First Combine Ride

It's that time of year again, already! It seems nearly impossible that a year has passed since last harvest. Mike & I were just talking about a day last year when he was desperate for a grain cart driver and somehow he managed to sweet talk me into coming out and helping him for a little while. I was just a few months pregnant, and at that point it felt like it would be forever until our babe would arrive. So it almost seems surreal that Aldyn is here and just went for her first spin in the combine. We took supper to the field tonight, and Mike was just finishing up, so we rode with him for the last round through the field. She was mesmerized, and seemed to enjoy watching the head go round and round. I'm sure this is the first of many rides to come, be it in the combine, tractor, semi or whatever. If we want to see Mike this time of year - this is what we'll have to do. But it's a fun change of pace and will get us out of the house for a while. I have many fond memories of riding with my dad growing up. He was always so patient, and would let me come out in my dress up clothes, carting along my strawberry shortcake pillow. I would entertain him for awhile by singing into a long lever (it made a perfect microphone) before I would crash behind the seat for a nap....yep, Aldyn is lucky to be a farm girl :)

Dedication Day

This weekend was a busy one, but very special for us. We chose to have Aldyn dedicated at church yesterday. Really, it was more for us than for her :) It's basically a commitment on our part to raise Aldyn to know Jesus and teach her about him. Our prayer is that she will one day make the choice to accept Him as her personal Savior, and choose to follow and serve Him. We were blessed to have so many of our family members there, as well as lots of friends and our church family. We know that we can't do this on our own, so we're thankful to have so many people that love Aldyn and will help us in raising her and showing her what it means to love Jesus. Most importantly, I know there are a host of people who have been and will continue to pray for her as she grows. This is the greatest gift she can be given!

"I prayed for this child, and the Lord has granted me what I asked of him. So now I give her to the Lord. For her whole life she will be given over to the Lord."

1 Samuel 1:27-28

Life Is Good

Aldyn is 6 months old already! Before she was born everyone told me how fast she would grow, and I now I believe it! She's sitting up, has one tooth and is working on another one, weighs 15 pounds, and is just a joy to have around. She lights up our world with her easy smiles. As my grandma would say, what a precious lamb! She's babbling more and more, and within the last couple days has started saying dadada, etc. We love it...even though we know it doesn't mean anything at this point. I'm pretty sure it makes Mike's day whenever he hears it :) Aldyn definitely lights up when he comes home in the evening and is happy to have some time with her daddy. I feel so blessed, and even though there are stressful moments, I'm not sure life could get much better.

Here are some recent pictures. Aldyn and I went to Wallace last weekend for the annual Fall Festival. This is probably the event of the year out there, and lots of people go home for it. Wallace is such a neat little town, and a was wonderful place to grow up. I'm always amazed when I go back just how much people are care and are invested in our lives even though I've been away from home for almost 12 years. It was lots of fun to see friends and catch up a little bit. We took in the parade, BBQ, demolition derby and community church service. My sister, Mollie, was able to be home too, and it was awesome to spend some time with her and my parents.

Making Time

When I decided to resign from teaching and be a full-time mom, I envisioned myself finally having more of a quiet, spiritual time at some point during the day. I haven't done it. I've bought books, made promises to God and myself, but I'm ashamed to admit that I always let something else take priority. I have a strong desire to grow, and keep realizing that I need Jesus more than ever. So, not really knowing where to start, but feeling motivated after our mom's group this morning, I busted out one of those books that I ordered a couple of months ago. It's full of ideas about how to pray throughout the day....there's a poem at the end of the chapter that I thought I would share. I know that I have it pretty easy right now, with just my little, easy-going, six month old to care for. Life is only going to get more busy for me, so I'm determined to make time for God now. I was thinking of all you gals with 2,3,4 + kids when I read this as well...enjoy!

"chaos prayer"

Lord, in the chaos of the morning routine, may I find myself clear in you, your love, joy, peace, and patience.

When everything is screaming urgently for my attention, may my ear be attuned to your "still, small voice."

When my body is going at a frantic pace, may you keep my spirit in tune with the rhythmic beat of your heart of love and my soul refreshed with your wonderful breath of life.

When I let go of my children day by day, may you hold on tighter and tighter to this child of yours.

Thank you, Abba; I love you, and I desperately need you.

from Prayer Starters for busy moms, by Tracy Klehn

6 Month Pictures

Homecoming '08

Aldyn & I went into town for the Duster Homecoming Festivities this afternoon. Holdrege does it up right with a parade, followed by a pep rally. The weather wasn't great, but at least it wasn't raining! My cousins and aunt were in the parade, so I snapped a few pictures to share with our family that checks the blog...

Our favorite queen candidate!
Annie marching w/ the middle school band
One of those bald heads is Rob's
Aunt Beth with the other football moms on their float
taking it all in

Great Grandma Elaine was there for the fun too
The Seniors shaved the Sophomores heads on Thursday night. His parents were still willing to pose for a picture with him :) Aldyn & Brynn

There Is No Place Like Nebraska!

Labor Day

Grandpa & Grammy invited us to spend the day with them in North Platte on Monday. There is a cute park there that has rides, animals, etc. They thought maybe Aldyn needed to try out the carrosel for the first time. Or, maybe it was just an excuse to see her? Either way, we met at Cody Park and had a fun time. Even though I'm always wishing that my parents lived closer to us, I feel fortunate that we can meet for spur of the moment outings like this. I'm sure we'll do this again, and maybe next time Aldyn will be old enough to appreciate the surroundings :)


How many rides will this get me?

Loving the ride :)

Grammy Ruth & Grandpa Monte

Checking out the animals

The End of August...

Summer is coming to a close, and for the first time in a long time, I'm okay with that! Not going back to school has been more of an adjustment for me than I expected, but I couldn't be happier that I get to stay home with my little girl. We're still getting our "schedule" figured out. We'll be doing lots of outings so I don't go stir crazy out here... it's a great feeling not to dread Fall, but to look forward to it. I'm anxious to get into a routine and settle into life as a wife and mom! I've always craved freedom and I'm excited to have the opportunity to get involved in some things that my school schedule didn't allow time for. Here are a few pics that summarize the end of our summer....

Grammy brought Lainey and Sophie out for a visit

"Special Agent" Sophie - I love to watch their

imaginations work, and see them dress up

Grammy & Aldyn

Aldyn tried veggies for the first time. Not so sure

about this squash at first, but she decided it wasn't

so bad

Went shopping in Lincoln with Aunt Mollie & Grammy

Aunt Mollie thought Aldyn needed this onesie :)

Watched the Husker game with friends...

comparing feet w/ Ben Popple...he wins

Looking pretty after church, so mommy had to snap a couple of pictures...our girl is growing!