College Reunion

1990 at Cedarville College

Maribeth, Me, Casey & Kelly

2012  - Not bad for 22 years huh? 

Our hair has definitely improved!

What a blessing it was to reconnect with my college friends after all these years.  It was actually 12 years ago we saw each other at Casey's wedding but we've shared our friendship for much longer.  Maribeth opened up her home to the rest of us and we stayed up all night to talk (thanks Maribeth).  How incredible to hear what God has done in everyone's lives over the years and what struggles He has carried us through.  Hearing about job struggles, big moves, adoptions (ours aren't the only ones), parenting challenges, extended family developments and marriage lessons learned - it was like our own mini-women's retreat!   I think it's safe to say that we all came home with a refreshed spirit and a thankfulness for God's goodness to us over the years.  A gift we hope to rekindle each summer from now on!

Grandma's visit

It's been a year and a half since Grandma's last visit and the kids were SO excited to have her come out to stay with us again.  She had very full and difficult challenges during that time as she cared for and said her final farewells to her parents.  We knew that she needed some time to rest so we stayed close to home for the most part and everyone reconnected. 

Here you see Jaybird teaching her some new computer skills on the laptop.  I hope my kids are willing to teach me these skills someday as I know they are surpassing my limited technology skills already.  Grandma had to learn some new card games as well since they are a favorite pastime around here.  We kept her busy as well playing tennis, bowling, golf and even dancing the night away.... on the wii.  She did pretty well for a first timer.

Farewells at the train station were hard but we trust God will bring her back for another visit before long.