Prayers for Sabrina

Our friends Megan and Jim had twin girls three months ago and they just found out that their little Sabrina has a tumor behind her heart. To read more on their story go to their website. Please keep Megan, Jim and Sabrina in your thoughts and prayers.

First Burley Ride

Some our of friends from church asked if our family would use a Burley. It's a bike trailer that hooks right on to an adult bike and both girls can ride inside. We couldn't be more pleased. We were trilled that they thought of us in the first place and also that they were willing to just give it to us. The girls had a blast riding along with daddy- wearing their bike helmets of course! This will make getting to the neighborhood parks a breeze this summer. The only thing left for us to do is get momma's bike in for a tune-up.... so I can tag along for the fun! Thanks Jodi and Randy!

Weekend Fun with Grandma Bakke

We love our Grandma Bakke!

Annika cried when Grandma left today- so sweet!

Spring in Minnesota.....

Isn't there a saying that if you don't like the weather in Minnesota wait five minutes and it will change? Well today started out beautifully. Calm winds, warm temperatures and clear skys and it lasted until this afternoon when the winds began to gust and the sky clouded over and now there is a cold air whipping around out there. Yuck! The girls and I left this morning in warm weather gear and I came home to the girls wearing winter hats and mittens...with their capris and sandals. So cute! I guess this is what we get with spring in Minnesota.

Our Tree

Every spring when our crab apple trees blossom and we always look forward to the beautiful white flowers and the sweet smell that wafts into our kitchen. The blossoms only last a few days so I always rush to take pictures before the wind blows them all away. The blossoms makes me think of this quote by Emerson, "All I have seen teaches me to trust the creator for all I have not seen." Happy Spring!

Welcome to the World Baby Andrew!

My brother Marc and his wife Tina welcomed their son Andrew Charles into the world Wednesday May 13th. He weighed 6 lbs. 6 oz. and was 21 inches long. We can't wait to meet him! Kate and Annika are very excited to have a little cousin. We plan to go and visit him once school is done in June. Here is a little picture of Andrew.

Bathroom Update.....

I just wanted to share the progress that is being made in our downstairs bathroom. What a mess! Whoever said that remodeling is fun....is a little crazy! Here is a picture of what the shower looked like after the demolition.Here is a picture of where the vanity used to be- that too is being replaced due to mold and water damage. I can't believe we were living with yucky mold and water damage! GROSS!!!

Here is another picture of the new shower. The backer boards are up, the mud is ready for tile, the niche is in place and my beautiful stone seat is ready to be used.
We picked out a new vanity and countertop sink, now onto a new mirror. We are still hoping it will be done by next weekend. Cross your fingers!

Dandelions!

Today I received my very first dandelion bouquet! Annika thought the "flowers" were so pretty, she just had to share with mommy. "Happy Mother's Day momma!" I love you Annika!

Happy Mother's Day

Today is a day that we take time to thank our mothers for their love, compassion, guidance and their faith. Being a mother is not an easy task. Our pastor spoke on this very point this morning. He spoke to us about godly goals for parenting. What is it that we want our children to know before we send them into the world on their own? Kate and Annika are only three years old, but already I feel like Jason and I have tried hard to instill in them the values of faith, family, respect, kindness and compassion.

Our children are a reward from our Father in heaven (Psalm 127:3) we shall train a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not turn from it (Proverbs 22:6) and treat your children with love and respect, bring them up in the training and instruction of the Lord (Ephesians 6:4).

At the end of our church service today our pastor asked all of the mothers of the congregation to speak these words. As I read these words my eyes filled with tears- I hope that I can raise my two beautiful daughters to fulfill this prayer.

And this is my prayer: that your love may abound more and more in knowledge and depth of insight, so that you may be able to discern what is best and may be pure and blameless until the day of Christ, filled with the fruit of righteousness that comes through Jesus Christ- to the glory and praise of God. Philippians 1:9-11

God bless my two mothers in Christ- my own mother, Lynn and my mother-in-law, Linda. Thank you for raising us in the faith.

Thought for today......

This morning at church we sang one of my favorite praise songs, He Knows My Name. Whenever I am leading worship or just a member of the congregation, when this song starts I can feel the tears building up. It is just a reminder that no matter what you are going through or where your life has led you- our Lord knows everything and is always there. There may be times when you are completely hopeless and feel like our Lord has deserted you- but that is not true. I always try and remember that God gives challenges and trials for a reason, to strengthen our faith and love for Him.

God's blessings to you on this beautiful spring day, when I am reminded of God's awesome wonder!

He Knows My Name
Words and Music by Tommy Walker

I have a Maker
He formed my heart
Before even time began
My life was in his hands
He knows my name
He knows my every thought
He sees each tear that falls and He hears me when I call
I have a Father
He calls me His own
He'll never leave me
No matter where I go
He knows my name
He knows my every thought
He sees each tear that falls and He hears me when I call