Friends!

What a gift friendship is! We were so blessed to have family and friends visit us over the weekend! I knew I was 'homesick' (whatever that means) but getting to see our friends and family over the weekend felt like receiving a cold drink of water after going without for far too long! We had such a great time laughing, talking, and hanging out! Will and Austyn rode the hills of town several times over! It was so cool to see them getting right back into their friendship and having fun times. We are always looking forward to the next time God brings us together but also have much to be thankful to God for. Thanks for coming Sylvia and DuPeire's! Until next time...

A friend knows the song in my heart and sings it to me when my memory fails.~Donna Roberts

Friendship isn't a big thing - it's a million little things.~Author Unknown

Sista Time...

Recently, a couple of my sisters and mom were able to slip away from our lives and get away for a day. In arranging the event, I made it seem like they needed it as much as or possibly more than I needed it. Truth is, even tho I knew they all needed it, I needed to be with my sisters and mom--or at least as many of them as I could--for a day. And it was good! We had a hugely successful time and I can't remember when I laughed so hard. What a blessing my sisters are!

I found this quote about sisters... She is your mirror, shining back at you with a world of possibilities. She is your witness, who sees you at your worst and best, and loves you anyway. She is your partner in crime, your midnight companion, someone who knows when you are smiling, even in the dark. She is your teacher, your defense attorney, your personal press agent, even your shrink. Some days, she's the reason you wish you were an only child. ~Barbara Alpert

For me, it's all true except for the last sentence. I've never found myself wishing I were an only child...even when one of them was sitting on me so I couldn't attempt to beat the thunder out of her. God truly blessed me with all four of my sisters...and all six of my brothers too.

Fourth of July Family Style

We took a quick trip to visit Dirk's family and had a great time celebrating our freedom!

Surprise Visitors!

I was sure the kids were joking when they came into the house to tell me that their Aunt Yvette was here. It was so fun to have them come and surprise us with a quick visit. I love my family so much and feel so blessed that she and her husband chose to stop by and visit us on their way home from their vacation. Thanks for visiting, Sister! I love you!


Although this was their chosen mode of vacation transportation, we jumped in our faithful mini van and went to town for lunch. What a blessing the visit was.

Family Time

We were blessed to have family visit for the weekend! In spite of the busy schedule we had a good time! The Corn Hole challenge on Sunday was fun and lunch was pretty great too!

Grandma's Roses

I wrote earlier about one of my favorite memories being my grandma's flower gardens. She had SO many! When she lived on her and my grandpa's farm, I remember what seemed like fields of iris. But when she lived in town, I remember her roses and peony's most of all. After her funeral today, I asked one of my aunts if it would be ok to take one of her roses. Thankfully, she was all for it, so I found one that seemed to be saying 'take me' and now it sits in a jar on my table. Pretty soon, it will obviously wilt and die but for today, I am enjoying the memory of a beautiful life that touched so many... what a legacy she left behind. I hope you enjoy the photo of my grandma's rose.

My Grandma

My grandma passed away yesterday. I am still in awe of her! She was 100 years old! The cool thing is that her mind was unbelievably clear. I will remember her for many things, especially her HUGE flower gardens, angel food cake, full cheecks, my quilt that she made which is like a security blanket, her cup and saucer collection, and for her tenacious spirit that I enherited. :) Goodbye, Grandma. I'll see you another day.

The Wedding!

On Saturday, the most beautiful bride walked down the aisle to her prince charming. We were honored to watch as Beck and Shannon were married in Kansas. I don't think I've ever seen a more beautiful bride! It was kind of hard to realize that just yesterday she was the little girl who was at my own wedding. As they played the music "God Bless the Broken Road" to begin the ceremony, I couldn't help but cry. My, but life goes by fast! Congratulations, Beck and Shannon!

Kristina, Sarah, Beck, and her third little sister, Ally

The happy couple!

They are so in love! Woo-Hoo!!!

CONGRATULATIONS, ADAM!!!!

Woo-Hoo! My nephew, Adam, just graduated in Kansas last weekend. He and Cole have been buds since they were babies so it was pretty sentimental watching him walk across that stage but we are so hugely [I know, not a word] proud of him! He has stood up, overcome, and conquered! It's off to college and a whole open world of opportunities! We love you, Adam!

Adam and Beck! Only two weeks until her wedding.

The Farber Family. I love my sister and her family is pretty great too.

The Newlywed Game!

This weekend we had a shower for my wonderful niece and her soon to be husband. Some people were just not that terribly excited (the men) that it was a COUPLES shower, so we did our best to change their perception AND have some fun in the process. Dirk acted as the host of the game show and asked the contestants questions not meant to cause friction but bring the couple's together. Their was loads of laughs (and quite a few even came from the men). My mom and stepdad were the winners with the engaged couple coming in second. Of course, after that, there was lots of food and more laughing. So, if you are in need of a host for your next fun night, give Dirk a call! :)


It was REALLY good to be with my mom and sister!

Visiting Grandma's House

This is my husband and sister. Their relationship began with her accidently calling him 'Dork' instead of Dirk and the joking hasn't stopped since. Dirk is always giving Niceta a hard time about something or other. On this day, he was digging strawberry and flower plants to take to one of my other sisters.
Ally and Kristina are almost exactly 8 months apart in age. They both LOVE basketball and giving their older siblings a hard time so when they get together it's definitely payback time for the older ones! :)
Adam and Cole have been close since they were babies. Adam and his sister would sometimes come stay with us and they've been hanging out and having fun ever since. Adam is graduating this year. That means Cole isn't far behind... *sniff*.
Will just likes hanging out at Grandma and Grandpa's.