One Day Blog Silence in Honor of the Vicitims at VT

Sunday Seven #7

Seven things I am thankful for:

1. I am thankful for my education.

2. I am thankful that I can see.

3. I am thankful that I can hear.

4. Rich had last week off from work. We stayed home and spent time together and got some things done around our house. I am thankful for the time we were able to spend together.

5. My parents and Aunt Winnie came up to spend the weekend with us. It was wonderful to see them and we had a great time together.

6. We participated in a Family Dedication service today at our church. We promised God before our family and church that we will raise Hailey as the Bible teaches us to do. I am thankful that we were able to be a part of the beautiful ceremony.

7. I am thankful for all of you who gave towards Brooke's National Young Leaders Conference. She will be able to participate in this life changing experience because of your generosity. Thank you so much!

Take My Quiz

Take My Quiz on QuizYourFriends.com Can you Ace my quiz? Yes! No Let's Find Out!

Vikings Fan

Hailey loves the Minnesota Vikings football team!

(actually I think it might be Rich who loves the Vikings)

Weight Loss Update

Well, I'm sure you're wondering where I've been with my weight loss updates. Since I've had 2 weeks to work towards my goal you are probably expecting great results. My excuse for not posting last week was that it was Brooke and Dottie's birthdays and I had lots of pictures up for that special day. I was going to skip this week too, once I stepped on the scale this morning and saw what had happened. I gained 2 3 pounds. But, then I remembered that this is supposed to help me to stay accountable and motivated. If I do not force myself to post each week it will not help me to stay accountable and motivated.

I was feeling discouraged about my weight gain and talking to Rich about how I was feeling. Trying to be helpful Rich said, "Well, what have you been doing to try to reach your goal?" I thought about it for a minute and said "Hoping." Rich knew better than to say anything. So, instead of sitting around eating snacks and hoping the pounds will miraculously melt off, I need to get to work! I've got to get back on track and eat healthy. I need to start following my rules. And of course I have to start exercising. I know I can do it, this week will be much better.

21 22 pounds to go!

He Said #1

Rich has been on vacation this week and we spent a couple of days doing some shopping, buying things for our house. On our way home yesterday Rich said, "We're buying so much stuff our house is going to sink."

Wordless Wednesday #2

Finally!

The warm weather has finally arrived. It was beautiful all weekend. We were finally able to enjoy taking a walk and playing outside.

Hailey loved being outside!

What a Helper!

Hailey enjoys "helping" Rich get some work done on his laptop.

Sunday Seven #6

Seven things I am thankful for this week:

1. We were supposed to get a Nor' Easter last weekend from Sunday into Monday. We ended up with a slushy, yucky mix but I am thankful that there was no accumulation of snow.

2. Hailey had her 6 month check-up this week. Her shots made her fussy for a couple of days, but she did not have any other reactions. She is healthy and right on track with her development.

3. Several evenings this week Rich surprised me and did the dishes and cleaned up the kitchen. Such a small thing really made my day and gave me a few minutes to relax that normally I wouldn't have.

4. Brooke celebrated her 15th birthday this week. I am thankful that she is healthy and proud of all that she has accomplished. I am excited to see what the future holds for her.

5. I am thankful that the weather has been beautiful this weekend and it appears that spring has finally sprung.

6. Mike, Matt (my brothers) and Ellie (my future sister-in-law) all attend Virginia Tech where an unthinkable tragedy occurred this week. I am so thankful that all three of them were unharmed physically. Matt and Ellie both lost friends in the shootings. Mike was in the building next to where the shootings occurred where he witnessed two people being shot and saw many of the victims being taken out of the building by the emergency workers. All three of them need your prayers as they try deal with the emotional scars that most of us will never understand. On April 30th there will be a One Day Blog Silence to honor the victims at Virginia Tech. Click here for more details and please consider participating.

7. This morning at church we sang "It Is Well With My Soul" and I am thankful that I can say it is well with my soul!

Happy Birthday

Happy 15th Birthday Brooke!

These are some of my favorite pictures of Brooke and they bring back lots of happy memories.

Time has gone by much too quickly and you are growing up so fast. We are so proud of all that you have accomplished and look forward to what the future holds for you. We love you so much. Have a wonderful 15th birthday, Brooke!

Happy 9th Birthday Dottie!

"He is your friend, your partner, your defender, your dog. You are his life, his love, his leader. He will be yours, faithful and true, to the last beat of his heart. You owe it to him to be worthy of such devotion. "
Unknown Author

Hokie Hope

Hokie Hope will take place on Friday, April 20th. It is an alumni-led declaration of a national "Orange and Maroon Effect" day. So, everyone wear your orange and maroon in honor of the victims from Virginia Tech.

April 30th will be a One Day Blog Silence. Get the details here.

Wordless Wednesday #1

April 30, One Day Blog Silence

On April 30th 2007, the Blogosphere will hold a One-Day Blog Silence in honor of the victims at Virginia Tech. More then 30 died at the US college massacre. Read the details here and spread the word.

Tragedy at Virginia Tech

There is tragic news from Virginia Tech today as a gunman has killed at least 21 people in what has been reported as the deadliest school shooting in US history. Most of you know that my brothers Mike and Matt, and Matt's fiancee' Ellie attend school at VT. The three of them were not physically harmed, although they are understandably shook up. Matt and Ellie were off campus when it occurred. Mike was on campus in a classroom that was locked down until it was safe for the students to leave. Mike is now also safely off the campus with Matt and Ellie. I am so thankful that none of my loved ones were injured. At the same time I can not stop thinking about the many families who will be receiving the unthinkable news that their loved one is not okay. It's sad and scary and it reminds me of what is important in life. There are things that just seem to matter- going here and there and getting this and that done. I get caught up in the day to day things and worry about stuff that is just not important. When something like this happens it reminds me that what matters in life are the people. People can not be replaced while everything else can be. I need to remember not to take anyone for granted as we never know how long we have. Please remember those hurt by this tragedy in your prayers and especially those families who have lost a loved one.

You can get the latest news on CNN's website. There is also information on the Virginia Tech website.

Update: According to ABC news 29 people have been confirmed dead with at least 17 more hospitalized.

Update at 10pm: The latest news has confirmed at least 33 people dead, including the gunman.

Sunday Seven #5

This week for my Sunday Seven I am going to use the words from a song called "Thank You Lord, For Your Blessings on Me" Written by: The Easter Brothers

1. I am thankful that there is a roof up above me.

2. I am thankful that I have a good place to sleep.

3. I am thankful that there is food on my table.

4. I am thankful that there are shoes on my feet.

5. I am thankful for God's love.

6. I am thankful for my family.

7. I am thankful for God's blessings on me.