Iowa State University 2010

While I was back in Iowa with the kids, I took them back to where it all began...ISU. This is the place that I met their Dad. Where we had our first home together as a couple. And where I met some of the friends I cherish most in this world. One of those friends, Melanie Bretey, met me with her family and we spent the afternoon wandering around campus and giggling about the good ole days. While we were there, I tried to introduce them to the culture of Iowa State, including my favorite traditions. Lily loved it so much she said she plans to go there when she goes away to college.


The kids looking out into the ravine on the path that leads to central campus from my old dorm.


I met Marty at this very spot 20 years ago as I was singing with some friends on the way to the Festival of Lights on central campus one cold December night just before Christmas break. I wasn't looking where I was walking and I bumped into him. Literally. The rest is history. <3


The Zodiac in the entry of the Memorial Union. Tradition says you must walk around it or you will fail your next exam. Lily said, "I better be very careful. I don't want to fail the TAKS test next year in third grade." Ha!


Another ISU tradition says that you become an official "Iowa Stater" when you kiss under the camponile at midnight. Lily couldn't wait to go camponiling but since midnight is past her bedtime, she settled for noon.


Here the kids are standing in front of Curtis Hall. It is one of the most beautiful buildings on campus and it is the place where I had my first class as an ISU student.


Sofie was so excited to dip her feet in the Memorial Union Fountain.


Jack and Hudson Bretey aka "the thinkers"



Sofie and Hudson found these Cy masks in the University Bookstore. Go Iowa State!!


Sofie, Lily, and Natalie Bretey at Great Plains Pizza, an Ames tradition. Double Yum!!


The past meets the future...

Chestnut Square Farmer's Market

This morning we decided to venture to downtown McKinney and check out the Chestnut Square Farmer's Market. It is a very interesting piece of history in our town, as several buildings have been salvaged and restored as a museum. The girls loved learning about each of the houses and inquisitively looked in the windows trying to catch a glimpse of life from long ago. We will definitely have to go back for a guided tour. As for me, it was fun talking with vendors and taking in the smells of fresh produce. The berries and peaches looked and smelled especially tasty! It was a beautiful way to spend a lazy Saturday morning.


Sweet and Sassy!







Sofie wanted to take a silly picture. This is her Elvis face. ha!


Peace, Yo!!!


I wonder who is sweeter..Lily or the strawberries?


Sofie loved making friends with Fifi the chicken. She was especially curious about the red crown on her head. :)


Lily and Sofie were mesmerized by this woman who was spinning lama wool into thread.


Peeking into the "Secret Garden".


Daddy and his princesses.


My girls...more precious than rubies.


We lucked out and got the last box of blackberries. They are yuuuuuuummmy!


Jack wasn't able to go with us since he is on a mission trip to the Gulf Coast this weekend. We will definitely have to go back so he can experience the fun with us.

Vacation Bible School Family Round-Up

This year our church had a family round-up near the end of Backyard Bible Round-Up. Lucky for us, the night cooled off with a bit of rain as it had been scorching hot all afternoon. We had a great time hanging out with some of our church peeps.


Lily was so excited to ride the ponies. She is such a little Texan!


Sofie preferred the petting zoo. Here she is snuggling with Lil Bunny Foofoo.


Jack and his buddies from church, Collin and Conner, had a great time just chilaxin' together.

Sofie Is A Kindergarten Graduate

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Sofie had a great Kindergarten year at Glen Oaks Elementary. Her teacher Mrs. Bolsinger was Lily's Kindergarten teacher as well, so we were all excited for the year to begin. Most of the time, Sofie enjoys playing with all the boys. Her two best buds in class are William and Harry. (Both of them want to marry her someday..ha!) For now, we'll just stick with sitting together at lunch and playing at recess. Speaking of recess, it is Sofie's favorite part of her day. No surprise there! Sofie has really grown this year. She is reading very well and loves exploring in math and science. However, our busy little Honeybug doesn't care much for writing. I guess it just slows her down too much.

The year was full of neat experiences including a trip to the Pumpkin Patch late in the fall and a field trip to the Nature and Science Museum this spring. Sofie also loved going to the Valentine's Dance with her Daddy and playing at Splash Day (her cast was finally off!)

I know she will miss her friends this summer, but the fun they had together with Mrs. Bolsinger in Kindergarten will stay with Sofie for years to come.




Here is a video of Sofie singing "Our Kindergarten Year". A song the music teacher taught Sofie and her class as a gift to her wonderful teacher. Precious!

Our First Degree Black Belt!

Jack tested last night for his black belt....and he looked TOUGH! Here he is pictured with his lead instructor Mr. Morrison right after the belt ceremony.

After nearly two years of taking classes 3-5 times a week, countless board breaks, and tons of sparring matches, our J-Man reached his long awaited goal of Black Belt. He has never looked stronger than he was at his testing, and I cannot remember a time where he has appeared more confident.




Jack, Jonny, and Alex aka The Karate Kids working out some pre-testing jitters with a little male bonding.



Our martial artist signing the Sustaire Black Belt scroll for 2010.



Jonny and Jack after testing...look at those faces. That is what pride looks like. :)



Jack's testing verse was written on his punching hand...Philippians 4:13. "I can do all things through Christ who gives me strength." I pray he never forgets it. We are so proud of our Black Belt. Way to go J-Man! Hiiiiiyah!

Arise and Walk

Just days ago, Sofie drew this picture of herself with her brother and sister.


Yesterday I discovered that first steps are even more exciting the second time around.

It has been a very long and difficult past 2 months since Sofie broke her tibia. Last week, Sofie's cast was removed. As one stage of her recovery ends, a new journey begins. Foolishly, I assumed Sofie's recovery would be swift once the cast came off her leg. However, being in a wheelchair for 7 weeks has left her incredibly weak. Now, our focus shifts from healing to restoration as Sofie must learn to walk all over again.

Late last week, the Honeybug started physical therapy. The first session was nothing short of brutal. After 1 1/2 hours, Sofie was finally able to stand with assistance. With silent tears streaming down her face, she stood. Weak from muscle atrophy, her legs shook as they struggled to bear her weight. Unable to take a step, Sofie could not even speak through her frustration. Though she desperately wanted to walk, she didn't have the strength to do so.

As my heart broke for my little Bug, I saw a look on her face that I had never before seen. Her tired expression reflected a dishearted mixture of anger, fear and frustration. Locking eyes with my sweet daughter, I calmly spoke encouragement and truth into her spirit.

With assurance, I reminded Sofie that Jesus had seen this before and that it was His power that was helping her stand. I spoke of how he healed those who couldn't walk before and he would do it again. I recalled that Jesus said, "stand up and walk". (Luke 5:23 NLT) I assured her that Jesus was holding her up, cheering her on, and looking forward to seeing Sofie not only walk, but run.

For a moment, Sofie's eyes softened. Still, she was mentally and physically exhausted. Out of strength, Sofie simply could not go on. Silently, I pushed her in her wheelchair and buckled her into her car seat. Her voice quivering, Sofie said, "Mommy, will I never walk again?" Her words pierced my heart. I kissed her head and reminded her that the day would come when she would walk again and that it would be sooner than she could imagine. As we drove home, Sofie fell asleep in the van, while I silently prayed for God to fill us both with patience and strength.

Later that night, as we said our bedtime prayers, Sofie took my head in her hands and said, "Mommy. Do you know why I didn't pray for my leg tonight? I decided that maybe Jesus needs some time. I'm just gonna give him some time." As I closed her bedroom door behind me, tears burned my eyes as my heart broke for my daughter. Right there, I prayed...

"LORD, you heal the broken. You restore strength. You have carried her through her injury, giving her legs rest. Now, I ask you to strengthen her heart and her legs so that she might endure this battle couraeously. We await your complete healing. Father, let her arise and walk."

What a difference 4 days can make! Yesterday afternoon, we saw the physical therapist for the second time. I am thrilled to announce that with the assistance of her walker, Sofie took her first steps. Remarkably the flexibility in her legs had improved 65 degrees, going from 15 to 80. While our goal is 143 degrees, it is amazing progress, only possible through God's healing power. Today, it was me that cried, as my heart rejoiced in praise and gratitude for all that God has done since last Thursday.

Today, I received a scripture. It read, "For,lo, the winter is past, the rain is over and gone; The flowers appear on the earth; the time of the singing of birds is come." (Song of Solomon 2:11-12 KJV) Ironically, it is the very scripture I placed on a cork board in Sofie's room just days before her accident. I hear God's assurance and it fills me with peace. Soon, a day is coming when Sofie will not only walk, but run in the summer sun. With joy, she will ride her bike, glide on her scooter, and shoot baskets in the driveway. For the time has come for Sofie to "arise and walk".


Sofie taking her first steps at physical therapy on May 11, 2010

Spring Has Sprung

At last, we are all settled in at our new house. After weeks of unpacking boxes, we are ready for some rest and relaxation. Last night, the weather was glorious so we decided to have our first picnic in our background. Marty thoroughly enjoyed cooking on his new grill.


Perhaps Bobby Flay better watch his back because I have a feeling Marty is ready for a "throw down"!



We had a delicious dinner of chicken fajitas, grilled corn on the cob, refried beans, and "cuties" (little tangerines).



After taking the first picture, Sofie wanted to take a "silly" one.


Good food. Good company. Good times. We are so excited that the gray days of winter are behind us and we feel so blessed to have these moments together.

Spring has sprung in Texas!