Day 3 .... Daughters and Granddaughters out for a walk

Nora (2), Eden (4), Annika (almost 6)

Eden took this picture

morning quiet time in TX

Eden journals in my journal

Annika follows along in a picture Bible while I read in my bible

Day 2 in TX

Yep, I am in TX with my son-in-law, daughter, and 3 granddaughters. One on the primary reasons I came was to help, support, and encourage my daughter as my oldest granddaughter (6 years old) was in the hospital with a new diagnosis of Type 1 Diabetes and is now home. Life has changed for this family dramatically but the same God of last week is present in this home today. 

I have seen my family love, support and pray for this adjustment. I have seen my oldest granddaughter learning to live differently when it comes to food, blood sugars, insulin and I am more than amazed at how well she is responding. Some kids are so resilient and I am seeing this in my sweet Annika. She is the same, happy, content, and trusting little girl she was last week before this new routine. Her mommy does such a great job explaining about carbs and numbers, snacks and of taking blood sugars and giving insulin.  

I love being here and just watching all the learning and loving that is going on in so many ways. So grateful for the gift of being able to come to TX!

ps I also saw today ways my only son and daughter-in-law are supporting from a distance as Carrie opened "this" package .... no coincidence that this morning before getting the mail Carrie and I were talking at the park about how she wants Annika to still be able to cook and make snacks with her in the kitchen! I love this  family and I am seeing yet one more time how good God is!

"this" package

# 11 United States Army stationary .... September 30th 2007 (reading and typing old love letters on Valentine's weekend)

Mom and Dad,

Well I'm sitting in the barracks this evening with only a few other girls because most are upstairs watching a movie. I wanted to take this extra time I have to tell you both how much you mean to me. I wouldn't be where I am today if it weren't for you both. Since I was young I knew I had loving parents. You guys were always there to comfort me when I was sad  or hurt, always there in joyful times and always there to correct me when I had done something wrong. The biggest thing that was most important was bringing me up in a Christian home. I loved our family devotions and prayer times. I know for a fact that I wouldn't be so strong in my faith if you both had not shown me the way. Now, I'm able to go out on my own still firm in my faith. That's because of you guys.

I love you both so much and I want you to know that always I think the love grows more and more each day, and it's because it's a different love because of our separation for such a long time. I've really been able to realize how much I'm like both of you and how much I need both of you. I cannot wait til I see you both! I know it will be different, but there's no worries because it's a good change. I've stayed firm in my beliefs and values. Whenever I'm having a tough time, I'm able to look back at your letters and they help me drive on. Trust me mom and dad, I definitely wouldn't  have been able to do all this without you and your support. I see some of the people here that don't even talk to their parents and I don't know how they do it. Some girls envy what I have with you guys and I tell them I am blessed. Well, as I come to a close with this letter, I just once again want to tell you guys how much I love you both. It's really hard to completely put into words, but it's just important for you to know that I love you both will all my heart.

It's coming sooner than I thought it was 44 days :-p    Ash

Lots of Love on Valentine's Day

                              Nora Just finished her Laundry

Fun at the Park

Eden is Four

Oh Eden how I miss seeing you and celebrating your birthday. I also missed writing a post / letter to you this year so ... even though it is a bit late I want you to know how proud I am of you ... of the young girl you are becoming. I love your smile. When your mommy was 4 years old she was a big helper around the house  just like you. She used to unload the dishwasher like you and she helped with her little brother and sister just like you. 

I am praying for you Eden that you would "put your trust in God and never be shaken." Psalm 125:1

Happy Belated Birthday .... I love you so much more! Nana  

# 10 Mom and Dad, September 26th, 2007

Hey! How's it going? It's been a while since I've written so I thought I would write a letter. Things here haven't been too great. Our drill sgts and commander told us we've lost our minds since we started AIT. Our phase banners are called again and we lost all privileges. I mean everything. We have to do bay maintenance until 8 pm and lights out is 30 minutes later. It's just enough time to shower and get ready for the next day. We don't get a pass this weekend either which is really hard for me. I'm hoping that this won't last for long though. Hopefully I'll be able to call you tomorrow. We didn't get to make phone calls on Monday but I wasn't going to call anyway. Monday was when everything happened and I knew it would just make matters worse. I don't think we are going to get our cell phone either. Not even "best of the best". Our commander has really strict rules and with him being upset now I don't know when we will have privileges again. How are things in Minnesota? Have you been babysitting little Syd quite a bit? I'm sure I'll be doing that when I get home. It will be the perfect time to catch up on our auntie-nephew relationship. :-p How's my room coming? I can't wait to be back home. It will be so welcoming and just in time for thanksgiving! I'll probably gain like 15 pounds ... that's OK thought. Daddy has the broker found any xtera's for me yet? Just kidding, I know it will take some time before you get a call from him. Please keep writing because letters are always a help at night. I promise I'll do my best to write. It really depends on when we get our free time back .... well i love you both so much. I don't know what I would do without you both mom and dad. 48 days and counting .... Love, Ashley # 5

Here's the Birthday Girl!

Wow hard to believe that this one is 5 years old today. We were able to hang out for a little while at Nana's house this morning because I did not have to work. The presents and the big birthday bash will be in the morning.

As you can tell by the sparkle in this girls eye she is a gem. One of her love languages is touch. I know because she loves to hug and I love to get hugged!

Pru I am so grateful for you and I pray for you often. I know the Lord has great plans for your life. I love that in preschool this year you are not only learning more about letters, art, and writing your name but that you have an opportunity to learn more about Jesus too. You are a beautiful girl! You have a caring spirit and you love to help in any way you can. I love you so much more!

Happy 5th Birthday!

Cold Days

Well this winter they have not been called Snow Days but rather Cold Days .... Last Thursday was the 3rd day called by my school district as a no school day because of the cold weather.

So I went to Great Clips with Kelley for

Lenny's first official haircut.



so fun and so cute!

FOR TODAY

Outside my window... the little birds are taking a bath in the heated birdbath my husband has provided for them

I am thinking... it would be wonderful if I still had 2 more days of Christmas break

I am thankful... that our grandson, Beckett is home from the hospital

In the kitchen... I made some hot chocolate with eggnog (yum)

I am wearing... velour pants with an elastic waist, thermal top with a sweater, socks and slippers (comfort clothes on a cold Minnesota winter day)

I am creating... a clean sleep for tonight as I put the freshly washed sheets on the bed

I am going... to think on some intentions for 2014

I am wondering... when I will get over this cough and cold

I am reading... Martika (a children's book) and the book of 2 Peter

I am hoping... for warmer weather

I am looking forward to... Friday night pizza with the family

I am learning... more stratagies for working with EL students

Around the house... Terry and I are just enjoying one another's company

I am pondering... the year ahead

A favorite quote for today...

Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come. The old has gone, the new is here! 2 Corinthians 5:17

A few plans for the rest of the week: back to work tomorrow, Real Women, and Friday night pizza