Philip E. Aldrich jr. 1/08/88-06/26/08

The Broken Chain..

We little knew that morning that
God was going to call your name.

In life we loved you dearly, In death we do the same.
It broke our hearts to lose you, you did not go alone:
for part of us went with you, the day God called you home.

You left us peaceful memories,
Your love is still our guide
and though we can not see you,
You are always at our side.

Our family chain is broken
and nothing seems the same,
but as God calls us one by one
the chain will link again.

Welcome to the world!

Welcome to the world little Cole! My good friend Jill gave birth to her second son June 20. Cole weighed in at 8lbs 4oz and is absolutely beautiful. We were so excited to see him! Its been a fun adventure with Max and Micah, and I am sure this is going to be even more fun! Congratulations Ellingson Family!

On June 13 my cousin Brandi and her husband Ben, welcomed to the world two little blessed boys. Wesley Benjamin Green at 5lbs 14oz and Riley Michael Green at 6lbs 7oz. (she was carrying 12lbs of baby, talk about back ache) No two people deserve this more. I know that they are going to make great parents and I am so excited to watch the boys grow!

Wesley Benjamin (R)
Riley Michael (L)

"Dear little child, so small and sweet, with curious eyes and adventurous feet. Where will you go? What will you see? What joys will you find? Oh, what will you be?" (unknown)

Congrats Josh!

So although its been almost a week exactly, I still find it important to announce: MY BROTHER GRADUATED!!! We had friends and family come in for what ended up being a very eventful graduation party last Saturday. Its was so good to see so many people come around to support Josh. It's been a long journey for him and we are all so proud of him. Tuesday was his official graduation day and I couldn't help but remember my graduation as we sat thru the band playing, really long speeches, and the choir (the only thing missing was the dancers!). My heart swelled with pride as they called his name to the podium "Joshua Edwin Hardesty", then our family did what we do best stood up and screamed with all our might! His school days are now behind him, and hopefully only good things lay ahead!

"Congratulations! Today is your day. You're off to Great Places! You're off and away! You have brains in your head. You have feet in your shoes. You can steer yourself any direction you choose. You're on your own. And you know what you know. And YOU are the guy who'll decide where to go." (Dr.Seuss)

4 years behind us...

I'm remembering a time when I was younger and I had a list of all the qualities I wanted in a man, here where some of them: Taller than me, has a big truck, I can fit in his clothes (silly), is a Christian, loves kids,and is funny (I'm sure there was more). It's incredible how God listens and even innocent lists can be answered. Bryan has fufilled all of my needs in a husband, and then some. He truly has taught me the meaning of unselfishness, and unconditional love. I'm not saying its been easy, but thats what makes it good, growing, learning and loving together. Here's to 4 years of the Flansburgs and many more! I love you babe!!

"I Erin take you Bryan to be my husband, you are my best friend and I will love you today tomorrow and forever!" (june 19 2004)

Micah is making progress?

As most of my friends might know, I have been dealing with Micah being pretty aggressive lately. ( Who am I kidding, pretty much this whole year) This has been not only frustrating, but heart breaking as a mom. Its hard to watch the frustration and anger he has, when I know he has such a good heart, has good intentions and really loves his friends. I guess I have come to the realization that it isn't a reflection on me or of my parenting, and hopefully this too shall pass. Over the past year and half I have been watching Selah, the Moore's daughter, on Thursdays. At first Micah had a really hard time understanding that not only is she a girl, but she is not as ruff and tough, and we need to be more gentle with her. Recently she has started to play more with Micah, and he has started to love on her. This makes my days much easier because I don't need to mediate as much as I used to. They are actually starting to have more fun. Lately Micah has been pretending to be a puppy, here are some of them playing "puppy".

Micah being a puppy.

Selah feeding the puppy.

Both of them being a puppy.

Train up a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not depart from it. Prov 22:6