jack's blessing

Sunday, March 4 was a wonderful day. Paul blessed Jack Raymond Ward at church and it was a beautiful, thoughtful blessing. Jack was comfortably dressed in a white onesie and wrapped in a flannel blanket with crochet trim that Ashlee made. I especially loved how he blessed Jack to be able to do hard things. Whatever this world of ours brings, he will be surrounded with such love from his parents who have yet to touch the ground, to all of us in the family and our church family that love him throughout the neighborhood. Most importantly, we pray he stays close to his Heavenly Father. After the blessing, Ashlee & Paul both stood and bore their testimonies, with Jack in Paul's arms. It really was one of those perfect days and we were glad to be able to share it with our families that came to celebrate in their happiness and we missed those who were not able to be here.

-Brenda

the painting begins . . .

When there is work to do, my family & friends show up and gladly pitch in, even though the work is often hard. I couldn't do it without them, whether they were helping at the shop or watching the kids at home. There are plenty of questioning looks when I say . . . this is the last time we will have to do this. Tired? To the bone. Happy we are making this move? 100% yes. Wondering how this will all come together? Quite honestly yes (and worried about space). I have worn the same plaid shirt for a week now. There doesn't seem to be any need to change it. Good healthy eating has quickly gone out the window and has given way to anything that is quick, easy & available. I believe we have eaten all of the visiting teaching treats with a Twix candy bar in them. We are in survival mode at this point.

Cord showed up earlier in the day and helped me get a lot of stuff picked up, swept up or thrown away . . . it was good to have the company and the help. We are on our third huge dumpster and it is filling up quickly. There is a lot of stuff in 20 years of business. What I thought was so important years ago, I can't get rid of fast enough now.

Everyone helped make quick work of the painting . . . I finally settled on Dusty Trail. . . a warm gray. Honestly I would paint every wall around me that color.

Everything else in life is an unbalanced blur. . . but hopefully not for very much longer.

-Brenda

rowan sage frazier

Rowan Sage Frazier passed away February 28, 2012. The stillborn daughter of Hilary & Dennen, sister of Finn and granddaughter of our good friends, Marci & Garth. On March 1, they had a graveside service for her. So beautifully planned outside, to celebrate the love they have for their little one. You could feel the love in everything Hilary so lovingly arranged for Rowan. Their words were achingly real. We all feel it. Hearts are broken and will surely never be put back together as they were. How can they be? Holes and emptiness remain, our price to pay for loving so deeply. In time, holes help us remember and to feel and will bring comfort. I believe she will be watching over and longing for them, as they will be for her until they are together again one day. I felt fortunate to be able to help with the luncheon afterwards and will always remember this day.

-Brenda

rebuilding pebbles

The tear down is behind us and the rebuilding of Pebbles in the basement has begun... a beam for the main support wall to open up the entire space, sheet rock & texture, better lighting, some finish work and carpet . . . the hardest part is picking out the paint color. What looks good upstairs, looks terrible downstairs . . . What looks good in the morning, looks terrible in the afternoon sun. The basement walls are covered with different paint swatches as I narrow down my choices. Meanwhile, if anyone happens to see a color they like here, I have a sample quart for you at the shop :)

-Brenda

self control

Everyday this past week, a few chocolate covered almonds showed up on my laptop at work. Always after Larry comes in. Yes. They are from my sweetheart. I am puzzled. I can't relate. I am delighted each day when they surprisingly show up. How does he do it? Why are some people able to make sweets last, and others hear their call until they are gone?

-Brenda

jack and his dad

Love. All bundled up in the arms of his Dad. His feet may never hit the ground, though when they do, they will likely be following after his Dad . . . Yep. Life in the Ward home is pretty perfect.

-Brenda

sleepover time

The girl's planned a sleepover with Larry and I. We watched Second Hand Lions and ate hamburgers. I am always the last to fall asleep during these nights. I like to sing and chat until they tell me 'goodnight' quite firmly :)

-Brenda