April 27

I didn't know if I could do this post, but April 27 is burned into my heart forever.  And now it has happened two years in a row.  2011 and 2014.

And I just want to cry all over again.  Like I did three years ago, and every year since then.

2011

Jesus draw me ever nearer, 

As I labour through the storm.

2014

You have called me to this passage,

and I'll follow, though I'm worn.

May this journey bring a blessing,

May I rise on wings of faith;

2011

And at the end of my heart's testing,

With Your likeness let me wake

2011

Jesus guide me through the tempest;

Keep my spirit staid and sure.

Tittle Home, 2014

When the midnight meets the morning,

Let me love You even more.

2014

Let the treasures of the trial                                  

Form within me as I go - 

2011

And at the end of this long passage,

Let me leave them at Your throne.

2011

Good Morning

Emily sent this to me this morning.  It reminds me so much of our rooster (Crackers) early in the morning.  I'm sure this is what the hens are all thinking!

Changing Lanes

“When everything is coming your way, you're in the wrong lane.”  

Steven Wright 

Dance Classes

We were privileged, a few months ago, to be able to take ballroom dancing lessons.  It was so fun to take classes with all our like minded, and super fun, friends!  Enjoy the pictures!

The dance teachers were hilarious, and really sweet.  They worked with a huge crowd really well.

Ryan is pretty much one of the best partners you could have.  He's a good leader and a good dancer, but he's also really funny.  At one point I told him to be serious.  I couldn't dance for laughing so hard!

Mr. Ted and Ms. Karen, dancing the night away.

Precious.  ;-)

Beth Anne has the best laugh and smile!!!

Brothers and sisters make the best photos!

Jamie and Avi paired up to dance - but they kept forgetting who was supposed to be the "guy".

Laughing on the arm of her brother.

Sweet Rachel - she always has a smile.

Game face for the line dancing

They would start out slow, everyone is smiling.

Then they would get fast, and you would have to concentrate!  But line dancing is really fun!

Here's Jamie dancing and smiling.

And here's Jamie just smiling.  She smiles a lot!

Filming Photos!

Here are some sneak peek photos from filming and editing our newest movie.  

Pretty much the best cast and crew I could ask for!  :-)

Birthday Catchup

In the midst of planning birthday parties and celebrations, I forgot to do a birthday post for Jamie and Michael!!!  I'm so sorry, but better late than never.  :-)

Jamie Nicole 

February 22, 2002

faithful penpal.  sweet little sister.  sweet sunny smile.  

We love you, Jamie!!!

 Michael Joseph

March 5, 2008

crazy one sided grin.  bare feet in the grass.  wonderful giggle.  

We love you little man!!!

Celebrating Love

We traditionally make a Valentine's dinner for our sweet mom and dad.  This year, with Erin in a culinary program, we were able to go a little more "gourmet" with our dinner.  On the menu?  Spinach with Baked Feta and Pecans, Parmesan Chicken, Green Beans, Cranberry Rice, Garlic and Rosemary Bread, and... for dessert, Red Velvet Cake with Chocolate and Strawberries.

Can anyone say delicious?

My precious sister, Erin and, just so you know, I still do a double take when I see myself in glasses. 

Our sprinkle helper

These two make any event fun.

The chef at work.

She showed up to serve. 

The love birds.

My little brother who is almost taller than I am now.

Making it beautiful.

And we finally got Emily in front of the camera!!!

They Danced Alone

A friend took this picture at a wedding we recently attended.  A couple celebrating 24 years of marriage helped a couple celebrate day one of their journey.

My mom and dad saw this picture and commented how old they are now.  That might be what they saw, but it wasn't what I saw.  In my mind, Mom looks even more beautiful now than she did when they got married.  And my dad looks even more handsome.

Because when I look at their early pictures, they weren't "mom and dad".  They were college kids who were "living on love".  They are still living on love, 24 years later, but they have faced life hand in hand, and they are more in love now than they were then,

Mom and dad, you see the wrinkles, but I see the eyes that have smiled at me for 20 years.  You see the grey hair, I see the love that has persevered with raising all eight of us.  You see what the world sees, but I see what God gave me.

If you were still 22, you wouldn't be my mom and dad.

 

Dear Summer

Dear Summer,

Families of squashes. 

Bare feet. 

Volleyballs.

Sweaty games of soccer.

Heat waves.

Swimming Pools.

Bowls of Ice Cream.

We miss all of these.  

Please come back soon!

Snowy Days

It's been rather cold lately!!!  And Michael's had to bundle up to go outside!!!

Michael, you are a great little brother!

My Love Letter

To the true loves in my life…

Rachel, for when you beat me terribly at soccer, for when you spin in circles and giggle, and for the long heart to heart walks down our road… I love you.

Erin, for the entertaining violin and cello duets, for the times you have chased chickens in the rain with me, and for the times you have cheered me with your unending good humor… I love you.

Emily, for the times you have tricked me to make me laugh or held me while I cried, for turning our bedroom into an art gallery of hedgehogs and penguins, and for just being there for me… I love you.

Ryan, for being the brother I prayed for, for encouraging me to run farther and try harder, and for demonstrating how to correctly throw a football… I love you.

Jamie, for helping me care more as you change from kid to young lady, for being my dance partner for the foxtrot, and for being a big sister to your younger siblings… I love you.

Sarah, for your adorable giggle when I tickle you, for running barefoot in the yard chasing chickens, and for your good attitude about life… I love you.

Michael, for your undying humor that makes me laugh, for your ability to try anything and land on your feet, and your uncanny knack for knowing when I need a hug… I love you.

Mommy, for being my confidant, best friend, and mom rolled into one, for showing me that motherhood is hard, but definitely worth it, and for showing me how to be more in love 24 years later, than the day you got married… I love you.

Daddy, for always being there when I have a question, for showing us how Christ loved His bride, and for setting the standard and raising the bar for what he will have to be to win my heart… I love you.

I love you all dearly.

Happy Valentines Day,

Jessica

I Was Born in the Wrong Century

I was born in the wrong century.  I had always suspected it, but never been quite sure.  Now I have proof.

I was doing some research for a book and was reading about the "Millennial" generation.  Technically this is my generation, but I find myself out of place!

Questions on tattoos, religious views, whether or not my parents were married, amount of texting, and my political views determined that I have a grand millennial score of 12.

Which makes me a Baby Boomer.