Wednesday, April 30, 2014

Firsts


First Easter basket for the baby! She may not be AS excited as her brothers, but she does don those bunny ears like a champ.



First Easter spent with family in 7 years! The boys loved their special egg hunt!




Macy and I missed the egg hunt in attempts of a nap. It was a failure, but definitely not the first vetoed nap by this little Miss.



The obligatory Easter best family picture! I sure do have a handsome crew.




Baby's first Easter dress, picked out by her brothers.


 



6 days after getting family all together for Easter, we all gathered once again.

This time is was because the first spring thaw had come through and the ground was no longer frozen. We were finally able to bury my Grandmother and have a small graveside service for her on a cool, sunny day.

It is not the first time that I have been to my grandparent's house since my Grandma passed away. I was there the following day, helping plan her funeral. I was there before the visitation and than after the funeral. It is sad. It is weird. It is normal. It is my grandparent's house.

But always that first swing of the door, the familiar smell, the glow of the wood, the sound of talking, that first step on to the threshold, it hits me like a load of bricks. I strain to hear her voice, to hear her beckon me in. That first step into the house takes my breath away. By the time I have put the carseat down, taken off little shoes and hung up coats, I have recovered and can breathe. But oh that first step, that first breath... it hits me every single time.

This grieving thing. It is a first for me. I have lost family members before, and I was deeply saddened and affected. But the loss of my grandmother is still processing in my heart and mind. Never before have I lost someone so close to me, so close to my heart, so intricately involved in my life.

I am so very thankful that I have the family I do, the grandmother I had, and the love that we all share for each other and those around us. It helps. It helps to heal. It helps to be able to watch my kids play outside with my Grandfather. For him to build the first bonfire of the season and sit and watch the embers glow. It helps to know that everyone is happy to be together, even if there is a gigantic hole missing. We all just miss her so very much. Family time was her very favorite thing. I know that she would be so happy to see us all together. And that makes me smile and miss her all the more. 

It wouldn't be the first time and it certainly won't be the last time.





Sunday, April 20, 2014

The Best Sunday!





Amazing grace
How sweet the sound
That saved a wretch like me
I once was lost, but now I'm found
Was blind, but now I see

'Twas grace that taught my heart to fear
And grace my fears relieved
How precious did that grace appear
The hour I first believed

My chains are gone
I've been set free
My God, my Savior has ransomed me
And like a flood His mercy reigns
Unending love, amazing grace

The Lord has promised good to me
His word my hope secures
He will my shield and portion be
As long as life endures

My chains are gone
I've been set free
My God, my Savior has ransomed me
And like a flood His mercy reigns
Unending love, amazing grace

The earth shall soon dissolve like snow
The sun forbear to shine
But God, Who called me here below,
Will be forever mine.
Song by Chris Tomlin


Happy Easter!

I hope that your Easter is filled with joy and peace, love and deep happiness. 

Friday, April 18, 2014

Friday Favorites: Easter!


Some of my favorites on this Good Friday:




Spending the day at the Detroit Zoo with my little family. We were given a membership for Christmas and this was the first nice weekend to go check it out. The boys are already plotting what we will do the next time!



Capturing a sweet moment when Daddy rocked his girl (and himself) to sleep.



Colin pulling a Joey and putting on 5 different shirts..and wearing them for the remainder of the afternoon.


A contemplative baby bunny with her little baby bunny.



And, of course, Good Friday.
There is something so powerful about it. The pain, the great suffering, the injustice and the betrayal that lead to death..and yet. And yet, it leads us to the Resurrection!
The heaviness of the Cross and the debt that was paid for me is a constant thought with me today, but those thoughts are always followed with a profound anticipation. Anticipation for what is to come. Anticipation for Easter morning.
I can hardly wait!

Friday, April 11, 2014

The Great Discovery

Colin has recently discovered the greatest word.

It has opened his eyes.

He is enthralled with the word.

It fascinates him.

What is this wondrous word, this great discovery in the vocabulary of a 3 year old?






Butt cheeks.

Technically it is two words.

But, to a 3 year old, it is the greatest of words.

It came out innocently. In a bathroom/wiping situation, Ryan casually said the words "butt cheeks" and Colin died laughing.

He than came running out to me, dropped his little Lighting McQueen undies, turned around and asked me with much excitement, "Mom! Do you know what these are called?" pointing to his little bum. "These are called...BUTT CHEEKS!! Like cheeks on your face but they are on your butt!!!!"

His little mind was blown.

Now, he will tell me how much he loves butt cheeks.

"Mom. Did you know that everyone has cheek butts...I mean, butt cheeks? Macy has butt cheeks, Jack has butt cheeks, Daddy has butt cheeks, even YOU have butt cheeks."

"Mom, I love butt cheeks more than candy."

"Mom.These are called butt cheeks and I love them."

The world is a wonderful place with funny words to discover when you are 3 years old.

Tuesday, April 8, 2014

It seems like yesterday...

Yesterday I was changing Macy in her room and Jack asked about a picture that I have on her bookshelf. He wanted to know how old it was. It was one of our engagement photos and it made me stop and think. 

What day is it?

Wait.

Tomorrow is April 8th.

I got engaged on April 8th, 8 years ago.

 Stillwater, MN. April 8th, 2006.

I kissed my husband for the first time 14 years ago.



Holy crap.

That is a really long time ago. We are getting so old. (Good thing he has the gray hair to prove it.)

It is funny how it seems like yesterday, yet so very long ago. We both have changed so much, endured love and loss, fought, came back together, moved, worked and laughed together. We created 3 beautiful children together.

I am glad I let you kiss me 14 years ago today.

I would say "Yes!" to you again, 8 years later.

Thanks for walking with my through this life, my love.