The Intentional Life

When Hannah's teeth just started growing in, we found it kind of amusing, and more than a little cute, her gap between her front teeth. And over time it just became a part of who Hannah was. But now, a corner has been turned. To say that I am a bit melancholy over the change would be putting it mildly. Just another reminder of how fleeting the years are. They may be crazy, frustrating, exhausting, but those years are only here for a limited time. Guess we'll see how this second set grows in...

Rejoice with those who rejoice;  weep with those who weep.  Romans 12:15 If you have followed along with these Romans 12 posts this past year, you may recall how each month, despite the fact that these verses were designated for each month way back on January 1st, seem to always have a correlation with something going on in that month for me. So, you can imagine my anxiety as November neared closer, knowing that the verse was "weep with those that weep." What did this mean?  What was going to be the tragedy that led to weeping?   Notice how I jumped right to the pessimistic side?  I didn't wonder with whom I was going to rejoice...hmmmm. Well, November 3rd my dear Grandpa Herb passed away. There was much weeping. But so much more rejoicing.  We have hope that we will see him again someday! What is our initial reactions when we hear of some tragedy in another family? "Whew.  It's not me." "That must be hard....moving o

Well, I've already sung the praises of October.  And, while I could elaborate some more on how much I enjoy this glorious month of Autumn, I'll spare your the redundancy. Instead, I'll show a sting of pictures to help highlight our month. Wrapping up the Fall Ball season Celebrating Birthdays A trip to see my sis and her adorable children Running for those who can't Lots of raking, and lots more jumping, in the leaves A celebration of Grandparents And just relishing in all the wonderful things that comes with fall. Once again, October did not disappoint. Dancing in the morning sunbeams  A suprise: Grandpa showing up for the final game of the season!  Cannot believe how grown up he is!  Maddie wanted a picture with the 'winners'  Birthdays!  I don't need to say how many years....  Seriously just want to snuggle these two Could just snuggle this one too, if she would let me!  So glad to,

I've hesitated on what to write here, because I don't want to reduce my grandpa to just a few heart felt words on a page. He was so much more than that. But I feel like something needs to be said. Grandpa Herb taught me the importance of all things dairy the value of hard work the treasure of knowing your heritage  and the value of your faith. Husband, Dad, Foster dad, Adoptive dad, Grandpa, Spiritual Leader, Prayer Warrior, Dairy Farmer, Brother, Son.. the list goes on. But most important, he is no longer constrained by the shackles of his human body. His marriage to my grandma was something to be admired.  Many years ago when I learned they had fallen in love way back in the highschool and that they had been together in this life more than they had been apart, I hoped I could have something as wonderful as that. They would have been married 65 years on Thursday. I loved to follow his around on the dairy farm, see him work.  He sacrificed so ma