eight years

 

It is a date that never catches me by surprise, an anniversary that is not met with anticipation.  The heart and mind never forget...

 

 

It is a day that we indulge the sadness, not because we are without hope, but simply because we miss him, and our human hearts long for his presence.  

And, while my heart and mind attempt to linger in the past, recalling the many moments we shared, the sound of his voice, his laughter, and bashful smile, I am brought back to our present reality.  He is no longer here.

 

And, so we wait with expectant hearts for the day when our tears are no more, and not a trace of sadness remains.

 

Until then, we will continue to remember.  We will continue to answer the honest questions asked by the nieces and nephew who never had the opportunity to know their Uncle Brad this side of heaven. 

 

"When will he come back?"

 

"Is this the year he comes back?"

 

"Can I show him my light sabers in heaven?"

"Is he hungry?"

 

"Can we have light saber battles in heaven?"

"Will he eat string cheese in heaven?"

 

"Is he with Jesus?"

 

We will cherish the love and curiosity they have for a man who would have loved them well and marveled over each of their unique personalities, because he was a man who took the time to get to know others.

 

We will take these conversations for what they are, tender mercies, a reminder that while he not physically present, he is not forgotten...

 

and never will be.

 

 

 



A Picture is Worth a Thousand Words - hard work pays off



Spring Break

Coming off our trip to Vegas, we rolled right into the children's spring break, which was a pleasant way to transition back to reality. Being that the children didn't quite understand the concept of spring break ("Mom, is it another day off?"  "Am I going to first grade after spring break?") we decided to keep our plans relatively simple.  We did; however, have one surprise planned for the kids, an overnight trip that would take our family to Wisconsin Dell's Great Wolf Lodge, a first for our crew. Wanting to keep our little ones guessing and filled with suspense, we presented them first with a gift bag containing a new swimsuit and cover-up.  (My, how their little bodies have grown!) The swimsuit was enough to send our gal over the edge...

 

 

We could have called it a day right then and there.

 

With two excited kiddos and one clueless babe, we packed the back of the van full of all the necessary items to sleep, swim, and clothe our family for one night.  It is both embarrassing and amusing just how many "necessities" a family of five requires for a simple overnighter. 

 

We arrived at the Lodge with three out of five well rested, and revealed part two of the surprise.

We would be spending the night.  At this point, the little lady started having heart palpitations. 

 

The third surprise came after check-in as the little lady and man slowly approached a large window overlooking the indoor water park.  With eyes wide, mouths gaping, and mind's blown, they turned to us in disbelief.  Feeling pretty excited ourselves, Jeff and I joyfully watched our little ones take in each detail of the Lodge.

 

Moments later as we entered our room, the final surprise came, as bulging eyes took in the "Wolf Den," their bunked lodging for the evening. 

 

During our stay we enjoyed hours of water play, dinner delivered tableside by train, the bright lights of the arcade, a bedtime puppet show, and countless French fries.  It was the perfect getaway lasting approximately 24 hours,  and resulting in three grateful and very tired little ones.

 

 



Bacon Corn Hash

recipe from www.smittenkitchen.com

 

 Combining our love of corn and enjoyment of breakfast for dinner, Smitten Kitchen's Bacon Corn Hash made for a delicious and very satisfying meal. 

 

This will be among the first recipes I prepare for weekend guests once our basement project is completed.

 

 

Makes 4 to 5 cups

 

Ingredients:

 

1/2 pound thick-cut bacon, cut into small dice
1 pound red potatoes, scrubbed clean and diced into 1/4- to 1/2-inch cubes (about 3 to 3 1/4 cups)
Salt and freshly ground black pepper
4 medium-large ears corn, kernels cut from the cob (2 1/2 to 3 cups)
1 bundle scallions, thinly sliced

*eggs (optional)

** a splash or two of hot sauce if you enjoy a bit of heat (like I do)

 

Directions:

 

Toss bacon into a large skillet over medium heat, no need to heat the pan first. Let rest for a few minutes until it starts sizzling, then move the bits around so that they begin to brown evenly.

Wait a couple minutes before shuffling the pieces around.  You want the bacon to get evenly golden and crisp. This should take about 10 minutes. Remove the bacon bits with a slotted spoon, leaving the drippings in the pan and transferring the bacon to paper towels to drain.

 

 

With the fat from the bacon still in the pan, heat the pan to medium/medium-high, making sure the bacon fat is sizzling, then add your potatoes all at once in a single layer. Sprinkle them with 1/2 teaspoon table salt and several grinds of black pepper. Let them cook for a few minutes in one place and get a bit golden underneath before turning them over and moving them around. Repeat this process until the potatoes are browned on all sides; this takes about 20 minutes.

 

Turn up the heat a little and add the corn to the skillet. Saute the potatoes and corn together until the corn gets a bit brown but stays fairly crisp, about 4 to 5 minutes. Add the drained bacon, and stir the mixture together until it’s evenly warm, about 1 more minute. Remove the skillet from the burner and sprinkle the scallions (reserving a couple spoonfuls if you’d like to use them as fried egg garnish) over the hash. In two minutes, they should be warm and mellowed. Season with more salt or pepper to taste, if needed. 

 

Add a tablespoon of butter or olive oil to the pan and fry an egg to serve on top of the hash.

 

Breakfast for dinner never tasted so good!

A Picture is Worth a Thousand Words - celebrating Dad

Viva Las Vegas

Sometime during the long months of winter, it was determined that the doc and I would kick off spring with a trip to Vegas.  He needed to blow off some steam, and I needed a few lazy afternoons in the hot desert sun. More than anything, I anticipated a few days of fun with my favorite person, who always promises a good time.  We propositioned our closest pals, and it did not take long before the trip was planned, and weekly Vegas-themed text messages were exchanged as we counted down the days until we lovingly divided each of our children among three different households, a first and most likely necessary game plan for all future trips. 

 

While flying is not particularly pleasant for me, I'd board any plane with this man (armed with a prescription for anti-nausea medication).  In the years that I have known him (going on twenty), and had the privilege of calling him "mine" (approaching eighteen), we have shared many a sweet adventure.  And, after this, our latest trip, I am more enamored with him than ever.  One early Vegas morning over a romantic game of Blackjack at the picturesque Paris Las Vegas, we were taken for newlyweds as cards were turned and bets were placed.  Truth be told, many days I still feel like that young bride of 24, as I reach for his hand, look up into his eyes and laugh at his jokes.  However, at 34, as I reach confidently for his hand and look into his eyes I do so knowing intimately the ways our love has matured, becoming one of His most sacred gifts. 

 

 

Highlights of our trip included staying at the fabulous Aria Hotel, poolside conversations with our dear friends, the many delicious and fruity drinks that were delivered as we lay soaking in every minute of the sun, an unforgettable meal at SW Steakhouse, the butter at SW Steakhouse, early morning walks down the strip with my love and a hot Americano, eating fries by the pool and marveling over their taste, honest conversations with trusted friends, cocktails at Rao's, people watching, spontaneous raps, a comfortable and inviting king-sized bed, the razzle dazzle of the Strip at night, rocking out to Elton John at Cesar's Palace, listening to my man belt out each lyric in my ear, laughing with friends who share our past and anticipate our future, seeing my love relax and let his guard down, seeing my best friend smile, waking next to my love, putting on a little bit of extra makeup and getting "fancy," and not worrying over a single detail of the day knowing our children were being watched over and tenderly loved in our absence. 

Until we meet again, Vegas...

Six.



The month of March proved to be a busy one for our family, filled with a variety of activities that kept our crew especially active.  In the midst of the whirlwind, the hours committed to the NCAA tournament, church gatherings, play dates, work and school, the little lady turned six.  SIX!  After kicking around various themes for her party, many of which involved full costumes, staging and make-up, we zeroed in on what really gets our gal going these days...games.  And, so we celebrated our little lady with an intimate gathering of family and friends watching her challenge various guests to backgammon, checkers, Candy Land and card games.  She shined, as she so often does, expressing sincere joy and happiness surrounded by those she loves. 

 

 

 



 

In six (short) years, our little lady has grown in poise and grace.  Her tender heart loves big, and she continues to find great pleasure in people, sharing life with, doing things for, and encouraging.  So often this year, as I have snapped various pictures of our gal, I have noticed with greater clarity her joyful spirit.  With smile wide and eyes bright she communicates what I believe is the sincere reflection of a heart filled with the joy of the Lord.

 

Sweet, delicate, daring, charismatic, and boisterous Charlotte Marie, how grateful to the Lord are we that He blessed us with your presence six (short) years ago.  I wouldn't dare ask you to slow down, and stay six forever, for you were created to be a gal on the go, filled with big dreams and a determined spirit.