Martin's General Store: Sandy

Kari-

Just had yummy breakfast at this cute little country store. We are taking in as much as we can on our last day here. Kids are at the lake swimming and Mom and I are chatting. Warm, perfect summer day! Wishing you all the best! If no one has told you yet today that they love you- we do!

Sandy

ps. The kids went fishing, they all caught fish, Renee caught about 15!! ;o)

St. Agatha, Maine: Sandy

Sandy sent two.

She gets two gold stars.

She first made it onto the blog here: Love.

Now to the latest contributions from her family vacation, that I wish more then anything I could have gone on. Especially because I have been CRAVING Maine Lobster for like 2 months now! ha! Thanks Sandy for loving me so well and so much!

KARI!

Finally a moment to write! We are enjoying a lovely week w/family and friends in my home town. I thought you would appreciate a picture of "my" lake in little St. Agatha. We've had time to relax, enjoy fresh Maine air and have quality time and many hugs and kisses! We've diligently visited all of the local eating places we love and had HUGE lobsters last night for dinner. We're headed south to Ct this weekend. I hope you are relishing every minute you have this summer- I know you love it! Missing you from far away!

Hugs and Love-

xxoo Sandy

ps. I forgot how much I love falling asleep to the sound of the loons!

dave's clock: july.7.2011

1. sometimes life is just plain old confusing. true story.

2. "shut the front door. shut the back door. shut the garage door."

3. cars 2: the best digital short ever- toy story. yes!!

4. a blast from the past.

5. Winston-Salem, NC?

6. Notice. the relief.

7. Sister. Laughter.

8. Beyonce 4. Only get to song 4 and go back to one.

9. text messages. trouble. yes. you.

10. vanilla ice cream cones?

11. desiring more time to lay in hammock. read. just be. the pace right now is just unreal.

12. really happy car is back... still.

13. lake house gets its own p.card

14. let go. finally.

15. lots of change. thankful for new adventures and leaps of faith. its never like how you think.

16. it just continues. time.

-kari

june 2011.

june 2011

1. my car is back. finally. thankful for Brian and the discount-- the return of XM radio!

2. mandy's vist.

a. alejandro's- no to the last basket.

b. cloudy day? no river? double feature @ the movies. winner.

c. waffle house meltdown. always crying @ the waho. ;) 8 song selection. laura bell bundy reaction.

d. charlottesville. melting pot. pink nails. flirty eyelashes.

e. perfect. too short.

3. k arrived saturday. full house. happy heart.

3. so much going on. overwhelmed. but taking each decision 1 step @ a time.

-me

Notre Dame: June 2009

I have always said that every picture tells a story. This one captures a whole day without words. This Frenchman spoke to me while I sat in front of the Norte Dame writing postcards. I spoke English. He French. Sometimes he would tie together broken vocabulary to help me learn his native tongue. We shared about 90 minutes together. He toured the outside and inside of ND- and at random points he held my hand. It was both bizarre and familiar at the same time. I remember almost everything about him and the time he spent sharing a proud landmark institution in Paris. Though I admit- the details of his face are hazy. However, the way he walked, the sound of his voice, touch of his hand are imprinted completely. I am encouraged by these memories because it makes me feel hopeful that I am remembered in recollection by those many strangers that became friends in all the miles I have traveled and lands explored. It was a beloved day. The next day came time with the Stegmans. And I was pumped. From journal that day: "part of his charm was that I couldn't understand him. The apple. My French grandfather." It was a story in a picture for sure.

doors: june 19th

It's been a really stressful and draining few weeks. I admit I struggle with feeling moody and disenchanted. Unconnected. Everything just feels heavy. But then there's light and truly blessed moments. Like Brian helping me out with my care. Like voice mails from Kerri, Patrick & Jules. Postcards sent at the most perfect time. Meaningful conversations with Kaitlan on the weekends at work. Laughing with Krystal. A phone call from Seth after a frustrating day- "How are you?", "Umm, ok."... "NO. Really, how are you?" Thankful to be asked twice. Continuing to celebrate health milestones- Emily reserved for Disney. I know there's so much to celebrate and be thankful for. However the fight is sometimes tiring- but I know that is when I can embrace that the Lord is my strength. my portion. my everything. And with and through Him all things are given, purposed, and possible. Yes. That's true. Amen.

Love.Love.

me

j.groban: june 14th

Some days are just what you need and absolute perfection.

1. slept in. made care packages.

2. dunkin donuts iced coffee.

3. apple store. a candy store for adults. new phone- thankful for the replacement, for free.

4. shopping- scoring some cute finds

5. cheesecake factory. always a fave.

6. concert. perfection. feb song and you are loved in opening set. funny and engaging. played favorites. had waited- was worth it. poignant and sappy- and grateful. highlight.

7. Sheetz. That guy. haha!

8. couple lost their car... so funny

9. laughter. conversation. ease of day. joy for josh. music is just intimate and powerful- how it can move you. love it.

10. a perfect combination of things and beloved day away.

11. would see josh anywhere. that fantastic.

faves:

you are loved

changing colors

hidden away

higher window

raise me up

war @ home

if i walk away

wandering kind

bells of nyc- everything