Life is Better Connected!

Daddy and I are overwhelming grateful for the importance Brookside instills on living life “connected.” We have lived life “connected” and “unconnected” as we’v searched for a church home and know first hand the importance and role our life group has played in our various stages of life.

We’ve both been so thankful to experience life's joys and sorrows; celebrations and hardships; honesty and accountability with our group over the years at Brookside. 

Life connected really impacted and met us at the core over the past couple months. This summer we had the opportunity to connect with our very first LifeGroup from Cedar Falls, Iowa. Five couples that met over 17 years ago as newlyweds, ‘in-love’, most of us poor college students, passionate about life, marriage, and God. We lived life together from Tuesday night volleyball, game night potlucks, Sunday school, camping, Frisbee golf, and Sunday night late night groups; life was lived in connection, support, love, and growth.

After 10 years, as many of us moving on to other life experiences, we reconnected, this time in sorrow, tragedy, pain, yet in hope, praise, and celebration. It is truly amazing how it takes no time to reconnect with each individual, each couple, as the bond between each of us in strong; a look, a hug, a smile, a punch in the arm, we know each other, we are connected as one with God.

We reconnected because our dear friends Erin and Ben and their 3 children were in a tragic car accident on their family vacation in Florida. Ben, Charlie (11), and Bailey (9) died that day. Erin walked away with no physical injuries and Kaia (7) went into surgery for her arms but otherwise was okay (http://www.orchardhillchurch.org/obituaries;   http://www.orchardhillchurch.org/update).

Oh, life can be hard, tragic, almost unreal - the heart wrenching pain and roller coaster of emotions has nearly been unbearable. We cannot even imagine how life is for Erin, Kaia and their families. Yet, we celebrate! Celebrate our resurrected Savior, celebrate the memories we will always cherish, celebrate the times we had together. And we take one more step closer to our Savior to experience peace, to feel the love of cherished friends, to experience joy, grace, and hope.

The past 11 weeks have been heart wrenching and soul seeking; the reality that life is too short right at the surface of all we do. We hug you more, say “yes” more than “no”, praise God in singing and prayer, stand firm in building up ourselves in God’s word and standing firm in building men of God’s character.

We have been truly reminded of what is important – how important our life group and friendships play such an amazing role in our life – as we connect, live life together, seek to be the Hands and Feet of Jesus to our families, each other and those around us. Seek God first; stand firm in your faith, hope and desires, and be Real. 

Life can bring such joy and turmoil and experiencing it with foundational truths and standing firm with other believers makes all the difference. 

Life is better connected!

Here is an amazing message by Dave Bartlett, Ben’s Dad, “When Storms Come”:

[the message starts around minute 17 & there are a few songs in between the message]

http://www.orchardhillchurch.org/media-center/2015/the-gathering

In His Steadfast Love,

Mom and Dad

Cracks Me Up

This kid seriously cracks me up. DG has been under the weather, so VW and I were spending some quality time together.

First, we colored some fun pictures. He had to label the facial parts on his picture, even though we could tell what they were...arrows to the nose, teeth.

Then it was time for a game...his expressions and gimmicks should not fool you, this kid has "game" and strategy. As always, he has a plan for everything!

Of course, we talked nonstop about nothing in particular and he boosted and cheered when he beat, then spying reached a crossed the table and said, "good game, mom!"

We Have a First Grader

It is so hard to believe that we have a first grader. VW, after coming to grips that summer is sadly over, he was very excited to get back to school.

He informed me that he is most excited to do his "works". He obviously enjoys the thrill of meeting his goals! (sounds like someone else I know).

A typical boy, when we asked if he wanted a special first day of school outfit, he thought it was appropriate to wear his monkey sticking a banana in his ear. Since the random "banana" is the word of the summer, seems perfect!

A few quick poses before we meet the mob at Norris!

There were many, many questions in preparation for the big day. Our child who has to know each plan down to the minute. I won't know what line to stand in. I wonder where I will sit. I wonder what our work plans will be. We reassured him that none of his friends knew and they will all get to learn together.

Here we found the line!

And our cousin...both super, excited that they will be in the same class this year. Fun, loving competition. And we quickly learned that we may learn more about what goes on in the classroom when the other shares with us what happened....today NR had to almost move for talking!

Ms C will be his teacher for the next three years. We are thrilled to have her as a wonderful teacher for VW.

Catching up with friends before the march into the school.

And off he goes...

Here is to a wonderful year in first grade. VW bounced in the house after his first day and exclaimed, "My first day was awesome!"

When the Boys are Away...

mom and dad will play...some time at the range followed by mom's favorite gin and tonic at the Pub.

Again mom is spoiled with a relaxing day in the sun with no responsibility!

Daddy was so thoughtful and got us reservations to enjoy some yummy food on a great date night!

Mommy enjoyed a Twisted Mule - 

Copper cup, Cock n bull ginger beer, ice, 

vodka, lime; while daddy enjoyed 

a Dark Horse - Rye whiskey, lemon 

Hawaiian Ahi Nachos - sesame poke, wasabi aioli, avocado,
macadamia nuts, Lahvosh (raw) 

Enjoyed the table.

STEAK & SHRIMP DUET - 7 oz., Rib eye cut,
sriracha aioli, prosciutto wrapped jumbo
shrimp, vegetable, apple smashed potato cake 

YELLOW FIN AHI - seared rare, Kalbi ginger drizzle,
almonds, greens, miso-sesame-nut vinaigrette, carrots, Jasmine 

Then, Daddy graciously shared with me my first 18-round golf outing, started off a little raining, but ended up being a beautiful morning!

While the boys are enjoying their summer time trip with cousins to Nana and Papa; mommy and daddy will play, relax, and enjoy the peacefulness and comfort of each other. And then we anxiously await the return of our rambunctious boys...life is adventurous with them in it and who would want to miss out on that too! (until we reach the point of our next needed break!!)

7U - Batter, Batter, Swing

VW had another wonderful spring and summer of 7U baseball. He was excited to meet up with his teammates and Coach C again.  

VWs excitement as he cheers on his team, makes sires, I am watching, and his focus is fun to watch. Such a great all-American pastime with great friends.

This is what it looks like when I try to capture opening season and your younger brother is jealous.

First play of the game...VW loved being the pitchers helper, outfield, and catcher this summer.

Warming up and watching his teammate.

Great hit and fist pump from first base Coach Dad.

Little brother giving big bro a thumbs up. Great play!

Coach Dad pumping up the team!

At practice, DG tried on the catchers helmet. Hmm...I wonder what this is like.

Daddy helping VW with all the catchers gear...I think Daddy's done that a few times in his life!

During the first part of the season, DG and I hung out in the van for our own special sitting. He thought it was pretty cool to be in the front of the van.

Always have our friend Ty to cheer and play with! Go big brothers!

Rain or shine...we cheered VW on!

They had a great season, played while together, loved the game and improved with every hit, catch and throw. They were undefeated.

Then on to the tournament. Great games, great comebacks, great battle...lost the last game by one to be second in the division. What a fun summer of baseball!

VWs biggest fan!