Long Lake June 25-27

Finally, some time at Long Lake with the fam. The kids had a great time swimming, fishing, and visiting with Kevin, Carol, and Grandpa. We are so thankful for our summer family.

Change is tough...

This morning Pastor Greg preached an excellent sermon; very convicting. He is working through the book of James, which I should be required to read daily. He was talking about having control over our words. So much of what we say, should be left unsaid. I heard his words as if he was speaking only to me. Words have such power. I have struggled with this sin more than any other, and I hate it. Thankfully, conviction leads to change and the Lord is willing to help the repentant heart. 

Last week I wrote down these verses in James to commit to memory:

And the tongue is a fire, a world of iniquity. The tongue is so set among our members that it defiles the whole body, and sets on fire the course of nature; and it is set on fire by hell. James 3: 6

But no man can tame the tongue. It is an unruly evil, full of deadly poison. With it we bless our God and Father, and with it we curse men, who have been made in the similitude of God. Out of the same mouth proceed blessing and cursing. My brethren, these things ought not to be so. James 3: 8-10.

Ouch!  Do I bless God and curse men with the same mouth? Every day. Sometimes, shamefully, maybe every hour. Do I want my kids to speak this way? Absolutely not. Change is tough, but I am thankful that since the Lord has shown me my sin, He will also provide a way out of it. I am thankful that we have a God who is quick to forgive, and for a Pastor who is willing to preach the hard truth.

Dance Recital 2011

The annual dance recital was a bittersweet time for our family. This was the first year that my kids can remember that I haven't
taught dance. Emily started toddling off to dance class with me when she was two, and Megan danced for nine months in utero, and then resumed classes when she was eighteen months old. I started a mommy-and-me class so Megan and Kylie could take dance. 

It was wonderful to spend the day of the recital preparing my girls, and only my girls. I miss my students, but really enjoyed just being a mom to Emily and Megan that day. Eileen and Sarah did an excellent job, and the show was a lot of fun. We ended the night at the Hog Wild with friends and family.

                                                I had most of these girls in dance for many years.

                                                     This was Miss Sarah's last year teaching.

Megan did a nice job with her cute little routines. It was fun to watch Emily this year, as she has developed some real stage presence. It is amazing how much kids change in their skill set from year to year.

Wisconsin Dells

So, I'm back dating this journal to catch up on our spring. I had a breastfeeding class in Wisconsin Dells that Aaron and the kids were able to tag along to. We stayed at the Great Wolf Lodge, and they had a blast. One of the times we were getting out of the wave pool, we were standing by a lounge chair putting our swim covers and flip flops on to go up to our room. I turned around and Owen had taken all of his clothing off! He thought it was time to take his swimsuit off in the middle of the water park.

Stones at Faith's Lodge

This stone will be placed in Faith's Garden to remember the twins.

I just received an e-mail with these pictures of our memorial stones. They are at F.L., but not in place yet. Drew's stone will be placed on the wall in the large entry way at Faith's Lodge. There are far too many stones lining that wall. Each name representing a precious little soul that is deeply missed and loved.


Thank you to everyone who gave memorial gifts to Faith's Lodge in Drew's name. We appreciate your love and support SO much!

This sentiment is from a card that a friend gave me on Drew's six-month birthday:

What is it about that little date-six months after? Or is it before? The same number on the page-but a different month of the year. Leaves on a tree, where none will be six months from now. Lowering clouds overhead where blue sky and sleepy white mists hung six moons back. The number now holds more-more because the one we long for came to us then. And so- even at some other place on the calendar, our hearts jerk at the reminder -one of the few things we have that belonged to this one who stayed so shortly. No half-birthday did we celebrate with them. No six month after. But that special number now holds more.

Summer is flying by

It's been a great summer so far. We have been busy non-stop.

Aaron started the summer by spending a week in Canada fishing with Grandpa Warren, Uncle Kevin, and Lon Williams.

Two weeks ago we started Bible classes at our church. At the end of the series you have an opportunity to become members of the church. We have been at this church since 2003 (mostly) so it is about time we think about membership.

I have been busy battling the baby fat. I've started Zumba at Steps Studio, and let me tell you, it is such a fun workout. Some of my best friends go, and we just have a blast sweating together. Unfortunately, my mom is dealing with some stiff joints, so she is taking a Zumba sabbatical.

Our little buddy Tanner Buck spent a week at the U of M hospital to "tune up" his CF. We are so thankful that he is now home and doing well. Soon to be done with his iv meds. Praise God!

Last weekend we went to Joyful Noise Family Fest in Blaine, MN. This is a day of music, bounce houses, and food. We loved sharing the day with Andersons, Bucks, and Mangelsons. Casting Crowns ended the day with their amazing music and worship. We were filled with a mixture of emotions to hear "Drew's Song,"  Praise You in this Storm, performed live. Very powerful day. The next day, June 12, marked 6 months since Drew was born. We celebrated the day by picking out and planting trees and plants in memory of our sweet little boy. It was a big day for us.

I have been very busy with work lately. The kids have had different outings each day while I am away. Emily has been coming with me to a local breastfeeding support group to play with the toddlers that come. On Thursdays, Emily and her cousins go to the United Pioneer Home to play bingo with the residents. She has been enjoying her visits there.

Owen just came in to tell me a story, so I must sign off for now:)

Why blog?

I've decided to become a blogger. Why, I ask, would I try to maintain a blog when I can't even keep the weeds out of our community garden or see the floor in my laundry room? I've been convinced through following other blogs that it is a great way to archive our fast-paced life, and to keep somewhat of a family journal. So, here goes...