"it is was it is"

Dend  Mom,
Oh my how time flies!! I can't believe it's been so long since I have posted. There still isn't a day that goes by that I don't wish we could pick up the phone and call ya or go out to lunch. As you and Dad said when we first heard the word cancer, "it is what it is"! We have carried on, moved forward....sometimes dragging our feet, and continue growing physically and spiritually. Oh how I look at the world through different eyes knowing that God could sweep anyone of us up to be home with Him at any time. Saying good bye to loved ones and close ones at the end of a gathering is more precious and treasured. We don't know what God has planned for us, but we do know He has prepared a place for us when this life is over.
Well. my main reason for beginning this blog is to keep track of the happenings and my emotions and thoughts as time passes....mostly for Mia and Livi to have. So, here goes a quick run down of our earthly life....in August of this year we bought our very 1st house!!! We love it. And with that news I must share that Dad has remarried...to the wonderful lady that owned this house, Laurie. So with those events, we were BUSY!!! Mia is in 4th grade this year, enjoys a variety of activities, like volleyball, music (she got an electric guitar for her birthday), reading, hanging out with friends, ice skating, playing in the snow, running around outside, riding bikes, telling jokes, and the list goes on. Livi is 4 and we will be registering her for kindergarten in about a month!!! She is full of drama, is creative, loves art, has lots of energy, keeps us laughing, has curly hair that gets comments every where she goes. Kurt opened Messy Palette Art Studio in our basement and is doing well. He has sold some pieces of art and continues to move forward with the business. I have recently reentered the OI department (orthopedic ally impaired  itinerant teacher...switching to assistive technology)...love it!! Speaking of job...I gotta go because I don't want to be late!
As I close this written reflection, my mind and heart are saddened because you are physically not with us, but we are peaceful and joyful. We reflect on the moments we were blessed to share with you because you and other loved ones fought the good fight, shared God's love and were faithful! May we continue to fight the good fight and one day meet each other at the pearly gates!!
Love ya Mom!!!

Good morning,
Well, it's been a while since I have posted, but that doesn't mean that I don't miss you every day and wish you were here. Our lives have been very busy this past winter with church, church youth group stuff, Messy Palette Art Studio, Mia's school work, and my job. Spending time with family and friends is such a blessing, but we need to work on doing it more often. I think keeping busy helps us to continue to move forward. It is hard for Kurt and I to reflect on the memories we shared with you and his Dad and also Noni and his grandparents. We both miss those conversations, those "building" character moments, but we remember things you've taught us and move forward.
What has gone on since January??? Mia has joined volleyball....she's pretty good! She has had to do her 3rd grade speech, took ISATs for the first time, enjoys playing with her little sister, and hanging out with her friends. Most importantly, she made the decision to follow Jesus on February 9 and was baptized on Sunday, February 10th!!! Yippie!!! It was so awesome when she came up out of the water, we could hear clapping and cheering from family and friends! Probably nothing compared to the celebration the angels put on!!! Mom, she is growing up so very fast. Now, there's Livi....oh Mom...she would crack you up!!! We thought Mia had personality when she was younger. Let's just say that Mia taught her little sister and her little sister added a few tricks of her own. She loves to spend time with her Daddy at the Art studio. She is so very creative, has a great imagination, and loves to help Mommy in the kitchen. Kurt is plugging away at the studio. He has hosted some birthday parties, 1st Friday events, teaches classes, and hosted his 1st Art Scene!!! He provided spring break camps and will be doing those for summer, too!! Along with traveling to a couple of the learning centers around town to provide classes. He continues to press forward with this creative journey....also wishing that his Dad and you were able to be here and give advice along the way. I have been busy trying to keep the family going during the school year. Teaching continues to be a rewarding career...thinking about getting a master's degree!!!!!!! Not sure, yet......but just wanting to continue gaining knowledge about education! I was in the church kitchen last Wednesday cooking for the family night!! Can you believe it, I love being in the kitchen. I made Hot Chicken Salad, no dressing fruit salad, mixed veggies with lemon pepper seasoning, and lemon poppyseed bread!! Brought back some memories!! I was given many compliments, most of which mentioned that I had a great teacher!! Oh man, I couldn't agree with them more! I had a wonderful teacher, but not just in the kitchen! Mom thanks for everything you taught me, even when you thought it wasn't sinking in. Miss ya bunches!! Love ya!!

Always treasured

Well, Mom, one of the most difficult decisions to make has been finalized! Dad and I have designed the marker that is to be placed at the cemetery to honor you. How do you sum up someone's precious life in 2-4 short phrases??? We hope that the words and symbol that were chosen will continue to be a reminder to live a life that honors our heavenly Father. I also believe that this was a difficult task for me because it is the last thing to do for you and the words are permanent. I know that we can show honor by living lives pleasing to God and we will continue to share memories of you with each other and we can bring flowers to show how much we miss and love you, but this just feels like this is that last thing in the process!
Still miss you bunches and love ya!