Dear Mom,
So we've been very busy since I last wrote to you, but think of you every day!!! Since I last wrote, we have had our first holidays (Thanksgiving and Christmas), I've cooked in the kitchen again, Mia created an invention, Livi's vocabulary is increasing daily, Dad and Kent went on a trip to visit dear friends, Noni has been on a health roller coaster and at this moment is doing well, we've only had a little snow this year and right now it feels like winter is on it's way out, Kurt was in a big art show in the Chicago area and did well, and mostly the weeks are busy and weekends busier or we just rest!
Just some thoughts on our first Thanksgiving and Christmas: For Thanksgiving we went to The Wilderness Resort in Wisconsin Dells with Dad for a couple of days. Grandpa and Grandma Lowman came up on Thanksgiving and we went to a buffet for dinner....can you believe it...no cooking!!! I know you would want to know how the food was. The food was alright, but nothing like our family dinners!!!! We had so much fun at the water park!! We had decided that we should do something different for the holidays this year and I am so glad we did because it was good to be together. And that also meant that we didn't have time to set up our Christmas tree, but no worries. We went to Grand Lake, Colorado for Christmas to go snowmobiling! Again, we had a great time together. Doing something different than the traditions that we have always done helped us to get through the "days" of Thanksgiving and Christmas, but the pain of you not being there to vacation with us was present as well.
The girls are awake now, so I must go! Oh Mom, do I miss you so!! Having this outlet of being able to write to you has helped me, but it's not the same as being able to call you and talk about my day and share with you what the girls are doing and defiantly not the same as being with you!!
Love you, Jenn
Saturday, February 4, 2012
Friday, October 28, 2011
Well Mom...I was in the church kitchen this week!! All those years you tried to get me to cook the meal for Wednesday night meal at church (cooking for about 100-120 people) and I hesitated, drag my feet...well we(Kurt, myself and a team of friends and teens from the high school group) did it! This was my 2nd attempt. The 1st time was in February of last year, but at that time I was able to talk to you about the menu, quantities, and whatever else I needed. Now that night you wanted to come to church, but you were not feeling well. Dad had the camera and took pictures, so you could see how things went. That night I was disappointed that you couldn't be there or come through the back door of the kitchen at church to give me a hug and your "you got it under control" speech!! But who would have ever thought that the next time we cooked the meal, you wouldn't be here at all!!! Man was it tough to be in the kitchen, but memories of you were shared throughout the evening while we prepared the food. Laura and I brought up the "don't spill the grease on the floor" incident, we made sure we used the carts for carrying the groceries in, phrases/directions that you had given us before came to mind. After it was all done, I evaluated the night and began taking mental notes of what I will do next time...I guess that means I am thinking about doing it again!! Another interesting thing that happened that evening, was that I have the high schoolers help serve the meal. It is so amazing to watch the interaction of the teens and the adults! The room was filled with christian fellowship and joy! Then last night Mia and Livi helped me cook super at home, better start training them now!!! No, I just thought it would be fun to have the girls help me make pot stickers. Mia always likes helping me with those, but it was Livi's 1st time. The girls did wonderful and even though I had to get a little firm because water was going everywhere, it was fun!
Love you so much!!!!
Love you so much!!!!
Monday, October 10, 2011
Little Mia
Mom,
Today was Columbus Day, so Mia and I had the day off to spend with Daddy and Livi!! We started off the day with taking some fall pictures and McDonald's in the park. We visited the apple orchard and napped in the afternoon. This evening Daddy went to watch the Bears play, so it was an evening with the girls. We painted nails and read the "I'm too small" book, a mouse's perspective on Noah's Ark that you had purchased when you went to visit the Creation Museum. Then Mia and I read the first letter that you had written to hear on her 1st birthday. You see about a week ago she discovered the letters and took a glance at them and I tried to explain them, but really I wasn't ready for this discovery. So tonight I asked her if she wanted to read one together. We both had tears in our eyes as I remembered the days in Savannah we she was born and how precious she was to you and Dad, well all of us really!! I told Mia, when I was finished reading, that she meant the world to you. She asked what that meant....I said that she was so precious to you. So tonight as she prayed, she asked God to watch over you and Grandpa Erickson while you are in Heaven. She prayed that God help Grandma Erickson and Grandpa Anderson to survive. Before she said "goodnight", she said "now I know how important those letters are". What a sweet little girl we have been blessed with. She also said that I should help Grandpa continue writing those letters to her and Livi!!!
Miss ya Mom!!
Thank you God for some down time to spend with my precious family for those intimate moments with my girls!! Thank you for the memories that were made today!!
Love, Jenn
XOXOXO
Today was Columbus Day, so Mia and I had the day off to spend with Daddy and Livi!! We started off the day with taking some fall pictures and McDonald's in the park. We visited the apple orchard and napped in the afternoon. This evening Daddy went to watch the Bears play, so it was an evening with the girls. We painted nails and read the "I'm too small" book, a mouse's perspective on Noah's Ark that you had purchased when you went to visit the Creation Museum. Then Mia and I read the first letter that you had written to hear on her 1st birthday. You see about a week ago she discovered the letters and took a glance at them and I tried to explain them, but really I wasn't ready for this discovery. So tonight I asked her if she wanted to read one together. We both had tears in our eyes as I remembered the days in Savannah we she was born and how precious she was to you and Dad, well all of us really!! I told Mia, when I was finished reading, that she meant the world to you. She asked what that meant....I said that she was so precious to you. So tonight as she prayed, she asked God to watch over you and Grandpa Erickson while you are in Heaven. She prayed that God help Grandma Erickson and Grandpa Anderson to survive. Before she said "goodnight", she said "now I know how important those letters are". What a sweet little girl we have been blessed with. She also said that I should help Grandpa continue writing those letters to her and Livi!!!
Miss ya Mom!!
Thank you God for some down time to spend with my precious family for those intimate moments with my girls!! Thank you for the memories that were made today!!
Love, Jenn
XOXOXO
Saturday, October 1, 2011
Shopping
Mom,
So, Dad and I planned our shopping trip for this past Monday after school!! He was so sweet. He carried an arm full of clothes around the store, went looking for a different size (smaller....yeah!!), tried to put some outfits together with me...he really has good taste, sat and waited while I tried on!!! Not many Dad's would do this, but it truly put a smile on our faces!! As he was making the purchases, I told the cashier that this was my Dad and took me shopping for my birthday! She wanted to be adopted!! Then we met Kurt and the girls for dinner!! Thanks Dad!! By the way, he didn't even have to sing!!
More good news...I passed my LBS1 test...it's official I have a special education certification....now if the district can stay stable..maybe I can be in a position for more than a year!!
ArtScene is coming up on October 14-15!! So excited, Kurt will be showing at 4 places this year and two of the places contacted him!! Thank you God for continuing to bless him with talents and places to be a witness!!!
I can't believe that fall is here!! The leaves are beginning to change, it's Turkey Day weekend (Dad's camping!!!), pumpkins were harvested out of grandpa Lowman's garden (and he really grew them this year...he didn't have to go purchase them and put them in the field!!), the smells of fall whisp under your nose when you go outside, God is such an amazing creator!
Yesterday, Laura and I met at your house to wait for Kurt to pick us up and then we were going to the campground to eat steaks ....not soup with Dad. So her and I did a quick "Fall" decorating, just one of those things Dad doesn't think about doing, but probably really misses. You know those acorns Mia and Dad "picked" about 5 years ago and we wanted to spray paint gold...well I put them in a vase with a fake fall cat tail arrangement in it. I looks really good. We also put fall m&ms out, just a couple little things to change the season inside for him!!!
Love ya, Jenn
So, Dad and I planned our shopping trip for this past Monday after school!! He was so sweet. He carried an arm full of clothes around the store, went looking for a different size (smaller....yeah!!), tried to put some outfits together with me...he really has good taste, sat and waited while I tried on!!! Not many Dad's would do this, but it truly put a smile on our faces!! As he was making the purchases, I told the cashier that this was my Dad and took me shopping for my birthday! She wanted to be adopted!! Then we met Kurt and the girls for dinner!! Thanks Dad!! By the way, he didn't even have to sing!!
More good news...I passed my LBS1 test...it's official I have a special education certification....now if the district can stay stable..maybe I can be in a position for more than a year!!
ArtScene is coming up on October 14-15!! So excited, Kurt will be showing at 4 places this year and two of the places contacted him!! Thank you God for continuing to bless him with talents and places to be a witness!!!
I can't believe that fall is here!! The leaves are beginning to change, it's Turkey Day weekend (Dad's camping!!!), pumpkins were harvested out of grandpa Lowman's garden (and he really grew them this year...he didn't have to go purchase them and put them in the field!!), the smells of fall whisp under your nose when you go outside, God is such an amazing creator!
Yesterday, Laura and I met at your house to wait for Kurt to pick us up and then we were going to the campground to eat steaks ....not soup with Dad. So her and I did a quick "Fall" decorating, just one of those things Dad doesn't think about doing, but probably really misses. You know those acorns Mia and Dad "picked" about 5 years ago and we wanted to spray paint gold...well I put them in a vase with a fake fall cat tail arrangement in it. I looks really good. We also put fall m&ms out, just a couple little things to change the season inside for him!!!
Love ya, Jenn
Wednesday, September 14, 2011
Change
Dear Mom,
As we continue to grow during this season of missing you and Dave (it's almost been a year...which most of that year has been foggy), I am discovering all the ways that life is changing. Some of the changes are because I am getting older, but most of the changes I am talking about are the changes since you have been gone. Some of the changes make me angry because you are not here to "work things out" with me or because I so wish you you would have been here for that event/activity. But I also know that you "taught me well" and with God's guidance, these changes will be alright. So many times I hear loved ones say or I think to myself "Oh I wish Debbie/Mom were here, she would know just what to do." Well the fact is that even though you are physically not here, what you taught us by the example you lived is with us. Thanks Mom for leaving me with such wonderful memories, great phrases that I can use to raise our little girls like (you don't have to...you get to and it will build character), and a strong foundation in the Lord!!
And I have to share some family fun with you!!! Mia is doing an excellent job in school!! She has really blossomed in her reading abilities and she loves her 2nd grade teacher. Our new speed bump is spelling tests, but she continues to try and study!! Livi is such a joy!! She is talking, talking, talking....and remember when Mia would repeat things until you understood exactly what she was saying....well here we are again with Livi!! The other day, Livi and Kurt were in the grocery store and she was saying "You're driving me crazy" throughout the entire store. Kurt is doing well and very busy. He just completed a piece for Mary Horn, had his first solo art show in Chicago, participated in Central's Car Show with a photo booth (really missed you that day) and Art Scene is around the corner (he has people contacting him to put his art in their space!!!!!), and he is booking photo sessions! Thank you Lord for giving him such amazing talents, so he can let Your Light shine!! Dad is doing well. Oh, he misses you terribly and never thought he would be this side of Heaven without you for this amount of time, but he is celebrating God's goodness here on Earth and looking forward to the days on the Streets of Gold!!! To those of you that are reading this, I thank you for your continued prayers, encouragement, and care! I ask for continued prayer as the month of October rolls around...Mom's birthday is/would have been October 16th and also Dave's(for those who do not know...this is my father-in-law) birthday the 13th, Judy's (for those that don't know...this is my mother-in-law...who is alive and well, but celebrating without her husband) birthday on the 16th, and Dave and Judy's anniversary is/would have been on the 25th!!
Love in Christ,
Jenn
As we continue to grow during this season of missing you and Dave (it's almost been a year...which most of that year has been foggy), I am discovering all the ways that life is changing. Some of the changes are because I am getting older, but most of the changes I am talking about are the changes since you have been gone. Some of the changes make me angry because you are not here to "work things out" with me or because I so wish you you would have been here for that event/activity. But I also know that you "taught me well" and with God's guidance, these changes will be alright. So many times I hear loved ones say or I think to myself "Oh I wish Debbie/Mom were here, she would know just what to do." Well the fact is that even though you are physically not here, what you taught us by the example you lived is with us. Thanks Mom for leaving me with such wonderful memories, great phrases that I can use to raise our little girls like (you don't have to...you get to and it will build character), and a strong foundation in the Lord!!
And I have to share some family fun with you!!! Mia is doing an excellent job in school!! She has really blossomed in her reading abilities and she loves her 2nd grade teacher. Our new speed bump is spelling tests, but she continues to try and study!! Livi is such a joy!! She is talking, talking, talking....and remember when Mia would repeat things until you understood exactly what she was saying....well here we are again with Livi!! The other day, Livi and Kurt were in the grocery store and she was saying "You're driving me crazy" throughout the entire store. Kurt is doing well and very busy. He just completed a piece for Mary Horn, had his first solo art show in Chicago, participated in Central's Car Show with a photo booth (really missed you that day) and Art Scene is around the corner (he has people contacting him to put his art in their space!!!!!), and he is booking photo sessions! Thank you Lord for giving him such amazing talents, so he can let Your Light shine!! Dad is doing well. Oh, he misses you terribly and never thought he would be this side of Heaven without you for this amount of time, but he is celebrating God's goodness here on Earth and looking forward to the days on the Streets of Gold!!! To those of you that are reading this, I thank you for your continued prayers, encouragement, and care! I ask for continued prayer as the month of October rolls around...Mom's birthday is/would have been October 16th and also Dave's(for those who do not know...this is my father-in-law) birthday the 13th, Judy's (for those that don't know...this is my mother-in-law...who is alive and well, but celebrating without her husband) birthday on the 16th, and Dave and Judy's anniversary is/would have been on the 25th!!
Love in Christ,
Jenn
Saturday, August 27, 2011
Dear Mom,
Since my last post, we went on vacation to Wisconsin, Grandma Lowman celebrated her 80th birthday, Dad celebrated his 58th birthday, I have been granted my LBS1 certification, I have taken the required test (but waiting for results), we have been blessed because I have a job (resource teacher at Brookview), Mia started 2nd grade, Grandma Anderson is home from rehab, Timothy and Matthew (our nephews) were baptized (wish I could call you to find out how the angels celebrate!!!), I celebrated my 36th birthday, Caroline went to college (Grace Bible College), and probably many more earthly milestones (but my memory gets fuzzy sometimes)!! So many changes and new memories are being made, but your presences is noticeably missed. When we get together with Dad and I go to count out how many plates we need, I have a real hard time trying to figure our why we only need 3 big ones. I just have to tell what Dad gave me for my birthday. It made all of us smile real big...especially Kurt! Dad is going to taking me shopping..FOR CLOTHES...he doesn't know what he's getting himself into, does he? I asked if he knew how to sing "You are my sunshine", because you used to sing that when I was putting up a fuss about trying on clothes and trying to find that "perfect" outfit!! Kurt said "Thank, Thank," and just giggled!! I am going to try my very best to make it a pleasant experience, so we can do it again (and I am getting better at knowing what I like!!!!)!!! I am really looking forward to it!! As I close, I want to share a verse from Isaiah with you that I have been grasping onto!
28 Do you not know?
Have you not heard?
The LORD is the everlasting God,
the Creator of the ends of the earth.
He will not grow tired or weary,
and his understanding no one can fathom.
29 He gives strength to the weary
and increases the power of the weak.
30 Even youths grow tired and weary,
and young men stumble and fall;
31 but those who hope in the LORD
will renew their strength.
They will soar on wings like eagles;
they will run and not grow weary,
they will walk and not be faint.
May you put your HOPE in the Lord and not grow weary!!!
Love, Jenn
Since my last post, we went on vacation to Wisconsin, Grandma Lowman celebrated her 80th birthday, Dad celebrated his 58th birthday, I have been granted my LBS1 certification, I have taken the required test (but waiting for results), we have been blessed because I have a job (resource teacher at Brookview), Mia started 2nd grade, Grandma Anderson is home from rehab, Timothy and Matthew (our nephews) were baptized (wish I could call you to find out how the angels celebrate!!!), I celebrated my 36th birthday, Caroline went to college (Grace Bible College), and probably many more earthly milestones (but my memory gets fuzzy sometimes)!! So many changes and new memories are being made, but your presences is noticeably missed. When we get together with Dad and I go to count out how many plates we need, I have a real hard time trying to figure our why we only need 3 big ones. I just have to tell what Dad gave me for my birthday. It made all of us smile real big...especially Kurt! Dad is going to taking me shopping..FOR CLOTHES...he doesn't know what he's getting himself into, does he? I asked if he knew how to sing "You are my sunshine", because you used to sing that when I was putting up a fuss about trying on clothes and trying to find that "perfect" outfit!! Kurt said "Thank, Thank," and just giggled!! I am going to try my very best to make it a pleasant experience, so we can do it again (and I am getting better at knowing what I like!!!!)!!! I am really looking forward to it!! As I close, I want to share a verse from Isaiah with you that I have been grasping onto!
28 Do you not know?
Have you not heard?
The LORD is the everlasting God,
the Creator of the ends of the earth.
He will not grow tired or weary,
and his understanding no one can fathom.
29 He gives strength to the weary
and increases the power of the weak.
30 Even youths grow tired and weary,
and young men stumble and fall;
31 but those who hope in the LORD
will renew their strength.
They will soar on wings like eagles;
they will run and not grow weary,
they will walk and not be faint.
May you put your HOPE in the Lord and not grow weary!!!
Love, Jenn
Friday, August 5, 2011
Dear Mom,
Wow, how the summer does fly by!! Can't quite believe that it is August already. I just have to tell you about how the girls have become little fish this summer. Mia is swimming under water, jumping in, doing cannon balls, playing "Wipe Out", and just plain having fun in the pool. She also would like for me to look into diving classes...oh my!! Livi is very independent, which you already knew. We have put one of those swimming suits with a built in Styrofoam float in it on her and she swims all around without anyone touching her!! So wish you could see them, it would definitely put a smile on your face!!
Dad went on his first road trip this past weekend!! He went up to Minnesota to visit family! He enjoyed the time to just visit with folks!!
Kurt is a busy man!! He is getting into more galleries in Chicago. There are 3 shows coming up. 1 in Rockford and 2 in the Chicago area in cafe type places. One of which will be his 1st independent show!! So wish you and his Dad could be here...you are both missed by us!!
And I am enjoying time with the girls..swimming, slumber parties, reading, and so on!! I have also been able to have lunch with some ladies, which have been inspirational. Thanks Mom for making relationships a very important part of your life. Sometimes my eyes are too focused on myself, but you were such a good example of putting others first...I continue to learn from your example.
And this week we are headed to Wisconsin to celebrate Grandma and Grandpa Lowman's 80th birthdays (along with the other August ones (Dad's and mine)). We went ahead and planned the lake vacation that you had started. It will be good for all of us to be together! I pray that there will be some good heart to heart conversations, memories made, laughing, and fun and of course good food!! Uncle Scott is grilling steaks, Kurt and Dad are grilling ribs, I am making Swedish Pancakes with chocolate chips and marshmallows (requested by Mia), snackie foods for all to enjoy....and grandma is hoping for a fish fry on Friday....we shall see!!!
Love ya!!!
Wow, how the summer does fly by!! Can't quite believe that it is August already. I just have to tell you about how the girls have become little fish this summer. Mia is swimming under water, jumping in, doing cannon balls, playing "Wipe Out", and just plain having fun in the pool. She also would like for me to look into diving classes...oh my!! Livi is very independent, which you already knew. We have put one of those swimming suits with a built in Styrofoam float in it on her and she swims all around without anyone touching her!! So wish you could see them, it would definitely put a smile on your face!!
Dad went on his first road trip this past weekend!! He went up to Minnesota to visit family! He enjoyed the time to just visit with folks!!
Kurt is a busy man!! He is getting into more galleries in Chicago. There are 3 shows coming up. 1 in Rockford and 2 in the Chicago area in cafe type places. One of which will be his 1st independent show!! So wish you and his Dad could be here...you are both missed by us!!
And I am enjoying time with the girls..swimming, slumber parties, reading, and so on!! I have also been able to have lunch with some ladies, which have been inspirational. Thanks Mom for making relationships a very important part of your life. Sometimes my eyes are too focused on myself, but you were such a good example of putting others first...I continue to learn from your example.
And this week we are headed to Wisconsin to celebrate Grandma and Grandpa Lowman's 80th birthdays (along with the other August ones (Dad's and mine)). We went ahead and planned the lake vacation that you had started. It will be good for all of us to be together! I pray that there will be some good heart to heart conversations, memories made, laughing, and fun and of course good food!! Uncle Scott is grilling steaks, Kurt and Dad are grilling ribs, I am making Swedish Pancakes with chocolate chips and marshmallows (requested by Mia), snackie foods for all to enjoy....and grandma is hoping for a fish fry on Friday....we shall see!!!
Love ya!!!
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