Our Old Stompin' Grounds

Kyle and I spent last weekend in Seattle enjoying some alone time reminiscing about the past and dreaming about the future. We revisted some of our favorite spots. The picture above was taken at gas works park at the beautiful little spot Kyle proposed more than 6 years ago. It is hard to believe we have been married for 6 years but then again we have two beautiful children and some amazing memories to prove it. It was this particular spot where I first felt as though I was the luckiest girl in the world...now 6 years later I know it to be true. I have an amazing husband who is the most incredible father, two astoundingly adorable children, and a father in heaven that reminds me daily, no matter what life brings, that I am His. Does life get any better? I really don't think so.

A friend loves at all times...proverbs 17:17

I am sure every mother hopes that her children will grow to be lifelong friends...
It is such an incredible blessing to watch that friendship develop. I love to watch as Jude imitates his big sister, or Kylee her little brother. The precious moments when they show concern for one another. The other day I observed as Kylee bent over little brother who was sprawled out on his back after coming to an abrupt stop on our hardwood floors. She stood over him and asked in a sing songy voice if he was ok. She then soothingly told him he would be ok as she wrapped her arms around him and then struggled with all her might to sit him up. Then she sat and hugged him and told him she loved him as she rubbed his back. What a joy to witness such love. Above all else I love to hear their laughter. I pray that God will continue to bless their friendship in the many years to come.

Rain

As I sat in the car today with Kylee and Jude the rain made beautiful music all around us. Rain.
The last month has been extremely difficult for me and the storm that surrounded me was oppressive and overwhelming. Losing my Grandpa Hans...having no assurance of his salvation...watching him suffer in his last hours on this earth...it was one of the most difficult and trying seasons I have endured thus far in my life. And yet God's word reminds me;
There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under heaven: a time to be born and a time to die, a time to plant and a time to uproot, a time to kill and a time to heal, a time to tear down and a time to build, a time to weep and a time to laugh, a time to mourn and a time to dance, a time to scatter stones and a time to gather them, a time to embrace and a time to refrain, a time to search and a time to give up, a time to keep and a time to throw away, a time to tear and a time to mend, a time be silent and a time to speak, a time to love ad a time to hate, a time for war and a time for peace. What does the worker gain from his toil? I have seen the burden God has laid on men. He has made everything beautiful it its time. He has also set eternity in the hearts of men; yet they cannot fathom what God has done from beginning to end. Ecclesiastes 3:1-11
I cannot fathom all that God has done. I cannot fathom all God will do. In this moment all I can do is trust Him. My unanswered questions will most likely remain unanswered until the glorious day I see Jesus face to face. Today, today, I allow the love of God to wash over me as those raindrops that crashed all around us, surrounding us with such a beautiful music, wash away my fear and uncertainty and replace it with peace.

I'll Praise you in this storm
And I will lift my hands
For You are who You are
No matter where I am
Every tear I've cried
You hold in your hand
You never left my side
And though my heart is torn
I will Praise You in this storm.
lyrics of Casting Crowns' I Will Praise You In The Storm

Johan Marion Kaech

Kylee & Jude and their Great Grandpa Hans

We cherish the memories of this wonderful man. We celebrate his life and what he meant to all of us. It is impossible to put it all into words especially now, when the grief and sorrow that we feel is so heavy, but the legacy he has left is an incredible blessing and we will miss him deeply.

Pretty Little Ballerinas

Kylee attended her very first dance class! The Mama's didn't get to watch the first class which was so sad but Kylee felt like such a big girl. In the picture you see her with two of her sweet little girlfriends, Caitlyn on the right and Maggie on the left. Aren't they simply adorable? The season will end with a recital in June so plan to come and watch them perform!