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| Fun in the mud and some singing/dancing by Leslie too. |
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| Morgan shaking his brains around ... yep, they're there ... I hear them rattling. |
free entertainment at the ranch ... always dirty, but always fun!
March 17, 2012
cousins.
March 13, 2012
Goodness in a box.
Dear Brooke,
You knew just what I needed ....and just when I needed it. Thank you just doesn't cut it. I love you for being the thoughtful, creative, gift-giving cousin you are! May you know what a great gift you gave me and my boys!
Your chocolate & strawberry loving cousin,
Lindsay
You knew just what I needed ....and just when I needed it. Thank you just doesn't cut it. I love you for being the thoughtful, creative, gift-giving cousin you are! May you know what a great gift you gave me and my boys!
Your chocolate & strawberry loving cousin,
Lindsay
P.S. Box # 2 came today. :)
March 12, 2012
Sarah Young.
Dear Sarah,
I've never met you, but oh how I think it would be fun if we could chat over an ice cold lemonade on a warm day in June on my back deck. I'd share my view with you, and I'd soak up every ounce of wisdom you had to offer.
You've written a book I carry with me everywhere. I'm usually reading it from a small {second grade} chair in my classroom during lunch, thanking God for just the right words to get me through the rest of my day.
I wonder if you know what you mean to so many? God has used you in remarkable ways & the words He's given you to share with your readers are {just right}.
Today's entry was titled {three little words} and they have carried me through the day. I read them in the dark morning as I tried so hard to embrace daylight savings time. It was a struggle, but I'm glad I found page 75 in front of me.
Three little words: Trust. Wait. Hope.
They're all connected - and they also connect me to Him.
You write:
"Each day, choose to trust Me and My way more than you trust yourself."
I think:
{deep sigh} ... HARD. but necessary Lindsay - so necessary.
You write:
"Wait on me. I will answer your prayers, but it will be in My own perfect time. If you say "I trust you" but you keep trying to make things happen right away then you are not really trusting Me.
I think:
{another deep sigh} ... Help me Lord. help me to wait.
You write:
But wait with hope. Don't just wish for My answer; expect it!
I think:
{sigh of relief} I can do this. I can. Expect greatness to unfold Lindsay, because it will. It really will.
I'm seeking to know Jesus, Sarah! Hoping to shine for Him. Waiting for his goodness and provision that I know is right around the corner - and you're helping me with this little book I carry to and from my home and school more than you'll ever know.
Thank you for {Jesus Calling} ... His words via you. I'm cheering you on and thanking you as you make a difference in the lives of many - but mostly mine.
~ Lindsay
I've never met you, but oh how I think it would be fun if we could chat over an ice cold lemonade on a warm day in June on my back deck. I'd share my view with you, and I'd soak up every ounce of wisdom you had to offer.
You've written a book I carry with me everywhere. I'm usually reading it from a small {second grade} chair in my classroom during lunch, thanking God for just the right words to get me through the rest of my day.
I wonder if you know what you mean to so many? God has used you in remarkable ways & the words He's given you to share with your readers are {just right}.
Today's entry was titled {three little words} and they have carried me through the day. I read them in the dark morning as I tried so hard to embrace daylight savings time. It was a struggle, but I'm glad I found page 75 in front of me.
Three little words: Trust. Wait. Hope.
They're all connected - and they also connect me to Him.
You write:
"Each day, choose to trust Me and My way more than you trust yourself."
I think:
{deep sigh} ... HARD. but necessary Lindsay - so necessary.
You write:
"Wait on me. I will answer your prayers, but it will be in My own perfect time. If you say "I trust you" but you keep trying to make things happen right away then you are not really trusting Me.
I think:
{another deep sigh} ... Help me Lord. help me to wait.
You write:
But wait with hope. Don't just wish for My answer; expect it!
I think:
{sigh of relief} I can do this. I can. Expect greatness to unfold Lindsay, because it will. It really will.
I'm seeking to know Jesus, Sarah! Hoping to shine for Him. Waiting for his goodness and provision that I know is right around the corner - and you're helping me with this little book I carry to and from my home and school more than you'll ever know.
Thank you for {Jesus Calling} ... His words via you. I'm cheering you on and thanking you as you make a difference in the lives of many - but mostly mine.
~ Lindsay
March 6, 2012
Romans 8:26-28
"Meanwhile, the moment we get tired in the waiting, God's Spirit is right along side helping us along. If we don't know how or what to pray, it doesn't matter.
He does our praying in and for us, making prayer out of our wordless sighs, our aching groans.
He knows us better than we know ourselves, knows our pregnant condition, and keeps us present before God.
That's why we can be so sure that EVERY detail in our lives of love for God
is worked into something good.
Romans 8:26-28
March 3, 2012
February.
Dear Lindsay,
I just wanted to give you a compliment. You know, one of those things that people say to each other as an expression of praise, commendation, or admiration. You've made it through a long, hard month and you're still standing ... and still smiling on occasion too. It's definitely been a February that's required you to have faith, courage and a whole lot of love.
Your father-in-law had open heart surgery on February 4th, and 4 weeks later he's doing remarkably well. His postcards are still arriving with joy, and he's even had a chance to visit with the boys over the phone. Your mother-in-law's {nearness} has been missed, and her home is just too quiet without her. Hopefully you'll all get to see each other soon.
Valentine's Day was a hit in Room 1. Everyone enjoyed the food celebrating Oregon's birthday - especially the chocolate chip cookies and salmon. The Valentine holders were filled with love, and even you got 7 boxes of chocolate. That might be a record.
Ian gave you the best gift of the year by going to the dermatologist on {heart} day to have his moles looked at. Three were removed and he'll be going back more frequently now that he finally bit the bullet and went.
You went with two of your co-workers to a nearby school district to meet with some of their teachers and share a great technology tool to assess with. It gave you a giant appreciation for your own school, your district, and your district's vision. There were some interesting conversations, some unique perspectives, and some unusual personalities, but all-in-all, it was a very {growing} day for you professionally.
I'm sad to say that you went through several days in a row without taking one single picture - but, it was not because of lack of activity or reason. Sometimes life just has to be lived rather than photographed.
You were blessed to have 2 sweet young girls stay with you during the long President's Day weekend. Having 4 children definitely spiced things up a bit, but your parents were in town and helped a TON! The girls were able to feed bummer calves, make traps for wild rabbits, play with the boys all over the ranch, and even go bowling. It was a full, busy weekend and you all survived it.
The annual taco and beer-margarita party {for those born in February} was a huge success! You and your mom made refried beans from scratch - your brother-in-law Steve would be very proud!! Everyone enjoyed the food, the fellowship, and the full-house - but somehow we forgot to play Farkle. (there's always next year - right Darcy?!) Thank goodness Clint, Karl, Ian, Jeannie, and your Mom were born ... they've definitely made life better in your world!
Strep throat and ear infections hit your home during the long weekend as well,, but you and Ian managed to avoid both. Thank goodness for a day off to go to the Dr. (President's Day) and the power of antibiotics. Both boys are doing well now and are back to there ornery selves.
Ian's birthday was quiet, and dinner was enjoyed at the Slickfork Saloon at Hamley's. You spent quite a bit of time sitting and watching others from your table - mainly because you just needed time to be still and quiet. You're usually very social, so it was a bit off your normal radar - but I'm proud of you for just {be}ing.
The Lorenzen bull sale was the next day and I'm applauding you for taking some time off to enjoy the sale first hand, rather than hearing about it later. I know it wasn't easy planning for a substitute two Thursdays in a row, but you managed to do a fine job and substitute #2 held together just fine with your 25. Substitute #1 might not be back. Anyway - back to the bull sale. It was a great day and I know you were very proud to have 15 of your own bulls sold there that day.
Your classroom of kids has survived a loss of a sweet baby in their lives. It's not been easy for any of you, but you're all ready to welcome the sweet girl who fills spot # 8 back with open arms and huge hearts. Know that I'll give you the strength and love you need when she walks back into your room this week.
You called on me and many others last Thursday to pray you through the day. I'm so, so proud of you for crying out for help. I know it wasn't easy, but it was the only real way I could show you how very loved you are. Never doubt it. Never. You have the most amazing co-workers, friends and family members - people that most only dream of having. Cherish them, thank them, and love them the best you know how. They are your army.
February 2012 will go down in the history of you as a month of tears, triumph, and one of huge amounts of growth and faith. Keep your head high, and be proud of who you are. You are somebody's reason to smile - mainly mine.
I love you Lindsay,
Jesus
I just wanted to give you a compliment. You know, one of those things that people say to each other as an expression of praise, commendation, or admiration. You've made it through a long, hard month and you're still standing ... and still smiling on occasion too. It's definitely been a February that's required you to have faith, courage and a whole lot of love.
Your father-in-law had open heart surgery on February 4th, and 4 weeks later he's doing remarkably well. His postcards are still arriving with joy, and he's even had a chance to visit with the boys over the phone. Your mother-in-law's {nearness} has been missed, and her home is just too quiet without her. Hopefully you'll all get to see each other soon.
Valentine's Day was a hit in Room 1. Everyone enjoyed the food celebrating Oregon's birthday - especially the chocolate chip cookies and salmon. The Valentine holders were filled with love, and even you got 7 boxes of chocolate. That might be a record.
Ian gave you the best gift of the year by going to the dermatologist on {heart} day to have his moles looked at. Three were removed and he'll be going back more frequently now that he finally bit the bullet and went.
You went with two of your co-workers to a nearby school district to meet with some of their teachers and share a great technology tool to assess with. It gave you a giant appreciation for your own school, your district, and your district's vision. There were some interesting conversations, some unique perspectives, and some unusual personalities, but all-in-all, it was a very {growing} day for you professionally.
I'm sad to say that you went through several days in a row without taking one single picture - but, it was not because of lack of activity or reason. Sometimes life just has to be lived rather than photographed.
You were blessed to have 2 sweet young girls stay with you during the long President's Day weekend. Having 4 children definitely spiced things up a bit, but your parents were in town and helped a TON! The girls were able to feed bummer calves, make traps for wild rabbits, play with the boys all over the ranch, and even go bowling. It was a full, busy weekend and you all survived it.
The annual taco and beer-margarita party {for those born in February} was a huge success! You and your mom made refried beans from scratch - your brother-in-law Steve would be very proud!! Everyone enjoyed the food, the fellowship, and the full-house - but somehow we forgot to play Farkle. (there's always next year - right Darcy?!) Thank goodness Clint, Karl, Ian, Jeannie, and your Mom were born ... they've definitely made life better in your world!
Strep throat and ear infections hit your home during the long weekend as well,, but you and Ian managed to avoid both. Thank goodness for a day off to go to the Dr. (President's Day) and the power of antibiotics. Both boys are doing well now and are back to there ornery selves.
Ian's birthday was quiet, and dinner was enjoyed at the Slickfork Saloon at Hamley's. You spent quite a bit of time sitting and watching others from your table - mainly because you just needed time to be still and quiet. You're usually very social, so it was a bit off your normal radar - but I'm proud of you for just {be}ing.
The Lorenzen bull sale was the next day and I'm applauding you for taking some time off to enjoy the sale first hand, rather than hearing about it later. I know it wasn't easy planning for a substitute two Thursdays in a row, but you managed to do a fine job and substitute #2 held together just fine with your 25. Substitute #1 might not be back. Anyway - back to the bull sale. It was a great day and I know you were very proud to have 15 of your own bulls sold there that day.
Your classroom of kids has survived a loss of a sweet baby in their lives. It's not been easy for any of you, but you're all ready to welcome the sweet girl who fills spot # 8 back with open arms and huge hearts. Know that I'll give you the strength and love you need when she walks back into your room this week.
You called on me and many others last Thursday to pray you through the day. I'm so, so proud of you for crying out for help. I know it wasn't easy, but it was the only real way I could show you how very loved you are. Never doubt it. Never. You have the most amazing co-workers, friends and family members - people that most only dream of having. Cherish them, thank them, and love them the best you know how. They are your army.
February 2012 will go down in the history of you as a month of tears, triumph, and one of huge amounts of growth and faith. Keep your head high, and be proud of who you are. You are somebody's reason to smile - mainly mine.
I love you Lindsay,
Jesus
March 2, 2012
Dear John Deere toys,
This thank you note is long over-due and should have been written at least 4 years ago. I'm not even sure how to even begin to thank you for the endless joy you've given my boys, but I'm going to attempt it the best I know how because late is better than never.
Your motto says it best: "Nothing runs like a deere" ... and even when there seems to be little life left in you, and you're falling apart at the seams, - you're still running and you're still well loved.
Run on & love well green friends of mine ~
Lindsay
When I think of you, the first word that comes to mind is LOVE. I bet you were thinking I would say fun, or green, or maybe even expensive (grin), but the word I'm choosing is LOVE.
{Loving Well} isn't always easy, but it is easy when the synonym for you is JOY. I spent the last few days at a retreat/conference thinking a lot about {love} and when I got home and found these pictures - all I could think of was JOY.
JOY mixed in with a whole lot of LOVE and TRUST.
My boys trust you and so do I. We trust you to hold up against all odds, and when you look at the attached photos, you'll know exactly what I'm talking about. Even though you're made of plastic, you're still hanging in there - putting up with anything and everything they dish out and allowing us to love you the best we know how.
Most kids would have given up on you long ago, but not mine.
Most parents would have sent you to {john deere heaven} long ago, but not us.
Love is a lot like that ... not giving up and not packing up when the world tells you that you should.
My boys do not know life without you and I pray they never will.
You've been well loved, well used, well respected, and well thrashed (for a lack of better words) during their little lives and there are still many years left to go.
Thank you for the excitement, the adventure, and the joy you bring. You are irreplaceable!
May you see the JOY written all over these photos, and may you feel the LOVE Mason & Mack have for you - and for the life they live.
Your motto says it best: "Nothing runs like a deere" ... and even when there seems to be little life left in you, and you're falling apart at the seams, - you're still running and you're still well loved.
Run on & love well green friends of mine ~
Lindsay
March 1, 2012
Dear Dad,
You've always believed that I'm right where I'm supposed to be.
On the golf course near the very end of the day.
In the swimming pool with a bunch of little kids in the middle of the summer.
At a college - not too far from home.
Teaching in a classroom of first and second graders.
Behind the microphone.
On my knees in prayer.
Writing my heart out.
With a view and a ranch in Eastern Oregon ... surrounded with boys, and calves, and dirt.
You've cheered me on and prayed me through each place I've found myself throughout my entire life.
Today was no different.
And when I found myself typing this morning, I knew you'd pray me through - along with many others.
Typing, and asking ...
Needing extra amounts of prayer and positive thoughts today… as I think I’ve been crying since I woke up – and for no apparent reason. This {winter} season of my life has been one of the hardest – and I’m not sure why … But I will survive it knowing that God is at work and creating a better me through it all.
.......................
My support group and prayer warriors are amazing. The day was filled with evidence of a God that works miracles, provides support, and keeps His promises. If I ever doubted it, I sure shouldn't have.
Your words arrived at the end of the day. Right after I had cried with and hugged a set of my classroom parents. My arms and heart had encircled sweet Sara and Derek the best they knew how, and my tears fell with theirs.
.........................................
I'm not running and jumping yet, but your words will be truth in my life. They will. And I will keep them with me forever:
As I have been praying for you today, I have been taken to a wonderful image that's in front of you every day this season... that of calves running and jumping for the joy of just being alive. I have that vision clearly in my head...the one of calves living life...and while we were feeding, I told Ian and the boys about the joy it brought me to see those calves running for joy.
My prayer is to see you, Lindsay, running and jumping, carefree, loved and secure, at peace with the wonderful woman you are, nothing to prove-just Jesus living His life through you.
This prayer was given even more shape by being led to Mal. 4:2, "But for you who fear my my name, the Sun of Righteousness will rise with healing in his wings. And you will go free, leaping with joy like calves let out to pasture."
God Bless you indeed, Lindsay!
I'm blessed indeed dad - because of so many, many things, but especially because of the earthly father I have in YOU!
I made it through this day, and I will continue to make through each day ahead. God will see to that - and so will you! (along with the army of support I have with me each and every day)
I love you!
Your oldest, freckled, loved, and blessed daughter,
Lindsay
On the golf course near the very end of the day.
In the swimming pool with a bunch of little kids in the middle of the summer.
At a college - not too far from home.
Teaching in a classroom of first and second graders.
Behind the microphone.
On my knees in prayer.
Writing my heart out.
With a view and a ranch in Eastern Oregon ... surrounded with boys, and calves, and dirt.
You've cheered me on and prayed me through each place I've found myself throughout my entire life.
Today was no different.
And when I found myself typing this morning, I knew you'd pray me through - along with many others.
Typing, and asking ...
Needing extra amounts of prayer and positive thoughts today… as I think I’ve been crying since I woke up – and for no apparent reason. This {winter} season of my life has been one of the hardest – and I’m not sure why … But I will survive it knowing that God is at work and creating a better me through it all.
I went
to bed last night at 7:45 and am feeling like I didn’t even sleep … I’m
exhausted and I can’t be! I have 25 precious little people in my
world that need me at my best … and then 3 even more important people at home
waiting for me at the end of my day with 25.
I’m
just feeling attacked from every angle and am asking for prayer today ~ Linds
.......................
My support group and prayer warriors are amazing. The day was filled with evidence of a God that works miracles, provides support, and keeps His promises. If I ever doubted it, I sure shouldn't have.
Your words arrived at the end of the day. Right after I had cried with and hugged a set of my classroom parents. My arms and heart had encircled sweet Sara and Derek the best they knew how, and my tears fell with theirs.
.........................................
I'm not running and jumping yet, but your words will be truth in my life. They will. And I will keep them with me forever:
As I have been praying for you today, I have been taken to a wonderful image that's in front of you every day this season... that of calves running and jumping for the joy of just being alive. I have that vision clearly in my head...the one of calves living life...and while we were feeding, I told Ian and the boys about the joy it brought me to see those calves running for joy.
My prayer is to see you, Lindsay, running and jumping, carefree, loved and secure, at peace with the wonderful woman you are, nothing to prove-just Jesus living His life through you.
This prayer was given even more shape by being led to Mal. 4:2, "But for you who fear my my name, the Sun of Righteousness will rise with healing in his wings. And you will go free, leaping with joy like calves let out to pasture."
God Bless you indeed, Lindsay!
Dad
I'm blessed indeed dad - because of so many, many things, but especially because of the earthly father I have in YOU!
I made it through this day, and I will continue to make through each day ahead. God will see to that - and so will you! (along with the army of support I have with me each and every day)
I love you!
Your oldest, freckled, loved, and blessed daughter,
Lindsay
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