Vacation Close to Home

In July we set out on an adventure to St. Louis.  We had a great time playing, swimming, going to museums and the zoo.  Brian and Brayden even hit the Cards game.  The boys pacified themselves while I got a shopping and Tr*der J*e's fix.  We were reminded again we don't always have to go to far off, grandiose places to have a good time together.  The boys were great and the car ride was tolerable.  True success.

Brotherly love. 

Dressed in yellow for easy tracking while they run like wild animals. 

Brayden's return to the tire changing station at the Magic House.  He dreamed of returning for two years.

Brayden's photography. So artistic. 

Grayson in his element. 

Ten Years and Counting

As Brian and I celebrated our tenth wedding anniversary earlier this month we reflected on how our lives have evolved tremendously during the last decade.  We've celebrated college graduations, Brian's medical school graduation, launching our careers, owned two homes and lived in three/four different cities.  We've shared in the joy and blessing of welcoming three healthy sons into the world.  Watched as our kids grow and change and celebrated as each of them were baptized.  We have shared heartache as loved ones passed and supported each other through a couple of disappointments.  We have experienced challenges and struggles that every marriage faces at one time or another.  Through it all we have persevered, determined to love and support each other through the tough times and share in the joyous times. 
Sometimes we laugh that marriage is the hardest job we've ever had.  Like any job, though, we get out of our marriage what we put into it.  When we work hard to love, to support, to be patient and kind we get all of those things and more in return.  The biggest challenges we have faced are the same experiences that have made our relationship stronger. 
As we venture into our second decade of marriage I hope we can continue to strive to reach goals together, but also find contentment in just enjoying each other, our kids, family, friends and life. 

Here's to another 10...

Oh....and to celebrate we had a 2.5 day get away weekend that included hiking, a movie, massages, relaxing by the pool, shopping, sleeping late, a ghost tour and good food.  Get-aways are few and far between at this stage of life it seems, but we sure know how to have a good time and fit allot in when we get a chance.  We were having so much fun I forgot to take pictures with the exception of just a few...

Self portrait during our hike.  We were on the bluff overlooking the Buffalo river.

Hike break.

Fuzzy picture from the top of the bluff.

School Daze

May was a busy month filled with Mother's Day tea parties, field trips and end of the year school parties.  The boys ate up every moment and Kennon went along for the ride - as usual.  Brian even got to join us on a trip to the zoo and experience the fun  - and madness - that comes with dozens of 2 year olds, dozens of pre-k kids and wild mama's.

Grayson and Mama posing with the "ellie-ph-phants".

Proof that Brian was at the zoo with us wrestling Kennon. 

Brayden and Charlie being goofy.

Brayden with some of his classmates singing us a song for Mother's Day. 
They waited on us too by serving us snacks and drinks.

Grayson with his teacher - Ms. Trisha.
He adored her.  She made sure he had an orange sand bucket as an end of school gift.
Grayson loves orange. 

Grayson with his friend Eli.  Every day - all year - he talked about Eli.

Brayden's awards ceremony. 
He received the "Sweet Tart" award because, as Ms. Julie put it,
he is filled with a whole lot of sweet with a little bit of sass."
Amen!

Brayden and some of his classmates present Ms. Julie with a special art project just for her. 

Kennon looking sweet and happy at one of these many events. 

Footprints on Our Hearts

Hours after we laid Grandma Leota to rest, my dad, Brian and I returned to the nursing home to see Grandma Janie.  Over the past several days she had gotten much weaker, was sleeping much of the time and, when awake, was very uncomfortable.  She hadn't eaten much for days.  The nurses told us the doctor had been in and had adjusted her chart to respite care.  Twelve long days passed as her family sat with her 24 hours a day.  We gathered around her on Mother's Day singing hymns.  Though she slept we knew she could hear us.  As night past to morning Grandma found peace.  

Her funeral service was filled with beautiful music about streets of gold, a beautiful sermon and a few simple words I wrote and read during the service as I humbly tried to capture what Grandma meant to so many of us......

The smell of peonies in the kitchen air, swinging on the porch swing on a warm Sunday afternoon, homemade ice cream, chicken and noodles, hot rolls, laundry hanging on the clothesline, perfect plum jelly, a warm welcoming smile….these are a few of our favorite things that remind us of a wonderful Christian woman we were proud to call grandma, mom, mother-in-law, sister, sister-in-law, aunt and friend. Regardless of what we called her, we all feel the same. Grandma Janie was one-of-a-kind. She inspires many and is loved by all.

She represents the true definition of unconditional love. She was genuine in thought, word and deed. She modeled her faithfulness through her stewardship and hospitality, selflessness, kindness and compassion while greeting every day with a smile and positive outlook. She worked hard and enjoyed life.

Last June, we celebrated with Grandma Janie as she competed in a regional nursing home pageant. She advanced to this competition after being crowned "Queen of Kindness" at Webco. I can think of no better title for her. Her love for life kept her young and active even at 91. Throughout life, she woke early and filled her days with activities at church, work, home and in the company of friends and family. Young at heart, it was sometimes hard for the rest of us to keep up with her. During her time at Webco we had to plan our visits to fit between her meals, church services, activities and bingo. The dime with her today – the last dime she won at bingo - represents her many interests, vitality and zest for life. During her interview at the pageant she spoke of her love for her family, her faith and hobbies. When asked what her one pet peeve was she said, "people who complain". Never one to complain herself, she enjoyed life everyday and found joy in spending time with people and doing things she loved like cooking, gardening and sewing.

Grandma’s life was a life defined by bringing people together and caring for them. Even to the end of her earthly days she brought her family together. Ours has always been a close family. We enjoy sharing holidays together, celebrating marriages and births, graduations, and life’s other special moments. We support each other in times of need, difficulty or sadness. The love, tenderness and support this family has shown each other over the past several weeks mirrors the same tenderness, love and kindness Grandma taught us. Over the years our visits meant so much to her that - without fail - every time we left her house – whether few or many – her eyes would fill with tears because her love of family was so great.

As hard as the last few weeks have been, Grandma gave all of us one last parting gift. A gift of togetherness. There were no agendas or places we needed to be. Just family coming together to sit quietly and wait, to chat and learn each others habits – good and bad, to sing grandma’s favorite hymns and tell stories. In celebrating her life the best gift each of us can give her is to continue to gather together and show each other the same love, gentleness, and support we have shared the past weeks in the years to come.

I recently heard someone comment that some people enter our lives and tip toe across our hearts, but others leave lasting footprints. We will cherish grandma’s footprints for our lifetimes.

Just rest your eyes now Grandma. We love you.

Baby K's Big #1

Our precious baby boy turned one in early May and we celebrated him with a wagon themed party.  Our close family and neighbors joined us for cake, presents and jump house fun. 

Kennon was the perfect addition to complete our family.  He loves to cuddle and wants to do everything his brothers do.  His curiosity and fearlessness keep us on our toes.  We often joke that when there are 5 or 10 different things to do in one area, Kennon will always choose the most dangerous.  The past year flew by far to quickly, but after two boys before him I feel like we did a better job enjoying each phase because we appreciate how fast they grow and change. 

Kennon - 12 months

Kennon does things at his own pace.  A few weeks before he turned one he was walking and trying to keep up with his brothers.  He crawls up stairs and goes down them on his belly with his feet first.  He loves playing with tractors and the play kitchen.  He wants to do everything his brothers do.  He adores his daddy and meets him every evening with a sweet little grin and big hug.  When he is sad, hurt or scared he wants mom the most.  He gave up his bottle and pacifier easily. 

He laughs aloud at his brothers antics.  He loves generously.  His giggles and grins melt our hearts. 

Wagon themed birthday invitations.

Our junior guests took home "K" sugar cookies and bubbles.

Happy birthday banner. 

Our adult guests received homemade strawberry jam as a parting gift.

Showing off his walking moves.

Ditching the hat.

Not really a cake man.

Reserved for Family

In the early morning hours the day after Easter Grandma Leota peacefully departed this earthly life for heaven.  She was surrounded by my Mom and Dad and Uncle Brent and Jackie.  Hours before Ashley and I sat with them telling stories about grandma while we took turns holding her hand.  In the quiet of the nursing home I had never been prouder of a strong family that sticks together in love, kindness and support.  Even during this sad time we found reasons to laugh. 

Wedding photo - December 1944

Grandma Leota - during her time at teacher's college

Though our family is relatively small several nurses commented on the care my mom, uncle and others showed to grandma and their ability to make decisions together without angst. 

Grandma's personality was complex.  She was strong to the point of stubbornness at times, but steadfast in the love and support she showed her family and friends.  She was outspoken and unafraid to say what others were thinking.  She was always quick to respond to people in time of need.  She was a faithful, Christian woman.  She believed in the value of education and lifelong learning.  She put family first and was most proud of the accomplishments of her children and grandchildren.  She was independent.    She was dependable and consistent. 

For decades before and a decade after I attended church every Sunday with my mom, Grandma and Grandpa we always sat in the same pew.  The fourth pew from the back, right-hand side.  Grandpa sat next to the aisle with Grandma to his right.  As we walked into the church the morning of Grandma's funeral I noticed the "Reserved for Family" banners hanging from the back of their pew.  I felt a smile spread across my face.  I walked to the funeral staff - close family friends - and asked if someone had told them to hang the banners there.  No one had, that just happened to be where they were placed.  Another sign God works in mysterious ways. 

To me, those banners placed on the pew where she had worshiped every Sunday for decades symbolized everything Grandma stood for...be strong, be faithful and family comes first. 

Grandma celebrates in peace.

Cooking School Fun

Kristin and I just before our dinner.

My friend Kristin's husband, Matt, had a great idea for Kristin and I to leave our boys behind (seven boys total if you count husbands, five otherwise) and go to a local cooking school event. The events are hosted by a local chef each month and include multiple courses and a wine pairing with each course. Who would ever say no to such a fabulous idea? Not me.

Kristin and I got all dolled up and had such a great time. We learned a lot about cooking, the food was delicious, tasted some great wine and enjoyed fabulous (and, more importantly, uninterrupted) conversation.

A great girls night with a super friend.