The Intentional Life

I'm taking a cue from Bryer's mommy, Carey, and putting in the shameless plug for fundraising for Bryer's Song today. ALL money raised goes to Nationwide Children's Hospital to help in SO many different ways. In case you are still on the fence, check this out: Every child shall receive the highest quality care , regardless of a family's ability to pay. More than $128 million per year in charity care and community benefit services. Your money isn't going to some big comglomerate who pockets your money for their own benefit. Your money is helping out sick children and their families. Families who thought there was no hope, no answers, for their children's health. Families who realized they are able to get the best care for their children, even though they don't have the means to do so. It takes 5 minutes to click the links below and donate.    Nichole's page        Paul's page Here's a breakdown of where your mone

The first thing that caught my attention was his sense of humor. And following right along with it was the sense that he didn't really care if he was 'cool' or not.  He didn't see the need to fit into a certain mold. And I thought that was so....cool. It took another year before I had the guts to make actual conversation with him.\ And it took him another 6 months before he had the guts to ask me out. In 9th grade Spanish class. And now, 18 years later, we are celebrating our 13th wedding anniversary. We had our doubters.  Some people didn't think we would make it.  Some people didn't think we should make it. Too young, too dumb... But, praise the Lord, we started it out right, and have worked to keep it there. God in the middle. Obviously, we're human, so there's ups and downs.   And I wonder why that 'cool' kid sticks it out with me. But he does.  And I thank the Lord for that.

 If you have followed this blog for awhile you have probably heard me mention Bryer Largent.  This sweet little man lived for 11 months, but has made a huge impact with the life that he lived. He spent most of his days in Nationwide Children's Hospital in Columbus, Ohio, fighting the battle of trying to stay alive despite the numerous health challenges facing him. Two years ago, Bryer ended his fight and is now pain free in the arms of Jesus. For the last 7 years Paul and I have run the Columbus 1/2 and full marathons that come around each October.  For the last 2 we have run in memory of Bryer. Have run in support of his parents who have continued on without their sweet baby in their arms. And have run for all those other little kids fighting for their lives right now in Nationwide Children's Hospital, and their families battling alongside them. And we're looking to do it again this year. And you can be a part of it. Paul and I are looking for frien

Welp.  It's happening. Our baby, our youngest....is headed off to Kindergarten. I knew it was going to happen quick.  Having 3 children 18 months apart, you are bound to go through some stages rather quickly.  It was not that long ago that I was watching through tear-bleared eyes as Owen, and then Hannah, walked through the doors of the school. And there is no doubt in my mind that there will be tears for Madeline as well. I am having similar feelings that I did for the last two, although they do vary a bit.  Obviously I've done this before.  It helps that Madeline (and me!) is lucky enough to get the same amazing teacher that Owen and Hannah did. But, also, Madeline is our extrovert among introverts.   In a family that craves one on one and down time, Madeline longs for the love a group. The thing she is most excited for?  "Seeing all my friends!" But I still have that concern of sending her off into a classroom of peers.  It brings back all

Well, as I stated in my previous post, July was all about the Wiegands.  As well it should be.  Rumor has it they only come around about every 2 years. If the middle two weeks of July contained all we could get out of the missionary's furlough, then the two weeks on either end of those were filled up as well. July always starts out, literally, with a bang.  We did our traditional Fourth of July breakfast at my parent's house as well has swimming and hanging out.  We ended the day with fireworks...of course.  We were gifted tickets to the city's Triple A baseball team game and were able to stay in our seats for the downtown fireworks as well. Seriously, my nephew looks SO ornery in every picture I take of him. So glad my aunt was feeling well enough for her and her husband to join us for the day as well! Sometimes you just have to have random animal facts displayed on your kitchen stools. We hit the zoo on a day that was a bit rainy and har

I had anticipated it for months.  Made sure to keep my July calendar free. My dear, dear friend, Carrie, and her husband and kids, were going to make a 2 week stop in our area.  They were in the states this summer, returning for a bit from their work in Zambia. Well, the time came and went. Way too quickly. But we were able to squeeze some quality time in while they were here.   A cookout with their prayer team, hosted at our house. A sleepover at out house their first night in town (catch up time!).  Comparison shot! 2013 to 2015 A late night (up until 5AM) with ladies from church. A zoo trip that was shrouded with thunderstorms.  We were just about the only people in the park.  We had to hang out with the orangutans as the storm blew through.  And I've always wanted to be in Africa with Carrie.  But, the African Safari will have to do for now.  An overnight getaway with dear friends.  Many laughs and litt