Headed for the Mission Field

We just got home from an 11pm drop off…our girl and 45 others headed to KC and then across the ocean. This is Liv’s first mission trip. Prayers are appreciated for safety, health, rest, cooler temps, peace and for the Holy Spirit to move this week. 

More info to come…

thankful for you

Our 2022 Thanksgiving Crew!

Dean . Lynn . Chris . Ryan

Helen . Levi . Kelly . Selah . Lisa . Linda . Melanie . Joe

Jael . Reagan . Olivia . Emma . Emma L

Davis' are missing from photo

We are thankful for these peeps

We hosted the great day of gluttony and football, which I enjoy. It gives me motivation to really clean and usually do a couple little projects around the house that have made it from the "to-do" list to the "procrastination" list. Chris has said before multiple events, "you aren't repainting a room!" So I may have done that in the past. I try to keep the projects on the smaller side now. This year it may seem like I redid my fire place for thanksgiving. In actuality, I planned that project about 2 years ago and we finally got it started this November. There are a few things that need tweeked but for the most part I love it! You can kind of see it in one of the pictures. 

I am thankful for the clean house and revamped fireplace.

We had 4 people unable to come at the last minute which brought our numbers down to 19 people and 2 dogs. Poor Bella and Luna were shipped to Nana and Papa's house for a couple days. They cats don't like dogs and I'm not sure how well the dogs tolerate cats. We didn't want to perform a Black Friday burial. We are thankful for good health and well behaved pets

The other thing I really enjoy doing is cute little chalk board drawings or quotes. I started with just a plain piece of black board. Before Emma's wedding I had Chris build an easel. I love it! Now I use it all the time- birthdays, celebrations, holidays, work, husker games. 

I am thankful for Chris' ability to make things and my love of doodling.

Thanksgiving Chalk Sign 2019 above .  2022 below

We have so much to be thankful for even in the midst of really hard situations. I'm trying to focus on the blessings I do have. The world is full of negativity and sin but Jesus came as the solution. We all need a little more Jesus. That's my daily goal. More Jesus!

 

The Rona Strikes Again

 

I truly had started believing I was immune to this virus. After all I had been in close contact with 2 infected people, 3 if you count Reagan back in Nov 2019. (There's no proof she had it but makes sense that she did. That's a story for another time.) It's hard to say from where or from whom I contracted the dreaded thing but it found me. It found Olivia too! We kept quiet because of our experience when Chris got sick. The haters, the know it alls, the judgy-judgers, those more "woke" were too much to take but it's time to tell most of our story.  I don't ever put everything in writing.

How it started: One night of fever. One day of a tickle in my throat. And then the headache, oh the headache! Which symptoms did I have? Almost all of them. Was I horribly sick? No, but I started to say I might die. Chris disagreed with my diagnosis of possible death. I wouldn't wish anyone to feel the way I felt but I am glad I finally got "it" and it's over. Remember Chris had Rona back in November? He didn't get it again from me...he has the antibodies. People forget, that is a real thing!!! My body hurt, my head hurt, my eyeballs hurt. I wasn't hungry, everything tasted terrible. I lost 15 pounds but then most of it managed to find me again. :(  I couldn't think. I was lonely, except for the cats. Still, I am glad we got it. Olivia, of coarse, wasn't as bad as me. She's a kid and although there have been a few serious cases in (healthy) children, they typically bounce back in no time. The quarantine for Liv might have been worse than the actual illness. 

How it ended: One day I was sure I might die and the next I was 97% better. How? My dear friend brought me a bag full of remedies. Bone broth, Emergen-C, Gatorade, Zinc and a couple meds that have been around for ages. Guess what? THEY WORKED!!  Guess what else? THEY ARE CHEAP!! I almost didn't take them because I was fearful. As I sit here remembering those days I am almost in tears. It was awful but here's the thing, I could have been better days sooner if I had taken the TWO doses of medicine earlier. 

Why are people dying and suffering needlessly?

Do you really want to know?

$ $ $ .  POWER .  CONTROL

We could be healing the majority of Rona victims.

This breaks my heart.

(Btw, we can disagree and still be friends, that's still a thing too)

Walking from the living room to the back deck was all I could handle for many days but the sun brought comfort. It's important to get up and walk even though it's the last thing you want to do. Keep those lungs working and any tiny bit of endorphins you can produce will help (emotionally) make it through to the next day. Pray for those who are sick, lonely and fearful. This thing is here and it isn't going away. No mask and no jab will make it disappear. 

Pray

Eat to fuel your body

Exercise

Laugh

Turn off the news

All these things will help you feel better

Scrappin' Christmas

I'm not ditching the holiday, I'm back to scrapbooking and oh does it feel so good. Many years ago I decided to do a book of our annual Christmas cards and letters. I sort of scrapped 2000 and 2001. They were both ugly to say the least. Since then I just stuck the card and letter in the book. My plan was to get back to it when I had time. Apparently last night was when I finally had time. I creatively documented 11 years of our family cards and letters. It's not surprising but certainly is disappointing that I am missing several years of cards. So if you happen to be a person who keeps Christmas cards and would like to scan my old cards/letters from 2007, 2010, 2011, 2013 and 2015 I would love to have a copy. In the meantime I have a couple places to dig through.

People like FlyLady warn again the dangers of keeping junk, so many of us suffer from some form of hoarding.  However, I can't even begin to tell you how grateful I am to have these pictures and letters from the past. The quotes we included both make me laugh and cry. 

The practice of sending out cards and letters is slowly going away. Chris would love for me to email the letter, I just can't! Life BC (before children) is not typically highlighted in year end letters. Oh how I would love to reminisce about what 23 year old Chris and Melanie thought and did BC. 

Too often I compare our family to others, we just never seem to measure up. Darn social media! What I realized while lovingly pouring over these pictures is that our family has a rich history. I love what Chris and I have created over the years. In a blink of an eye we have gone from one baby girl to three phenomenal daughters who are on the verge of becoming adults. For sure we have a blessed life. And just like the title of my blog...it all happens so fast.

Below are some pictures of the simple scrap projects I did last night. It felt so good to use up some unfavorable supplies. I like the way it turned out. Nothing is overly decorated, after all the picture and letter are the important aspects.

I know...ugly but paper from early 2000's

this page isn't really done

again, kind of ugly but happy I used
up a bunch of old supplies

Give Thanks with A Grateful Heart

Each November I create some kind of gratitude list. This year my plan was to post on instangram an unplanned picture each day that represented something of my everyday life that I'm thankful for. Honestly, I was not as consistent as I hoped to be. The thing is I began to recognize the most simplistic items and events of my day that I am truly thankful for. Being happy and grateful is a decision. A decision to recognize my blessings rather than focus on my wants and needs.

Every thanksgiving day we hang out with my husband's family in Omaha. Many years my parents have joined us but with dad in the nursing home and mom in Texas, it wasn't possible to have them with us. All too often I hear people complain about family. We look forward to spending holidays with our family especially at Thanksgiving. This year I experienced a first. Once Emma came home from college I felt completely content. We still did the big gathering but I could have been just as happy having my family of five around me for the day.

Sixty degrees and Thankful!

Move This Mountain

This past year our family has had an unusual amount of challenging issues and I can't help but wonder why. Typically when I ask God "why are we dealing with x, y, z?" I am really complaining about my discomfort and looking for answers that will soothe me. What if it's not about me? While it is probable that God has something to teach me, it may also be about someone else. 

If God has brought me to it, He's going to help me through it! 

Today I choose joy! I will face each challenge with the wisdom that God loves me and has great plans for me. I can be an inspiration to others and a light to the world when I focus on God as my strength. 

Happier Hammy

Have I said it recently? I love this man!

It would be remiss of me if I didn't brag on my hubby a bit. This amazing man of mine leaves the house by 6:30am and doesn't return until between 7:30-10:00pm. Thanks to my injury, it doesn't usually end there. He gets me ice, helps me shower, even shaved my legs...what a guy! I am so blessed to have a life partner who takes his role of provider and protector seriously. Thanks babe!

PreSurgery:

Chris and I snuck out for a quick date night before surgery...what I wouldn't do to get out of the house now for a date night. To be honest, if I could just walk to the mailbox I would be pretty darn excited. August 10th was the last time I did my hair, put on make-up or was even able to put on my own underwear. My take away from this ordeal is to be thankful for the little stuff. I am weary of always asking for help, waiting to shower until it's convenient for someone else and the drain of trying to get comfortable. Will I complain about cleaning my house ever again, probably but right now I wish I could scrub the sinks, vacuum the floors and clean out my van.

This post will consist of pictures, random surgery thoughts, tips and maybe a little bit of complaining.

The surgical timeframe was heavy on Dr Burt's mind, in fact delaying it only 5 days in order to take Emma to college, was not an option. I got squeezed into his schedule which means I got the last slot of the day. On one hand that's not so bad, I had plenty of time to do last minute chores. On the other hand you are so stinkin' thirsty by the time you finally get wheeled back to the OR. It wasn't the hunger, no fluids from midnight until 3pm was downright cruel!

Let's start with Life on Medication:

I have always been very sensitive to medications. Which came first the chicken or the egg? Am I sensitive because I seldom dumped that crap into my system or did we avoid taking OTC drugs because it was too hard on my system? Really, who cares. All I know is my body overreacts to all kinds of toxic chemicals. 

-As a teenager I took No-Doz when I was driving to a near by university for flute lessons. My instructor and mom both accused me of being on drugs. (FYI: never did drugs)

-As a teenager waking up from knee surgery the recovery nurses had a difficult time keeping me calm.

-As a brand new mom getting my first Percocet I lost my vision, threw up and never took another pain killer.

Pre-surgery I was full of trepidation that I would struggle more with the necessary drugs of surgery than the actual pain of the cutting, tugging and drilling. But with all things, I researched and prayed. My first few days weren't too bad. I remember thinking my mind was pretty clear but since then I have realized that I can't remember conversations and events in those first days post-op. It wasn't until about day 4 that the hydrocodone took my mind and body hostage. I had horrific anxiety attacks. Just that word makes me feel uncomfortable, I remember exactly how I felt each time. By day 6 I was off all meds and praying my body would detox quickly. Ironically, the very people prescribing these meds did not even know the half-life or the likelihood of more ugly side effects. Inexcusable! Since then I have taken lots of fish oil, used essential oils and prayed. I thank God I made it through those dark days.

I am a firm believer that no one has ever gotten sick because of a lack of pharmaceuticals in their body. As a result, we strive to keep our family out of the "lab rat" culture and we are healthier for it!

Life Post-OP:

My surgery was a little shorter than they planned because only two of the three muscles were torn off my pelvis. That's great and should speed along my recovery. Instead of being totally non-weight bearing doc said I could "do a little". What the heck does that exactly mean? I have found that I can put some weight on my right leg as long as I'm not actively using/moving the leg. That does make taking a shower much easier. This girl is a great on one leg but only for so long.

THE BRACE: is terrible. One week in T.E.D. hose drove me nuts too.

GOING TO THE BATHROOM: is challenging. Best tip: get a toilet seat riser and flushable wipes

THE STAIRS: I am able to go up and down stairs. It is slow and exhausting process. Remember up with the good and down with the bad.

GETTING IN/OUT OF BED: is frustrating.

LAYING ON THE COUCH: all day is not fun. 

Flowers thanks to Emma and Dr Niki

SITTING: impossible because of both the pain and the range of motion block on my brace. I am over 3 weeks post-op and would really like to go somewhere. The problem is once I get there I have to ask, will they have a couch to lay on? Most restaurants, churches and stores do not.

THE CRUTCHES: my arms, shoulders, wrists and hands are sore which reminds me I need to rest.

 As a stay-at-home mom who seldom stays home, being mostly confined to the house is not ideal. I don't even get to attend church. Thank you internet for being invented so I can worship online.

Thanks Marianne

MEALS: The Meal Train sign-up been a God-Send. I am so thankful for all the meals that have been provided by friends and family.

Homemade Meals . Carry Out Meals . Gift Cards

It's going to be a challenge when the meals end next week. 

Life Emotionally Speaking:

Each day is a work in process, keeping my spirits up and staying positive. Here are a few tips: Drink water, get the body moving in whatever way possible, don't watch the news and invite friends over. This may not seem related but one of my biggest emotional stresses has been caring for my family. Do you have a village? You know, a circle of people who are willing to step in when needed. 

Jill and Kim drive to soccer

Nana drives to music lessons

Kim drives to high school

Liz walks or drives to middle school

Lindsey, Tracy and Lindsay have cleaned

Susan, Linda, Linda, Shirley, Mary, Jill, Laurie babysat when I couldn't be alone.

Patty has picked up slack at work

Chris' co-workers have covered his classroom

Tami and Kimberly have helped Emma

Jay, Leo and Josh have mowed
Many Many people have made food for our family.

(I shouldn't have started listing names, surely I left out some big contributors)

Without our village we couldn't do life as we knew it before. These people keep my spirits up.

 I do believe my hamstring is happier now that it is not bunched up behind my knee. One day the rest of my body will catch up with my hamstring and be happy too.

60 Shoes

Firsts are the things we remember and often the things we write in a journal, smear all over social media and obviously post in a blog. My most recent first was hosting Thanksgiving. Honestly, I have been waiting for the day that Aunt Helen releases this honor to me. Twenty-two years ago I attended my first Raabe (Ray-bee) Thanksgiving at Lynn and Helen's house on Boyd circle. There are so many memories at that split level house and the HUGE tree out front. Memories: early morning shopping, Grandpa Raabe pretending to call Tom Osborne during the football game, Emma seeing snow for the first time, family pictures in the tree and boys vs girls flag football in the circle, to name a few. Every year since she has hosted and only years that we did not live in Nebraska have we missed. It's something our entire family looks forward to each November. This Thursday started with rain and ended with ice which lead to our guests leaving early but we all managed to eat a lot, laugh, lay around in a food coma and continue to try to figure out the secret behind Grandma Heller's mashed potatoes.

I should have taken more pictures this year, here's what I got.

some of the 30 shoes in attendance

Placemats

Food Line

Heller Family

Raabes Family

After the crowd left we began our Star Wars Movie marathon, which ended up being only one movie that night. I hit up the internet for some shopping then we all headed to bed. After all, Black Friday no longer is a big shopping day in this house since retail stores have completely ruined it. Friday morning the whole clan meets at Hy-Vee for breakfast and then watch the Huskers. Chris was the only Raabe who braved the 20 degree temps to watch our beloved Nebraska Cornhusker football team loose another game. 

Time to turn the page, the Christmas decorating has begun and Christmas cards should go out in the next couple of days. Thank you K-Love Radio for the Christmas music in my van, I am in my happy place! I don't know if we will have any Christmas time firsts, however you can bet to read about them here if we do. Now to keep my cat out of the Christmas trees. Much love to each person reading this blog!

Thanks Thank you Thankful

Day 21: I am THANKFUL for a beautiful relaxed day of travel with my family. Thank you MPS for a day off of school.
This year our school district changed a few things on the school calendar. One of them was giving the teachers and students the day before Thanksgiving off. Typically the week of conferences teachers get Friday off to compensate for all the long days and nights they put in. This year they taught on Friday but got November 21st off. That was a hard week for my hubby but we really enjoyed having an extra long Thanksgiving break.

DAY 22: I am THANKFUL for my niece being born this day 17 yrs ago and great friends to be with on this holiday. Happy Thanksgiving
It blows me away that my beautiful niece is getting so old so fast. Soon she will be out on her own going to college and her parents will wonder where the years went. I wonder if we can talk her into coming to school in Nebraska. Ha, I'm sure my brother would FREAK if she even mentioned it. Now KU would be a strong possibility.

Thanksgiving day we changed things up a bit. Instead of hanging out with the Raabe/Heller clan in town we drove down to Topeka, KS to see our friends the Kesslers. The weather was perfect and our girls had a fantastic time with their girls. 
Outside in the beautiful weather with the bows and arrows.

DAY 23: I am THANKFUL for family movie time.

My favorite Christmas movies are Christmas Vacation and It's a Wonderful Life. One is a little more wholesome than the other.

DAY 25: I am THANKFUL for friends who "pop-in" for a visit.

Stopping in to visit friends is a lost art. I love "popping-in" as well as being "popped-in" on. You are all welcome to stop my any time.

Holy buckets...it's snowing! 
DAY 26: I am THANKFUL for the changing if seasons but if I'm honest, not snow and cold.

The snow came quickly and disappeared just as quickly...PRAISE THE LORD! Since then we have gotten back to some very nice weather.

DAY 27: I am THANKFUL for our CCC journey group. Love you guys!

Chris and I have been a part of a small group/couples bible study/journey group/life group for the last 14-15 years. We have met some our closest friends in those groups. Spiritual growth can be difficult and even stagnant at times. It is important to have people in your life who will hold you accountable and still love you through the highs and lows of life.

DAY 28: Hmm, missed this day. Surely I was grateful for something...

How about having the time to volunteer at the girls' schools. Today I was at both the elementary and middle schools.

DAY 29: I am THANKFUL for online coupons. I get such a thrill out of saving money.

Today I walked into Hobby Lobby armed with my iPhone, pulled up my 40% off coupon and walked out with a great deal. Tonight Chris and I ate out and had our coupon right there with us.  Love it!

Thankful for Days 14-20

DAY 14: I am THANKFUL for WiFi at the orthodontist office so I can work while waiting on kiddos.

DAY 15: I am so THANKFUL!! What more can I say...love pedicures.

DAY 16: I am THANKFUL for my friends who listen to me, support me and even call me out when needed. This was the evening I had a friend date with Susan Snyder...PF Changs, 007 movie and then a stop at the Cheesecake Factory. However, she isn't the only friend I have who I can trust. You know who you are, thank you!

DAY 17: I am THANKFUL for tickets to watch Husker Football in Memorial Stadium on a beautiful fall day in November with my handsome hubby!

DAY 18: I am THANKFUL for quiet time with God. My day runs so much better when I put God first instead of my own agenda.

DAY 19: I am THANKFUL for grace. Chris and I have trudged through some very difficult months recently. Because God has freely given grace when we didn't deserve it, we have learned that we also need to extend grace to others. Our marriage is back on track but only by the grace of God.

DAY 20: I am THANKFUL for the support of our family and friends. Launching a second book when the first one is causing us so much grief takes guts.  However so many people have encouraged us to press on. Thank you to everyone who was able to attend our street release of On The Run: The Phenomeneon Trilogy and those of you who were there in spirit.

Thanks Concierge Marketing

DAY 13: I am THANKFUL for our friends at Concierge Marketing. They are making it happen! We are on the verge of our street release for On The Run, book two of The Phenomenon Trilogy. You won't find this book in bookstores until January 15, 2013 but you can come to one of our signings to receive your early released book.  Yep, you can read it, review it and be in the know two months before the rest of the world. We are so excited to share this new book with all of Chris' readers and it is happening all because we have found great leadership at Concierge Marketing. Our first publisher did their best but it just wasn't good enough. Lunker Productions is taking us to the next level.

We are excited to announce the street launch of On The Run, the second book of The Phenomenon Trilogy by Chris Raabe.

You are invited to join us at 

Fernando's Cantina

380 N 114th St (southwest corner of 114th and Dodge) 

Omaha, NE  68154 

Monday, November 19, 2012

6:00 - 8:30 pm

Get your signed copy of ON THE RUN before it is released to the rest of the world. We will have light snacks, but you are welcome to bring your family for dinner, kids eat free on Mondays at Fernando's.

This is something to be THANKFUL for!

That is Something to be THANKFUL for

DAY 9: I am THANKFUL for beautiful weather in November 
Friday the 9th of November Chris and I had a date night with the Kerkmans at the Millard South vs Millard North State payoff game. Great company made for a very enjoyable evening. The weather was AMAZING. For some of you reading this blog, you have no idea what a joyful day it is in November when you can stand outside in a sweatshirt and jeans and feel comfortable. That is something to be thankful for.


DAY 10: I am THANKFUL for a Big Red win today. We love watching and supporting the HUSKERS!
We love sports. Chris and I both grew up playing a variety of sports which ended up paying for our college, so yes playing ball in the back yard can pay off. I am a transplant to Nebraska but after being introduced to the "Cult" of Husker Football back in 1989 I was hooked! Still today we enjoy the game and make it to as many games as possible in the fall. Our only game this season will be next weekend on the 17th. This week we watched the Huskers come from behind, AGAIN, to beat Penn State.
That is something to be thankful for. 

DAY11: I am THANKFUL for my incredibly handsome husband Chris who turns 39 today. Happy birthday I love you so much!
We have had a great weekend of celebrating Chris' birthday.
-date night
-dinner with the girls at a great burger place STELLA'S...YUMMY!!!
-movie night with the family
-church and then lunch with the parental units
-the girls and I made a baseball cake with the best ever frosting
-Chris did a movie marathon with some guy friends on Sunday afternoon/evening.
My husband is a real gift from God...That is something to be thankful for.

DAY 12: I am THANKFUL for people in my life who have my back. aka Jeff Palzer
Today has been a little stressful...junk coming at me from several directions. However knowing there is someone who "has your back" and can do something on your behalf is a huge blessing. This guy, Jeff, happens to be my attorney and yes I have to pay him to have my back but he knows people who know people and they get things done. We aren't out of the woods but that is still something to be thankful for.

Grateful for Family

(11.3)

I am THANKFUL for that cute baseball player I met 19 years ago. Through years of dating we became best friends and vowed to love one another until death do us part...the best decision of my life. Our life together is not perfect but with Christ as our cornerstone we can do all things.

(11.4) I am THANKFUL for the 3 blond haired blessings God sent from heaven to our family. Each little girl created in our maker's image with our DNA and yet such individuals. I love each of you dearly!

This month's series of posts will be so good for me. I am so blessed, I wish I would never lose sight of that fact!


(11.5)

 I am THANKFUL for family. The people who I spent my formative years with have helped shape me into the person I am today. I am also so thankful for Chris' family.  He was raised in a very loving, supportive family which has helped him become the strong Christian family man he is today.

(11.6) I am THANKFUL to live in a country of freedoms, many that we typically take for granted. I voted today while most people in this world do not have that right.

ADDITION: I am not especially pleased with the results of the presidential election however this country is not a dictatorship, it takes more than one person to make the United States function. I will pray for President Obama, his advisors and our legislature. The sun came up this morning and God is still in control. I will not lose faith in God's ability to work through any elected official!

(11.7) I am THANKFUL for the life and love of my Aunt Delma. We did not always agree but she encouraged me to research, form an opinion and stand for what I believe in. Aunt Delma believed in me and was interested in me and my family. Today there are so many things I wish I could share with Aunt Delma. The last year of her life was difficult for both of us and yet I know she was happy to be close to people who loved her and wanted to care for her. It was an honor and pleasure to be with her in the last moments of her life on Earth. I miss Aunt Delma but know I will see her again in heaven.

(11.8) I am THANKFUL for a coffee pot that turns on automatically, oh the joy of walking downstairs to the aroma of brewing coffee. Sometimes it's the small things in life!

Attitude of Gratitude

Remembering the abundance of blessings we have around us at any given moment is important otherwise it is easy to slip into an attitude full of sour pour.  Yes, I just made that up but it makes sense to me. My sour attitude can take over and blind me to all the good...it become a powerful negative force in my life. With that said, I want to list some of my many blessings this month.  Ideally I will post a new one everyday but seeing how I forgot to start this yesterday, I'm already doubling up on today's post.  Last year I believe I made it through half the month, not sure why I stopped.  My challenge this year is to complete the month of November.

(11.1)
I am THANKFUL for a loving, all powerful and righteous Creator.
He loves me so much that He created Earth with all the beauty and details that only God himself could dream up. He loves me so much that He created this life with a sense of purpose for every living thing. He loves me so much that He created me with a free will to choose my own way yet an understanding that there will be consequences and rewards for my choices.

(11.2)
I am THANKFUL for a beautiful fall day in the 50's with sunshine. Last year on November 2nd Omaha had snow. I do not take mild temps for granted, ever! I am not a fan of snow, yet I am grateful for the changing seasons so with 3 great seasons we have to have one not-so-great season, winter.

40 Favorite Things about Fall

There is so much to be thankful for no matter who you are or where you live. I know there are situations that people live in that feel hopeless but I assure you there is a God who loves you and has great plans for you, even now in the midst of a trial. This week in my Daily Chronological Bible I will read about Job. Some might say that he is a man who had every reason to curse God but instead chose to worship Him. Thank you Job for a powerful reminder.

This October I will celebrate my first 40 years of life on this earth. I can't believe it, even as I type this out. I use to think that was SO OLD...now I know better.  ha ha So I am composing a list of 40 things that I am thankful for this fall. Oh how I love fall, this will not be difficult.

1. Crisp Morning Air

2. Tree Leaves Turning

3. Mums Blooming

4. Decorating 

5. Sweatshirts

6. Husker Football

7. High School Sports

8. Jeans

9. Pumpkin Patch

10. An Ever Present God in My Life

11. Turning off the AC

12. Raking Leaves

13. Raking Leaves

14. Raking More Leaves

15. Reagan's Birthday

16. Soup

17. A Regular Family Schedule 

18. Chris' Birthday

19. Family Time Around The Fire Pit

20. Couple's Small Group

21. Reagan's Soccer

22. Emma's Dance

23. Olivia's Softball

24. Millard South Softball

25. Time to Myself

26. Color Run 5K

27. School Supply Shopping

28. New Teachers

29. Beautiful Colors of Nature

30. Not Running the Furnace

31. Walking to School

32. Walking Home From School

33. Listening to AZ Friends Still Complain About the Heat

34. A New Book Being Released

35. Hot Cocoa

36. Corporate Cup 10K Run

37. Step Into Village One

38. Awana Starts Again

39. Apple Orchards

40. Turning 40 Years Young

I hope you have your own list or possibly this post inspires you to come up with a list of things you are thankful for or enjoy this fall. Share your list so you might encourage your circle of friends to focus on the many positives they have surrounding them.

God Bless!

Summer stuff

Summer at our house is the Best!!
I love down time with the ones I love.  Here are some of the things we have done in the last month.

 FAMILY REUNION
at Platte River State Park

The Warren Raabe Clan

(minus Reagan)

 Amy and Chris celebrating a win!

We play games, have silly competitions and Easter egg hunts at our family reunion.
Thank you God for such an amazing family!

 Camping is...playing, bossing and avoiding the younger cousins.

I asked for a quick picture and instantly got this pose.

 Daddy and Daughter at the campfire

We also have a gift exchange every year.

The family reunion in June is a favorite for the entire family. Next year we will meet up in Iowa.  The cabins look pretty nice...granite counter tops and all.  I'm not sure my husband will let me say we were "roughing it".

 REAGAN's SUMMER CAMP

I would love it if my kids told me the best part of camp was chapel or small group time but usually they say "GagaBall".  The concept is simple but it brings out Reagan's competitive juices like no other.  She came home with bloody knuckles again this year.  (from scrapping them on the concrete.)

Emma is at camp right now so pictures will have to come later.  I am so happy that there is a place that my girls LOVE to go and are willing to introduce their friends to the love of Christ while having a blast.

DADDY DAUGHTER SPACE CAMP

The relationship between a dad and his daughter is so important

Thank you God for giving me a mate who wants to create memories with his girls.

FRIENDS

many many sleepovers

pool fun

playing games

 big girls hanging out

 mom making work fun :)

filling the balloons

 more balloons

The water balloon fight

We are so blessed to be able to enjoy the summer with our daughters. June is filled with dance recitals, soccer and softball but when July hits the pace slows down. I love sleeping in and so do my girls.  Poor Chris still gets up early for MSHS softball camp but is home by 1030am. We love having time to invest into the lives of our friends, our family and our marriage.

Tomorrow (or soon) I will post some pictures from this summer's sporting events.

God's love for us is BIG! You may be in a place that feels difficult and you may be wondering why you have to go through it. Believe me when I tell you, He (God) is right beside you all the way. You are His perfect creation and He doesn't make junk. Praise Him! Love Him! Lean on Him! He loves you and will never forsake you!