Lives changed, hearts transformed, souls won over for Jesus & life put into perspective is what Erika's legacy has left us with.
It was a week, today, that I was at the hospital watching the doctor's do everything in their power to restore Erika's health.
It was a week, today, that we watched the medical staff walk out of her room, one by one, with tears streaming down their face delivering the news that her fight was over.
It was a week, today, that we spent two hours with her waiting for the paralytic medications to wear off, so they could remove her ventilator. We spent that time worshiping our Lord and Savior, holding her, telling her how much we loved her and how proud we were of her. We told her that it was OK to stop fighting and that she could go Home now. We told her that we would take care of her babies, and Sam too.
It was a week, today, that they were finally able to take her ventilator out. The forty minutes that Erika lived without it felt like a flash before my eyes. I never gave up hope that God could have a Lazarus moment--heal her body or raise her from the dead. As we watched her heart rate slowly decline we clung on a little tighter to her body, not quite ready to let her go. Finally at 3:25PM, her heart beat for one last time and she made her grand entrance into Heaven. Our bodies really are just a home for our spirit, as soon as she was gone, her body looked immediately lifeless.
Throughout Erika's journey with Leukemia and pneumonia there was an undeniable peace in any room that she housed. I can look back on the last nine months and say that the Lord never left our side. He strategically placed people in our lives and even allowed us to witness a few miracles. Erika's life has not only changed our family's, for the better, but 100s of other people.
I was planning on sharing some memories of Erika at her funeral, but I couldn't mustard up the words or would have I been able to contain my composure. So, I wanted to share with you today what my sweet sister-in-law meant to me.
The first time I met Erika was in February of 2003. Josh and I had only been dating for a few months and we were spending the weekend with her & Sam in Chanhassen. Josh & I were attending college in Fargo, so we didn't get to her house until late. Being the great hostess that she was, she whipped up the most amazing Fettuccine Alfredo. Josh & I still talk about it. It was a great weekend getting to know her.
Some of my favorite memories with Erika are going to hip hop dance classes at LifeTime Fitness on Sunday night's, reliving our glory days! (When they lived in the cities). Working out together--going to Carlos State Park and walking the trails, taking our boys on walks, mountain biking and running.
We both loved to shop, I learned a lot from her and was always in awe of the deals she would find and the amount of bags she would bring home. We would say that the Lord knew we needed to be sister-in-laws because we were the exact same size---pants, tops and shoes!! Erika had one of the most giving hearts, she was always giving me her handy-me downs and I was always so thankful. It was fun to be able to share. She would call me when she would get home from a shopping trip and tell me to come over so I could see all of her new treasures! I am really going to miss that. Husband's don't get as excited, nor do they appreciate our fashion shows!
Saturday mornings were typically spent at Caribou Coffee. Mary, Erika & I would spend hours there sharing our hearts, laughing and just enjoying each other's company. As the years went on, our little boys would join us. Sometimes we would spend all morning there, then head to Doolittle's to get our favorite salads and spur the economy at the shops downtown.
When Erika's heart was hurting she was still able to love to the fullest. Josh & I were able to conceive very easily and that was not Erika's experience. I remember when I first found out I was pregnant with Logan, I was really nervous to tell her because I knew of all of the heart ache and procedures she was going through. When I told her she was so excited and never let on too being jealous. She was so gracious to us, hosted a baby shower for us and shared in our excitement and joy. When Logan arrived she would come over to the house a few times a week after work so she could spend time with him. Logan & her had a very special bond. Only auntie Kaka could fix his hurts and her snacks were the very best!
Erika and I were excited to be mom's to our boys. We had fun dreaming about what it would be like when they all got a little older. We both wanted our boys to be close--not just cousins, but best friends. We talked about taking our kids on vacations together, we wanted them to play all of the same sports and we loved dressing them up like "little men!" We wanted to raise our boys to have hearts after our Heavenly Father, to be respectful, hard working, wise, honest, trustworthy and kind. Erika & I always talked about adopting "little Erika's!"
Erika was someone I could trust. I knew I could confide in her and that she would give me honest feedback. I knew she would always be there for me and that she had my back! Erika was one of my prayer warriors!
I loved watching Erika in the kitchen. She was a gourmet cook! I was in awe with her taste buds and how she could throw together a delicious meal at any given moment. She made sure you never left their house hungry!
Life will never be the same without her. I hope to continue to carry out her legacy of telling other's about Jesus. To let her little boys know what kind of women she was and how much she loved them. The last nine months have been grueling to walk through, but they have been life changing--for the better! Erika was not just beautiful on the outside, but the inside as well. Erika's legacy will never be forgotten!
Tuesday, December 18, 2012
Monday, November 12, 2012
Boy or Girl?
Today is the day that we were able to confirm what the sex of our baby is. I am always on pins and needles when this day arrives. Surprises don't always sit well with me or maybe its just that I get too excited and impatient.
Last month the doctor gave us an idea about what the baby might be and she was right! The Timm Family will be welcoming a baby BOY on April 10th (via C-Section). It's going to be a wild and crazy adventure having three little boys to raise. I am excited to meet this little peanut! This will be the final baby for our family, unless the Lord calls us to adopt one day.
I never pictured myself as a mom to ALL boys. To be honest, it's been a shock to my system. When I first heard the news, last month, I was in denial. I was so sure that this was going to be it; this little baby was going to be my little girl. My pregnancy had felt so different from Logan & Shane's and I was having a lot of the same symptoms as my friends that were having girls. I also knew that the Lord knows my heart and I have dreamt of a daughter since I was a young girl. I even had started her wardrobe! I have all of the websites bookmarked on my computer that I wanted to shop at for when I got the news that it was a girl. I dreamt of all of the girly things we would do together, how I would dress her, how I would raise her to lover herself, Jesus and other's around her. I dreamt of having a work out buddy once she got older and the day that she would get married. I was excited to finally have someone on my side at home, because the boys are always ganging up on me. Basically anything you would dream of, I have dreamt!
I'm not going to lie, I shed a few tears knowing that at this point in my life I will never have a daughter. I'm sure you are thinking that I should just be thankful that I can have children and that I already have 2 healthy boys-- and I am! You see, I am more then thankful for the blessings of my boys. It's a death of my dream, and I need to lay it to rest. I know that God sees the bigger picture and I can be OK with that. I needed to slowly start letting go of that dream and I am thankful I have had this last month to process it.
I have started dreaming about my life with ALL boys and I am excited! I hope that this last one will be a mama's boy, because at this point Josh gets all of the love. I am thankful that I like to do outdoor activities and sports. Hopefully this will help connect me with them once they are older. I pray that with the help of God we will raise men that are respectful, honest, hard-working, kind, compassionate, Godly men. I pray that my boys will want to be friends and have a close relationship.
So there you have it, this concludes a chapter of my life. I will be done bearing children and our family will be of all boys! (At least I don't have to change the title of my blog ;) I am sure I will have some entertaining blog posts in the future!
Josh & I are on the hunt for boy names, if you have any suggestions send them our way!
Last month the doctor gave us an idea about what the baby might be and she was right! The Timm Family will be welcoming a baby BOY on April 10th (via C-Section). It's going to be a wild and crazy adventure having three little boys to raise. I am excited to meet this little peanut! This will be the final baby for our family, unless the Lord calls us to adopt one day.
I never pictured myself as a mom to ALL boys. To be honest, it's been a shock to my system. When I first heard the news, last month, I was in denial. I was so sure that this was going to be it; this little baby was going to be my little girl. My pregnancy had felt so different from Logan & Shane's and I was having a lot of the same symptoms as my friends that were having girls. I also knew that the Lord knows my heart and I have dreamt of a daughter since I was a young girl. I even had started her wardrobe! I have all of the websites bookmarked on my computer that I wanted to shop at for when I got the news that it was a girl. I dreamt of all of the girly things we would do together, how I would dress her, how I would raise her to lover herself, Jesus and other's around her. I dreamt of having a work out buddy once she got older and the day that she would get married. I was excited to finally have someone on my side at home, because the boys are always ganging up on me. Basically anything you would dream of, I have dreamt!
I'm not going to lie, I shed a few tears knowing that at this point in my life I will never have a daughter. I'm sure you are thinking that I should just be thankful that I can have children and that I already have 2 healthy boys-- and I am! You see, I am more then thankful for the blessings of my boys. It's a death of my dream, and I need to lay it to rest. I know that God sees the bigger picture and I can be OK with that. I needed to slowly start letting go of that dream and I am thankful I have had this last month to process it.
I have started dreaming about my life with ALL boys and I am excited! I hope that this last one will be a mama's boy, because at this point Josh gets all of the love. I am thankful that I like to do outdoor activities and sports. Hopefully this will help connect me with them once they are older. I pray that with the help of God we will raise men that are respectful, honest, hard-working, kind, compassionate, Godly men. I pray that my boys will want to be friends and have a close relationship.
So there you have it, this concludes a chapter of my life. I will be done bearing children and our family will be of all boys! (At least I don't have to change the title of my blog ;) I am sure I will have some entertaining blog posts in the future!
Josh & I are on the hunt for boy names, if you have any suggestions send them our way!
Monday, November 5, 2012
a divided country...
The Marriage Amendment. This topic has stirred up a lot of feelings inside of me. I have been so upset over the misuse of God's word, my blood pressure has gone through the roof. People are passionate about what they believe in, but some people will twist and turn words to distort the truth. If you don't believe in God's Word or believe that it's not God inspired/God breathed then I don't expect you to believe the same as me. But DON'T use the word of God to debate this topic if you don't understand it. A lot of people have been posting Old Testament verses to support their "NO" vote. These people don't understand the context of the Old Testament or why God had such laws in place for that time. They also don't understand that God sent his one and only Son to earth, to die on the cross for our sins. Because of this selfless sacrifice we have been forgiven and follow the laws of the New Testament.
People have been using the debate that we are all sinners so because of that none of us should have the right to be married. (they are referencing the verses that say homosexuality is a sin.) They are right, we all are sinners but God defined marriage between a woman and a man. It's got nothing to do with what our sin issues are. If God intended us to be married to the same sex, then he would have figured out a way for pro-creation to happen, but it doesn't work that way. Homosexuality has been around from the get go, don't you think God would have said that it was Ok, if HE was OK with it?
I have friends that are gay and I love them. They are people just like you and I. Even though I care about them and love them I'm not going to re-define what God has already defined for us. This doesn't make me a hater nor does it make me intolerant. We will never agree with everyone's choices. I would never treat anyone unkindly based on their sexual orientation. God has called us to love one another.
So, the whole point of this post is to stand up for the Word of God. I know that we all differ on opinion and that's what makes us Americans. I have zero tolerance for people that misuse the Bible. If you want to vote "no" on the marriage amendment, please leave the Bible out of your debate.
Regardless of who you are voting for and if you will fill in the "yes" circle or the "no" circle, YOU NEED TO VOTE. This election is important--they all are. People before us fought long & hard to ensure the right for ALL Americans to vote; regardless of sex, race or color.
I hope that you will exercise your freedom, VOTE--Tuesday, November 6th.
Tuesday, October 23, 2012
Five Precious Years
The little man that made me a mom turned FIVE last Thursday--Logan Jeffrey! I never could have imagined what it meant loving someone so much until he arrived. (Minus the love for my husband and Jesus) I never knew that kissing hurts, changing diapers, middle of the night feedings, witnessing his love for his little brother, listening to his laugh, teaching him right from wrong, watching him play and learn could be so rewarding.
Logan fits the "first born" mold to a 'T.' He likes to make sure everyone is following the rules, he tries to boss his mom and dad around, cause he already knows so much ;) He makes sure that everyone is happy and is tenderhearted. He loves being outdoors and hunting with his papa's and dad. He still loves to help with projects and thinks the world of his dad. I swear he is part-fish and has the most adorable physique. He is one of the toughest little boys I know, watching him go through all of the tests and seizures from his Epilepsy he has proved himself resilient.
I love how he, mostly, always loves his little brother. He tries to include Shane in activities and teaches him how to do new things. He protects him and loves him so much. Bedtime is my favorite when we pray together as a family and then the exchange of hugs and kisses take place. It looks more like a wrestling match.
Logan is taking a liking to sports--baseball, soccer and wrestling are among his favorites. He also has a love for music---singing, dancing, instruments (he tries). For a long time he thought he was Troy Bolton (Zack Effron) from High School Musical. He would dress like him most days, quote his movie lines and mimic his dance moves and songs.
Logan is a family guy. He loves all of his aunts and uncles and can't wait until the next time he gets to see them again. He has a special relationship with all of his grandparents and his cousins are like brothers to him. Logan loves it when mom goes away for the weekend, so he can have "Guys Weekend." Guys Weekend consists of my darling husband buying all the foods that I wouldn't, watching movies, having bonfires and staying up late!
He loves school. On his first day of pre-school last year, I was concerned that he would have a tough time adjusting. He gave Josh & I hug and waved good-bye and has never looked back. He's independent when he needs to be, but still wants/needs his mom and dad.
I could go on and on about my little man. Logan brings so much joy to our lives and I thank God everyday for giving him to us. Our lives are forever blessed!
I love you all the way to Jesus, buddy!
xox
Logan fits the "first born" mold to a 'T.' He likes to make sure everyone is following the rules, he tries to boss his mom and dad around, cause he already knows so much ;) He makes sure that everyone is happy and is tenderhearted. He loves being outdoors and hunting with his papa's and dad. He still loves to help with projects and thinks the world of his dad. I swear he is part-fish and has the most adorable physique. He is one of the toughest little boys I know, watching him go through all of the tests and seizures from his Epilepsy he has proved himself resilient.
I love how he, mostly, always loves his little brother. He tries to include Shane in activities and teaches him how to do new things. He protects him and loves him so much. Bedtime is my favorite when we pray together as a family and then the exchange of hugs and kisses take place. It looks more like a wrestling match.
Logan is taking a liking to sports--baseball, soccer and wrestling are among his favorites. He also has a love for music---singing, dancing, instruments (he tries). For a long time he thought he was Troy Bolton (Zack Effron) from High School Musical. He would dress like him most days, quote his movie lines and mimic his dance moves and songs.
Logan is a family guy. He loves all of his aunts and uncles and can't wait until the next time he gets to see them again. He has a special relationship with all of his grandparents and his cousins are like brothers to him. Logan loves it when mom goes away for the weekend, so he can have "Guys Weekend." Guys Weekend consists of my darling husband buying all the foods that I wouldn't, watching movies, having bonfires and staying up late!
He loves school. On his first day of pre-school last year, I was concerned that he would have a tough time adjusting. He gave Josh & I hug and waved good-bye and has never looked back. He's independent when he needs to be, but still wants/needs his mom and dad.
I could go on and on about my little man. Logan brings so much joy to our lives and I thank God everyday for giving him to us. Our lives are forever blessed!
I love you all the way to Jesus, buddy!
xox
Sunday, October 21, 2012
2+3=5
I made it Facebook official so I thought I better make it blog official...we are expecting baby #3 in April! We are really excited to be adding another little miracle to our family. We had been trying for a few months and when I found out in August that I was pregnant, I was actually in shock. July was a stressful month since Logan had begun having seizures. We were making trips to the Twin Cities to see a specialist to figure out what our little guy had. So not to be too graphic, but baby-making wasn't our top priority. I love how God works. I can say that this has been true with all of my pregnancies. Whenever I just let go of controlling when I am going to conceive, the Lord knocks my socks off and I conceive. I guess I just need to be reminded, often, that HIS ways are better then mine!! Kind of humbling!
I found out Sunday, August 5th that I was prego! We were heading home from Gull Lake and on the way home Logan asked me if I had a baby in my tummy--completely out of the blue. At that time I had no idea. When we got home, I took a test. I was waiting for the results to read "negative" so I didn't pay attention to it. (Earlier that week I had taken a test and it read "negative.") Much to my dismay it was POSITIVE!! I was in such a shock that I had to go for a run and couldn't even tell Josh. I had a chat with God and a good laugh--his timing IS perfect. I was trying to think of some cute way to tell Josh, but I couldn't wait. (This really shouldn't be a surprise to anyone.) He was really excited and shocked all the same. I think I made it three weeks without telling anyone cause I still couldn't believe it was true.
This little honey has already ran the Warrior Dash and competed in a Duathalon. I had already registered for the events so I thought I better follow through. It was brutal running in the beginning stages since all I felt like I was going to do was throw up---a big lump just sat in my throat. I am now in the second semester and feeling much better!
This pregnancy has been different then with my boys. I have been getting pimples, my hair hasn't been growing like a weed like it did with them and have had other side effects. I am so thankful to be over the nausea stage. I felt like all I did was eat, if my stomach was empty I was on the verge of throwing up. As much as I don't enjoy the side effects of the first trimester, its reassuring that the baby is still doing ok. It's bitter sweet really.
Last Monday I had a doctor's appointment and was able to have an ultrasound. This baby is wild and crazy, he/she reminded me of a gymnast. We will be finding out the sex of the baby, so hopefully next month it will be 100% confirmed!
Side note...Logan is doing great with his Epilepsy. Since he started his meds in July he hasn't anymore since August--PTL! We go back again in December for another check-up. Erika is home with her family! She is in remission! She is still very tired and has an immune system of an infant, but she is making great strides.
Life feels normal again. Everyone is home and all of the medical issues are under control. It's been so cool to see God's hand on our lives and to see how he has been in control the entire time. I am so thankful for my faith in HIM--he was and still is my sustainer of life.
I found out Sunday, August 5th that I was prego! We were heading home from Gull Lake and on the way home Logan asked me if I had a baby in my tummy--completely out of the blue. At that time I had no idea. When we got home, I took a test. I was waiting for the results to read "negative" so I didn't pay attention to it. (Earlier that week I had taken a test and it read "negative.") Much to my dismay it was POSITIVE!! I was in such a shock that I had to go for a run and couldn't even tell Josh. I had a chat with God and a good laugh--his timing IS perfect. I was trying to think of some cute way to tell Josh, but I couldn't wait. (This really shouldn't be a surprise to anyone.) He was really excited and shocked all the same. I think I made it three weeks without telling anyone cause I still couldn't believe it was true.
This little honey has already ran the Warrior Dash and competed in a Duathalon. I had already registered for the events so I thought I better follow through. It was brutal running in the beginning stages since all I felt like I was going to do was throw up---a big lump just sat in my throat. I am now in the second semester and feeling much better!
This pregnancy has been different then with my boys. I have been getting pimples, my hair hasn't been growing like a weed like it did with them and have had other side effects. I am so thankful to be over the nausea stage. I felt like all I did was eat, if my stomach was empty I was on the verge of throwing up. As much as I don't enjoy the side effects of the first trimester, its reassuring that the baby is still doing ok. It's bitter sweet really.
Last Monday I had a doctor's appointment and was able to have an ultrasound. This baby is wild and crazy, he/she reminded me of a gymnast. We will be finding out the sex of the baby, so hopefully next month it will be 100% confirmed!
Side note...Logan is doing great with his Epilepsy. Since he started his meds in July he hasn't anymore since August--PTL! We go back again in December for another check-up. Erika is home with her family! She is in remission! She is still very tired and has an immune system of an infant, but she is making great strides.
Life feels normal again. Everyone is home and all of the medical issues are under control. It's been so cool to see God's hand on our lives and to see how he has been in control the entire time. I am so thankful for my faith in HIM--he was and still is my sustainer of life.
Tuesday, July 31, 2012
My "Job" Year...
This year has been a year I will never forget. I can't say it has been my best year nor can I say that I want another year like this. I call 2012 my year of Job (like the book in the Bible). I am writing this post in hopes to digest and process some more tough news my hubby and I received last week.
Our son, Logan, was diagnosed with Epilepsy. He began having seizures in late June and has continued to have more. We were referred to a specialist, Pediatric Neurologist, and he made the diagnosis. I am relieved that we have an answer and tools to treat his epilepsy, but am in shock that my little guy was given this diagnosis. He has been a healthy little boy up until last month.
You just never know when life is going to change (again). My heart hurts for my little peanut when he goes through a seizure. They come out of no where and he doesn't realize what is going on. He usually gets physically hurt when he has them. As a mother, I want to be able to protect him and prevent injury. I pray that as he gets older he will know his body and will be able to sense when they are coming on. I worry about his future, I want him to have a normal childhood and want him to participate in extracurricular activities. I don't want us to live in fear that something could happen, but we still need to be responsible and not set him up for injury. Will he be able to drive? Will I be able to let him go swimming with friends without me? Will he be safe riding bike or climbing trees? Will he still feel like he conquer the world? Are kids going to tease him?
Logan doesn't completely understand the depths of this, and I think that is OK for now. We will have a new norm in our family, and thats going to be going through the checklist of what Logan can and cannot do, when we go somewhere do we have all of the meds with, do the people he is going to be with know how to handle seizures, etc. I pray that the Lord would make me so in tune to him, that my motherly senses and intuitions would be intensified. I am also praying that the Lord will heal Logan of this condition. I watched him heal my sister-in-law, Erika, from Leukemia, so I know he can heal Logan too. He IS the "Great Physician!"
As I reflect back from last August 2011 to today, July 31st, I have never had to handle/walk through such heavy life situations. (dad died, stepmom battled cancer, sister-in-law diagnosed with cancer, other family health issues, and now Epilepsy) I know that I would have never been able to have maintained peace and joy in the midst of turmoil if it wasn't for my faith in Jesus. HE has been my rock through it all. I don't know how other people go through tough seasons and not know HIM. There is HOPE in Jesus and I cling onto his WORD when life doesn't go the way I have for seen it too (and when it is going smoothly). I am so thankful for all of the amazing people God has placed in my life. They have come alongside me and helped carry my burdens.
Would you be willing to pray for Logan? Would you pray that the Lord would heal him from Epilepsy?
Let me know how I can be praying for you too!!
Below are parts of some song lyrics that feed my soul...
In Christ Alone:
"In Christ alone my hope is found
He is my light, my strength, my song
This cornerstone, this solid ground
Firm through the fiercest drought and storm
What heights of love, what depths of peace
When fears are stilled, when strivings cease
My comforter, my All in All
Here is the love of Christ I stand!"
Our God:
(Logan & I love to sing this song...LOUD!)
chorus:
"Our God is greater
Our God is stronger
God, you are higher then any other
Our God is healer
Awesome in power
Our God, our God
Our son, Logan, was diagnosed with Epilepsy. He began having seizures in late June and has continued to have more. We were referred to a specialist, Pediatric Neurologist, and he made the diagnosis. I am relieved that we have an answer and tools to treat his epilepsy, but am in shock that my little guy was given this diagnosis. He has been a healthy little boy up until last month.
You just never know when life is going to change (again). My heart hurts for my little peanut when he goes through a seizure. They come out of no where and he doesn't realize what is going on. He usually gets physically hurt when he has them. As a mother, I want to be able to protect him and prevent injury. I pray that as he gets older he will know his body and will be able to sense when they are coming on. I worry about his future, I want him to have a normal childhood and want him to participate in extracurricular activities. I don't want us to live in fear that something could happen, but we still need to be responsible and not set him up for injury. Will he be able to drive? Will I be able to let him go swimming with friends without me? Will he be safe riding bike or climbing trees? Will he still feel like he conquer the world? Are kids going to tease him?
Logan doesn't completely understand the depths of this, and I think that is OK for now. We will have a new norm in our family, and thats going to be going through the checklist of what Logan can and cannot do, when we go somewhere do we have all of the meds with, do the people he is going to be with know how to handle seizures, etc. I pray that the Lord would make me so in tune to him, that my motherly senses and intuitions would be intensified. I am also praying that the Lord will heal Logan of this condition. I watched him heal my sister-in-law, Erika, from Leukemia, so I know he can heal Logan too. He IS the "Great Physician!"
As I reflect back from last August 2011 to today, July 31st, I have never had to handle/walk through such heavy life situations. (dad died, stepmom battled cancer, sister-in-law diagnosed with cancer, other family health issues, and now Epilepsy) I know that I would have never been able to have maintained peace and joy in the midst of turmoil if it wasn't for my faith in Jesus. HE has been my rock through it all. I don't know how other people go through tough seasons and not know HIM. There is HOPE in Jesus and I cling onto his WORD when life doesn't go the way I have for seen it too (and when it is going smoothly). I am so thankful for all of the amazing people God has placed in my life. They have come alongside me and helped carry my burdens.
Would you be willing to pray for Logan? Would you pray that the Lord would heal him from Epilepsy?
Let me know how I can be praying for you too!!
Below are parts of some song lyrics that feed my soul...
In Christ Alone:
"In Christ alone my hope is found
He is my light, my strength, my song
This cornerstone, this solid ground
Firm through the fiercest drought and storm
What heights of love, what depths of peace
When fears are stilled, when strivings cease
My comforter, my All in All
Here is the love of Christ I stand!"
Our God:
(Logan & I love to sing this song...LOUD!)
chorus:
"Our God is greater
Our God is stronger
God, you are higher then any other
Our God is healer
Awesome in power
Our God, our God
Monday, July 2, 2012
A Weekend of Firsts
This weekend was a weekend of first's for us!
Saturday was the FIRST time since March 16, 2012 that we got to spend time with Erika, Sam & boys in a "normal" setting. We all met up to go swimming at our friend Annie's apartment's outdoor pool. The Rodriguez and Timm family were all thinking the same thing before swimming and ran into each other Target in Minnetonka. My family was at the check out and the Rodriguez'a had just arrived. It brought tears to my eyes seeing Erika there. It would be a place that I would run into Erika. To see her out of the hospital was medicine for my soul! It was so refreshing to see her in her element--being a mom, wife and of course shopping (she is the queen at it!).
We spent the afternoon lounging by the pool, squirting each other with water, snacking on treats and just being together as a family. It was great for the cousins to swim together and just to do life like we used too.
Shane was quite the charmer at the pool. He befriended women 20x his age and kept them engaged in conversation--"My num, num, nums!" "Where's Papa?" "Where's MeMe?" "Where's puppy?" He also tried to walk away with some guys' cooler filled with tasty beverages, but to their advantage the cooler weighed more then he did. He definitely invaded other kid's personal space sitting on the pool steps next to them.
Logan, Ben & Jake are little fish! They had so much fun splashing each other and swimming around. The twin's are growing up so fast. It's so fun to sit and have conversations with them. Ben has taken a special liking to me and I love it!! He gives the best hugs!! Logan was very GQ at the pool with his fedora hat and aviator glasses. He likes to make sure that everyone is sharing and following the rules--It's the first born in him ;)
Sunday was the FIRST time we competed in the Warrior Dash held at the Afton Alps. We had a team of seven. It was a whopping 93F when we ran. If you are wondering what the Warrior Dash is, it's a 5K Obstacle Course run. (warriordash.com) The course was jam packed with hills, people, hills, obstacles, and did I mention hills?! We all wore our "Winning for Erika" t-shirts and did the race in her honor. At the starting line the MC was announcing different groups and he announced ours!! Go Erika!! We all made it through without any serious injuries. Next time when we run it we will not do it at three o' clock in the afternoon.
It is crazy to think about how much Erika has overcome in the past four months with her battle with Leukemia. She is such a strong woman physically and spiritually. Her faith can not be wavered! We are SO proud of her!!
I was craving family time with my boys and extended family this weekend. My love tank is on full again and I am already scouting out the next race I will be doing. (I think it will be the du-athalon put on by Church for the Harvest).
Happy 4th of July weekend!!
Saturday was the FIRST time since March 16, 2012 that we got to spend time with Erika, Sam & boys in a "normal" setting. We all met up to go swimming at our friend Annie's apartment's outdoor pool. The Rodriguez and Timm family were all thinking the same thing before swimming and ran into each other Target in Minnetonka. My family was at the check out and the Rodriguez'a had just arrived. It brought tears to my eyes seeing Erika there. It would be a place that I would run into Erika. To see her out of the hospital was medicine for my soul! It was so refreshing to see her in her element--being a mom, wife and of course shopping (she is the queen at it!).
We spent the afternoon lounging by the pool, squirting each other with water, snacking on treats and just being together as a family. It was great for the cousins to swim together and just to do life like we used too.
Shane was quite the charmer at the pool. He befriended women 20x his age and kept them engaged in conversation--"My num, num, nums!" "Where's Papa?" "Where's MeMe?" "Where's puppy?" He also tried to walk away with some guys' cooler filled with tasty beverages, but to their advantage the cooler weighed more then he did. He definitely invaded other kid's personal space sitting on the pool steps next to them.
Logan, Ben & Jake are little fish! They had so much fun splashing each other and swimming around. The twin's are growing up so fast. It's so fun to sit and have conversations with them. Ben has taken a special liking to me and I love it!! He gives the best hugs!! Logan was very GQ at the pool with his fedora hat and aviator glasses. He likes to make sure that everyone is sharing and following the rules--It's the first born in him ;)
Sunday was the FIRST time we competed in the Warrior Dash held at the Afton Alps. We had a team of seven. It was a whopping 93F when we ran. If you are wondering what the Warrior Dash is, it's a 5K Obstacle Course run. (warriordash.com) The course was jam packed with hills, people, hills, obstacles, and did I mention hills?! We all wore our "Winning for Erika" t-shirts and did the race in her honor. At the starting line the MC was announcing different groups and he announced ours!! Go Erika!! We all made it through without any serious injuries. Next time when we run it we will not do it at three o' clock in the afternoon.
It is crazy to think about how much Erika has overcome in the past four months with her battle with Leukemia. She is such a strong woman physically and spiritually. Her faith can not be wavered! We are SO proud of her!!
I was craving family time with my boys and extended family this weekend. My love tank is on full again and I am already scouting out the next race I will be doing. (I think it will be the du-athalon put on by Church for the Harvest).
Happy 4th of July weekend!!
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