Memories...

Dan's Grandpa and Grandma Mach

I have been working on the finishing touches for the wall of pictures in our basement. It has been so much fun to look back at pictures and see how much we have all grown up. Just for fun... 

Grandpa Cedarholm and Kate

Dan

 Kate, Jessie Grandma Happ

Jake, Sue, Mike and Alex

             

Kate's Grandpa Happ 

Mom's Masters Graduation!!! 

Grandma Cedar hiding from the paparazzi in Hawaii 

Dan, Grandpa Foiles, Jennie and Ella 

Dan's Grandpa Mach

   

Jake and Kate  

  

Jennie, Carmen, Steve and Dan

Blessed Beyond Measure

I woke up today in a warm comfortable bed feeling fully rested and relaxed. I got out of bed and my feet were on plush carpet. I walked into the bathroom and with out even thinking turned on my lights and there was light. I turned on the shower and there was clean hot water to use. I brushed my teeth with clean water. I could go and on about the daily things I use and never have to stop and wonder where they came from or if they will be there tomorrow. How blessed am I? I have a job that I get to go to and make money to buy the things I need and want. I have a new house with nice things, I have a car that runs, I have a closet full of clothes, I have several pairs of shoes to pick from each and every day. I have cabinets full of food in my house. I have medication to take if I am sick, insurance to go to the doctor and hospitals that have equipment to take care of me. I have friends and family close by that are healthy.  I have so much and yet there are times when I feel jealous that I don't have what others have. Oh, how this must break God's heart. 


 Check this out....  This is how blessed we are. 


Dan and I are blessed to go to an amazing church that challenges us and helps us grow. We are in a new series called, "The Micah Project".  


It is based off of Micah 6:8 " O people, the Lord has told you what is good, and this is what he requires of you: to do what is right, to love mercy, and to walk humbly with your God." 


We have been focusing on serving others and walking in the shoes of the less fortunate. Since Monday we have only been eating 1 cup of  rice and beans for meals.  It has not been easy, but it has been an eye opening experience. 

Humbling facts:

* Half the world's population lives on less than $2/day.

* Approximately 1 billion people live on even less than a $1/day.

* More than 1.1 billion people don't have access to clean water

How easy it is to go to the store and get the foods that we want. To go out to eat and not even think about spending $10.00 on a meal. How many times do you grab a water bottle for connivence or pay $3.00 for a cup of coffee? Something to think about...


Yesterday, Dan and I went to a World Vision Experience: AIDS, Step into Africa . This was a time to stop from the hustle and bustle of life. To have a chance to see and walk through what others are going through on a daily basis. It broke my heart all over again. I highly encourage you to try to go to this if it is ever in your community. It will challenge you and change you forever. If you want more information click on the link above. 


I was lucky enough to go to Africa when I was in High School. It was an experience that changed my life. Changed who I was. This is where I decided I wanted to be in health care. I wanted to be able to come back and take care of these sick people. To be able to show them GOD'S LOVE. I have always had a heart for Africa ever since. I remember being there and watching how sad so many people where and the lack of hope. However, I also remember watching in amazement as they were so gracious with the little that they had.   The reason I went to Africa was to help start a school and hospital for a community in Nigeria. It is a prayer that I am able to return there and serve the people that touch my heart and changed my life. 

What can we do? 

Dan and I have not been blessed with children of our own so we decided to sponsor two boys. 
Jose who is 8 years old and Fernando (who has the same birthday as Dan's) is 13 years old. Both live in Mozambique, Africa. Please pray for these boys and their families along with others in their villages.  If you are interested, please consider doing this. There are children all over the world that need us. Sponsor A Child


Volunteer your time to serve others locally or over seas. Feed My Starving Children is a wonderful organization where you can give of your time to pack food for others. 


Give to your local food shelf. 


Pray. 

Do something. 

In a world where we have been blessed beyond measure. We are called to do something. 

Birthday

Yesterday was my birthday. I was not looking forward to this birthday. I know it was not considered a "big" one, but it was a hard.  I was talking with some of my girl friends a few weeks ago about this age and we all agreed for different reasons this was a hard one. I was glad to be in good company with my thoughts. However, it was a great day. I woke up to fresh flowers in my room and through out the house. A card from my husband that made me laugh till my stomach hurt. A great breakfast and Star bucks coffee (a girl could get used to this). Tons of phone calls, text messages and cards wishing me a great day. I had to go to work for a meeting (which Dan lovingly came with and waited for it to be over) while there my boss had bought me a birthday cake and everyone sang to me. I was feeling loved. To make things even better Dan took me to Como Zoo.  For those of you who don't know this is where we got engaged. And even better trivia, Dan fell down this flight of stairs when he got on his knee. It's something we alway laugh about. Glad he has a good sense of humor. It was still magical.

We got engaged in Spring. So, if you look down there is a pond with a waterfall. 

Dan proposed on the stairs mid way down.

Then we went shopping (did I mention I got new boots that were org. $77 for only $13!!!) out to eat and a movie (my pick). What a great day, thanks Dan!!

When we got home I had this pretty little girl singing to me. Made my day to hear from BOLIVIA on my birthday. We still can't get over how grown up our niece is. Thanks you guys~

 Ella 2 yrs old

I made it through and it turned out to be a great day! I am looking forward to next weekend where all my college girls will be in town and we are going out to dinner to celebrate birthdays. I am one lucky person.

Thanks for making me feel loved. 

Great Coffee Table and End Tables for Sale

Since we are all moved into the basement we decided it was time to down size to better fit the room and our needs.

So if you are looking, we are selling!!!

2 solid cherry end tables and a cherry coffee table with two storage ottomans. 

Family Pictures

Calling all family members.....

I need your pictures. I have just started to put up pictures of all your smiling faces. I am headed to Costco tomorrow to print more. Please send me family photos. I thought it might be nice to see what I have been putting up. I have about ten more frames to put up yet and we have lots of wall to cover. At this time I am working on more recent pictures. Shoot me an email or leave a comment if you have a question. Remember, you can always send new ones to go up on the wall. I will always print them in black and white.  Thanks for being a part of this!!

Ps. We also have a digital frame in the living room that we would love to put friends and family in. So please any type of picture you would like to send, we would love it!! 

Favorite Friends

I was spoiled to have my best friend come to MN and spend more than a month here! I was able to see her and two of my favorite little girls several times through out their busy visit. One day I was able to spend the afternoon playing at an indoor play land. (Ella, tell your parents when you come to visit we will go).  It was crazy to think that just two years ago I was out in CO visiting them in the NICU. So fun to watch them grow. They were always styling!  Amy is doing a great job with them.  At times just watched in awe of how she did it.  Looking forward to seeing you girls again.