A Year of Cheer

Anyone who knows our family probably knows that Mackenzie was on the Apple Valley Varsity Competition Cheer Team this past year. They would know this because it's her OUR life. ;) It's pretty much year around. They just ended at the end of February. And normally they would do try outs in March and then start again in April with Open Gym practices. Except for this year there's a longer break because the coach is having a baby. Yeah for the girls!

I put together this video for her the banquet. Thought I'd share. *There are even a couple pics of Hailey (a future Apple Valley Cheerleader) and one of Mitchell. She's counting down the years. One year to go. :)

There are three teams on this video. Middle School, Junior Varsity, and Varsity. You'll know by the sections on the video. For those looking for Mackenzie...she is on Varsity and in the performance pics where there is a pyramid or stunts happening, she is either the flyer (the one in the air) in the middle of the pyramid or the one on the right depending on the performance. That helps a ton huh? lol! *Here's one hint: at 9:27 in the video Mackenzie is the flyer on the right doing a 360 Basket. Here's a little cheer info: a 360 basket is where they throw them in the air and the flyer does a 360 rotation. I was told that Mackenzie gets great height in the air because she "rides" it. I had to ask what that means. lol! It means she waits until she's at full height before she "pulls" the trick. :) Don't you feel smarter now?! ha, ha!

I think it's amazing that these girls throw girls in the air and catch them. It takes great strength, concentration, and trust to perform these stunts. I admire the hard work of the bases and back spots and the trust for those being thrown in the air. I truly mean it when I say I trust these girls with my daughter's life.

Kenzie...I'm so proud of you! You are an amazing cheerleader and quite the flyer! It's been fun to watch you grow in your ability and your confidence. Also, not once did I ever hear you complain about a practice, fundraising, or any performances. Your commitment shows and will be valuable as you get older. I hope that you hold these memories close to your heart. I know I will. I love you! And I have come to love these girls and their parents. Thanks for sharing this part of your life with me lovie.

Congratulations on a great year!

Newborn triplets in need!

Hi there...

I'm reaching out on behalf of a mom and dad of newborn triplet girls! They were born last Thursday. This was a homeless couple that Breakthrough Ministries came along side a while ago. Anyways...they are now a huge part of Breakthrough and give back to others. They are just a sweet couple growing in their faith. Being that they are basically starting over in life as they really had nothing when they finally got off the streets...having three brand new babies is going to be a challenge. Although not one that is too tough to overcome with some help.

I am waiting for a list of specific needs and will update when I get them. The babies are doing so well that they may actually be home later this week. And I hear that if they are home they will all be at Breakthrough Church on Sunday. ;) My purpose is to see if anyone has any donations for these three baby girls. I do know that they need sheets for their pack-n-plays. Also, some swaddle blankets. Beyond that...I'm sure any baby clothes would be great. Also, they will obviously be needing TONS of diapers, wipes, and other consumable products such as baby soap, lotion, ointment, etc.

Please let me know if you have anything to donate. You will receive a tax donation receipt from Breakthrough since this is for one of the couples they are ministering to.

Blessings! 

One GREAT weekend!

This was absolutely one of the best weekends we've had in long time! It started out on Thursday. We went to Mom and Dad U's house. ALL of us! All four of the kids. My parents joined us too. We celebrated Dave's birthday and it was just a fun night. I was thinking about Dave's birthday 18 years ago - we had celebrated it in that same dining room. Frank & Mary had brought in chefs to prepare a special dinner. My parents were there too. And then Dave surprised me by proposing! One of the best days of my life for sure. Many memories have been made over the past 19 years...since Dave came into my life. Not only did I gain a wonderful husband and 3 more children, but I also gained more family. Frank, Mary, Bob, Debra, Christine and her family, Bobbi, and all the extended family too! I only wish we saw everyone more.

Ok, back to our weekend. Dave, all four kids, and I spent the night at Mom & Dad U's. We then had a relaxing morning before Dave left to head down to his dad, Bob's house. He celebrated with Bob, Debra, and Bobbi. I know it was special for him. I missed him though. ;) He then had the privilege to speak at a Men's Breakfast at Bob's church. I can't wait to see the video.

Hailey and Mitchell stayed at Grandma & Grandpa U's while Mackenzie went to her friend's birthday dinner. Amanda, Josh, and I helped my mom take her Christmas tree down. YES...it was long overdue! My mom is still recovering from a bi-lateral knee replacement. She's doing great. Then us three girls went to see a movie. We picked a good chick flick complete with tears. Again...it was a blessing to spend time with my mom and my oldest daughter, who's soon to be a mom herself. 4 generations. :)

Saturday was a busy day. Hosanna! had an Impact Conference and we were blessed to hear Joel Manby, author of "Love Works" speak. I will do a special blog post just for that. If you haven't read the book, I highly recommend it.

My hubby surprised me and stopped by church as we were finishing up the Impact Conference. We had planned on picking up the kids but they wanted to spend another night. Well, we decided to go on a date. First stop, a "man flick" movie. Second stop, Rudy's Red Eye Grill...thanks to John and Shari for the gift certificate. It's a nice restaurant and they had a piano man. He was fantastic!

And now...I have to get ready to head to Breakthrough Church. I'm excited to worship with Jon Russel, Erin Petersen, and Rachel Cummings. I will end our weekend by listening to my hubby, Pastor Dave, preach. And then we'll have dinner with some friends who are currently homeless. I can't think of a better way to end my weekend.

Have a great night friends! 
 

My Wish for My Children

Actually it should say My PRAYER for my children. 

I came upon this song while putting together a video for Mackenzie's cheer season. While this song didn't really fit with that video, it did fit my feelings for Mackenzie. (Actually this is my prayer for all my children).

As a mom, my heart aches for the hurt that my children go through. I wish I could spare them from some of it. Although I know that some of the trials are what will shape their character. It will get them ready for their adult life. One thing that really hit me in this song is that when you're faced with a choice and you have to choose that you choose the one that means the most to you. A step further than that is to choose the path the Lord has laid out for you. Others will come against you when you're trying to follow your heart and the Lord. Not all things are good for us. But when it is...I hope that you make the choice that means the most to you. I pray that you don't let someone else's opinion or thoughts stop you from following your heart and passion. 

My wish for you is that you continue to dream big! Continue to LOVE others with your whole heart. Not only those who are close to you but those who are difficult to love. Always take the time to help others, especially when it's inconvenient. Always take the time to listen to a friend who's hurting. Always take time to laugh.

Know how much you are loved! Remember...Jesus died just for you! Know that no matter what you do, it will never change how much I love you! It will never change how much God loves you either. When you make a mistake (and there will be many) learn from it, change from it, except God's grace and move on. When others hurt you, forgive them and move on. Love well.

My prayer for you is that you will seek the Lord with all your heart! His yoke is easy and his burden light. 

Jeremiah 29:11 says For I know the plans I have for you,” says the Lord. “They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope. 

Here's the song:

I love you!

Day 2 - Roseville

Thursday, February 7

We leisurely made our way to Roseville (a suburb of Sacramento).

It was a beautiful drive

Hey guys...Take note of this next paragraph. Ha, ha!

When we arrived in California, I told Dave I needed to find a Target to purchase some nail polish so I could paint my toes and wear my sandals. I thought he might be irritated for this silly stop. But instead he said "Honey, I think we should just find you a place to have a pedicure done. You deserve it!". What a sweetie! And when we got to the hotel, that was the first thing he asked the person at the desk. ;)

This was the most relaxing pedi I've ever had!

We were then blessed with a wonderful dinner by Rod and Connie Marquette. They are pastors of Destiny Church in Rochester, MN. 

We also met some new friends, Peter & Karen, who were also ordained.

Then it was off to a church called "The Family". They truly treat you like family visiting their home. There was such honor. I've never felt treated so special at a conference before. 

This was a prophetic picture done during the worship time

And he was in his glory too!

We heard from Pastor Shawn Boltz.

He was amazing!

We went back to our hotel room exhuasted...but in a very good way.

And we were excited for the next day.

Day 1 - San Fransisco

It was such a beautiful day!

Here's the view from our room

This hotel was a gift from our friend Kari! Thank you!

We walked to the pier, had a great lunch and then did some more walking. We came upon this little place and were intrigued by what we saw. We stepped in and were talked into getting water massages. I've never had a full massage before, but this seemed "safe". Oh was it ever wonderful!

Then we got treated to the Oxygen Bar.

We're still trying to figure out what that was about! 

Albeit was a fun time!

We decided to go back to the room for a short nap before heading out for a night on the town. Ahem...we're old. We slept through dinner! Then I get a text from Mackenzie telling me to stay in my room because there's an emergency! WHAT?! 

And then to our surprise...

Room service!

Thanks Mom and Dad U! 

Despite your own circumstances and as if it isn't enough that you provided for much of this trip and then are watching our kiddos...you order us room service! Wow! How could we thank you enough?

The next morning we drove through the streets

Admiring the beauty of the city

Drove through China Town

and then headed for Roseville.

The next leg of our trip...

to be continued...

Day 1 - Our Arrival

It was wonderful to get off the plane and feel the warm sun on my face!

Our first order of business...pick up our rental car.

Ok...this was another act of faith on my part. I spent quite a bit of time checking out every car rental place to find the absolute cheapest deal. I asked friends on Facebook for their ideas and I compared like crazy. Once I found the cheapest deal, with the economy car...I even paid in advance for another discount. I don't like to do that because I mean what if we don't go, what if they say I didn't pay and keep my money, what if this and what if that. Geez...I'm such a worry wart sometimes! So off we go to pick up our cheapo - car. 

We arrive and it seems as though this is all they have...poor us!

The guy asked us if we wanted to pay a little more for an upgrade...

ummmm...no thanks! 

 Yes...we put the top down even though it was only 60 degrees.

It didn't take long for us to put it back up. Ha, ha! 

Now for the ride to San Francisco and crossing the Bay Bridge

Well...I took this picture!

I used to have a huge fear of crossing bridges. This bridge and others like it would some times bring me to tears! I would not look if I didn't have to. The last time we were in San Francisco, I closed my eyes everytime we had to cross this one or the Golden Gate. 

A side story about my fear of bridges: When we went to Florida years ago and had to cross those bridges, there were times I was in tears. It was awful! So, about 9 years ago during an Alpha Retreat, I decided to ask for prayer for my fear of flying and bridges. A few days later I was driving across the Cedar Ave bridge and I was about half way across when I noticed that I wasn't afraid! I couldn't believe it! 

The real test would be about a month later on a trip to Florida. My friend had moved since the last time I was there. She didn't tell me that I would now have to cross the Tampa Bay Bridge because she knew of my fear and thought I may not come down because of it. I hadn't told her about my prayer. Her husband picked my friend Cindy and I up from the airport. Right before we got to the bridge that had flashing lights going off telling of High Wind Warnings, he told me about the bridge. I said "no worries...I'm not afraid anymore". When we arrived to my girlfriend's house, she started apologizing for not telling me about the bridge. Her husband and my other friend told her how I was no longer afraid. She couldn't believe it. In fact, in the days to come she would stare at me while I drove over the bridge just to wait for my reaction. She was in complete awe as she had been a witness to my tears the last time. 

So...if you have any fears...ask for others to pray for you. Ask the Lord to deliver you from that fear. It is not from Him! It may happen right away and it may happen years later, like my fear of flying. I honestly can't tell you why one fear was removed right away and the other took 9 years. What I can say is that these fears were extreme and I had tried to not be afraid on my own. I still have a fear of heights and I'm sure there are others...not for long though! ;)

Psalm 34:4

I prayed to the Lord, and he answered me. He freed me from all my fears.