On Wisconsin

Mark's first time at Camp Randall...

We mixed some of his favorite things together to come up with this weekend. Travel to someplace new, college football, our 6 month wedding anniversary and oh yes, me his wife. I agreed to go back to my alma mater (2 times in the making - English Degree and Education Degree) and have the memories of going to football games completely wash over me.

Who was that woman? In a sorority, hardly focused on her academics, so insecure, so unsure, so directionless. She NEVER would have guessed that she'd be back in Madison with this whole new life, new outlook.

One of the surprises was certainly that the Badgers played their worst game in 30+ years losing to Penn State terribly. Sorry honey...

But, the weather was stellar. I'm even wearing short sleeves. We really took in the stadium and the electricity of the crowd. On our way up to our seats (the usher told us not to hit our heads on the blimp on the way up), we talked to the guy that maneuvers the camera above the field. Mark really, really likes to find out about how things work, the behind-the-scenes stuff. He wants to dissect and question and analyze and know. In the moment, I'm completely reluctant, "why can't we just get to our seats and sit down?", but often walk away glad to have learned that extra tidbit because of his curiosities.
We're planning to make a weekend of it again next year. I truly am encouraged that my hubby wants me to hang out with him at such a not me kind of thing. It is wonderful to try the things that my spouse is interested in. It opens me up to something about him I didn't understand or possibly even appreciate before. Very encouraging.

I thank God that I've married someone who is so adventurous and truly does want to experience a lot of what God allows us to see on Earth. Even within losses, there are often big wins.

Gina's got a gun...

Who gave that woman a gun? Chad, my first husband did. It's a Beretta. It's slick and heavy and fun to shoot. I've often been afraid to even use it, but have some friends that were willing to go (thanks Monica) and we shot us up some paper!

This trip to the gun range was eye opening to me. My heart was fluttering with all of the "what ifs". Not growing up around guns and having a filing cabinet full of reasons why it's too dangerous, I couldn't really figure out why I was doing this...except that I could. Except that why wasn't I doing this more often?

Fear. Fear. And more fear.

I'm a book loving girl. I've never lived in like a Bronx or the Chicago hood. I've never needed to defend myself at gunpoint or know how to protect myself at this level, I like to watch Legally Blonde and Freaky Friday and smile at the predictable ending to come where everyone is happy and not once is a gun referenced. So, why the gun range all of sudden?

Because, there truly is an edge to me. A good one. I have some toughness to me. And granted, I'm not Gina from the Block, but I'm not easily put into a box. I'm not easily defined and characterized by what one may see on the outside. Only God understands me fully, all of the dimensions and layers.

But, I do like a sense of adventure and doing things out of the norm every now and again.

As I calmed down and prayed for our safety, I came to realize with focus, I'm really good at this for someone with so little experience. I kept telling myself how fun this is and it's okay to try new things. It was fun. I haven't been back since, but know that I'm up for it and will hopefully go again and improve over the last time.

If ever you'd like to see my target sheet, just ask when you come to visit. I've got it saved in my bedroom...

Watch out! Gina's got a gun.

To play or not to play...

Smile Taylor, you like football remember?  

A beautiful day for the game, but you can just tell that Taylor is not as excited about the game as he used to be.  He plays his position, but does not respond well to the yelling that his coach does - it's pretty bad.  He wants to quit, but remains on the team out of commitment to his teammates and the reckoning of the non-refundable dues paid in order for him to participate.

We go to cheer him on and have a great time doing it, but we'll see how the pigskin fits into our teenager's future.

Young Marrieds 2008

A group of newly married couples getting together to learn about how God wants our marriages to reflect His perfect love.  Must be married 0 to 5 years to participate.  Thank you to Gary & Deborah Kinzer for guiding us through the baby steps of the first years of marriage.

Library Helper

A quick snapshot of Dylan while I was volunteering as a library helper at his school.  In an effort to be balanced, I've given up this volunteer opportunity, but am so grateful to have captured this moment of him in action while not knowing that I was looking.

I pray that he will remain a life long reader for pleasure.

Packer Party Fun...

So, we hosted another Packer Party...The Prociuks, Dregers, Leonhardts all hung out...Drew (far left) doesn't like having his picture being taken, but does like football. We sat around the tv with lots of good food and great talk about sports and life.

Kono Camping 2008

So, I hope that the Konopackis will let us come back again... Meet Barbara Anne and Dennis Konopacki. They are our dear friend, CaSondra's parents. They host a "Kono Camping" retreat at their home near Stevens Point where they allow you to move in and treat you better than family while feeding you like you're at a bed and breakfast. This place, their home - is amazing! It's a nice house, Dennis built it, but it's not just that. It's got a great yard, wonderful decor, lots of space, a serious wooded area (sorry about your beef jerky Dennis) and a place for a fire pit. But even still, THAT is not what makes the Kono Camping Weekend so special. Dennis makes a great big breakfast and that's pretty rockin', but that's not THE thing...

For those of us who know the Konopackis, we recognize that it is THEM that draws people to their family, to their home. I feel like another daughter there. I feel embraced and taken in. I'm taught to cook and expected to nap. We laugh, sip drinks and watch sports, but they show us how marriage and the work that goes into it looks. To me this is a glimpse of what God's love for us looks like or ought to. They are so warm and so real and so accepting of where you're at, but will speak the truth in love and then offer support in helping you to change and grow. It is so encouraging.

It is wonderful to see how CaS grew up and how she became who she is.

Dylan has been to the Konopackis more than I have...you can tell by how comfortable he is here. They love him and treat him as if he's just another extension of their hearts. It's so sweet.
Boy fieldtrip 2008: corn picking...this was a new experience for the husbands as they'd never had raw sweet corn before. It was the hot commodity for the weekend. Super yummy.

Mr. & Mrs. Konopacki, please forgive me for taking so long to write you a thank you...but THANK YOU! from all of us.

Already excited about next year. Hope you're reading for all 6 of us...

Theatre Anyone?

So, he's not shy... This is a typical time with Dylan. He is a performer...I don't know where he gets it from (he, he)...but this one likes to make people smile. While sometimes his efforts can be over the top and straight out obnoxious, I have to say usually his attempts to help me lighten up are good ones.

I'm learning to be resolved that he's not going to share my organizational skills or my efforts to be a person who likes to create and maintain structure. Nope, I have given birth to an artsy, creative boy and am about to ride the whirlwind of a new journey in life as I support and cheer him on this unfamiliar route.

I am a reader and writer. I was a cheerleader and really like to dance. I like to be in crowds, but then truly like to be alone. I am entertained easily at times and other times too critical to enjoy anything...WAIT! This is my child. I think I am a bit envious though, he seems more fearless than I ever was. He'll make friends with anyone and has people intuition skills that I never would have pinpointed at his age.

So, with that said, he's signed up for Drama Workshop this winter, he plays the recorder as all 4th graders do, he's holding out for drum lessons - he seems to really be dedicated to it. He is an avid reader and likes to draw and tell stories, he loves reading his Bible and still after three years says that he wants to put on plays for poor people.

Since that'll be us after feeding four kids over the next decade and some change, he'll have a pretty reliable audience in our family. I pray that he finds a way to put these talents to use in the church and bring God glory. Watching your children grow up, you see the potential God must see in us and it's awe inspiring. God really knows what He's doing.

Put your money aside now, because the Dylan Theatre is coming to a venue near you.

Roni turns 6!

So, another birthday...we have three in the summer months.

Veronica loves Fun World - yes, you've seen it before on Brina's birthday party. It's a big old foot locker of fun for them. We did the dance, dance revolution game - for the record, this is THE best work out for me. Santa...I want one of these for Christmas. (he, he)
With such a small turn out at this year's party, it was again nice of Choco-lotta to come and paint faces for the party. Here you have two cutsie princess bunny girls. This young lady is a newer friend of Veronica's from school. She has been over to play several times and they are really good friends to one another. With our biggest goal for Veronica this year being to be more socially appropriate, our focus is on her having as many "playdates" as possible. She already seems like a young lady here, she's grown so much since the beginning of summer.
Another Barbie cake...I wonder what the celebrations will be like when this is "Veronica turns 16!" It's so foreign for me to have girls in the same house as me. Since college, I've been the only girl in my home. Even though I'm a girl, it still takes some getting used to. Veronica is teaching so much about myself as a female and forcing me to reconsider myself at her age. Mom, what was I like?

We had a great time and are so thankful to Miles, Savannah and Jayla for joining us to help us celebrate Veronica's 6th birthday.

Kayaking Professional

So, he loves to be outside...

Just like his dad. This is when I see Chad in Dylan - he jumps into situations like this and I shirk away. Thanks to the Troost family, Dylan was out in the woods and camping for four whole days. They came and swooped him up and took them with their family & exchange student to the woods to camp and be close to nature.

One of the many things he got to do (firewood chopping, fishing, hanging around the campfire) was kayaking. They said that he was a natural. Within minutes he was steering and moving backwards and forwards and commanding his ship. He had a great time and was super calm and confident in his OWN kayack.

That is impressive and tender to me all at the same time.

I mean look at him...he's 9! He's four hours north of where we live in the middle of a lake by himself with an oar. He's having the time of his life...without me. He's growing into the challenges set before him and truly endeavoring to stand tall in the face of something new. After all this little boy has been through, I'm so grateful to God that we have friends who'd take him and expose him to these things and even more grateful that Dylan does not shirk away from them.

I pray that he only grows in his confidence that with God all things are possible. It is motivating to me to be able to move away from the edge of the proverbial pool and stand in the middle with eager anticipation about what is about to be sent my way.

Kayaking is only one of many ways I'll be called to stand back and watch Dylan and our other three children spread their wings. I'll be called to give them space while still shouting loud enough for them to hear my voice, letting them know we're there for them, that it's all going to be okay. In times like these, I think so much of how God loves me this way and parents and loves me in this way.

I'm not a professional...but yes, He loves me.

Meet the Reynolds

So, we had another wedding in August..Meet Cory & Katie Reynolds! They were married on August 19th in Waunakee, Wisconsin. Aren't they cute? This is a shot of them dismissing their rows of guests. It was a small, intimate wedding and we were glad to attend.

Cory was the DJ at our wedding back in April and Katie and I have been friends for the past three to four years in several capacities...book clubs, as neighbors, scheduling gurus (another way of saying controlling), education and fun. She is such a sweetie. It's been encouraging to hear from her as they are settling in. There are many others closer to her than I am, but I am often inspired by her eagerness to learn and get help in her life.

CONGRATULATIONS Mr. and Mrs. Reynolds!!! Keep God in the middle, He's got great plans for you.

Serving God

So, we're garbage collectors...It's truly a fancy title for "servants of God". The kids and I, Monica and her son Dartanian (center) got to help Marlo, [prayerfully soon, our sister in Christ], pick up garbage. Marlo is in charge of managing a couple of apartment buildings and with recently moving herself, fell behind in some of the work she wanted to get done. Funny, because I was tempted to feel as though bringing the kids would be a distraction from spending quality time with her as she studied about God. I am so glad that we brought our children because they were able to serve.


All of them served Marlo with an eager heart. Picking up trash isn't the most glorious thing they enjoy doing in their free time (unless it's a video game), but there was no reward and no bribes. It made me realize that our kids are eager to know that they too have a place in pleasing and showing love to God. We as parents, have a responsibility to find these ways and make time for them to give back at the age they are now so that it becomes a part of their character and journey with God as they grow older.

It was a tangible thing to pick up this garbage to serve our "neighbor" and I believe that God was pleased. I only pray that it made as much of an impact on their hearts as it did on mine.

Dentist Field Trip

So, I've learned a new definition of "crazy"...

We took all four kids to the dentist on the same day. It was another introduction into what I'm realizing is the wild ride of my life. Taylor only had x-rays and needed to be rescheduled for a filling and an orthodontist consultation (braces???), Dylan got sealants, Sabrina got high praise for sitting perfectly still during her cleaning and Veronica would be considered "most improved" since her last visit.

If that was all to our dentist trip, then you'd be wondering where the "crazy" came in, but here goes...

We arrived early for check-in, 11:40 for 12:00 appointments and weren't called for our first of four appointments until 12:45...note the times. They are LUNCHTIMES for us. Veronica was the only one to bring entertainment (her dolls), so everyone was a bit antsy, maybe even a little nervous about what to expect. Mark arrived to help us get through our appointments and I hope it goes without saying that the kids respond differently to me than to him. So, the quiet sitting in the waiting room, while waiting went into high gear when "DADDY!!!!" walked into the room. Suddenly the need for water and bathroom breaks and another bathroom time arose. There was a little girl in a wheelchair with a severe handicap that was unrecognizable to Veronica and she proceeded to shout it from the top of her lungs, laughing and pointing at the girl. The chairs weren't deep enough for me to sink into and hide...Mark, the angel that he is, handled it like a champ, pulling Veronica into her fear (why else do we laugh at others, right?) and introducing her to the young girl and her mother. Who knows how much Veronica learned, but I can say that I fell in love with my husband in a new place in my heart...

Finally, our kids are called back to the kids' waiting room where their teeth are worked on quickly, photos are taken for their files and because of their welcome participation, given lots of stickers and new toothbrushes and toothpaste. Oh, that reminds me, I still need to get them those flossy thingys...

Anyhoo, the ride was coming to an end...until it was time to schedule our next appointments. Whew! Needless to say, I'm grateful that the dentist's office is an appointment we only need once every six months. Unless, of course there are cavities (which two of our kidlets have) and need to be seen within weeks of the harried appointment I'd like to put into my distant past. Pray for me, these appointments require pain...oops, I mean, pray for the kids and their pain.

I'm proud of us though, it's another example of how our family does "normal, regular" things. It may not look like everyone else's "normal", but when we hit a bit of crazy, we know we're awfully close. Thank God that field trips eventually come to an end.

A(nother) day at the ballpark!

So, we went to see the Brewers play...again...We took all four kids for their second game this season and wouldn't you know it...it went 14 innings. 14 innings!!!! 14 innings with kids is a challenge, but our experience became kind of like being in the ring for 14 rounds. It was a four hour opportunity for the kids to master the art of requesting things (I really think they're asking for something new everytime) and for us it was about us sharing our wide range of ways to answer them with the word "no". We allotted everyone (including ourselves) $5 of spending money. They could spend it on whatever they wanted since we'd all had lunch before entering the ballpark. The boys were focused on how to stretch and even join their money. While the girls were focused on movement and being anywhere but in our seats.

We managed to get some smiles and laughs out of them. It was incredibly fun!
Afterwards, about 1,000 children including our four were able to run the bases. This is something done after every Sunday game. They all did well, now if I could only get them to all look at the camera and smile in the same photo...a new goal in my life.
I see how something as simple as a ballgame helps me realize how much of a team us Ericksons are. Dylan and I stayed in our seats and watched the long drawn out game, while Mark and Taylor, Sabrina and Veronica were much happier walking the stadium. Mark saw the line of kids waiting to run the bases and thought it was out of the question, I glanced at it and said, "let's get in line". We really are a good team, Mark and me. And the kids respond well when we allow one another's strengths to shine through and support the other. Because of our different strengths and ablility to meet the kids where they were at...everyone got to do, see, eat or visit something in the park that made it memorable and special to them....even with all of the begging. I had a great time and am so glad that we had another day at the ballpark.

All in the Family...

So, it was my first Erickson Family Reunion of sorts...

Happy Birthday Ruth and Happy Anniversary Bill & Ruth!!! Ruth is Roger's (Mark's father) mother. She is front and center with the white shirt and Bill is Roger's stepfather (suit coat and tie). It was an intimate celebration enjoyed while enjoying the Ponderosa buffet (haven't been to one in years) and also a time for meeting new family members.

Everyone was really nice, even if it was a little intimidating...none of this part of our family were able to make it to the wedding, but seemed genuinely excited to meet the newest compilation of Ericksons. Jeff & Terri (Mark's brother and sister-in-law) with 6 of their own children were in town all the way from Michigan for the week and were on hand for the celebration as well.

Missing is Mark's sister Lori who lives in Kentucky with her four children. I've not yet met her, but can you believe that Mark had the least amount of kids in his family (until marriage + one)...

Anyway, the gathering was light and this picture was the biggest goal of the day. Mission accomplished.

It's strange though, being a part of our new family means "starting over" in a lot of ways...lots of ways that I never could have imagined. Getting to know people who knew someone else in your role reminds you of how "new" you really are. Fortunately, God is always trying to make me (and you) new in Him, so what another great opportunity to grow.

The mini-reunion went well and the love that is evident in Mark's family is encouraging to me. Dylan jumped right in with his "step-cousins"??? and had a great time.

I pray that Mark and I will be in Ruth and Bill's position surrounded by our children and their children at a cheerful celebration someday years from now and I really, really hope I look good too. (he, he)

Jesus is Lord!

So, we got to witness Pavielle's decision to make Jesus Lord of his life.


It was such an encouraging event to witness. We were grateful to have been invited and to make the trek to Appleton to spur our new brother on in Christ. This trip to support Pavielle was an amazing one for us because he and Taylor (the oldest) have been best buds since they were toddlers. We wouldn't want to have missed such a monumental time and certainly didn't want Taylor to miss it either.

I just read Ezekiel 36:25 & 26 today.

"I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit in you; I will remove from you your heart of stone and give you a heart of flesh. And I will put my Spirit in you and move you to follow my decrees and be careful to keep my laws."

This scripture offers me another new perspective on baptism and having a "new life" or becoming a "new creation". The disciples that followed Christ around for the three years of his hands on ministry were clueless about being different until His death provided the Spirit to change their hearts. We are the same. Even after baptism, we need to cling to the will of God to operate on us and give us new hearts so that we can love with Christlike love, rather than with human love.

Jesus is so simple and complex. We can often wonder and worry that kids who choose him at 13 and 14 will not keep Him at the center of their hearts. It's our human love that makes us fret over the commitment. Jesus' love will keep Pavielle faithful, if he allows Him to....just like He is willing to do for you and me.

It was a great opportunity to see God at work in the Burns' lives. It inspires me to pray and hope for our children the same gifts that Pavielle accepted at his baptism from the sacrifice and love of Christ. It's hard to proclaim this truth, but it is still the truth...

JESUS IS LORD!!!

Time Travel

So, we didn't have a July this year.

It was the busiest month that we've had in a long time (since March, preparing for our wedding) and it's almost hard to believe that we actually lived the month of July. I say this not because we did nothing, but because I didn't post any of our happenings onto the blog. For all six of you that read this somewhat regularly, I apologize for taking the month off - doesn't it sound better that July just didn't happen? We were so ultra busy.

From three Brewers games in one week (one with a tailgate and all four kids and friends) to the softball league each Sunday - three of which were doubleheaders, to two BBQs hosted at our home, to library visits (it's hard keeping up with all of those books) to Taylor being at camp for two weeks in different states to studying the Bible with someone each week to finally ordering our wedding photos (so many of them were good, it took a lot more effort than I'd anticipated) to initiating a prayer time with a sister everyday to being in a best friend's wedding to the Alicia Keys concert, it was busy. Did I forget to mention that I unpacked all of my husband's stuff this month?

Today is August 1st and I'm so grateful because I feel as if it gives me a new slate to attempt balance again. This month I want to spend more time reading my Bible with God, I'd like to read my book club book (Crime and Punishment by Fyodor Dostoevsky) and magazines, I'd like to get together with friends JUST to talk and laugh. I'd like to have quiet nights at home with my family and by myself. I want to be available and I want to be unreachable all at the same time. I wouldn't say that I'm striving for perfection, I know of no such thing except in Christ. But in my life and schedule, I'm instead hoping for true enjoyment of all of the moments that are laid before me; to be at peace and content in whatever way the day is delivered to me.

I don't want another month to pass by making me feel as though I've been moving at the speed of light only having moments, but not really living them. There were a lot of wonderful moments in the month of June. I am truly grateful for the memories, I only want to enjoy them as stories rather than highlights.

Here's to slowing down in the time travel machine that is life. And to enjoying and savoring moments like this one...


CaSondra Shim and me at Alicia Keys, Summerfest; "No One"

CaSondra gets married...

So, my kid sister is getting married...Here is CaSondra, better known to me as "CaS"...

We have been on a long road together as friends for almost a decade. I met her when I was an advisor for our sorority. She was a leader in the organization and searching for God (though she might not have admitted it at the time). We became friends and I pursued the friendship and learned a lot about taking the time to get to know someone. She is a wonderful lady.

Through our friendship, she knew me as Regina Simon, married to my first husband. She watched me have a baby (well, not literally), move on from the sorority, go back to school, become a teacher, raise my son, she moved in with us for a little while, then was there for me through Chad's injury and death. She has been a friend for a lifetime. Most recently though, my friend showed her support and loyalty through pointing out love that I couldn't (wasn't looking) to see.

After a long weekend in Indianapolis for New Years Eve with the Single's ministry there...she saw love for me in Mark. I was blind or clueless, either way, I was shocked. With gentleness and compassion, she helped me step into a lot of my fears and pushed me to embrace his love...I say push, but really all she did was knock me up side the head a little and the rest was Mark and me.

I write all of this to give you a small hint of why I dearly adore this young woman. It was so exciting and challenging to watch it be her turn to get married. Knowing it was something she's wanting her entire life made me keep forcing myself to let go. I just wasn't ready. Thankfully there are things like showers, personal showers and rehearsals to keep reminding us that the event (and changes to follow) are really about to take place. I really needed to begin to let go of her...she was about to become Ben's...I'm choked up thinking about it even now.

We had such a great time celebrating their wedding on July 26 of this year.
For pictures -
(Go to: http://www.frphoto.com/ for photos, go to "online catalog", locate CaSondra & Benjamin, password - "opensesame")

Who would have thought when we met a decade ago that we'd be brides within months of one another. I'm so grateful for this friendship and know that God handpicked us for one another. I didn't have a sister in my family, but CaSondra is definitely filling in that role for me.

I love you CaS (and Ben too)...CONGRATULATIONS!!!
Barb Konopacki (CaS' mom), me, the bride-to-be and Bea (CaS' aunt)...
Shannon (bridesmaid), Lindsay (bridesmaid), Leah (reader; 1 Corinthians 13) and Kate (bridesmaid & sister-in-law)

Cause to Celebrate!

So, the house in Monona is no longer ours.

And to be quite honest, it was much more emotional than I'd anticipated. While I have an amazing new life, the permanency of nothing else with Chad's name on it, was a bit sad. That we get to have the experiences that we do because of someone else's death, a loss. But, moving forward is part of life, no matter how challenging it is and that's what we decided to do.

I grieved the finality of the sale and shared my heart with Mark and a few friends and then we decided to celebrate with our kidlets by taking them out to dinner at Red Robin. We shared the good news (it's been challenging for Dylan) and we laughed and talked and really enjoyed this experience together. Because of the blessing of a home sale - especially in this market - we spent a little time explaining the purpose behind the celebration and that this level of "order what you will" won't be happening very often. They were grateful and we enjoyed ourselves and their company as well.

Just a quick plug for Red Robin. Dylan and I have been frequent patrons of this restaurant and it is definitely in our top 3 of faves, we introduced Mark to it with a date back in January of 2007. They have great portion sizes for the kids so that you don't feel as though you're wasting a lot of food AND, my new favorite is that they have side dishes and healthy choices (Dylan and Veronica had melon slices), like seven of 'em. Go there! http://www.redrobin.com/
We topped off our night with balloons and laughter. They requested the colors of the balloons and decided to get into the red, white and blue pattern you see here.

It was a fun, mellow celebration considering we took four children out to eat. We hope that the celebrations will continue throughout the year and certainly outweigh the challenges.

The Pirates Who Don't Do Anything...

So, I'm a baller.

A softballer...well, not really. I play for my church league this year for a team called, "The Pirates Who Don't Do Anything". I haven't played softball in years; like 6 or 7 years. Mark and I signed up to play together, but with his knee being so unreliable (read: "Whoa Is Knee" post) I'm carrying the Erickson team this season. I really am having a good time. Since the last time I played, I've learned to relax more and really enjoy the game play-by-play. My high school cheerleading experience comes to the forefront as I am comfortable cheering on my teammates. Mark keeps talking me up, telling my coaches that I'm not afraid of the ball (pretty true) and that I have a strong arm (surprisingly kinda true). I have really enjoyed being a part of a team and league that isn't focused on the end results; though who am I kidding, we still keep score. Right now, I play right field. I haven't had much action out there, but I am in the game and loving it. I'm most encouraged that my family, whether E6 or E3, comes out to watch me play and be at the park. They are truly a great support.

I think our record is 1-2. We have a double header on 7/13 and I'll have no one there to cheer me on (Mark's driving a bunch of kids to pre-teen camp) so if you're reading this...I hope you'll come and cheer on the Pirates. Arrrrr!!!


I may not make any super huge plays or be the team star, but I'm in the game as a Pirate and I am doing SOMETHING.

Moving Auntie Lorie

So, our kids are movers.


















Lorie Pukenis, aka "Auntie Lorie" to our kids, was blessed to move into a home three times the size of her previous place. It is really nice. I believe that she'd been wanting this place and praying for God to make it available for months and...he did!

As Lorie has three children and a grandchild of her own, she is a busy lady, but is often eager and makes herself "open" to watch our four children. She constantly reminds us of her desire to serve our family in this way - and fortunately we've been able to take her up on it regularly.

With Mark at the Brewers vs. Twins game in Minnesota, I wasn't sure I'd be able to rally the troops to help Auntie Lorie move. But God is good and our kids, especially our boys stepped up. We hopped out of the van to see almost all of her items laid out on the lawn. She had to return the moving truck to avoid accruing additional fees, so we looked at one another and the other movers (all non professionals) and Taylor started lifting things and taking them inside. He was all about getting the job done, setting a great example for Dylan, Sabrina and Veronica (and me too!).

This was a great opportunity for us to live out the scriptures that urge us to "spur one another on in good deeds" and having hearts to serve. Every child helped carry something and helped encourage our sister in Christ. For us, it was another chance to bond together in teamwork, helping work on something bigger than us. That is one of the best feelings I get when spending time with our family...the togetherness I sense that is weaving us into a stronger family unit.















I'm so grateful for relationships in the church. I got to know some other folks that I don't normally get to talk to and I got to see God in our children's hearts.

Thank you for moving Auntie Lorie!

Climbing Mount Laundry

So, I can finally say that I've climbed a mountain.After returning from the Rushes, we had dirty laundry that hadn't been washed from before we left for our trip and of course the stuff we'd brought back with us...11 loads later, there is a mountain of clean clothes on air hockey table and couch. I have come to the conclusion that I need some routines and organization in this arena. Partly so that it goes more smoothly and partly so that I don't dread the task of keeping my family in clean clothing. Here are the ideas I've come up with.

I will run the washer and dryer every week day (taking the weekends off).

I will fold all of the clothes that I wash and sort them into each person's individual laundry basket. My husband has agreed to oversee the putting away of clothes, which I strongly dislike. I won't even tell them that they have clean clothes, I'll let the natural consequence of running out bring them to the conclusion that they ought to retrieve their basket and put their own clothes away.

I will label each person's white socks with a Sharpie. Thankfully we all have different first initials. And since our last trip to Wal-Mart (forgive me Aim), we bought white socks specifically geared toward each individual and it'll make it easier to label and then reconnect separated socks when they're clean.

On days that the laundry pile seems higher than I might have liked, I will put in a movie, watch a recorded television show or listen to some music to pass the time.

Having to take time to tackle something like this keeps me from enjoying the things I really want to do and be with the people that I love most. Dylan is illustrating my frustration in this photo. A great reminder of how I do NOT want things to be. I'm so glad to read in the Old Testament about how God is a God of order. I don't need to go OCD on it, but it's okay to take organization of something like this to "Regina level" so that I can be about my purpose without stressing myself and my family to pieces.

In implementing my new bylaws (he, he), I'm freer to climb other mountains.

The Rushes

So, I've finally been to Door County. It was mine and Dylan's first time and it was as a family with our four children (E6) and Mark's parents (Roger & Pam) and two of their other grandchildren, Jackie (12) and Jessica (9). We had a lot of fun. We were only there for one full day (that's a long story), but we made the most of it. We experienced some softball as a family, swimming keep away, watching "America's Funniest Home Videos", "Family Feud" and "Are You Smarter than a 5th grader?" and the activity that needs the most work: our family sing along. Taylor played the guitar, but only knows one song right now (They'll Know We're Christians By Our Love), but we didn't know the lyrics and the kids were a little shell shocked. It turned into an impromptu family talent, variety show. We have very entertaining kids!
This is the view from Roger & Pam's condo - they've been going to this same resort since 1980 something. I walked down to the lake and spent 20 minutes sitting, watching, listening and thinking. It was wonderful to sit and let God love me in my stillness. This view reminds me a bit of Eagle River. The mosquitoes liked this view too; we got eaten up, but it did not stop the kids from being outdoors virtually every moment of the day.
I woke up early and read with a cup of coffee outside on the deck. Dylan woke up right after me, so I invited him to join me for some quiet morning reading. I really hope to pass my love of reading along to all of the kids, but for now, he's the one that it's sticking with. In the photo, he's joking about being asleep. Between reading and telling me about the story (it had vampires in it), I got to do very little reading of my own. Never mind that; I got a little quality time with my shorty and it was divine.
And then there was 10! (left to right) Jackie, Dylan, Roger, Sabrina, Pam, Taylor, Jessica (I think she's sad that we're leaving when the photos are finished), Mark and Veronica. Is it me or are the adults the only ones smiling? We had a great time. Mark and I took all 6 kids out for lunch and ice cream one day to give the grandparents a little rest - they are good servants to their children and their children's families. Kangaroo Lake proved to be a relaxing, fun getaway - I don't call this a vacation - and I hope we'll be able to do it again next year, maybe even for the entire week. I am so thankful for Mark's parents and how inclusive of Dylan and I they are, it's as if I've known them for years.

It was a good trip for E6; ironic though, we went to "the Rushes" to slow down and relax. (get it? rush, slow..., I need some new material...)

Hide the boys...

So, soccer season is over.

It was a fairly successful season. Dylan was told by his head coach (Tom, in the gray shirt) that he'd improved tremendously over the few months that he'd joined the team. I'm so proud of him. He learned terminology and skills and how to think about how to play the game. I hadn't expected all of that, but am excited about it. It makes me consider how important it is for him to apply the skills learned in a team sport to life and his journey with God. We need other people, some more knowledgeable, others at the same level as us and we need to work together. I'm hoping he'll stick with soccer. I finally signed him up (way to go Regina, having to pay the late registration fee) for the 08 - 09 season with the Kingfish, so my status of soccer mom is still on the books.


















If you tend to be a bit more conservative, you may want to skip this paragraph about one of the practical lessons he's learned in playing this sport. There are no "cups" in soccer...at least not at this stage. So, one of the things Dylan's coaches taught the boys was to "hide the boys". Think about it, look at the picture, uh huh, yes, yep...that's it. It cracks me up. A little out there, but when a kick is being made, it's important to know what to do and how to protect oneself.

It's not the exactly the same, but I believe God wants us to play, enjoy life to the full, but He also wants us to be protected...in Him.

I don't think I've totally lost my mind. There are a lot of transitions to our new family, so if you see me "hiding the boys" don't laugh or judge, just know that I'm under protection. (he, he)

The Well Accoladed 12 year old...

So, our 6th grader IS smarter than a 5th grader. We made the rounds like crazy the last couple of weeks of school. Between Dylan's performances and Folk Fair and Veronica's award for most improved reader (only 3 in her class) and now Taylor's middle school awards ceremony, we felt that with all of these events, we were walking the red carpet. I'm not a fan of celebrating mediocrity (kids have a graduation ceremony from elementary to middle school just because), but I think if we're going to recognize our kids, let's make it fun, let's make them feel like the stars that they are.

Both Mark and I commented at how different this awards ceremony was than the one for the elementary school children we'd been to the week before. There was little enthusiasm from the teachers reading the awards and a stoic, guarded response from us as parents. We were unsure whether we could give a loud "shout out" to our kids; partly because no other parents were doing it, but also trying to determine if our moody pre-teen would be embarrassed and later burn down the house...so we clapped with reservation to show our child our excitement for achieving something great.

Taylor is a brilliant 12 year old and I'm not just saying that...he truly is. After going through his parent's divorce and still trying to figure things out and now hormones and girls and trying to determine his level of commitment to God, he's got a stepmother and stepbrother and lots of rules added to his responsibilities. There's a lot. Often you see children in this type of situation really struggling to do what is right or best. He finished the end of his 6th grade year with many earned accolades...some of them are so fancy, I don't even know what they mean (but clap and smile anyway, they're impressive).

His Awards:
Continental Mathlete
Music Contest
Pep Band
Track
Scholastic Achievement Award (3.67 GPA)

What a blessing to see his achievements. I wanted to stand and shout for him like we do at a Packers or Brewers Event. I wanted to take pictures like the paparazzi does of celebrities doing far less interesting things. I wanted to make it a bigger deal than what the school was doing. But I stopped remembered that both of us (and his mother) were there during a workday and calmed myself in knowing that our presence had to have made it special for Taylor. Kids need to know that their parents are there for them and thankfully we all were.

Please pray for his 7th grade year to be as successful in these academic arenas, but that it'll also be a year that brings him closer to making a decision about putting God at the center of his life. That is the most important honored place to be.

Sabrina's Birthday Party!

So, Sabrina turned 9 in June too!
In the picture at the top is Sabrina and Dad (aka Mark) at Fun World! She loves the place. Never mind that it smells like smelly feet, she is queen of this place while celebrating her birthday. It was a great turnout from kids in her class and friends from church. I believe that she was truly encouraged.

The biggest birthday miracle was that I baked a cake. Yes, for those of you who know me...you're stunned. It's alright, close your mouth and take in a full breath. I baked the doll cake. Barbie is a lot like working with a celebrity though because things need to be done properly to make this work. A sister from church had just made this cake the day before for her daughter's birthday and inspired me to try it. I looked up the recipe on the Pampered Chef web page and really got into it. It was a great first time as I read a lot of the advice from previous bakers about how to make a great girl cake like this one. One of my favorite tips was to be sure to insert Barbie slowly into the cake because her hips would tear the cake (and mine did a bit). This tip was endearing to me, because it made Barbie more of a real woman...those hips, they can make it hard to find an outfit that is just right, ya know?

The work and experimentation was well worth it, because it brought a big smile to Sabrina's face. She is such a good helper in the kitchen, I fully expect that she'll be an asset when we make one for Veronica's birthday in August.

Happy Birthday Sabrina!

Erickson up for the Brewers