Lizzy is 3!!!

My sweet little niece Lizzy turned 3 today! I cannot believe it. Here are a few pictures from the day. Also - happy Memorial Day! I am so honored to be the granddaughter of two veterans.

Grandma Henry and my nephew Kyle. He's getting so big!

What a beautiful girl!!

She got this bouncy ball thing for her birthday.

She's going to have some pretty strong legs by the end of summer!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY LIZZY!

LOVE YOU!

End of the School Year

It's May. Already.

On Sunday I watched the seniors of Milbank High School graduate. I didn't know the entire class and I really only knew a couple very well. I am always a little emotional at graduations, though. Each student is beaming with pride at what they have accomplished. It is one of the only time where the ending is just as exciting as the beginning. They have completed their childhood and now the whole world is laid out before them. I like reading where each of the students are going to college or military or wherever. It's so full of hope.

I am so thankful for the seniors who were in my youth group this year. They had every reason to write me off and yet they didn't. They allowed me into their lives even though they knew it would only be this year. They were student leaders and went on many of the extra trips and events offered throughout the year. I could not have had the year I did without these two students.

I am so proud of everyone who graduated this year. A lot of my seminary friends also graduated and are embarking on the next phase of their lives in ministry. For some that means more education, for others it means finding jobs. I pray for God's blessing on all of them. I could not be more proud or honored to know you and have been influenced by you!

Rest In Peace Richard

My grandfather was a mortician (funeral director.) He used to say that death always comes in threes. Today, I have found that to be true.

A little over a week ago I wrote about my aunt's unexpected death. During the time home with my family, I commented that I would like to attend a funeral where I was not part of the family mourning. Today, I ran the sound for a funeral in the church where I work. The woman was 102 years old. She lived an amazing, godly life.

However, about an hour before the funeral, I received a call from my dad. He had the same tone as when he called to tell me about my aunt. I knew the tone because I had so recently heard it. He told me that my high school classmate Richard Carlson had died. His passing is so tragic, because in my heart I believe that God had a different plan for his life.

Richard was always a goofball. In our class of 18 - he always had a smile on his face. He was also one of 6 in my Sunday School class.

Here are some of my memories of Richard:

- On our communion retreat, Richard dared Ryan LaMont to drink all the leftovers off of everyone's plate and Ryan did it! They were very good friends in elementary.

- Throughout school Richard would always tease Emily about being "rich". The particular taunt that sticks in my mind is the daily comment about her golden toilet. Emily would just laugh in response - they both enjoyed that interaction.

- In high school, during a Friday history class when we were playing that current events game, Richard was flicking a pencil off his desk. One of the times that he flicked the pencil, it flew up my nose. Neither the teacher nor the other team understood why we were all laughing so hard.

I will always remember Richard with a smile on my face and I am deeply saddened that life got the better of him. I pray for peace for his family and those most affected by this tragic passing.