Wherever He Goes

About ten years ago, Julianne was finishing up her student teaching here in Tempe.   NAU was behind her and life was a clean "chalkboard".  Every Friday she would ride her bike home and despite being tired out, she had a surge of energy left, since the whole week end was ahead of her.   It was a pleasure to  take her out to lunch or shopping on those Friday afternoons.  I learned more about her life then than any other time during the busy week, since she was "free" and unusually talkative.

This was also the beginning of the Brenden era, and of course my antenna was tuned in; especially when I could see he might be a keeper.  One afternoon at the food court in Chandler Mall, we sat across the table.  Brenden was the topic, again.  As I listened to her, she spoke so unafraid, "Mom, if I marry Brenden I will have to go wherever he goes."

She could picture herself with him and she had faith to jump, knowing life would be grand.  I do think about that statement often, especially since they've been in Lincoln for 9 wonder full years.  She spoke prophetically then, even though I'm not sure either of us knew the reality.  She was safeguarded by faith and love for the man of her dreams.  Jump?  How high?  It was evident she was committed, no matter what.

That's all I needed to know.  Faith is a beautiful thing; especially for a mother to witness in her children.

This year is the year they were led to a great career opportunity in SLC, with a new home in Farmington.  A landmark year! This is also Brenden's birthday.  I appreciate him for so many reasons!  No wonder she'll follow him anywhere. 

Happy Birthday, Brenden!

My Heavenly Days!!!

Making Memories at the cabin (June 2013)

   

 

Just so I don't forget:

Peter on sleeping bag at the foot of our bed each night, and on our bed first thing in the morning
4 happy grandchildren running joyfully through beautiful mother nature
Hammock swinging
Backdoor banging, signaling the entrance or exit of "littles" in the wide open spaces
Henry, knowing he fits right in
All kids on the dock in swim suits and safety jackets with nets, goldfish, and pancake pieces in toe
Brave retrievers of current floating flip flops
Brave grandchildren!
Beautiful clear, cold river water
Performing at the gazebo band stand in Ennis
"Carianne's" beauty parlor for little girls
Behind the wheel, wide eyed kids take turns sitting in Julianne's lap, pretending to drive up the road
Sweet children praying at breakfast, lunch, and dinner
Grandpa and the "Boxcar Children"
Wearing little, carefully chosen Yellowstone t-shirts
Crafting, Wearing sweaters, Playmill, Mixed nuts and Fruitsnacks, Picnics,  Puzzles, Candy crush
     Sunshine, Mud, Howard Springs,  Canasta, Pink ice cream, Moose watching, Snoring, Bug collecting, Polka dot blankets, Mosquitoes
Community baths for kids
Bug repellent and sunscreen assortment by the back door 
Tent/fort beds for little girls
Craft night for big girls (thank-you, Vita!)
Open windows all night
June 23, supposedly one of the brightest full moons . . . it's always that bright
New trusts, love, and appreciation for each other
Caring Randy (Grandpa)
4 car seats in every configuration
S'mores and hot dog roasting nights, made complete with Jeff's jiffy pop trial
Canoe riding and raft floating
Fishing with Disney princess fishing poles
Wonderful food!  No one was ever hungry . . .except the "littles", right before bed.  :)
Hearing absolutely nothing but heaven when you lay your head down for the night

Quotes:

Peter:  "Go dah whay!" (as he "drives")
Henry:  "Da"  (Daddy)
           "Buh"  (Banana)
           "Ah?"  (Almost everything else)
Kate:  "Harold Believus"
Emmie: "Weenicorns"

     My mother (Grandma B) used to say " My Heavenly Days!"  
I'll never hear it again without thinking about the cabin.
These were Heavenly Days!