Remembrances...rebirth

*I know you have many options for remembering 9.11. This youtube video has a unique perspective. Take a few moments to watch.*

I never thought I would have a "I will never forget" moment. That all changed on 9.11.01. Like millions of Americans, my life changed that day. I lost my innocence, I became more fearful; guarded. Today I set out on a run and a block into it the heavens opened. I was soaked with rain. My first reaction was to turn around, but then I realized I needed this. As I ran my heart reflected on where I was 7 years ago, the grief and tears as fresh today as then. The further I ran the more cleansed I felt. I'm not sure what happened to me on the road today, but I know I felt reborn. I came home with my heart swollen with hope.
Philippians 4:4-7
4Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! 5Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. 6Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. 7And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

~be blessed

Sunflowers!

I have lived in Kansas most of my life, but can you believe I have never taken a photo of a sunflower? Last year I thought I would try, but I could not find a sunflower field. This year a friend was kind enough to tell me how to find it! I am so glad I did. We have known this family since we were newlyweds. They had been married like 3 years and I thought they were really wise. Now, 13 years later, they are still wise, and the closest friends we have. We have had our kids together, traveled together, trained together (Dea will do her first triathlon this weekend!). We have laughed, cried, celebrated and prayed together. When Kristian was in the hospital last year, they stepped in and cared for the other two without missing a beat, without a thought of how it would affect them. So my dear friends, thank you for sharing your lives with us, and thank you for letting me take these photos of your beautiful family. I hope you cherish them!

First Day of School!

This photo would have been more poignant if *I* had been the one jumping in the photo...


The kids were all so excited for today. They were up early, dressed and ready to see their friends and tackle this year. It was bittersweet for mom. While I am excited about what having 3 school age children means to me, I know that it also means a big chapter in our life is over. No more babies, no more mom's day out, pre-school, mother's tea...but they are so much fun. Every day, every year holds new challenges and new joys. I say,bring it on!