Up, Up, and Away!

The Sunday of Labor Day weekend, we went to Colorado Springs for The Hot Air Balloon Classic.  Justin got us a hotel so we could stay Monday as well.  The weather cancelled the Balloon Glo scheduled for Sunday night, which was really disappointing, but the Monday morning launch made up for it.  So cool!  Too bad my camera died half way through.  Fail!

MY Pop

My Pop turned 80 yesterday! I am not sure it is possible for me to share words that would appropriately convey what is in my heart. In fact, I've kept putting off this post because I knew it would require time and thought and, let's be honest, I am plain ole lazy! But, I know this is something I need to do. It is good for me to reflect upon just how blessed I am not only to have a grandpa, but to have MY grandpa! He is a gift from God and I will forever be indebted to his unconditional love and kindness towards me. It's days like today, celebrations like these, that I really miss home. My Pop's life is worth celebrating and I so wish I could squeeze his neck right now.

I ran across 2 quotes the other day -

"The best things in life aren't things!"

This is so true people. I immediately think about how my greatest need has been met on the cross and no THING I could ever want or need could compare to that! It is great to be able to enjoy God and glorify Him forever. But, second best in my life is family, and since I am attempting to honor my Pop, I will focus on him! My Pop is a man that will sacrifice his own desires in order to provide for the people he loves. If he sees a need he will do his best to meet it. Much of what I have and what I have been able to accomplish has been a direct result of his generosity and labor. He still works a part time job and I know it's because he wants to be able to give selflessly to his family for as long as he can. He is the definition of a hard worker and, a picture of a person who cares deeply.


The next quote is -

"Children are great imitators, so give them something great to imitate!"

Pop has without question given me something to imitate. I can only hope and pray that I can be the kind of grandparent that he is someday. I have learned so much from observing his life.

• I want to be able to work in my yard and around my house when I am 80 and then do it at my grandkids house too.
• I too want to be able to buy them new shoes so they can run a race and not get injured.
• I too want to be able to pay for their handyman when an appliance breaks unexpectedly and payday is 2 weeks away.
• I too want to be able to be a built in babysitter, so my kids can have a much needed date night.
• I too want my home to be a place of refuge, so no matter what life brings to my grandkids, they know rest for their soul and food for their belly isn't far away.
• I too want such a close relationship with them that frequent phone calls are a must.
• I too want to attend every event their apart of.
• I too want to surprise them with oil changes, vacuum cleaners, and all that other stuff that isn't fun to pay for.
• I too want them to think home is wherever their grandparents are!
• And, I too want them to think that there is no way any other 80-year-old looks as good!  It must be all that gym time!  

This list could go on, but it gives you a good idea of how great my Pop is! Not many can compare. He is a wonderful husband, father, grandfather, and great grandfather. He is a wonderful man worthy of highest praise.  I am a rich granddaughter indeed!  I can't end this post without giving credit to my Pop's helpmate!  My Nan is equally deserving of every single thing I have said and Pop would be the first to admit he wouldn't be half the man he is today without her!  The two of them are simply amazing and I cannot imagine life without them.  Lord, please give them many more years on this earth I do selfishly pray.

LOVE YOU FOREVER!

Ty's First Middle School Game 8/30/13

Tyler is playing football for Cornerstone Christian Academy this year. We are excited for the opportunity he has to play for a school. His first game was in Estes Park.


Here he is getting on the bus.

#32 warming up

Game time

Nice win for the Bulldogs!