Evel Knievel

So, we had a yard sale last weekend (the kids idea!) and they got a WebKinz for their hard work and we had leftover money to buy Carly a much needed bike... She picked this Barbie bike, you know, because Barbie has her own bike on the handle bars. Have you seen the commercial on TV for this bike? Where Barbie is suddenly animated and peddles away? When we were in line to pay at WalMart, Carly goes, "Why do they show you something on TV and then when you see it in person, it doesn't work that way at all?????" Kind of disappointed that the bike doesn't bring Barbie to life... she just goes for a ride. Oh well. She's been enjoying her bike:)

His Tender Care

I love this stamp! I think the sentiment is so beautiful and seems to be exactly what I am looking for when I need to send a sympathy card to someone. This is a stampendous stamp from JoAnn's... the branch in the background is from TAC (sprigs), and the swirl on the green is also from TAC (curls&swirls).

In a better place...

I love this picture of Carly from last summer. I love this day from last summer. We were in Michigan, visiting Ryan's grandparents in the nursing home... enjoying a rare, "good day". Grandma remembered that Ryan was "Terre's son", and she knew that Ben and Carly were his kids. She insisted on plopping my "little" girl up on her lap by herself so she could give her a REALLY good snuggle.





I loved watching her hold my children, and while she was hugging Ben, I thought about her holding Ryan like that when he was little. I remember wondering if SHE might have been thinking the same thing, at the time.

Grandma Tuinstra had her best day ever last week... she entered into her Saviour's presence and I'm sure has been worshipping ever since! Sad for us, GREAT for her. We've spent the week talking with the kids (lots of talking time on our "quick" drive up to Michigan) about what we think Grandma's doing in her much better place! We will sure miss her, but are so thankful for wonderful memories of a wonderful woman who prayed for us by name everyday.

Lest you think I have not "Inspired" you with this post... Be inspired to look around you at your loved one's and appreciate and love them a little more. Nothing reminds you of the brevity of life more than losing someone you love. Be inspired to be like Donna Tuinstra... she loved God with all her heart. She loved her family with all her heart. She prayed for us, no kidding, ALL the time. Be inspired to pour yourself into the lives of others.