Daddy's Hands

There are no words to express the emotion I feel as I look at this picture. One day dad won't be around and I don't want to miss the opportunity to enjoy him now. To be honest, most visits are hard and I have to focus on one little thing as a blessing. This particular day dad was the worst he has been in a long time. There are bad days and good (or less bad) days. If I can be vulnerable here, sometimes I wonder why God hasn't taken dad home to be with him. This thought takes me back to Isaiah 55:9 where we read this...

"As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways 

higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts."

Maybe God has a plan and knows alittle more than I do so it's my choice to listen for the blessings God has for me each time I see dad. My prayer for dad is that he is comfortable, experiencing joy and his caregivers are doing an excellent job.

There's a country song by Martina McBride titled "Daddy's Hands." Although I can not quote the lyrics, as I think about the song it brings me joy. The song talks about how daddy's hands can be soft and gentle when needed but they are also strong and tough in order to provide and even disciple. Oh yes, I have all those memories of my daddy.

Dad, I love you.

For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten 

Son, that whosoever believes in him should not perish, 

but have everlasting life.    John 3:16

What happened to November??

H A P P Y   B I R T H D A Y   C H R I S

Early this month my all time favorite husband celebrated another year of life. Other than his gray hair, this guy looks so much younger than me. Well, he IS younger but only by a year. So unfair!

This guy is one heck of a hard worker and great provider, even on his special day he worked until 8pm. We still managed to dine together at Hiro 88 with sushi later in the week. 

Dinner at home and homemade chocolate cake with homemade chocolate frosting. This picture is a perfect representation of our family. Oh there can be tough times but we like to laugh!

Happy 43rd year of life to the love of my life! You are a great man, love you!

Fall in Nebraska is synonymous with HUSKER FOOTBALL GAMES. We have been so blessed to have 2 seats to share with Chris' parents. This year Chris, Emma and Reagan all had at least one chance to attend a Husker football game. Look at the smile on Emma's face! It warms my heart to see her enjoying time with her papa.    G O   B I G   R E D ! ! ! 

Love this Lady!

Tami and I met over ten years ago on the soccer sidelines of Grand Island. As one of my go-to girls, we occasionally create the opportunity to meet up in small town Seward, NE for lunch. Seeing her really fills my cup, I wish we could do it more often. Tami works full time. Her husband works more than full time. They have 3 very active children, go to church, workout and still make an effort to be a friend. WARNING: stepping up on my soapbox... I am so worn out by people using the "I'm too busy!" excuse.  That's hogwash! (a term from my childhood) We make time for what is important to us. Don't get me wrong, I do the same thing. Today I was too busy to wash the dishes or do the laundry but I did do some cooking, some shopping and even checked facebook two times. So I was busy but I picked what was important at that moment. When a friend never has time to call, text or stop by, it's a choice. When it goes on for years, it's a statement. Whew! Where did all that come from? Apparently I really needed to get that out. Now stepping off the soapbox. 

Hanging with her uncles at the KC college showcase

Yesterday this sweetheart came home from school with the coveted "Roadrunner with Character" yard sign. I'm so proud of Liv. I hope and pray my girls will all grow up to be little ladies of good character. Being an excellent student, athlete or musician is wonderful but means little to me without Jesus taking up residency in your heart. Love the Lord your God with all your heart, soul and mind. I believe when you do that, He changes you.

I have so much to be thankful for this Thanksgiving. The Lord has blessed me with great family, friends and circumstances that allow me to grow and flourish. It can be easy to fall into the pit of "poor me". Today I chose to remember what I have to be thankful for.


H  A  P  P  Y    T  H  A  N  K  S  G  I  V  I  N  G

This & That in October

Olivia is part of a city wide singing group called Sing Omaha. This is not an audition group however there is tuition and weekly rehearsals. Olivia says it's pretty "hard core" but she loves it.

Here is a small group of musicians singing the Star Spangled Banner at Werner Park. 

Emma's final fall choir concert. Here she is with the varsity choir. 

New director...New guidelines...New sound

She's loving choir her senior year!

I wish I could get more pictures but they exit the stage in their robes, hang them up and come out in their dress clothes. Watching Emma perform on stage nearly brings tears to my eyes.

State cup is an exciting time when Reagan gets to play against local teams and sometimes even good friends. Here she is with Alexa and Ashley right after a hard fought battle on the field. EGA played 5 games over 3 weekends and had only one goal scored against them. Reagan scored in 4 of 5 games and our team won the state title for the 3rd year in a row. #ThreePeat #Champions #NebraskasBest

Reagan with her best friend Emma. What kind of dorks request a picture of themselves holding hands on the field during the game? Oh my! Actually, these silly girls make me smile.

Chris and I participated in a pumpkin carving contest. We did not come in first or second place which only awarded bragging rights among friends but we were still very proud of our creation.

We utilized 2 pumpkins, toothpicks for the scary teeth and a bottle for the nose.

Pumpkin carving at home.

The only Halloween picture I took. What's wrong with me?

Reagan and friends were fruit. Olivia trick or treated with big sis Em and then joined a friend from another neighborhood. In her words, she was a masquerade.