2 Years Already

Hello to all who still read this thing, I apologize again for my tardy posts.   I guess it shouldn't come as that much of a surprise that I am electronically challenged.  Yesterday was the 17th of May, a day that I am sure I will remember for the rest of my days, the day when two years ago Jess was called home.  There are several notable dates that come and go as the year spins us around (her birthday, our anniversary, the kid's birthdays, etc), but I am happy to say that although this marks a the end of a life, it has also become the beginning of a new one.  I thought of Jess' life much yesterday and I am glad I had a part of it.  She truly made me a better person as I am sure she did a lot of us. 

I am no longer saddened by her memory, rather joyful for it and I strive to keep her memory alive in our kids as they grow older way too fast.  Jess' life reminds me that our time is short and we just don't know what tomorrow will bring.  Youth tends to make us far-sighted, believing that we have time to accomplish all our desires, but I am so glad that Jess made her choice to serve God and made that the most important thing of all.  When she left me that day, she took nothing with her, but a smile.  Naturally, I realized how much ridiculous "stuff" I now had to take care of on my own, but spiritually I realized how much "stuff" I was harboring and trying to lug around.  Naturally, the problem still exists, but I have found a new strength in Jess' example and just to leave it all in Jesus' hands.  I am learning how to be more content with my place and not to fret over the things we think are important or are causing me worry. 

                                    

We planted our garden this week and it reminds me of new life and the work it takes to promote growth.  I tilled over all of last year's growth that was dead and barren and put it back into the ground to be used again as fertilizer. The whole family got involved and we transformed a bare dirt pit into a beautiful place where God's miracle can do it's work in the soil.

                

Jess is gone from all of us and there was a time in the recent past that I felt like a bare dirt pit and that I was sinking, but with the help of my family, my new wife, our children, and mostly the Grace of God, I feel like my life may be able to grow again and produce something fruitful and useful.  The feelings of sorrow and pain are not any fun and they are definitely not something we would ever choose ourselves, but in retrospect, they are stepping stones to a deeper, richer life, one that has more patience and understanding, and respect for our Creator and His plan.

I hope this finds you all well and wish we could see you, but our money tree is not quite yet blossoming.  We are not sure what our place in Ohio is meant for yet, but we are content that we will find out in when the time is right.  Until then, don't take today for granted, be a doer, stop sleeping, go visit a friend, go enjoy the sunshine, try to get an extra convention, write a letter to the worker you professed through, take your daughter fishing, smile when you see clouds, thats where Jesus will return from some fine day.

Reflections

It's truly amazing how so much can change in such a short time isn't it?  I added another ring to my tree this month and it has caused me to look back a bit at how much has happened so fast.  Thankfully, my kids humor me and wished me a "Happy 26th Birthday"....since I was just 25 last year right?  Anyway, I've been thinking about all those out there who were such a help to me and the girls after we lost Jess.  First, I want to thank my wife, Heather, who jumped into the middle of this dramatic family and helped me hold the reins and who has become such a wonderful life partner and inspiration to keep on going strong.  Really, there were so many of you who were so ready and willing to lend a hand, a heart, or an ear, it's overwhelming to consider.  Brad and Esther Appleman who were actually here when Jess died, they were an immediate shoulder and offered their support through the hours and days following.  Floyd and Peggy (mom and dad), thanks for keeping us in the family.  My parents, thanks for all the love and support and helping me stand against the Nay Saying.  My sisters Shauna, Sarah, Emilee and Laura Lyon who came all the way out here to hillbilly country to say their goodbyes.  I want to thank my cousin Brice who came out here to live for a short while.  He helped me with the kids and some logging, and gave me someone to talk to after a rough week.  My aunt Diana who showed up in Ohio at just the right time, thanks for understanding this crazy life of mine.  To the boys who came out just to help me work on the cabin and lend some "guy time":  Joe Reuss, Bryan Appleman, Bret Hazeltine, Rick West, Brian Miller, Thad Sherwood, Dan Towne, Matt Hatfield.  My good friend Luke came to lend a hand and an ear.  To the Freeman's and other friends from over Cincinnatti way who donated and showed up to deliver gifts and show their support.  To the countless folks from all over the states and even the world who wrote us letters, sent us convention notes, even money for a bill or two, thank you so much, your gifts and thoughts will never be forgotten.  A special thank you to all the workers who helped me through such a tough time: John, Curtis, Scott, Grace, Carol, Dale, Randy, Sara, Greg, Dorothy...words cannot describe the strength you've shown through God's grace.  To the folks from upstate New York:  Rich and Cheryl, Bill and Becky, Peter and Charlotte, Dave and Jeanne (mom and dad), Anne, Anne, Norm and Joan, Todd and Leoni, thank you for understanding or at least accepting when I took Heather away and brought her to this new life and for all your help with our wedding.  To Jessica's family and friends from back in Oregon, thank you for her and thank you for keeping us in your family even after she is gone.  To the little meetings where we gather on Sunday and Wednesday, who saw the suffering and transformation and tears and joy, thanks for putting up with me. To the ladies Tabitha, Vanessa, and Mary who came and rescued us from "the dreaded bug."  To all those out there who prayed for us, I haven't forgotten any of you or your thoughts, thank you for your faith and your example.

You know, it's easy to look at your life in youth and dream and aspire to be and to do.  It's also easy to look back on 20 years and mourn for all the shoulda beens and didnts.  I think if I have learned anything in my short years, it is that neither past or future are important.  What is important is this very minute and the gift of the next.  I surely hope to make the most of the minutes, hours, days, and years I have left.

My grandpa recently sent me the testimony of his father in the early 1900's.  What a story!  Strange how we all start out on such a chequered path, but I want my testimony to end as his did and so many others we have known.  I was recently asked if there was a difference between the love from ane wife to the next.  It's a difficult concept and I am not really sure I understand it, but it is not that my love for Jess is gone and it is not that my love for Heather is any more because she lives or any less because she came second.  I am lucky enough now to have twice as much love as anyone else having been loved by two sweet, amazing women.  I am so thankful for both and for having a little part in this great eternal family.

Hoggin'

My buddy Joe came face to face with a wild hog last Saturday while we were muzzleloader hunting out back.  Obviously the .50 NEF won the battle!  It's the first hog we have actually seen in person, but we may try to spirit a few more out of hiding now that the proof is hanging in the shop.

She wasn't a monster in size, but I'll bet the bacon and hams will be delicious! 

Congratulations Joe, we all got a hillbilly bone, don't we?

A New Year

January 1st 2012 and we all match this morning for meeting. I wish we had been able to do a family picture, but Arlen was working. We hope everyone had a great year, and send well wishes for the one ahead.

This isn't the best, but Dixie was in it so I had to post it. 

Goofy matching girls <3 

Happy New Year Everyone! Thank you for keeping up with us!

Holiday Happenings

It's December here on the ridge! The house is decorated, and the kids are getting ready for Winter break.

Paige standing by the large tree at West Elementary School. 

All three girls, dressed up and matching. Ryann had her Spelling B, and Elena had her Winter Concert tonight. 

Elena singing with the 5th grade 

Spelling B at West Elementary

The Spelling B at West Elementary this year was a little different. Only 3 from 4th and 3 from 5th grade were in this round. Elena is sitting next to a "friend who is a boy", so was more nervous about that then spelling ;)

Spelling away! 

Nervous about making it to the next round?! 

Elena ended up getting 2nd place, her best friend Bell won. Each contestant received an award for participating, which was nice, from Principal Brooks. 

Elena and Bell, the final two . They are both so cute. 

All of the contestants, alternatives, judges, and their principal. 

Family (most of us) Pictures

The girls down by the creek

I love the ones we took up in the woods. We had a great day for pictures, and everyone was in such a fun mood. 

Self-timer picture so I could get in one 

Miss Ryann is not a fan of physical showings of affection, and Elena is quite the opposite, so this was quite funny. Elena attacked her, wanting a hug.

And it looked like so much fun that Paige wanted in as well. 

Walking down the trail hand in hand...this print is hanging in our house right now as it is one of my favorites. 

Trying to get these 3 in the air at the same time was a challenge, but very fun.