5 Years Old

Yesterday at 4:19 am our little man turned 5. He has officially transitioned from the baby/toddler/preschooler stage to being a full blown big boy! And what a wonderful big boy he has become. I'll fill you in on his birthday festivities in a minute, but first I want to share a little bit about what I see in my sonny.

He is full of energy and excitement for life.

He is creative and always looking for a way to make the story or the picture or the event more interesting.

He is curious. He loves discovering new things and learning all about the why's and what's and how's.

He is tender. He loves his people and makes sure that they know it.

He is discerning. His radar is up as he processes who he's with, what he's watching, or what he's hearing. If it doesn't coincide with what his heart knows to be true or right, he calls it out.

He is adventurous. He loves to explore.

He is a man for speed. Whether it's trains, cars or bikes, he likes to see them go fast!

He appreciates the past. His favorite things are "old timey" trains and classic cars.

I could say so much more, but you get the idea. We love our Sonny and think he's pretty special.

His 5 year old birthday started with a butterfly hike with Daddy and a huge kiss from his Heavenly Father as he was able to catch 3 of his most favorite butterflies (the monarch)! After that it was riding and resting until his pool party! A bunch of his best buddies came to celebrate him and play in the pool together. It was a great time!

Sonny and one of his birthday Monarchs.

Isaiah wanted a cake this year with a picture of his favorite old time train on it. Here is a picture of my "Rocket" rendition.

The birthday boy-Ready to party!

What a sweet 5 year old!

Jaydn and Ava, checking out Isaiah's special Monarch party guest.

Johnny and Isaiah

A table full of incredible kiddos!

The party scene.

Present Time!!! I love how all the kids huddle for this part.

Macy, Isaiah and Tyler opening gifts.

The happy birthday song!

60 Years And Counting...

This month I had the incredible opportunity to fly to Indiana to honor my precious grandparents as they celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary. Now, when I say "precious," I don't mean "precious moments" precious or "I want to be sweet and I can't think of any other adjective to use" precious; I mean the, "this is the only possible way to describe a true blue, faithful, always persevering, always loving couple who's been married twice as long as I've been alive" precious. They mean everything to me and spending those 5 days with them was pure joy. The joy was enhanced by getting to see, not only my mom and dad, sister, brother-in-law, brother and his girlfriend, but my aunt, uncles and all three of my cousins (who have always been way more like siblings to me than cousins). My trip was defined by 'quality time' as I got to spend significant time with all of the people mentioned above and revel in the beauty and simplicity that is Indiana farm country. Here are some photos from my trip...

This picture makes me so happy. There have been countless times over the past 6 1/2 years that I've recieved images like this one and have longed to be in one of those chairs. This time, I was THERE! We had a great time and had some of the yummiest and freshest Chinese food ever, at a place tucked away in tiny Bluffton, IN.

My Uncle Max, sister Lauren and brother-in-law, Ryan chilling in the grass.

My sweet and lovely Sister.

Ryan and Lauren's adorable dog, Olivia

My precious Grammy on her new bike.

The Church Family

My Uncle Max and Gram

This is my cousin, Jared (looking dapper on my Gram's bike). He is the epidamy of sincere. His passion, his questions, his love for people, his desire to walk with God. S.I.N.C.E.R.E. I love talking to he and his beautiful wife, Lauren. They inspire me because they are alive inside.

This is my Uncle Barry with his sons (my cousins) Jared and Travis. I already spoke about Jared, so I'll write about Travis. When I think about him the beatitude, "the pure in heart will see God" comes to mind. He works hard, he loves his family, he loves God and he endeavors to live a life that reflects the goodness of His heavenly Father. I wish I had more time with both of them.

A typical 'Barger Ranch' scene-people in lawn chairs on the garage pad and in the garage while eating delicious grilled food...

...and the goodness continues...

...all the way around the circle.

This is what happened after dinner when a huge storm blew through. We all sat in the garage and talked until about 1:00 am. It was awesome.

Lauren and my cousin, Kristen, who is the most faithful and loyal woman. If there's a family gathering, or someone has a need or someone is doing something important, she is there. It doesn't matter how many miles separate 'your thing' from where she currently lives. She'll drive any distance to be there for you. I love her like a sister.

Jordan and Abi.

Sister Love.

Mom, Gram and my Aunt Kathy

Olivia, Ryan, Lauren and Dad relaxing while Gram and Pop opened all of their cards.

Papa and Grammy

Me, Jordan and Abi

Ryan with his baby Olivia (she loves to be held like this).

Oh, the love.

So, in addition to the pictures, you got a little insight into the love I have for my cousins. I didn't plan on that, but that's what was in my heart. I truly loved every moment of my getaway and will treasure the memories for a lifetime.

A New Landscape

A year ago, this was me-hair freshly chopped and a week into facing the most significant challenge of my life. Now, a year later, I actually look the same (I decided to keep the pixie cut after my hair grew back), but my insides are rearranged forever. Ramin and I talk about our cancer journey like a monsoon that falls on the desert. You have no idea how the hard falling waters have effected the landscape, but as time passes and the waters recede, you begin to see the change and experience the transformation. There is still standing water in some areas of our hearts, but in the places where the desert floor is exposed, we're seeing how the last season of our lives has changed us...and we're grateful. We are more in love with our Daddy God than we have ever been before. We have seen his goodness and tasted His strength and tender mercy in ways we hadn't yet. He has, through the megaphone of suffering announced His love to us in unforgettable ways. We are also more in love with all of the people we share life with. We were so well taken care of by all of you. What priceless treasures family and community are. We are also more tuned in to what we're made for and how we can be living to intentionally express those God given deposits. We are so thankful for our life. Isaiah and I took a bike ride the other day and as we raced down a big hill (he was in front of me-fast little dude!), I was struck with what a gift it is to ride bikes with my almost 5 year old son. Before the development of the successful chemotherapy regimen I was on, lymphoma patients had 3 years at best. I have, prayerfully, the rest of my life! Praise God! At the end of a road marked by rough terrain, I can, with utmost confidence say that God is worthy of our trust. Whatever you're facing, He's strong enough to hold you, close enough to comfort you and totally in love with you.

Joy

From the end of June to the end of July, my sweet Bestie was in town for the Campus Crusade Staff Conference in Ft. Collins. With only an hour separating us, we took advantage of getting our kids together and enjoying days of play in the Colorado sun. One special day, though, we got to be together, just the two of us and it was lovely. We went to Snooze in Old Town Ft. Collins (the best breakfast place ever), got pedicures and went shopping. And, as any good shopper knows, the day isn't complete without chips and salsa and margaritas! It was such a gift to share a month of life with such a precious woman and sister. I love you, Erin!

Somehow we ended up with only one picture from our day together, but this one is a cute picture of our breakfast at Snooze.