Love

So I was laying in bed the other night, thinking I just started blogging again. And I hadn't posted in a while and I wanted to keep posting. I have lots of things to say, but never stop to say them. I decided that I was going to blog about Love. Not the mushy, I love you Big Daddy kind. I mean, I love you Big Daddy. But the other kind of love. The one that makes my heart melt. The one that would stop me cold and turn me into a puddle. The kind of love a mother feels for her kids, OR her nieces and nephews. So over the next couple of weeks I will post my love to each one of them.
                                                                      Up First.......
                                                                     This Guy!!!!!
                                                                         Nick

We are at church on Sunday and he is looking at me, and then he feels my hair. And he is staring at it. I say what's up buddy?

Well, your hair is kind of red. Its a little bit like mine. Red you know. I said; yeah, you should see it if I don't dye it. Then it really looks red. And he says, could you not dye it for a little bit so you can match me.

Yep.

 

This little man has had me from the moment I met him. He is FULL of life. What's next? Lets play. What can we build, where can we explore. So for all of that, I can never wait to hear what he comes up with next. Because it is him. Its not what he is "suppose" to say, its what he is thinking, and I tell you what. I want to hear what he is thinking!!!

But that's not the only reason, The reason he melts my heart is, I will see him at either church or Awana. And I always put my arm out for a half hug, but do I get a half hug? NOPE, I get a arms around the neck and a kiss on the cheek. MELTS. MY. HEART!

I know that full hug and kiss on the cheek are going to be gone soon. But I have everyone of them numbered in my heart.

Nick my man. Keep smiling that big smile. Keep loving with all your heart. Keep exploring until you need to find new land to explore. This world is yours for the taking. Keep being you. Cause I love that you!

<3 auntie="" p="">

Been a while

 

I am not even sure where to start! Last blog I wrote was that we were on to the phase of our lives that included college visits. Oh how time has gone fast. Of the two schools we visited, Amanda ended up at University of Minnesota Mankato!

 Move in day was August 22. Now that I am 3 weeks away from it, I can think of it and not cry. Now most of you know me and know that I am a cry baby by nature. I am cool with it. I have grown into it. We got her room all set up and got her settled in. And then the afternoon became this anxiety ridden day of dread. The dread that I had to leave. And at the point that we just were all making small talk, both her and I with tears in our eyes, I knew it was time to pull the band aide off. The walk from her dorm room to our car felt.....well, I don't have a word for it. All I know is that I cried, tears rolling, snot coming out the nose, I cant breath cry. I wanted to hold on to her forever as we stood by the car. I just wanted to rewind everything. I would take back every sleep less night, every cold, every teething session, I would even clean up vomit......
But I cant. I have to let her go live her life. As Jeremy reminded me, my favorite saying is.



And I had to let her use those wings.....Young Moms out there, screw this saying keep them Mamas boys and girls.....
Ok No. Back on track. Phew....
Its true. I raise the kids to have minds of their own. Letting them know that its ok to be your own people. You will always have a home base, and no matter where life takes you. I will be here, cheering you on.
I am doing much better with her being gone. Its the moments before I go to sleep, when I am saying my prayers, and mentally retucking everyone into bed that it still gets to me. I have never been one to be able to sleep well if all my kids are not under my roof. So she gets an extra prayer. And a kiss blown through the air.
 I read a book for book club once, and there was a saying in there....Now forgive me, because I didn't write it down, so I only kind of remember it, but it was something like....
Dear Heavenly Father,
Please help me bridge the gap between what I had time to teach her and what she needs to learn yet.
Amen.......

Visits........

2 College visits scheduled. Phew. Nothing to say about this one. Just processing..........

You know its a good weekend when........

When you are having so much fun that you don't take out your camera. I took it with having good intentions of taking lots of first trip of the year pics. Nope. Didn't happen. What did happen was lots of good old fashion talking among parents and kids. We decided to call the weekend Putting on the Brakes.
What I learned this weekend was, after a busy long winter full of things to do. One weekend at the cabin can reconnect your family and recharge you batteries.
And the coolest thing I learned?? Our kids like us. Not the I want a new bike like us. But a your a good Mom and Dad like us.
Sweet.

Open Fishing

Jack at open fishing!!

MOM!! That thing would NOT hold still!!

Finally, good grip, Jack's 27 inch Walleye!!

That fishing thing is hard work!! Anyone who knows our Jack, knows that when it is time to shut down. Its time to shut down!! No matter what!!

Jeremy, Jack, Jeff and Mason left Friday after work to head up to our place in Garrison. They were on the lake ready to put lines in at midnight! Jack had a BLAST!! And Dad was super proud of our little fisherman!

Prom



Flowers done by Stephens sister, Jennifer.



Amanda and Stephen



Prom was this last weekend for Amanda. Great time was had by all!!

Wrapping my head around it....

Or however the saying goes. I know I have 2 years yet...but, the past 15 have gone so fast that I cant not imagine how fast the next two will go. We are getting SOOO much information from colleges that I almost dread getting the mail. Its just coming and coming. Everyday. More letters. More emails.....more more more. But listen here, I am not ready to let her go. She is my sunshine on a rainy day. And even the 1 argument we have had in the last year, I am not sure who was saying they were sorry first her or me. No need to point out who was wrong, I just wanted to be with her and talk with her. And it feels good. It feels good to know that she knows that God put us together for a reason. And I thank him for it every day!! But its all happening to fast. She will be 16 in 2 months. 2 months. Then she will drive, work, drumline, youth group....but I also do know that when the weeks have been long. There will finally be a night she gets home, and I will know she needs me. She will crawl on my bed and just start talking. And once she starts, I move over, share some blanket and let her talk. Those nights are awesome. I love those nights. Little tired the next day at work. But well worth it. Its been fun, as Josh is also starting those late night talks. I think we were up till 11:15 the other night. Me, Jeremy, Josh and Amanda. We talked and talked and then talked some more. I think that was the night that they both understood, that we understood, some of the things they are going through. I love my kids. I love them. And when I look at them I see these perfect, wonderful beings.....I will stop my ramblings with a wish for everyone to see perfect when they see there kids. And with one of my favorite sayings.

Two great gifts a parent can give its child, one is roots, and one is wings.