Oh my goodness. What a crazy season of life. Wow. I'm not even sure where I last left off with you all, it's just been insanity at the Thoreson household as far back as I can remember! I just checked and it's seriously been one full month since I blogged. my goodness, that's terrible. Swiss cheese holes in our history book simply won't do.
The big things... Well, I started working out. I know, that's huge. I got a lot of flack from both Lori and Kim over 'not being a person who works out', but I've been doing it almost daily for about three weeks now. It's been life changing. I'm super excited about it. My main goals are increased energy and less spongy abs, and thus far I can feel a big difference in both departments.
I'm continuing my course for credentialing with the A/G. I'm almost finished with this first course. I've got three of the four units complete and am well into the fourth unit. My goal is to finish by Friday, since on Friday I leave for Houston for the weekend to take another class. I'm excited to work with a group of people and have opportunity for discussion. I am excited to see the Tindols. I am not looking forward to the drive at all, since I just...
Drove across this great country of ours. Not exagerating. Two fridays ago I flew to Bemidji, MN for my grandmother's memorial service. It was bittersweet, complicated, and good closure over all. Lots of tears, lots of long heart-felt talks with God and extensive planning/goal setting to do things different in the future. Bemidji was, well, Bemidji is always stunning. The beauty of the lake was a soothing balm to my wounded soul. I had some amazing quiet times on the dock, just basking in God's glory. And one night I laid out on the deck for a good 3o minutes, soaking up the greatness of the stars. Wow. Amazing. What a gift in and amongst such heartache. God is so good, even when we are not.
One of the hardest but most meaningful moments in Bemidji was getting to scatter my grandfather's ashes in their most beloved lake just as the sun set. My aunt spread my grandma's and we did so simultaneously. Incredible.
It was also wonderful to see my family, especially all my siblings in one place. It had been three years since we were all together. I am so thankful for the time we had.
I spent Sunday just chilling with my mom. We attempted to go to church. We went to lunch together. Did a little shopping. Went to see 'Eat Pray Love'. Just slowed down to enjoy one another's company. It was great. I hadn't seen my mom since her annual snowbird trip last January. That is one of the hardest things about living all the way in Texas, it's just so far from my family and friends. gulp.
Rob and I recieved a gift of my grandmother's car. What an incredible blessing! We have not been a two car family for years! It's not your typical 85 year old's car. It's a 2004 Chrysler Sebring convertible, so it's been a definite joy to own thus far. I've decided that I may have a permanent case of convertible hair. LOL. I think of my grandma every time I ride with the top down, which is often!
Monday morning I was up and on my way with the sunrise. I clocked just under 500 miles and arrived in Ft. Dodge about 3pm.
It was so good to see Lori and meet precious baby Chloe. I had lots of baby-holding time and diaper changes. It's good to get a re-up every once in a while, keeps that baby desire in check, if you know what I mean. :) We did family photos, and Chloe photos. We scrapbooked, we shopped. Man, did we shop. We hit an 85% off sale at Younkers and I found 6 pairs of shoes for $58 including tax! I think Lori got 4 pairs for under $40. It was awesome. We had steak and corn on the cob and brie. It was so good to catch up and just sit together and be.
Wednesday I drove another 600 miles and landed in Oklahoma City. I spent the evening with my Aunt Char and Uncle Gary and my cousin Rob and his new fiance, Christy. What a delight that was! They went all out on an amazing dinner of steak and salad and sweet potato fries. mmmm. It was a wondeful time. (I accidently forgot my camera at the house, so pretend that their is a really cute photo of a very excited couple here!)
Thursday I beat the sun and drove the 500 miles home to San Antonio. I was so excited to see my family again. I got in about 2pm. We spent the evening together and then the next day Rob left for PK retreat. He got home super late last night, so I am greatly anticipating him coming home here shortly. It will be so nice to spend the evening as a family.
I do need to get the kids ready for school tomorrow. Which, I missed their first day. Actually their first week. And Rob had too much on his mind, so he forgot photos, but I did them on Friday. Love that my kids cooperated.
Don't these kids look grown up? It's killling me.. I also have a few from Sarah's birthday, which we mostly spent with teenagers at Incredible Pizza, but also a little with the Tindols that evening. It was a special day and I still can't believe she's six, but I'll get over it before she turns seven. :)
Speaking of our teenagers, we are loving what is going on at Shift. Two of the past three weeks, we've had 45 on Wednesday night, so that is awesome! God is really doing a work and it's an incredible honor to be serving Him through it. We pray it continues and students lives are changed!
So you can see that we've been a little on the crazy side. That's not all, I'm sure, but you get the general gist of things.. The long and the short of it, we love this life, even though it's insane and wonderful and fast paced and more than we can imagine. At this rate, we'll definitely be spent for Jesus when He takes us home one day! ;)
