Papa...

This is without a doubt one of my all time favorite pictures...

Today, I wanted to talk about 2 very wonderful people. If I would have had my blog going back in October, I would've talked about them then. They are called Nana & Papa in our house, but are otherwise known as Earl & Nadeen Carey.

In October, they celebrated their 59th wedding anniversary...a rare and wonderful thing these days. And I was wanting others to know about this truly amazing couple.

Many of you know them, but I still feel the need to brag on them a little. They are the epitome of what a grandpa and grandma should be. They are some of the most hard-working, generous, loving, servant-hearted people I know.

They are serving the Lord and leaving a legacy to the generations that are following them. One of those generations is my children...and I cherish every moment my children spend with them.

Although, I have no formal reason for blogging about them today, I saw this picture and thought again how much I miss them while we are apart.

I miss talking with Nana about everything from gardening to cooking to Christmas. I miss seeing Papa get down on the floor (even though he's 80) to play with my kids. I miss sitting at their kitchen table eating a meal together, probably one that Nana just threw together because I showed up unannounced, enjoying the company and chatting about the day.

So that's all.

Today is just officially "we all miss Nana & Papa day". (especially me)

So Nana & Papa, thank you for being Godly parents who raised Candy, who married Greg, who raised Joshua, who married me and is now the father of my children...I am benefiting from your hard work and vision and your relationship with the Lord, which you have passed down to the next generation. May we continue the legacy you have so graciously passed to us...

We love you and miss you. Can't wait to see you soon...

Cute kid pictures...

Picnic in the canopy

Favorite Park

Happy girl

Loves sister's apron

Freedom...

Coaching days are numbered...

Well, this is my final week of volleyball practice. We have our last 2 games this weekend, both at home. Friday night is University of Puget Sound. Number 2 in the league...a formidable opponent. And Saturday is Willamette. Not number 2 in the league, but someone we lost to last time around.

It is, as they say, bittersweet. I have really enjoyed my time coaching these ladies. And it has confirmed to me that if I wasn't a blessed mother of 2 small children, wife to a visionary and exciting husband, who already enjoys her "day job" (nursing) and if I felt it could be beneficial to my family and the Lord...I would love being a head coach. I just love it.

Coaching is a tremendous opportunity to influence young lives. Not just in volleyball (although many of you know how passionate I am about that), but in their daily lives. I have had conversations with these ladies about everything from marriage to salvation, from children to careers, from family problems to future choices and everything in between.

And I am saddened by some of their stories and humbled at their respect for my counsel. I have had the unique role of being "aunt/big sister/friend" to many of them. And I have really enjoyed every minute of it.

Ok, let's be honest, I really hate the losing part.

But, soon it will all be over.

This season in life for our family has been challenging at times. Mommy gone Friday & Saturday nights...sometimes in Spokane, Seattle, Colorado. Missing dinner every night because of practice and the 50 minute commute.

Truly, we could not have done it if it weren't for our landlords. :o) Carey & Tarah ("Uncle Mac & Auntie" as they're lovingly called), have gone above and beyond in blessing us during this time. If it weren't for them, we couldn't have made it!

They have sacrificed much of their time, energy and alone-time for our family. And we say a public "Thank You". They have been servants with gracious and humble hearts. We love them.

So, I will let you all know how it goes this weekend. And just so you can know the girls and be praying for them, here are their names. Ashley, Jessica, Natalie, Ashleigh, Lani, Jen, Megan, Lindsay, Carly, Sarah, Natali, Kristen, Chelsea, Stephanie, Sara, Ali and Jenna.

Go Bruins.