Gardening

This morning we went outside to plant a few flowers that I forgot we had purchased.  I walked around the corner to see these beautiful flowers.  Last week they were pretty but today they are gorgeous.  What a little gift from God today.

 Below you will see some of our plants in the garden.  Chris is really good about planning, planting and harvesting wonderful food for our family.  We are all looking forward to fresh tomatoes more than anything else.  Looks like the lettuce and baby spinach is ready to be picked.

We are co-oping with some friends this year.  Just to give them a hard time...not sure when the co-op part comes in...maybe they are going to harvest.  ha ha  To be honest we haven't asked for any help yet.

ONION



CUCUMBER



SPINACH . LETTUCE

STRAWBERRY . BASIL . TOMATO . BELL PEPPER



MINT . ZUCCHINI

NOTE:  garden fresh produce should be washed before eating...today my husband tried to "make" me eat a bug.  :)

Soccer Party

FUN NIGHT with the Comets!!
As each sport season ends we meet at a resturant and try to contain all our children, listen to the coach say nice things about each player, pay too much for food and then leave without making real connections with other families.  Tonight Chris and I hosted a night of smores with the families of Reagan's soccer team.  Almost everyone made it...11 girls and their families.  Whew, we had a big crowd.  Here's the real sign of success...no girl fights!  Oh and a night of Chocolate!

As the night ended we still had some chocolate left over so you can bet the fire pit will be lit again soon.  Please stop by for a roasted marshmallow and some chocolatey goodness.

Saying Good-bye

I have mulled over this post for several days, not knowing exactly what to write.  From day to day I have different comments, some of them are beautiful thoughts while others are not.  It is true, events that evoke great emotion can bring out the best in people but blink your eyes and another side can rear it's ugly head as well.

Aunt Delma passed away on Friday the 6th of May. 

I still don't know what to say. Already, I miss her dearly!

Below are some pictures taken shortly after the funeral.

The Family

Emma is excited to be taller than Oma, however this picture is a little deceiving as Emma is one step up.

I Can Be Found

You can now find me on the Norwex site

1 .Go to:  Norwex.com

2. Click on: United States

3. Find my consultant:  Melanie  Raabe

OR

Maybe you can just go to this link

http://melanieraabe.norwex.biz/

Let me know if that works.

I would love to tell you more about these fantastic products.  My hostesses have earn an average of $325 in FREE product.  Every party, my hostesses earm more than I do.  I love helping my friends improve the quality of life in their home by radically reducing the use of chemicals in personal care and cleaning.

Girls On The Run

 Her coaches call her "Smilie"  Even in a tu tu, this girl is smiling!

 I'm not sure how many schools participated in the Zorinsky 5K
This is the group from Reagan's school

 Two pictures of Reagan SMILING while she is RUNNING.  The bottom  picture is the end of the race.

Reagan ran her first 5K in 28 minutes.

Because of her competitive nature, Reagan started out a little too fast and had to walk at little bit but finished strong.  The first girl crossed the finish line in 22 minutes.  Reagan wasn't too far behind and was pleased that she as the first girl from her school.

Reagan, we are so proud of your accomplishments!

Side note: A couple of weeks ago we had games rescheduled and to be honest, I was alittle irritated because it's hard to change our busy calendar.  As it turned out, what a blessing it was that Emma's Thursday game was moved and we had someone able to fill in for Chris both coaching and umpiring.  This 5K was a great distraction for our family on Saturday. It was a beautiful day and a happy time in the midst of sadness.  Thank you God for going before us and planning out every detail of our week so that we could tend to Aunt Delma in her time of need and still love on each other.

Wedding In 3 Days

When Chris and I got married it took eight months to plan the ceremony.  It was a big deal, a celebration of our new life together.  What  a joyous time and even tho most of it was planned by me without help from family members I had time to think things out.

This week I am planning a funeral.  Actually that's not an accurate statement, I planned a funeral in the last 18 hours.  There's so much of what I have done that resembles planning a wedding but you do it under high levels of emotion, fear of making the wrong choice and it a SHORT amount of time. 
MORTUARY:
This person is much like a wedding planner.
INVITATIONS:
Well, you don't really send those out for a funeral but there is that issue of letting friends and family know about the event however the friends might not be people you know.
CHURCH & PASTOR:
Fortunately Aunt Delma was a long time member of a christian church and I had been in contact with the pastor several times over the last 6 months.  She even called me the day before Aunt Delma passed.  Thank goodness we didn't have to wait 3 months for a church. 
SOLOIST & PIANIST:
Music is an important part of a wedding and a funeral.  Who do you ask?  What should they sing? Hurry up and decide the programs have to be sent to print 3 days before the event.  No, there won't be a DJ.
DRESS:
When you get married the dress is a main item and when you are buried the dress is less important but you do have to decide if you buy a new one or try to make something from the closet that is 4 sizes too big work.
FOOD:
No cake and punch but you do have large groups of people around and what are they going to eat? 
CASKET:
I don't know how that plays into a wedding but it's a MAJOR decision with a BIG price tag and once again, hurry and decide it's gotta get ordered.
PICKING A DATE:
Family flying in.  Long drives. You can't set the time and date until you know which relatives are coming and when they can arrive.
REGISTRATION BOOK:
Really?  $200 and What will I do with it afterwards?
FAMILY CAR:
It's much like the "get-away" car for the bride and groom but seldom does it have beverages aboard
HOTELS:
Good news here, you can get a berevment rate.
FLOWERS:
Over priced...people please send memorials.
The list goes on...
Just like a wedding most things tied to a funeral cost more than they should.  It's an emotional decision.

I'm not trying to make too light of the situation I am in.  I am thrilled to be the one who puts on the celebration of Delma's life.  I have found myself crying when it doesn't make sense to, laughing and cracking jokes that might be considered inappropriate and calm in stressful moments. 

Last week was a time of grieving.
This weekend has been filled with planning.
Next week I will be grieving and celebrating.
The following week I will be packing again.
After all that is done, I don't know what I will do. 

Defining Moments

What are you made of?  What do you stand for?  Does adversity build your strength or show your weakness?  Some days it is hard to answer these questions but when you face a defining moment, suddenly you do answer these questions whether you plan to or not.

Through a long process of moving my dear loving aunt to Omaha I have seen many defining moments for myself as well as several other family members.  My husband is simply amazing, truly a man who lives for Jesus and let Christ's love pour out at the most difficult of times.  Thank you Chris for being more than I ever dreamed of. 

To be completely honest, my mind is not clear enough right now to share the story of the last 30 hours but I can tell you it has had incredible lows, moments of peace and much uncertainty.  My first action was to ask God for strength and wisdom, He never fails me.  My second action was to drive through Starbucks, that's where I cried the first time.  How odd, thinking "I'm a pillar of strength" but then the voice of a friend and the smell of my magic potion (chai latte or caramel latte, both because they are pretty cheap) give me the permission to release all that worrisome junk I have hidden inside.  Then time, quiet time, time to listen to God instead of just barking for answers.  Aw, that is a defining moment for me.  I remember the context of the verse God gives me, Mordecai is talking to Esther but can't remember the verse exactly.  I know God has brought me to this position for such a time as this.

Now more than 12 hours later I sit in a hospital room with a lady whom I have loved dearly all my life, watching her die.  The pain I feel is tremendous.  I am selfishly begging her to live and yet pleading that she will let go of this life for one that is waiting for her in Heaven.  There will be no pain, no JIA, no liquid diet, no confusion, no anxiety...rather a loving Father with His arms held out welcoming His daughter home for all of eternity.  I want to know what comes next and when will it happen.

He has made everything beautiful in its time. He has also set eternity in the human heart; yet no one can fathom what God has done from beginning to end. Ecclesiastes 3:11

I have seen tonight that there are tough times ahead.  Making final plans and some other things that I guess I can't or shouldn't mention here.  There will be more defining moments.  What I do may be the example that brings someone closer to Christ or gives them the excuse to walk further away from Christ.  Who I am and what I'm made of will show in those moments of adversity.  Pray for me that all I do and say is a witness for my Lord and Saviour.

 

Beth Moore's Scripture Challenge

The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge;

fools despise wisdom and instruction.  Proverbs 1:7

Here I am in week #9 of Beth Moore's scripture memory challenge.

I am learning scripture but not as much as I would like.  I need to

be more diligent with my study habits.

Our pastor is challenging our church body to read a chapter in Proverbs a day. 

May has 31 days and Proverbs has 31 chapters.  So there really isn't a good

excuse for not knowing what chapter they should be reading.  My two

verses in May will probably both come from this month's reading.

I can't let today pass without at least mentioning the latest world news.

To be totally honest, I don't know how to feel about the death of Bin Laden.

It a relief to know he is gone but that doesn't change the status of

what he built.  I don't see his cause skipping a beat.  We have all been

affected by 9-11, certainly some much more than others.  The pain of

loosing a loved one probably never goes away but I know resentment does

not heal anything either.  So does Bin Laden's death release the resentment?

He (terrorist in general) has changed us forever. 

I'm not sure if I should delete that, I don't really know what to say or

how I feel.  I read a cute little saying on a friend's blog, all the

sudden I can see how true it is.

"Blogging is cheaper than a therapist!"

Ha!  That makes me laugh but I guess getting those unorganized

feelings out is proof of that statement.  If you have strong opinions

about what I said feel free to comment but if you leave something ugly

I won't post your comment.  Aw, the power!  :)

UPDATE:  saw this on a friend's facebook status today...I like this.

Whoever said it, doesn't matter:
"I will mourn the loss of thousands of precious lives, but I will not rejoice in the death of one, not even an enemy. Returning hate for hate multiplies hate, adding deeper darkness to a night already devoid of stars. Darkness cannot drive out darkness; only light can that. Hate cannot drive out hate, only love can do that."

Diamondbacks Face the Tigers

Today was Emma's second softball game of the season.  Yesterday they beat the Yellowjackets (Emma's team from 2 yrs ago) and today they tied the Diamondbacks (Emma's team from last year).  As we got in the car, Reagan made a comment about the score, 17-17 and Olivia said, "a tie means both teams lost."  I don't know where my little 5 year old got that but it made me laugh.  Personally I hate a tie but it's certainly better than a loss.

Pitchers from both teams struggled a bit, there were lots of walks but it's to be expected this early in the season.  They all will improve as the weeks fly by.  Emma got on base 3 times and scored all 3 times.  She was disappointed that she didn't get a hit but when you are walked and then hit by a pitch, it's pretty hard to put the ball in play.  I was very proud of her on offensive and defense.

Dancin' Queen

Today Livie's dance class got their costumes. She has been dying to try them on ever since she saw her big sister's recital costumes on Monday night. The "Ooos" and "Ahhhs" in the room were just precious, mostly from the mommies. Just a few more weeks until the big day and this year I'm not a stage mom...YAY!

She's ready to perform

One quick twirl before the music starts.

Love the sound of those taps.

This has to be one of my favorite costume years.  All 3 of Emma's happen to be blue and beautiful and Liv couldn't be happier with her fluffy tutus and lots of pink.  On our way home from dance today Liv said, "it sure is too bad I don't have a tiara to wear with my costume!"  She might be missing the hardware but she is certainly our little princess.

There's A Contract...

So many times I have wished I was bi-lingual.  Not that wishing it will make it happen, instead it's one of those things I need to put my mind to and get it done.  However, I do have a 1001 list (see the tabs at the top of this blog page) that is not yet completed.  So if I do decide to learn another language which one would I learn?  My oldest daughter is bi-lingual. Emma's birth language is English but now that she is a 6th grader she also speaks valley-girl.  I started reading the contract from the publisher for Chris' book "THE NEW PHENOM3NON", apparently it's in a different language because I'm having a difficult time understanding the context of the words I am reading.  What language is that?  Technical-Smartie Pants? 

I know this whole published book thing is getting closer to completion because the contract link was sent to us.  The new release "date" is sometime in June.  Finally, I am ok with that.  I have been so impatient during this whole process thinking I knew the perfect timing when all along God had something else, something greater planned.  He wants what is best for us and his kingdom.  I love that verse in Jeremiah that says,

"For I know the plans I have for you,"

declares the Lord, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you,

plans to give you hope and a future." 

Jeremiah 29:11

I am know that verse well and yet I try to control everything anyway.  So silly.

Today Chris did another book talk in a school. Each time he learns something new and is constantly working on the do(s) and don't(s), of coarse it all depends on the audience.  My guess is, it will be much easier when he book has been read.  All in due time.

If you are interested in updates on the book you can visit his website here.  We will post the release date as well as signing dates and locations when those are firmed up.  Feel free to subscribe, you'll be so glad you did.  You can also "like" Chris' book facebook page here.  Chris' newest thing is twitter, before I give you his contact info I'll let him figure the whole thing out first.

May your day be filled with blessings.

Easter Week

Easter week . Holy week . Chocolate Bunnies . Spring break

The week that Christ was tortured, hung on a cross, buried and resurrected means different things to different people.  Our family enjoys the fun part of easter.  Below you will see our peep wreath, eggs that we colored with traditional dye and also silk dyed.  And when I get the pictures from Nana you'll also see the easter egg hunt.  What you won't see is pictures of us in church celebrating Christ's death and resurrection but that side of easter is what means the most to us.

My verse for Beth Moore's scripture challenge is all about the Easter good news:

For God so loved the world

that He gave His one and only son

that who ever believes in Him

shall not perish but have eterntal life.

John 3:16

 Emma's final 6th grade orchestra concert was this week.  I was so disappointed when I realized that my camera battery was very low.  However to my great surprise I was able to take several pictures and video 2 songs including Emma's duet.  YAY!  The camera shut off and I was pleased.  Oh no, they weren't done...

Emma was then given "The Outstanding Musician" award...

AND I DIDN'T HAVE A CAMERA!  dang!!



I had to capture Reagan, Olivia and friend on their DS waiting for the concert to start.  No, I didn't let them play video games during the orchestra concert.  :)



The only good use for peeps...turn them into art. 

 The girls and I had lots of fun making this colorful wreath for our front door.

Silk Dyed Easter Eggs

I found this link at Our Best Bites If you are not familiar with that site, they have some very creative and fun holiday activities.  I can't wait to make the multicolored cup cakes but I will be using natural dyes instead of artificial dyes.  I care too much about my families health to load them up with all that junk.

By the way, no we did not eat these eggs.

My girls are creative egg decorators. 

Mom and My Beautiful girls.

Visiting Aunt Delma before going to church on Saturday night.

Easter Baskets





Do I Need a Title?

Nebraska softball was in town today.  Wouldn't you know it, this afternoon it was above 70 degrees but we got to the softball field and temps had dropped 20 degrees with wind blowing right into our faces.  Brr!  We still had a great time listening to Abby and Olivia sing and oh yea, watching the Huskers beat Creighton.  It was like a little Grand Island reunion with the Snyders, Raabes, Jerry Quandt, Randy Foland and obviously our favorite Husker Heidi.  We even ran into the guy from Charlie Rose Baseball and Softball who still owes us money from 14 years ago.  But really, who holds a grudge?  :) 

Kristi and Reagan

Tami and Melanie

I am really enjoying my Norwex business. Last week it took me back to Grand Island for a show at my friend Tami's house. What a blast! I had the opportunity to share the most amazing products with old and new friends and then hang out with Tami, Kimberly and Sandy. Yesterday I sent off my best show yet. What I thought was going to be a way to get a discount on cleaning supplies is turning into a successful business.

Soccer

More Soccer

And More Soccer!

Gardening Phase I

I don't remember what this little flowering plant is called but it blooms purple.

This morning these had not opened, when we came home from dinner at the church they were open...love it!

Our yard suddenly turned green.  There is still some brown in there but it's about to look great, especially with the help of our friend Scott Gomel.  Scott started a new lawn care business, naturally we decided to support his efforts and hired him to do all the "chemical" care to our grass.

Chris has been working in the yard getting the flower gardens and veggie garden ready for planting.  It doesn't look like much but it will in a few months.  Can't wait for fresh, untainted veggies.

Two nights ago Chris and the girls got the seed starters going.  They planted lettuce, bell peppers, sugar snap peas, tomato, sweet basil, spinach, cucumber and zuchinni.  I might have forgotten something.  There's another tray for flower starters.  The girls love to pour the water on those hard little disks and then watch them grow.

The NEW PHENOM3NON

We've got an update but I don't think Chris has posted it on his website yet....
Check in at http://chrisraabe.wordpress.com/cover-story/ when you get a chance.

UPDATE ON THE UPDATE:
You can now see the what's new at Chris' website and facebook page (the new phenomenon by chris raabe).

Three Decades Strong

How many things (right off the top of your head) last 30 years?  Here's a trickier question.  How many things last 30 years and are better after the years of wear and tear?  Go ahead and compile your list, for most people marriage isn't at the top of that list.  Today I am so excited to highlight a friend of mine who will soon be celebrating her 30th wedding anniversary. 

Dan and Vicki...aren't they cute?  I love these guys!

In a day and age when we have trouble even defining what marriage is, it's no wonder that long lasting, happy marriages are few and far between.  Chris and I strive to maintain our happy marriage knowing there will be valleys and peaks along the way.  I'm sure if I could interview my friends above they would agree, possibly even talk about some of the struggles they have faced along the way.  So it might not be a cake walk every day of week but it's certainly worth fighting for.

Thank you Dan and Vicki for being a shinning light in a dark and fallen world.  You are a great role model to your children and the many people you have touched over the years.  I for one, am inspired by your commitment to God by loving one another unconditionally.  Praying blessings on you and your family!

Freedom Rings

What holds you captive?

What will release you from that tight grip?

I continue to participate in Beth Moore's scripture challenge.  The living, breathing word of God never fails me, tucked inside the bible are so many little nuggets that help me get through live on a daily basis.  There are times that I feel lost, bound by the enemy's lies but when I seek His truth I am freed from the lies, the guilt and the fear.  My 7th memory verse describes this freedom and how to achieve it...from knowing the truth.  Thank you God for these words.

"Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.”

John 8:32 (NIV)

These are words that are so easy to "know" but easily forgotten.  So I am committed to memorizing these 13 words, when Satan comes knocking I will slam the door and seek the truth from our Lord God.

Norwex Oven Cleaner...No Foolin'

First of all, Happy April Fool's Day!  I had a couple things planned to do to "fool" my girls this morning but it seems that my schedule is so routine that I kept forgettting to do them. 

I have decided to highlight my favorite item of the week.  (We'll see if I remember to do it every week.)  This reveal is so amazing you will wonder if it's an April Fool's trick.  I assure you, this is the real deal!  Last night I got some new oven cleaner so naturally I tried it out this morning.  Now I am wondering why in the world I didn't do a before and after photo.  Never in my life have I cleaned an oven with such ease.  Seriously, my mind is blown away.  And on top of that, there were no toxic chemicals and my house wasn't filled with smoke from my self-cleaning oven.
This product is...
*water-based, non-caustic cleaner safe for use on stainless steel, ceramic, chrome.
*Bio-based, all-natural and biodegradable.

INTRODUCING....

NORWEX OVEN & GRILL CLEANER



Dissolves the heaviest burnt-on deposits so they can be wiped or rinsed clean. 

1. Preheat oven to 100 degrees, turn off and spray. 

2. Let sit for 5 min. 

3. Wipe away with damp enviro cloth. 

Start to finish you are talking about a 15 minute process and most of that time you can be doing somethingelse.  NICE!!!

 

On a complete different note, Olivia and I were able to spend the morning outside at the park by the lake with some friends playing and enjoying a picnic lunch before school.  It's about time that we can experience some of the bennefits of spring.  I hope you get to enjoy the beautiful weather too.
 
Today I ask you to be a blessing to someone...I'm seriously thinking about cleaning someone's oven for them.  Now that is a blessing!  :)