to my dad

This was a letter I wrote to my dad for his birthday tomorrow.  Thought I would share.  SO grateful for him...

January 3, 2014
Dear dad,
Today we celebrate your 60th birthday.  Wow, you’re getting old… just teasing. But really, I’m almost half your age and if that’s any indication of how fast time flies I’m sure you still feel young!   The calendar pages keep turning and each new day you, uncommon and in a class of your own have taught me new lessons.  No it wasn’t the ‘here’s how you ride your bike’ lessons where you learn and I know how to do it forever, it was the ‘principal lessons’ that stick out the most…

like put your head down and work hard and do your best.

Or when you’re running, put one foot in front of the other and just keep moving, it doesn’t matter the speed, just that you’re moving, you’ll build your endurance.

Or to love Jesus & Live for Him fiercely.
Know His Word & look to Him for all things.

Or Trust God.  He knows and sees and isn’t phased by the circumstance that’s hardest right now.

Or love your family well. Laugh often &
don’t forget to tell them daily…’I love you.’

Oh gosh… now I’m in tears as I write because I know that my experience is rare.  It’s rare to have a dad who loves you, provided for you above and beyond, who loves the Lord, who still loves and pursues your mother, who serves faithfully at their church {among many other things}.  And who lives out the faith they say they believe.

Dad, I’m thankful for you, for the example you set and the lessons you’ve taught me with your life.  They weren’t words you said although your words mean much to me and they weren’t merely single experiences… it’s the compilation of 60 years that says it well.

I think that when you’re in ministry you see lots of amazing things and lots of hard things… and if there’s anything it gains you it’s perspective.  Thus I’ve seen how often I should count my blessings rather than bemoan my hardships.  God truly blessed me when he made you my earthly father.

As I reminisce, my mind is racing… what story to recall & a few come to mind.
… taking walks and just chilling on the beach in Destin!  Along with ‘late night’ {as a kid} swims in the pool!
… the many times you teased me growing up… case & point: NICK SCHHHHUUULLLLOOO.
… growing up you would always, always, always put Tony Catchetories seasoning on nearly every meal.
… picking out my purple bike that was a birthday present!
… When you took my friends and I to a school dance in junior high and you told us not to be ‘wall flowers.’
… Indian Princesses… Hahahaha!  Be it our names or our ’camp experience’ with that crazy horse.  That was a ’dad trying to love his daughter’ experience.
… Camp Paradise… I will never forget being so stinking cold while showering there… you getting the bucket and the water drizzling out.  Fun memories with Ted & Summy-bummy-bimster-bim…
… Going running with you around Lake Charlemagne & I can still hear you instructing me to just keep going, the speed doesn’t matter. J
… The Barbie Cards… when I would (possibly) excel at a soccer game you would reward me.
… When you took me shopping so I could be well-dressed at Cedarville.
…. Our fun ’daddy daughter date’ to Chipotle & Bethany Dillon Concert between my freshman and sophomore year of college.
…. When we were waiting to walk down the aisle at my wedding you told me you were proud of me… it meant a lot but I didn’t want to start crying so I said, lets just stand silently! Haha that was very memorable!
… When you held Carter for the first time and you said, ‘this is a strong kid.’  Boy, were you right.
… Whenever we have told you we were pregnant, you always congratulated Luke!  Funny to meJ
… Watching you as a grandfather is so sweet & how my boys know that if Pa is coming over they automatically get to wrestle.

There’s much more that I could say, but I think at the end of the day it’s just that I love you and that I’ve been blessed to be your daughter and to learn from you.  Thanks for setting the bar high but always letting me know I was loved along the way.

Love forever & always,
Kristen Ginger

let the good times roll-happy day!

happy birthday to my mother in law:)

i met my mother in law when i was fourteen and we've got along ever since... imagine that...;)

i think about being a mother in law someday because at this point i've got sons and i want to see them once they are married.... in which having a relationship with their wife... and my then daughter-in-law is key. i plan on taking many tips from my own m-i-l because she has been what i think most brides hope that theirs will be. She has taken me in as one of her own, she listens to me, spends time with me, is thoughtful, and loves me well.
my mother-in-law lives a pretty public life in which many know her name and think highly of her and her character because she's an exemplary pastor's wife of a large church. I get the chance to be part of her daily life and see the authenticity of her life lived out. i wish everyone could know how funny she is and how much she loves to support her husband in ministry. i also have the privilege of being married to her son who respects me, loves me, and cherishes me - if that doesn't prove something... i don't know what does.

She loves her grandkids and is always finding something fun and new to do with them. She doesn't take herself too seriously and laughs at the time to come. She is beautiful, smart, and always ready with a kind word and speaks truth with grace when needed. I am truly blessed to know her and be part of her family.

Love you kath... and looking forward to your last year in your.... forties,
let the good times roll!
kg:)

a great day for a special lady.

my mom's birthday is today. happy birthday to her! being a mom is an awesome thing and every day that i am a mom i realize how amazing my mom is. the fact that she did what i do day after day after day and has hardly complained through the sacrifices and all... wow. she get's an A+ in my book.

i remember going to Guatemala after my senior year of high school on a mission's trip. I learned a lot on that trip but one of the main things was that God chooses your parents, the place you grow up, the siblings you have, and on and on for you... and at that i am so so grateful. God knew the mom i needed and he has allowed me a great relationship with her.

we love to shop together, laugh together. she has been a huge help with my kids, whether it's when they are born or on sunday nights when we need a babysitter. and not only does she help... she loves it. my mom has a strong faith that has carried her through many trials in life and has showed me that when you trust in the Lord, he really will make your paths straight. she exemplifies endurance to me.

my mom has been an example in her marriage too. she picked a great man (if i say so myself) and they have stuck together for almost thirty-seven years. and they still love each other. they go on dates and have been a tangible example for me a true love.

my mom loves her kids and would do anything for them. i can remember pleading with her for prom dresses that i 'needed.' she would figure out a way to make it work even if that meant scrimping on herself. she has gone to great lengths in order to be there for us and have taught us to love Jesus and that is the best legacy i could have asked for.


i want to shout to the roof tops that it's my mom's birthday today. because i love her. and she rocks. she's a great example to me.

happy 39th and counting. you look great lovely lady!
xo,
kg

three looks good on you.

dear carter jude, happy birthday. today was a great day - we celebrated YOU! this year you've taught me so.... much. you've taught me patience (gosh, i never knew i needed to grow this much!), grace, forgiveness, and that a kiss always makes an 'ouchie-wa-wa' feel that much better. you have taught me to keep laughing when life hurts, to keep my eyes closed when i or you pray and you have helped me to think about the ordinary things of life again because they're all brand new to you. You've taught me the power of curiosity and the joy of playing hard. You've taught me about pirates, toys that like to play with Andy, and so many character's names ... i know more than i ever knew i wanted to.:) You've taught me that a beautiful picture is colored only with a few crayons and scribbles. You've taught me that there's no time to waste... on to the next thing. You've taught me that you love sleep-what a beautiful rarity. I don't mean to sound cliche but i could go on and on because i haven't even scratched the surface of what you teach me. As a mom i learn so much and quite frankly learn how little i thought i knew before. Thanks for teaching me so much and for being a refining tool in my life everyday to draw me to Christ. Thanks for being my pal. Life with you is that much better. love, your momma.

birthday love.

Happy 26th to my best friend.
Seriously. You’re closer to thirty than twenty. Babe, you always say you’re getting so old and now that you’re getting closer to thirty, we can honestly say that's more true than before.

There are so many things I love about luke:

one. He’s not afraid to do the hard thing.
Two. He works hard.
Three. He loves God.
Four. He pays attention and fathers our kids… makes time for them even when he is so so tired after work.
Five. He cares for my well-being.
Six. He still to this day makes me laugh.
Seven. He is so so smart. (who makes it a goal to read 52 books in a year?)
Eight. He loves to stretch himself… w/ goals at work, home, etc.
Nine. He is so so curious.
Ten. He makes things happen. (love that powerful choleric in you;))
Eleven. Really good at apologizing.
Twelve. So much, could I say too much (?!) passion. ;)
Thirteen. So so Hott. Who says high school sweethearts can’t make it work?!
Fourteen. Fun. He makes parties & life that much better.
Fifteen. He is willing to grow and change.
Sixteen. Gifted in music and athletics. Didn’t know this combo could be possible in a guy.:)
Seventeen. Caring of those he pastors. Did I mention he cares?
Eighteen. Good at affirmation.
Nineteen. Sharp dresser.
Twenty. He still ‘dates’ me.

And that doesn’t even begin to explain it.
Love him so so much.
happy birthday man of my dreams,
kg

my second born.

Reid.
Sweet.
Stubborn.
Loves to be held.
A smile that melts my heart.
His best laugh comes from his brother.
You shake your head no when you mean yes.
You are a monkey.
Your speed is incomparable.

You seemed content and timid but now you love to shriek.
You like to do your own thing but also like stealing your brothers’ toys.
You are playful.
You are so so so curious.
You have little fear.
You’re tough.
You like to make yourself known… ever since you grunted as a baby.

You’re tiny-waisted.
You’ve got big feet.
Your fingers look like they have potential to play piano or basketball.
Your eyes are so so big.

You’re our reider, snakey, little brother (and at that rated the best in the house).
We love you mister.
Happy one year!
Your proud mama.

construction themed party.

i've said this before and i'll say it again: i think that the first year is so worth celebrating BIG because we made it... (well at this point we're 48 hours short of making it) but you get the point. it's a big feat.

so i have boys and i've been dreaming up this party for... well i am slightly embarassed to admit this but since the kid was like two months old. i just like this stuff. it doesn't keep me up at night but it does get me excited.

let me note that these weren't all of my original ideas (clearly this isn't the first construction themed party ever) but this is what i did with it and ill share sources along the way...:)

ok... so we'll start with food. I did a build your own sandwich theme with a lot of snacks:)
but of course the snacks had the construction theme...

many of these ideas came from here!

i also did construction hats (found on amazon) and put the kid's names on the brims using letters i had found at michaels... they stick on themselves. turned out super cute... especially with the hard hat area sign. (that was also one of their favors they took home.)

the other favor was a chinese take out box filled with puppy chow and said it was 'gravel for the road.' i found these yellow Chinese take out boxes... 3 for $1 at my dollar tree. complete steal!!!

the cake: i used this recipe... make sure you're not doing this at the last minute because you'll be hating yourself like i was.:) leave ample amount of time and it's an easy way to serve cake and everyone liked them!

I used birthday zone construction tape for decor (found on amazon) as well dump truck balloons from my local dollar tree.

but my favorite piece of decor was this picture garland i did. i did one picture for each month of this year and i used sticky star and small clothespins as well as yarn to hold it all together. i thought it turned out cute especially if you're a picture person like me!


the other fun find i had was looking through my fave but only a special gift catalog... mini boden. literally i drool. the stuff is so so cute. i found this 'digger' shirt and thought it was too cute to pass up!
(love this picture of my mom and reid)
happy 1st reid!
love yo momma;)

the 'bubbles' party...

yesterday was absolutely perfect. i think i was just as excited about it as carter was. we had a family breakfast at egg harbor. he got a candle in his 'k-cakes' (pancakes) & he couldn't get over it... he kept saying.. again, again!


after that it was for us to complete the mission at hand.... the party.. i'd like to say & give God the glory that Luke and i didn't get in a fight while doing so... that's pretty good for having a 2 1/2 month old, 2 year old and having the thing at your house. growth is something to celebrate:)

i decided to be a bit more economical with the cake this year. so i enlisted a great & crafty friend to help me.. she made mickey & i made minnie. let's just say when i was finishing minnie at 11 p.m. i was fuming at the fact that she made it look soooo easy.


we did carter's favorite foods for the meal... the adults seemed to be rather thrilled.:)

my mother-in-law was in orlando the week before and she got these hats for the kids... totally made it come together!



my sister-in-law makes party favors... aren't they adorable... check her site out here:)


we tried a pinata... it was over the 2 year old's heads... but rather funny:)

and we had fun. i didn't get a family picture... but i did get this picture which to me makes everything worth it:)


for the past little while we have asked carter how old he is.... he immediately says 9. then we say... no, you're not gonna be nine. and he says 'not da nine, two.' and raises his 2 fingers, crossing them. i'll share it if i'm successful getting it on tape. it's so sweet:)

so, to say the least, i'm glad it's over but it was SOOOO much fun!
not da nine, TWO!
kg:)

my carter jude is two.

in a few hours carter will officially be two. about two years ago i was sweetly sleeping and awakened around 2:30 a.m.... my life forever changed. so instead of boring you with the things on my mind.... i thought i'd let some pictures tell the story.:) happy tears are streaming down my face as i look at these:)


my first look...


this was a hard season but it taught me a lot. the first two boys that i came to love.


these two are birthday buddies.


his dedication. i pray everyday he will grow up to be a man of God. jude 24 & 25.


i don't know many kids who have a passport at 7 months old. he's my world traveler.


the kid has a gift of sleeping. the apple doesn't fall too far from the tree.:)


he loves him some ava. cousin love.


mr. dreamy eyes.


his love for elmo... well that was his highlight of spring break 2010


he plays hard.


his love for food, well this describes it:)


this is just so....carter.


although getting a haircut is his least favorite thing (other than eating carrots), i was refreshingly aware of him growing up when he came home. oh my handsomeness!


he and his daddy share a bond no one can come between.


my little peanut and the big brother filling his role.


he can throw a tantrum; even when he looks adorable. i have proof;)


he loves nini.

carter, mommy loves you more than you could ever know. you're gonna have a great year!

<3 mommy kg:)

8:06 p.m.

carter picked out his birthday present yesterday.

luke brought it inside while we were watching tv and carter was in bed.

carter & the trike will re-unite next monday.

until then, i couldn't resist.... he needed a ride;)

carter's turning two...

so of course we have to have a par-tay (as he says it).

and that means i have to make invitations.

so what are the two things he loves most? nini (candy) & mickey (who he calls bubbles)

my mind was racing on monday. nothin.

tuesday running on the treadmill... still nothin.

tuesday night looking online... and it sparked this idea:) from my brilliant (LOL) mind;)

so here it goes... (i'll keep you posted on the rest of the details;))




the supplies... whirly pops (2.99/ea... eekk! but only had 8 invites), felt .25/sheet- one sheet used, glue gun, computer paper, and double sided tape..



my sidekick, can you see his smile:)



the finished product.

carter saw these and flipped.

hoping for another great party...;)
kg