Morgan's Forever Friend "E"

Morgan's very first friend was Ethan. Back then she would watch for him to arrive at our house and as soon as she'd see him, she'd yell "E, E, E!!!" The first time Ethan came over she was only 7 months old. Ethan was 1 year old. They have since moved to Chicago, Texas and now Oregon. We've moved from Columbia to Jeff City to Republic. Morgan and Ethan still hold a special bond of friendship for each other. Even though it's been two years since they last saw each other, they had a fun afternoon reconnecting as friends today. Morgan said he's her second best friend (only after her sister!) and that's saying a lot!! Here they are, age 1 to age 9.

Michigan Memories

Ok, I guess I’m really lovin’ this A to Z thing lately! As we pulled out of my parent’s driveway this morning, the girls were crying, no actually sobbing, ‘cuz as Sarah said, “It’s just so sad!” So after 10 minutes and it hadn’t stopped, I decided to start thinking of the happy memories, which led to our A to Z of Michigan Memories. And the best part… the tears were finished by the time we completed this list!

A Grrrrrreat Time (That’s how Tony the Tiger says it!)
Beach @ Lake Michigan, VanBuren State Park
Candles on Suzie’s cake (Happy 34th!)
Dune Buggy ride around the big loop
Extra fun cousin time
Getting to see Gram & Gramps and Uncle Ben & Aunt Suzie
Hamburgers & Hot dogs on the grill
Ice cream, Ice cream, Ice cream!
Jumping on the trampoline with Tori
Kayaking for the first time
Lighting up the sky with fireworks
Museum (Impression 5) and Mosquitoes galore!
Noah, Tori, Steve
Overnight sleepover with cousins
Pennfield Pizza
Quite the fun playing games
Riding bikes
Swimming at the lake and Sprinkler time
Toy Story 3
Up in the air Hot Air Balloons!
Visiting friends and family in Michigan
Wii fit competitions
Xtra Pretty flowers @ MSU Children’s Garden
Yes! More pictures for the scrapbook (only 504!)
Zoo

Independence Day

As with every fourth of July, my heart is filled with gratitude for all the freedoms I have. For those who have served and fought and even died so that I can enjoy these freedoms, I am grateful.

Yet today, I found my heart celebrating for even another reason. This morning we attended the church where Mike and I met, fell in love, and began our marriage. As I sat in service, my heart was filled with gratitude for the foundation this church gave me during my teen and young adult years. I don't recognize much about the growing building; and while I got to enjoy a few small reunions, I don't recognize most of the people there either. But within those walls and beyond those walls, are adults who took the time to invest in youth back when I was a youth. People who took the time to love me and guide me towards God's truth. Friendships that helped me stay on a 'right' path and not go astray during those turbulent teen/young adult years. Some friends I've stayed in touch with, others I've lost touch with and a few I've reconnected with through facebook. I'm thankful for all of them and the threads of their lives that have weaved into the fabric of my life over the years.

“Sir, my concern is not whether God is on our side; my greatest concern is to be on God's side, for God is always right” - Abraham Lincoln