Life As We Know It

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!

What to do in a tornado watch...

The weather hasn't been the best around here lately. Usually, I am on top of the forecast between the internet and the weather channel but for some reason Polar Bowler got in the way of my usual diligence. (BTW, I'll save Polar Bowler for another days explanation.) The sirens caught me off guard needless to say. The first storm came through with a vengence and definitely had us in prayer mode. Some friends called right in the middle of the storm needing a place to stop so we did have the comforting time of fellowship for some of it. Then the friends decided to head for home and we kept getting reports of another storm heading our way. Not having a basement, encouraged me to seek shelter at our church. So, what better way to get through a storm than in the company of friends. Several of us happened to be in need of the basement's shelter so we ended up having a good time in spite of our husband's deciding to head out in between the storms to check for damages. After getting our thoughts on that subject in line(which I won't share), we had a time of prayer and thankfully, God did protect them and us from the second onslaught.

Playing cards to pass the time!

Sophie and Matt!

Chad and Aric.

For some reason Kristy didn't enjoy the cards as much as some of us did on this night. It might have something to do with the Queen of Spades... :)

M & M's!!!!

Sophie had m&m's last night. Can you tell she liked them? I don't think I have ever seen anyone eat them faster!

Seventeen!

Our firstborn just turned 17! It really doesn't even begin to seem possible. I think most mothers agree that their children grow up way too fast. I tried to take all the well-meaning mothers' advice who have gone before me and enjoy each step, and for the most part, I have. But they still grow up too fast. There is no slowing down the process and in my heart of hearts, I don't want that for any of my children. But as for myself, I wish each day would last a little longer than the one before. I remember so well the day Cole arrived. Ahead of schedule and in his own way. He's always been like that. Happy birthday, Coley, I love you!

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.

Maggie!

Our friend, Maggie, rode a bus all the way from Ohio to visit us last week. It was so great to have her stay with us!

Ally REALLY LOVED having Maggie with us. It definitely helped even the odds of having a male dominated house!

Even tho we are miles apart we keep her in our prayers, especially that she will choose God in everything.

Yep, she just seems like part of the family! We will miss her!

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!!!

Having Fun

Will, Ally, Maggie, and Tanner hanging out after the younger kids were gone.

Kristy, Dean and Cole...One of the few moments Kristy looks like she's behaving herself. ;)

Jordan was overseeing Matt and Dirk's work on the grill.

Yum! Beef!

Atheena, Tiffany, and Jennifer relaxing in the shade.

Ally and Sofie.

Cole and Chad after a long day.