a strangers face

This weekend is Memorial weekend and I am so looking forward to going to the lake!  Here is a picture of Josh and I last year (I think) of us with our friends Dan & Katie - who we miss very much! 

Memorial Day means a lot to me.  I grew up going to our cabin in South Dakota (where my dad grew up) for Memorial Day but it is 5 hours away so we usually don't go there unless we are staying for more than 4 or 5 days now.  We would go to a service on Memorial Day dedicated to those who serve/have served our country.  My grandpa was in WWII and died when I was very young so I always loved that service and I miss going.  I always get emotional standing outside by the many flags that are lined up, wearing our red poppies, listening to Taps (which gets me every time regardless of where/when I hear it), and waiting for the retired veterans to shoot off their guns.  We would then go and look for the flag with my Grandpa's name on it.  There is so much respect and honor (well deserved) that goes into those services that are dedicated to our troops, it is definitely an emotional day (which I realize is more than a day for those in military families). 

You can tell by looking at a stranger's face how long it has been since their loved one has passed.  There is so much anguish and heartache in the faces that are enduring that raw pain.  Then there are the ones who have tears in their eyes but HOPE all over their faces.  They have endured this uncertain road and want to reach out to those that are hurting.  I have the utmost respect for any solider along with their families.  Every time I see a solider in uniform I pray for them and would love to give them a big hug to thank them but don't want to come off weird and crazy :).  So if you have a father, mother, husband, wife, son, daughter, or friend who has served, currently serving, or who has given their life for my freedom, I am forever grateful.  I will be praying for all of you on Memorial Day and especially when I see anyone in uniform.  Thank you, from the bottom of my heart.  I appreciate it more than I will ever be able to say.

I hope everyone has a wonderful and safe Memorial Day weekend! 

Angie

Weekend Fun!

We had a great weekend!  It has been so nice here in Minnesota finally!  It was raining every day last week and so blah out.  On Friday we had a date night...well sort of.  The girls went to Letters to Juliet and the guys saw Robin Hood. 

I really liked the movie, it was romantic, cheesy and maybe a little corny but I love those attributes in a movie! 

On Saturday my beautiful sister had her junior prom - so I went over there to see her before they went off to take pictures and go to dinner....doesn't she look gorgeous??

Nikki is the one in the blue/purple dress and Kaitlyn is in the yellow dress.  They have been best friends forever and I see Katie as another younger sister.  Ill post a few more just because I am proud :) 

It was a masquerade ball, so here are the girls of their group with their masks

Nikki & Noah (her boyfriend) at the grand march.  He is a freshman in college..."too cool" to go back for prom :)

After I saw my sister I was so lucky to go and visit a favorite pair of Twins - they are getting so big and I was so glad that I was able to see them!  I didn't get any pictures because I was too busy playing with Miss Avie and Mr Jaxon but trust me - they were adorable and oh so sweet! 

On Saturday night Josh and I spent time with Jayson, Bethany and our favorite niece Hopers.  Here is a recent picture of her - she is hilarious and we LOVE spending time with her...and her parents are pretty cool too :) 

Dave and Tonya hung out with us as well and after Hope went to bed we played Taboo - it was so much fun!!!  We will have to play again soon - I love our game nights! 

Well have a great week blogger friends!  I am off to bed!

Every mother

Happy Mothers Day to all!  To mothers who have been mothers for years, those who have been mothers for just a little while, those that dream of their future children, and especially to those who have lost their babies and children.  Mothers day is celebrated by so many and for those who have are aching and hurting it is not an easy day.  I have been on the brink of tears pretty much all day.  Regardless of my hope that I have for our family and for "brighter" Mother's day's, it will never be perfect.  Perfect would be having my sweet Emma here with us.  

I have been thinking and praying for each and every mother that I know today, from my wonderful Sister in Law Bethany, to my mother and mother in law, my grandmothers, and especially the many moms that I have met who have lost their babies that mean so much to me.  I know how hard this day is and regardless if you chose to "celebrate" you are still a mother.  I pray that one day all of your desires of your heart become a part of your life and that God's amazing love and peace was surrounding you today and the days to come. 

Happy Mothers Day to every mother.  You are loved and thought of dearly. 

Well I am off to bed...it has been a long day and I am exhausted!