Two times this week I have had conversations with the girls about how to make a friend. Once with Tori and her friend who stayed over this week as we discussed the possibility of them not being in the same class next year (I don't even want to think about it). But trying to prepare them I asked if they remembered how they became friends...their answer "we just said hello". And today Isabelle made 2 new "friends" at the pool and Tori made a new "friend" as well. Tori was telling Isabelle that she doesn't make friends as easy as her and Isabelle told her two ways to make a friend...1. Find someone you think you like and go up and say your name to them--or (if that doesn't work apparently) 2. Find someone doing something you think you would like to do and do the same thing right next to them, and then apparently they will start to play with you.

So, there you have it. Say Hello, Say your name, Just Invite yourself right in and you will have a friend. Would that we all were that willing to make a new friend. ;)

Happy Father’s Day to the two most important men in my life—my Dad and Jamie (in case you weren’t sure). Most people would say that these two men are not at all alike. But I would have to disagree. Yes, there are certain things about them that are very different- like my Dad’s love of Iowa and butterflies and Jamie’s love of Ohio and the Buckeyes. But they are both incredibly competitive, they can both take down an ice cream carton no problemo and, of course, they are both the father of 3 daughters. But there is one thing that I have seen in both of their lives that is very similar, and it is one big reason, among the millions of other reasons, why I love them.

During our wedding ceremony, believe it or not, Jamie was the first to shed a tear. (I know, it’s shocking) And the first tear he shed was not at me coming down the aisle or because he couldn’t get through his vows….He shed a tear as Pastor Cortner shared about Jesus and told our friends and family gathered there that our greatest desire on that day was that they all come to know the Jesus that we knew. Jamie’s eyes filled with tears since he had been up late the night before talking with his friend Mark about God. Mark was a friend who had been introduced to God several times before, but did not yet seem to want to follow Him.

During a recent visit to Iowa, I sat in the middle of my parent’s (yes, right in the middle) during their church service. The whole family was there (minus Jamie) and I could not help but notice my Dad wiping his eyes with a tissue several times during the singing of the songs and throughout the teaching of the speaker. I am not sure if he was tearing up because we were all there together or if the words of familiar songs struck his soul with a fresh wind, but his heart was moved by the Spirit and the tears began to flow.

You see, these are not individual instances in my life experience with these incredibly important men in my life. I have witnessed both of their hearts be moved reading the nativity story or praying over someone they love. I have watched them study the Bible and search for truth. I have been a part of 2 cross-country moves, as each one followed God’s voice to a new assignment. I have always been convinced of their love for me, and I have always been convinced of their love for their Savior. Their influence on my life is immeasurable and I am blessed beyond blessed to not only have grown up in a home with a tenderhearted and passionate lover of God, but to know that my girls will grow up with that as well.

Thanks Dad and Jamie for choosing to be God’s men first and foremost. Your passion and love for your Savior and others inspires and challenges me. I love you both! Happy Father’s Day!

I always seem to miss when special visitors come to see us...I guess we are so busy having fun, who has time to be on the computer. These are from Emily, Ava, and Mum-Mums visit to MN. We went to the new Nickelodeon Park at MOA, Bachman's Garden Center and the Richardson Nature Center--all Minneapolis Area Classics!!!


Emily got the girls all dolled up and ready to go (you didn't actually think I put that bow in Macie's hair did you?)





We saw the Backyardigans!!!






My mom doesn't actually let me take her picture, but she would let me take one of her and Tori's matching mary jane crocs.



Doesn't that look like fun? Who wants to visit MN now?

Another school year in the books for Tori. She wore green shorts, because green is Mr. Suzuki's favorite color, and she wore a shirt with Hawaii stuff on it, because his grandma lives in Hawaii and he sent everyone a postcard from there when he went there over spring break. You could say she likes her teacher a lot. ;) Yesterday was "clean out your desk day" and she came home and set up all her school stuff on her desk at home. I could not be more thankful as a parent for the great year that she had. She learned great "school stuff", but she also learned to jump rope, do hand jives and be a good friend. I think first grade is a year she will always remember. They are off to the Children's Museum today for their final field trip and then they are ordering Papa John's for lunch and their end of year party (Tori's favorite). I get to see her for a brief time until she packs up to go to a sleepover at her friend Abegail's house tonight. Family Friday night will feel a little empty this evening...where did my little girl go?

This is a picture of our family (taken by my good friend Bethany) right after we moved here to MN almost 4 years ago....Tori was 3 1/2.

“If the sight of the blue skies fills you with joy, if a blade of grass springing up in the fields has power to move you, if the simple things of nature have a message you understand, Rejoice..."- Eleanora Duse (Italian Actress)








and in case you were wondering...

"Is this Heaven? No, it's Iowa." ;)