Remembering this Sunday 2007

One year ago today I sat in church with my mom for the very last time. Today was a very emotional worship service for me... to say the least. This weekend was the weekend my mom flew up last year to spend some time with us, to enjoy the fair with us, to see David off to kindergarten, and to say good-bye. I've been reminiscing all week about my experience at this time last year. Today in church though, I just had such a feeling of empathy for my mom's experience on this Sunday last year. She really wanted to go to church, although I had thought she wouldn't want to for several reasons. She had been so sick in the night, and she was so tired and weak. She couldn't stand for the singing, and when the worship team led us in "Amazing Grace," I sat down with my mom and held her hand as she wept. And I wept. And I'm weeping right now... Today I finally was able to wonder how what my mom must have felt as the words to the hymn and the workings in her heart affected her. The joy of what was to come, but the fear of the unknown, or even her life flashing before her- what were her feelings? She was so private about her faith. I am assured that she is experiencing that "Amazing Grace" without looking back. I feel so blessed to have had a connection with my mom through our faith, and to have been included in her closure this Sunday in 2007.

These are some memorable pictures of this weekend in 2007. I have enlarged each of these photos, and now have them hanging in our stairwell. I love seeing her smile, and recalling the warmth of her visit last year. We were honored to have her. I love you, Mom.

Cordova

Our big trip with my dad was a day trip to Cordova on Prince William Sound. This town is only accessible by plane or boat, and is mostly a fishing community. My dad, who is quite interested in history, wanted to see the Million Dollar Bridge that his maternal grandfather helped build in the early 1900s. We flew ERA to Cordova yesterday morning, and drove a rental car 35 miles to the bridge.

We also visited Child's Glacier, which calves ice regularly. We all hollered at the top of our lungs, "ICEBERG!!!" over and over again, and whether we caused it or not, the kids believed they knocked down a big chunk of ice into the water. Lots of fun!

The remainder of the day was a tour through the town- gift shops, museum, fishing docks, and the beach. My dad had stopped here while fishing in 1961, and was reminiscing with some of the locals about how the town used to look. We ended the evening with a dinner in the sunshine on the deck of a nice restaurant overlooking the harbor.

Our wildlife tally for the day was: 3 swans, more than 10 beaver houses, 2 moose, a squirrel, 2 mice, many seals, an otter, a halibut carcass, and more minnows than we could count.

Hey Brother, you won't believe this one!

Check out my dad!!! :-) What a good sport! We have had a fun week with my dad visiting. He is napping on our couch right now, after an action-packed few days. Thanks for the trampoline, Dad- we LOVE it! I can't wait til the kids go to bed- then it's my turn!!!

T Ball Superstar

David gave t-ball a try this summer! He made a great first baseman, and could really slug the ball! Way to go, David!

Hiking the Butte with Friends

We tried once, and it rained buckets... this is our successful hike of the Butte with our friends Caleb, Luke, Baby Eli, and Amber (my friend and job-share partner). These mommas were proud to brave a hike with 5 kids aged 6 and under up the slippery Butte in Palmer on Memorial Day. We had a blast directing foot traffic, dodging paintballs, doling out motivational snacks, and administering first aid. A great way to spend a summer day! :-) You can see the Matanuska Glacier and River in the views below the kids.

Hello Summer!

Bring on the sun! This was our first lunch in the backyard! Woo Hoo! David didn't want his legs to get sun-burned after such a long winter...

Happy Graduation

Congratulations to our youth group kids! I know we didn't catch you all on film, but we are so proud of all of you! "'For I know the plans I have for you,' declares the Lord, 'plans to prosper you, and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future." Jeremiah 29:11