I keep forgetting to post this, but a month or so ago (really, it could have been three months, but I can't keep up with the pace time flies), a friend sent me a link to an amazing blog. I'm gonna post it below, but first I want to warn you - you WILL want to read each and every post on it, so give yourself a good ten hours to sit down with it. Change the baby's diaper and make a pile of food to get the toddlers through the day while you're glued to the screen.
The blog is called "Bring the Rain" and Angie perfectly explains it's title. It's the most powerful thing on the internet I've ever read. (Sidenote - I just had to stop typing because Owen came over and asked "do you want to squeeze my muscle mom?" - feeding the male ego starts so early). You will cry and laugh the most authentic tears and belly-gripping chuckles ever. I promise. Really. She ministers in the way I believe Jesus would if he were a girl. Very truthful, real, easy to connect with her heart accounts of daily life. And super pictures. And a great affection for Target and a good clearance rack.
Start from the beginning. She has a link on the side that says if you're new, you can click it to start from the first post.
Without further delay, go to wwww.audreycaroline.blogspot.com.
And if you're kids (or, GASP, your husbands) go hungry, don't say I didn't warn you.
Monday, September 29, 2008
Thursday, September 18, 2008
Happy Birthday Grandpa!
It's been a month of birthdays - and all favorite people of ours! Today we are celebrating Kevin's dad, aka Grandpa. Always ready with a smile and quirky remark, Owen and Lyla are especially fond of their Grandpa. I love that he has a special activity or nickname for all the grandkids. Since he was a little guy, Owen has always loved "marching" with Grandpa. He would put on some old music with a funny beat and they would march for hours it seems, often until Owen was asleep. More recently, Owen has learned the art of fishing from Grandpa. They love to compare all the lures and spinner thingys, and typically end up resorting to worms and a good old bobber to make the catch.
Lyla beams in delight as she hears Grandpa coming for his "Lyla Lou," to which Owen always reminds him that is, in fact, not her name. Still sounds fun.
Happy Birthday Grandpa! Hope you can blow out all those candles! And if not - I'm sure there's a lawyer or Democrat somewhere we can blame.
We love you!
Lyla beams in delight as she hears Grandpa coming for his "Lyla Lou," to which Owen always reminds him that is, in fact, not her name. Still sounds fun.
Happy Birthday Grandpa! Hope you can blow out all those candles! And if not - I'm sure there's a lawyer or Democrat somewhere we can blame.
We love you!
Sunday, September 7, 2008
Happy Birthday Grandma, Grandpa and Granddaddy!
Oh my goodness, I'm so behind here! Last week marked a significant birthday for Grandma (Kevin's mom), but I'm not telling which one! We spent it with her in Rhinelander and had a fantastic time! There are lots of things we love about Grandma - her kind spirit (I mean LITERALLY I've never heard her say a mean word about anyone), fabulous sense of style and decor, her love of a good bargain (remember Mom, it's only a bargain if you need it) and relentless coupon clipping (I have diaper coupons that expired before I met Kevin). Then there's the plethora of toys she has saved for 30 plus years, which her grandkids now treasure too. And her yummy cooking. Most of all, we love the way she cares so deeply and unapologetically for her family. Happy Birthday!
The same day marked my Granddaddy's 89th birthday. Somewhere along the way, it becomes okay again - and almost a pride point - to share your age. Of course, Grandad thinks he's 30 still, working like a madman in the yard and garden. I swear if his tomatoes and corn aren't in Heaven, I may have to reconsider Jesus. And speaking of Jesus, my grandad is by far the closest comparison I have ever encountered. NEVER a mean word has come from his mouth. He shares well beyond measure of all he has with all he meets. I have SO many memories growing up with him where we would take dinner or groceries to someone in need, visiting churches and nursing homes, and even handing out government cheese and milk to those who could not afford to feed their families. His garden has fed hundreds of people over the years. And somehow it never runs out. I could go on and on, but really you just need to meet him just once in your life. Love you Grandad! (and YES, he does read the blog occassionally)
And finally, this weekend marked my own Dad's birthday as well! Must be a good week to be born. Growing up, I have so many fun memories of Dad working on the farm - teaching me to grow Kentucky's cash crop (the legal one - tobacco), drive a tractor, then moving on to "Big Green" and "Sweet Betsy," an old farm truck and two-ton truck respectively. Somehow I feel I learned more working with him on the farm in the summers than I ever did in an office or retail shop. He also had a healthy love of Marlena Evans on "Days of Our Lives," which ensured a 12:00 sharp lunch break every day. More recently, I've enjoyed watching him spend time with my kids as they look on adoringly. I hope Owen looks to him for golf lessons, considering I can't even hit the ball. And perhaps he and Lyla will enjoy some court time playing "HORSE" with him - sorry Dad, they're still gonna root for the Illini though. Happy Birthday!
And I'd be a stinky wife if I failed to mention the man of my dreams also celebrated his birthday in the last couple of weeks! Kevin is completely modest when it comes to celebrations revolving around him, so we spent the evening with friends at a reception for a retreat he recently attended. Then we made s'mores in Rhinelander instead of a cake. An amazing friend, husband and father, I am incredibly blessed to be Mrs. Kevin Ruff! Happy Birthday Honey!
The same day marked my Granddaddy's 89th birthday. Somewhere along the way, it becomes okay again - and almost a pride point - to share your age. Of course, Grandad thinks he's 30 still, working like a madman in the yard and garden. I swear if his tomatoes and corn aren't in Heaven, I may have to reconsider Jesus. And speaking of Jesus, my grandad is by far the closest comparison I have ever encountered. NEVER a mean word has come from his mouth. He shares well beyond measure of all he has with all he meets. I have SO many memories growing up with him where we would take dinner or groceries to someone in need, visiting churches and nursing homes, and even handing out government cheese and milk to those who could not afford to feed their families. His garden has fed hundreds of people over the years. And somehow it never runs out. I could go on and on, but really you just need to meet him just once in your life. Love you Grandad! (and YES, he does read the blog occassionally)
And finally, this weekend marked my own Dad's birthday as well! Must be a good week to be born. Growing up, I have so many fun memories of Dad working on the farm - teaching me to grow Kentucky's cash crop (the legal one - tobacco), drive a tractor, then moving on to "Big Green" and "Sweet Betsy," an old farm truck and two-ton truck respectively. Somehow I feel I learned more working with him on the farm in the summers than I ever did in an office or retail shop. He also had a healthy love of Marlena Evans on "Days of Our Lives," which ensured a 12:00 sharp lunch break every day. More recently, I've enjoyed watching him spend time with my kids as they look on adoringly. I hope Owen looks to him for golf lessons, considering I can't even hit the ball. And perhaps he and Lyla will enjoy some court time playing "HORSE" with him - sorry Dad, they're still gonna root for the Illini though. Happy Birthday!
And I'd be a stinky wife if I failed to mention the man of my dreams also celebrated his birthday in the last couple of weeks! Kevin is completely modest when it comes to celebrations revolving around him, so we spent the evening with friends at a reception for a retreat he recently attended. Then we made s'mores in Rhinelander instead of a cake. An amazing friend, husband and father, I am incredibly blessed to be Mrs. Kevin Ruff! Happy Birthday Honey!
Tuesday, September 2, 2008
Rhinelander '08
It was almost exactly one year ago that we spent a few days in Rhinelander with Kevin's parents in their newly renovated cottage on the lake. Last year, I was shopping for long sleeved maternity clothes because the weather was 40 degrees. This year Mother Nature was kinder - it was sunny and 75 every day.
Owen started the trip off with an 11 inch wide mouthed bass - needless to say, he was "hooked" on fishing. He spent the better part of the weekend standing on the pier casting his pole (which Grandpa found at a garage sale for a steal). Lyla soaked up the sun and waves at Hodag Beach - she was in Heaven!
Kevin and his dad definitely enjoyed several hours a day of fishing - but neither could beat my biggest fish catch - a 14 inch bass! Just goes to show girls really are better - and more efficient. I keep reminding Kevin it only took me 30 minutes and one beer to catch the big one.
The north woods of Wisconsin are a stunning display of God's creative nature. I could not have asked for a more beautiful sunset anywhere. And so glad I had a camera to capture it.
I love these at sunset with Kevin and the kids...
And the best for last...
Owen started the trip off with an 11 inch wide mouthed bass - needless to say, he was "hooked" on fishing. He spent the better part of the weekend standing on the pier casting his pole (which Grandpa found at a garage sale for a steal). Lyla soaked up the sun and waves at Hodag Beach - she was in Heaven!
Kevin and his dad definitely enjoyed several hours a day of fishing - but neither could beat my biggest fish catch - a 14 inch bass! Just goes to show girls really are better - and more efficient. I keep reminding Kevin it only took me 30 minutes and one beer to catch the big one.
The north woods of Wisconsin are a stunning display of God's creative nature. I could not have asked for a more beautiful sunset anywhere. And so glad I had a camera to capture it.
I love these at sunset with Kevin and the kids...
And the best for last...
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