catch up and have reason to toast the life we all loved so much. I imagine my sister beaming with pride seeing family join together with reason to party. 

I caught myself smiling randomly throughout the day reminiscing over childhood birthday parties and all things celebratory. My sister was the best when it came to birthdays and honoring people. Gifts for no reason, confetti in cards and every gift having reason or connection to what that person adored. 

She never was without thought or concern for others. 

A gift she gave to all that had the blessing of meeting her. 

Happy 40th birthday sister. 

{ There are decades of memories on the water. }

{ Cupcakes & Cider }

 { Mom & Dad... they celebrated well. }

{ Even our flower girl came to celebrate today! }

Mama's Man Cub Turns 11

It's really hard to believe that our Charlie is eleven. 

In my eyes, he's still the chunky, blue-eyed baby that beamed with smiles when given any attention. The little man that adored snuggles and won the immediate affection from his big sister who quickly dressed him up, stuck him in baby doll strollers and became Mom's best helper. 

As he grew, so did his heart. Charlie has the biggest, most tender, compassionate, kind, servant-minded, thoughtful heart a mother could pray for. I've seen this on display many times before making me beam with pride. Opening the door for his Grandma, holding her hand to steady her feet, rubbing Nana's back to soothe her broken heart, protecting his Mama when needed and crying in the arms of his sister during the most traumatic moments of his little life. I've also seen his sportsmanship present on the court in earlier years making sure every player had a chance to touch the basketball during a game. Charlie's ability to be sensitive to others emotions is well beyond his years. 

As parents, yes, we have our moments of wondering what the little Man Cub was thinking, but with an overwhelming amount of love, we stand proud of who Charlie is and is becoming. 

 We have years to train our gentleman on how to close the kitchen cupboards, put his shoes in the bin and how to flip a sock right side out. Time to teach him how to properly put clean clothes away and pick up his room, so that, when the dreaded time comes for him to leave the nest he has life skills to impress his college friends or future bride to be. 

For now, we sit in awe of the responsibility God gave us to raise Charlie and thank God for every minute of laughter, snuggles, bedtime prayers and beaming smiles that bless this Mama's heart daily. 

Charlie, Mom and Dad are incredibly proud of you and love you. 

Happy eleventh Birthday!

{ Full of life. }

{ Surrounded by sisters. }

{ Best brother ever. }

A Day of Rescue

"I'm not going anywhere. I'm not leaving you. Not yet."

These were the words my sister shared with me a month before she passed.
As we sat in Red Robin, laughing over the need for straws and beverage stabilization, her hands shook tempting the lemon drop to fall into her lap. Her body weakening; her spirit fiercely fighting. We decided to order multiple appetizers since we couldn't land on one dinner option leaving us with a table full of food and conversation for hours. I'm sure it looked ridiculous honestly. The disease had clearly taken a tole on her appearance and, for what I think was the first time outwardly, looked really sick. Regardless of how she felt, we were going to enjoy our time as sisters.
It was in these conversations where I remember asking if anything had changed and if she was ready. 

What I loved most about my sister was her ability to calm the weary supporter. The ability to relay a message of peace and firmly causing me to believe that only God can have control of her earthly timeline. I let her say her peace, but inside I knew things were changing. 

And here I sit, two years after my sweet sister gained her heavenly citizenship; grieved but not without joy, broken but whole, empty but have all that I need. 

There's not a day that goes by without a thought of my sister passing through a memory. A day that goes by without a longing to call and share the embarrassing moment or frustrating situation in parenting. I will always want more time, more hugs, more shaky dates with lemon drops and straws, but I realized in the process of my healing, that she needed a rescue more than I needed an earthly sister to stand by my side. 

God works all things for His glory, at the right time and with His purpose which points to His Kingdom and power. I believe it; I know it; I read the truth and rest in those promises. It's still hard. Heaven is more real now than has ever been before. Three grandparents and a sister in two years is far too much for one family to experience yet alone process with young ones. Death changes you. Grief rearranges your priorities and places a filter on life that is hard to understand when it's not personal and within reach of your sphere. Giving my grief words can be a challenge some days and when needed my tears speak for the lost communication. 

God heard my sisters request of her spirit growing faint to this earthly world and sent an army to rescue her from the physical suffering and torment the ravishing disease was doing to her body. What settles my deep longing to pull my sister from Heaven is knowing the impact still taking place through her story and how God, in His infinite wisdom, orchestrated her beautiful rescue. 

He heard her.

He saw her. 

He sheltered her. 

He defended her. 

He found her. 

I'm confident that my sisters words would not change if she could shout down from Heaven...

"I'm not going anywhere. I'm not leaving you. Not yet."

Her message unwavering:
God is still good. 

Not every rescue looks the way we requested, planned or even want to experience. There is no goodbye willingly given to those you love. 

But, this I know... I needed a rescue as much as my sister received hers. 

God rescued me from intense grief, from a state of brokenness and loss that has turned to joy. 

God hears me, sees me, continues to shelter me and defend me. 

Today, I reflect on the moment my sisters hand slipped from mine and entered into the presence of God. 

Today, as a family, we remember the life that was lived with a contagious smile, laughter
and zest for adventure. 

I will raise my hands in worship, allow the tears to slip down my cheeks and embrace the army that has surrounded me here on earth separate from my sister. 

Happy Heavenly Birthday my sweet sister... You still haven't left me. 

Rocking Into My Tenth State Race

{ Reclaimed Ministry Small Group Training }

I love how God connects people. 

This past October I was in Alabama for a women's retreat where I met Christie and many others from My Springs Church in Mississippi. After spending a weekend together, I was intrigued by Christie's story and then invited to run with her at the New Orleans Rock and Roll 1/2 Marathon. 

 It was just a year ago that Christie and her husband Gabe woke up to the smell of smoke raging through their home. With nearly nothing on their backs and being eight months pregnant with their third child, Christie and her husband grabbed their older two kids and raced outside. The home, a family estate with generations of memories, devastated to the foundation. 

And yet, Christie still smiles. 

A hero in my book. 

This past weekend I was able to stand in their newly constructed home, be greeted with huge hugs, given the full home tour by sweet Annabelle, and was witness to God's faithfulness to this sweet family after processing an incredibly challenging year. 

My friends, from My Springs Church, introduced me to fried pickles, catfish, hushpuppies, chicken and okra. My grease lined stomach sadly missed out on the fried Oreos! But not to worry... after a little ministry work and Reclaimed Small Group Training, Christie and I drove to New Orleans to run that race she had so graciously invited me to. Due to a bum knee, Christie was only able to run the 10k, but that didn't bother me. I was happy to accomplish another state goal and cross another finish line to gain my tenth state towards my 50 by 50! And by far the most flat race only climbing a grand total of 23 feet. Refreshing after that last race...

It was after the race I continued my fried foods tour and experienced the deliciously powdered beignet. Amazing. Olive Garden's dessert has no leg to stand on over the real deal! Thanks to both Christie and her friend Lauren, I was able to see much of the landscape in the land of beads, jazz and parades before boarding my flight home to the land of snow, winds and school cancellations. 

Thank you to those that greeted me with such love and open arms in Collins, and to my running buddies that allowed me to cheer, encourage and maybe push them through the finish line. 

{ Christie & Lauren: hosts & running buddies. }

{ Celebrating the 10th state. }

{ Race is done..time for Cafe Beignet! }

Triple Threat

Our little Bumblebee turned three. 

Baylee has fully embraced the idea of attitudes, tempers and being the baby of the family. 

 Regardless of the little Irish spice, Baylee is loved and adored by all of us. 

Her smarts continue to grow and mouth never stops moving until she falls asleep at night. The conversation flows throughout the day and if you don't respond, Baylee will give you the words to say back to her. "Say Ahhh...say WOW...say that's not right!"

She still loves her animals, fruit snacks, baby dolls and TV favorites Little Einstein, Cleo & Cuquin and PJ Masks. 

Papa and Addison are the favorite family members but everyone is usually welcomed, hugged and invited into Miss Bee's conversation. 

Birthday parties were low key this year as what three year old really remembers the cake, candles and gifts? Doesn't mean we didn't celebrate and wish the happiest of birthdays to our BumbleBee.

Happy Birthday sweet Bee...let's work on keeping the terrible three threat to a minimum!

 

 { Birthday Treats. }

 

{ Always right by our sides. }

{ Keep smiling lil' BumbleBee! }

Christmas Adventures

It's been all things Christmas here lately. 

Addison and I have been binge watching on Holiday Netflix catching ourselves smiling back at the TV in the expected guy-gets-girl classic movie ending. We've even managed to boot the guys to the basement a few times claiming all things cheese upstairs. 

Myriam has been learning about other styles of Christmas celebrations at school making for some interesting conversations. Meanwhile, Baylee has been learning all things potty training being surprised to learn that pee is indeed yellow (we're finally making progress here!).The playroom tree has been redecorated a few times by our little's and Addison taught Myriam how to make snowflakes so for awhile there was a continual trail of white paper pieces cut up all over the floor. I'm happy to report there was no hair cutting... Knock on wood it's been two years since the last self-inflicted mane style. 

Charlie has been focused on basketball in-between learning some new Christmas songs on his guitar. The Man Cub is gaining skills and picks up sheet music very quickly! Not sure I'd let him lead worship quite yet... 

Good to have goals!

Baylee has been playing with her new Christmas Tree stuffy 'Tiny Piney.' Her curiosity around the tree is high but no ornaments have been broken or gifts unwrapped. Yes, I have presents under the tree and all the kids think they have figured out the number system on the presents. I keep telling them, "You're not even close!" That's been fun to watch as they all try to guess what the gifts are and which are their own. 

As for fun, well, we paid an obnoxious amount of money to see Enchant Christmas which was an overpriced display of lights with gigantic reindeer lost in a Christmas light maze. We planned to ice skate but it cost more money and the line was too long for the amount of patience or attention left in our group. Can't say I'd go again but the family time we had was great... And we had no meltdowns or runners. Win!

{ Safeco Field: Enchant Christmas }

Tim's work party was earlier this month making our party line up simple and small. Mom and I went to the NCCTK Christmas Concert providing cheer, songs and laughter. The gingerbread houses are decorated and already being picked at with all Christmas cards stamped, handed out or ready to be sent. Addison and Tim decorated the office tree together and later her and I played cards by tree light. The score was tied by the end of the night!

This past weekend we went to see The Grinch in theaters and after, met Baylee's newest 1/2 sister at the hospital. There was a special moment as Naomi and I entered the nursery being asked who Mom was to Baylee. She without hesitation replied, "We both are!" Tim and I are very proud of the person and mom Naomi has become. We were happy to celebrate with the family!

My kitchen counters have a delicious display of cookies quickly disappearing into the hands of hungry children and Christmas music is usually always playing somewhere in the home.

My favorite part of December this far is the quiet moments sitting in my prayer chair with just the twinkle lights from the tree and fire mantel lighting the living room. Something magical happens starring at the Christmas tree. My thoughts get lost, memories reappear and excitement of 

what's to come brings a contented smile to my face. 

 

{ Welcoming baby Noella. }

I love all things Christmas. 

Yes, there are people missing but the beauty of Christmas remains. 

The Christmas crafts will continue and advent calendar opened daily. This next week Christmas breaks begins for the kids and the wish for snow becomes real. Our Christmas Day movie line up is already decided and groceries purchased for holiday snacks and meals. 

Baby Jesus... We are ready for You!

Merry Christmas. 

Perfect Seven Celebrations

{ Sweet seven. }

This sweet thing when asked what kind of birthday party she wanted, explained without any hesitation, "I want angels. I want everyone to be all in white and have it all be about angels because I want everyone to know that God loves us so much He sent us angels to protect us and love us."

Myriam's request has not changed in two months since asking; her interest and understanding of angels has grown in that time too. With her angel feather wings and angel crown perfectly placed, we together got our best white on and celebrated all seven years of Myriam Judith's life. 

 { No stains occurred during party hours. }

Myriam was surrounded by those she loves: Kendall (the babysitter), Judy (the reading buddy), Papa & Nana, Auntie Lindsay & cousins, Grandpa Doug, Uncle Ryan, Uncle Kari, & Kendra who stopped by earlier today (another sitter). What I loved most was watching all the facial expressions from opening gifts to receiving love. Myriam has no lack of feelers and she got her tank filled full today. 

It was such an honor to celebrate her well today! Myriam has worked so hard this past year and to have a day where it was all about her was perfect. 

{ Can't believe this happened seven years ago already. }

I will never forget standing, maybe pacing, outside the delivery room and hearing the sounds of Myriam's first cries when her bio-dad bursted out the door and shared she was here. It was incredible; no words can capture what happened in that one single moment. Standing here seven years later...a joyful gift indeed. 

Thank you to those who came today and to those who have prayed for this birthday girl from paper pregnancy until present day. 

Myriam will be a world changer someday. She will make others laugh and share joy in the darkest of places. Her love of Jesus will light up rooms, change peoples lives and multiply the Kingdom. Myriam has grown up so much this past year both in heart and height. Mommy and Daddy are waiting in anticipation for how God will use this high energy, intense loving, and curiosity seeking princess in our own lives and those of others. 

Myriam Judith... You are such a gift of love and joy in our lives. 

Myriam: longed for, wished for. 

Your name can't be more true.

Desert Adventures Part Three

Grand Canyon (9th state)
Horseshoe Bend
3:08 time
230 of 791 total runners

32 of 106 in my age division (30-39)

111 of 516 all female

14 miles total

1650 ft. in elevation

Waking up this morning meant packing up the tent and loading the car completely. Addi and I had already packed the suitcases the night before so it was a matter of rolling up bags by lanterns light.  The challenge is getting out of your sleeping bag into the low forty temperatures to dress and get going. I was so proud of Addison for rocking the runners tent life.

Once again, we were met with sludge for coffee and I'm thankful I packed a few Starbuck Via's to make my few sips go down a little easier. There was an overall sigh being this was the last day of the race, but also community tenderness in everyone's steps. I love the enthusiasm that greeted runners and overall spirit of community in base camp. Even though there are hundreds of people you start to recognize faces after a few days. I was entertained hearing where everyone was from and finding out their own running journey. Many of the participants had never ran on trail, elevation over five hundred feet or miles past double digits. I can't imagine how sore every joint and muscle would be without the training I committed to do. 

We again had to drive a distance to the shuttle parking lot near the start line. Addison really wanted to watch me start a race so she snuck in the shuttle rather than waiting this time for the spectator shuttle. With everyday, the start line opened up at seven thirty and then became a rolling start as the runners made their way to the line. This benefited the race congestion especially since many trails were single track. 

{ Waiting for the shuttle bus and blessed with this incredible sunrise. #nofilter }

{ State #9 done. }

{ Day three begins... }

Today's race made for my ninth state as I ran in Arizona near Horseshoe Bend. Originally, the course had all runners going ten miles. With the threat of rain later in the morning and the past few days rain, the Waterslot Canyons proved too dangerous to have all of us crazies trampling up and down a ladder into the skinny canyons. The pictures looked amazing so I was a little disappointed, but grateful I didn't have to swim my way out if a flash flood arrived. That said, the new course added an additional two miles to the final day race. In reality, it turned out to be fourteen miles on the most 

technical surface I've ran on ever. 

Think of fragile crepes, layered fifty thick and not being sure if they are secure enough to put your weight on... this is just a little of what I ran on. Layers of thin sand harden making the surface never flat or level and then add in seven miles of soft beach canyon sand. Parts of the out and back course (there was zero trails just markers to keep you from getting lost) forced you into skinny rock formations that had you scaling down and back up on the way back. Only one person at a time could pass. Absolutely crazy. 

The Grand Canyon by far gave me the most challenge physically and emotionally. The view did not in fact disappoint which kept me running and also knowing the finish line was miles away pushed me to keep running. 

{ A success just to keep the pink ribbon in view while navigating the terrain. }

{ What went down, must climb back up. }

Golden

14 on the 14th.

A golden birthday. 

I can still remember the feeling of seeing Addison for the first time ... numb from the arms down due to an emergency c-section. The nurse and Tim had to help hold my arms in place to hold her for the first time. Not how I imagined it would be but it was indeed perfection resting in my arms. 

Addison has been our sweet joy from day one. We are often taken back by her maturity, wisdom, responsibility and also her goofiness that randomly makes an appearance. Organized, structured and routine in her studying habits and dailies. Never do I need to tell her to make her bed; she just does it. 

God has given our oldest the gift of a creative eye and skill that we pray someday will be used to bless others. It already has many times over. 

Her heart is for others overflowing with compassion and understanding when she sees an emotional need. 

It was my job to bring some golden cheer to her classroom on Friday and to celebrate with Addi ... 

regardless if she wanted it or not! So, with gold bedazzled cupcakes, 14 gold balloons, a jar of golden wrapped candy and a golden colored drink, Nana and I, along with the little helper, brought the celebration to school. 

13,870 Days

Your eyes saw my unformed substance; in your book were written, every one of them, the days that were formed for me, when as yet there was none of them. 

Psalm 139:16

This verse has become one that I park on often. 

I sit in my chair having conversations with God about why some people have fewer days than others and why far too many can't even take their first breath before already fulfilling their ordained amount of days destined to live. I can honestly say that if I knew how many days left I had to live, I would live differently. Don't fool yourself - you would do the same. 

I would take the time to update all the kids' scrapbooks (I'm a solid three years behind) and baby books (haven't even started Baylee's) writing them letters to read on their graduation day and wedding day (goals). I would organize my crap (it's called crafting; not crap) so others didn't have to filter through what I call treasure. I would travel with my family, take long walks with My Love, snuggle with my babies and stare at them all night long (yes, I would be creepy, weepy mom). I would sneak love notes throughout Tim's daily life so he would never forget his bride. 

The reality is God knew life would become exceedingly far too much if we all had an expiration date stamped on our life that we could track until completion. 

I officially have outlived my sister on this 38th birthday of mine. 

13,870 days old. 

I've lived 72 days longer than my big sister. 

Traci knew her days were growing shorter, but never did she stop living. 

She loved more. Laughed harder. Forgave quicker.

Death forces you to reevaluate your life. I've done more pondering, mediating and worshipping in the past year and half than I have in years. I've chosen to live like it could be my last. 

I chose the word pursue for my word this year. To pursue my family more fiercely,  to grow deeper in my faith, to pursue God's calling in my life more obediently and to learn to say no to noise and say yes to me. It's been an amazing year of growth and learning which has produced opportunities I never thought would be possible and challenges I never wanted to tackle. 

Today I celebrate the pursuit of life because I can with dark chocolate cupcakes, running shoes, Bible Study and my little blessings that can make me laugh and cry all in the same moment. I celebrate knowing I am loved deeply by a man I never thought I was deserving of and have a family that would follow me around the world. 

13,870 days of being loved well. 

I pray God grants me another day tomorrow so I can love even more, laugh even harder, fight for my dreams with more passion and seek God with no boundaries. I will live every day forward with the inspiration I gained from being loved by my sister; she made and still makes me a better person. 

Most importantly, I will live and celebrate knowing God pursued me long before I was even born, already having a purpose and passion calling placed in my life. 

I was no mistake. 

For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother's womb. I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well.

Psalm 139:13-14

Sweet Sixteen

Together for nineteen years; married for sixteen.

We love nothing more than to disgust our kids with a kiss.

We know very well what makes the other one tick.

We finish each others thoughts and sentences.

As much as a night away sounds enjoyable, we both would rather fall asleep in our bed that has a permanent crease from holding each other all night long. 

We're blessed with memories filled with air miles and suitcases and never would imagined that we'd have the amazing tribe we're responsible for in our home. 

There have been days where liking the other was harder than loving, but at the end of the day, I would want nothing other than just us.

You and me.

Happy Anniversary to Us.

A Mother's Day Road Trip

Road trips. Not my favorite. 

If planned well, they can be tolerable.
Making sure you have ample car snacks is key to any road trip... that, and not scratched DVDs if possible! We loaded up on Starbucks and headed south on I-5 after the kids got home from school, managing to avoid most traffic, where we finally made it to our destination of Seaside, OR. Our heads hit the pillow just a little before midnight. It's a parenting success when you can transfer multiple sleeping kids to their own beds. Win. 

With full bellies from the nothing special breakfast at the Pig 'N' Pancake, our tribe made our way to feed the seals and play on the beach. Two must do's when visiting the ocean side town; breakfast special and the Aquarium. The seals are hilarious to watch as they show off for snacks, slapping their tummies and barking for attention. Always entertaining no matter your age.
From there the kids spun in circles on the carousel followed by time with the big kid (Daddy) in the arcade. Later that day we headed a little further south to Depoe Bay...things have changed slightly since we were there last...some had hair, others had shorter hair and no ring grazed my finger. We look like babies.

{ Notice I caught the bigger fish. }

Trifecta of Celebrations

Death. Marriage. Birthdays.
"There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under heaven."
Ecclesiastes 3:1

"...a time to be born and a time to die..."

April 17th, 2018.
Grandpa Broersma (a.k.a Cookie Grandpa) passed away after a failing mind for the past few years and a brief battle with congested heart failure. Grandpa was a stubborn man which is why he fought so hard in the end. I had the honor of visiting with Grandpa in the hospital the day he passed.
Nothing was more touching than witnessing forever love having to say goodbye. Watching Grandma's silent tears stream down her face, knowing those hours were her last with Grandpa, spoke of such tenderness that grew in their relationship.
Being married into the family, I can't divulge any family secrets or stories growing up together. The few years I did have with Grandpa Broersma were profound.
Grandpa guided Tim and I financially giving advice into budgeting and even carrying a small loan for us in the beginning of our marriage. There was never a moment that wasn't teachable. Even when Tim would borrow a garden tool, there was a lesson in how to return it cleaned and put in the exact spot it was found. If I were to list two things that I learned from Grandpa they would be stewardship and wisdom.
How Grandpa lived his life, from taking care of his home and "stuff" he owned to how he managed his life, stewardship and wisdom would cover it all. A straight forward, no fluff, called it as he saw it type of guy. One that loved his cookies in the cabinet by the TV (which all the grandkids know about) to lunch at just the right time in his private office downstairs; Grandpa was precise, scheduled, predictable and yet, in the last few years soft and gentle, sweet and romantic.
You could, and still can, see Grandma glow when she talks about her marriage.
What an incredible gift that is to all the family and a gift to all the grandson's to witness.
Tim grew up across the street from Grandma and Grandpa so you can imagine all the stories he has from his earlier years. One of his favorite pictures is of Grandpa just letting go of his bike without training wheels while Tim takes off pedaling. All that you see is pride on Grandpa's face; excitement and joy on Tim's.
Grandpa, our kids miss you already and Tim has lost a legacy in your journey Home.

Death Clarified Life

"And when Jesus had cried out again in a loud voice, He gave up His spirit.
At that moment the curtain of the temple was torn in two from top to bottom. The earth shook and the rocks split. The tombs broke open and the bodies of many holy people who had died were raised to life. They came out of the tombs, and after Jesus' resurrection they went into the holy city and appeared to many people.
When the centurion and those with him who were guarding Jesus saw the earthquake and all that had happened, they were terrified, and exclaimed, "Surely He was the Son of God!"
Matthew 27:51-54

Death clarifies priorities.

Not the priorities on the 'to do list' for the day, but those priorities that lead to eternal life.
I catch myself getting caught up in the busy routine of life, chasing kids and my husband, when first, I should be chasing God and the family running after me. Those things that seem important for the day really could wait as many times it's just added noise.
I recently completed a thirteen week course on grief as my world turned upside down this past year and found myself needing to check this box off to reassure my grief was on the right track.
As informative as the class was, my biggest take away was a few key scriptures and phrases that will stick with me for a long while.

If there was no sin, there would be no reason for the crucifixion.
If there was no sacrifice on the cross, there would be no reason to hope.
If there was no death, there would be no resurrection.
If there was no resurrection, there would be no eternal life or forgiveness.

Jesus' death on the cross clarified our purpose as believers and extended eternal life to all sinners.
With any life altering situation, death or pain, it truly does clarify what's important to you.
Nine years ago, Tim and I sat on our living room floor on Good Friday, serving each other communion as our first marriage died and we allowed God to give us a second chance at us.
The betrayal clarified our focus on what was real and a priority in our family.
Without Jesus' death on the cross, there would have been no reason to fight for our marriage. There would be no reason to forgive or to seek mercy from others.

Without death there would be no hope.

"He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away."
Revelation 21:4

As I've been reflecting on Good Friday and what is to come on Sunday, I can't help but think about the good that has come from death.
Forgiveness. Grace. Mercy. Love. Hope. A reinstated purpose to live more for today.

God tells us in Matthew 6:34 to, "not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself." The challenge to stay in today is forever an issue as fallen humans living in a world of worry and fret.
The promise and hope in Jesus' death, is we know what is coming in three days... life.

"He was despised and rejected by men, a man of sorrows, and familiar with suffering...
For he bore the sin of many, and made intercession for the transgressors."
Isaiah 53:3, 12b

Double Digits

Oh Charlie.

Mama's Man Cub.

It's unreal that time flew by this fast and you are now living in the double digits; ten years old. 

You were an active little cub in my tummy and things outside have not slowed down much at all. 

Playing basketball probably ranks top on your list of things to do. You are just as compassionate on the court as you are off; putting others first and making sure everyone is included. You are a natural teacher and that shows even in the home. 

Sure, all the princesses can be obnoxious and a bit dramatic, but you can be as well. Baylee has officially surpassed your time out drama fits with her Irish temper. You still show us glimpses of that drama here and there which, you can attest to this, are usually met with laughter from Mom and Dad as you allow the girls to get the best of you. 

That said, you are the perfect brother and protector of these princesses you call sisters. God gave you such an incredibly important roll as their one and only brother. Thank you for loving them, playing and joking around, engaging into toddler activities and accepting them for who they are. 

You have a huge heart. You are a servant. You are handsome with a beaming smile. You are caring, thoughtful and athletic. 

Mom and Dad have so many prayers for you, but first and foremost, is that Jesus becomes real to you; that you would pursue a relationship with the Creator who gave you life. 

We are so proud of you for conquering so many things this past year. 

Ten years old. Hard to believe. 

We are excited to celebrate you and wish you...

Happy Tenth Birthday!

 { Life in a house of girls. }

 { Love is the root; even though it may appear they could possibly tear each other apart. }

 { Basketball adventures with the Ninjas. }

{ No fear; always willing to try something new! }