Something So Big

Sunday, April 27, 2014

Easter Tidings

Last weekend we had beautiful weather and were blessed with time to celebrate Easter with our loved ones!  I was lucky to have a Girls Night Out with my mom and sisters.  Look at all the pretty colors of the season!  I especially enjoyed our talks and walk together to the cemetery on Good Friday morning.  Dad isn't there, but we definitely remember him and other loved ones who have crossed over into the next life when we go there.  Dad had to be smiling down on us when we gathered around the table for this picture!
 Speaking of Dad, he would definitely be smiling down on the Engelke Easter tradition:  the annual springtime softball game!
 It was windy but warm enough to enjoy some fresh air together.
 Grandpa's love for baseball carries on!

 The cousins gathered for the Easter Egg Hunt!  Another fun family tradition...but "under 4s" get to go first!
 Joseph and  Christopher found an egg in a tree...good thing for big brothers!
 That was Saturday.  This was Easter Sunday...and also Wynne's birthday!
Up and at 'em Early Easter Morning...note the Easter Bunny left a cross of eggs on the walk...
 The kids search for eggs and baskets.  Shae looks a little tired, but it's never too early to get up on Easter morning!?
 The girls inspect the loot....jelly beans, candy we haven't had since Lent...and Reese's PB Eggs...the best!!
 Daddy helps Little Bear snag an egg from the "Martha Stewart Potting Shed" :)
 Our family poses by the flower-filled cross after a wonderful worship service.  The kids are getting bigger!
 Easter Sunday we hosted most of the family with a wonderful potluck at our house.  (Two days in a row of family gatherings...happy to host them both!)  The sad thing was that it was the first time in Mark's life that Easter dinner wasn't held at his grandparents' home in Dubuque.  Great Grandma Joan fell and had hip surgery last week.  We missed her and her cooking a lot, but we finished out our Easter celebration with a visit to see her.  She's a strong lady and we pray for a steady rehab!  In the meantime, HAPPY EASTER to all.  He has risen for us ALL!
Ally, Aunt Linda, Paige, Grandma Jan, Great Grandma Joan, Shae, Wynne, & Cy

And Jesus Christ our Lord was shown to be the Son of God when God powerfully raised him from the dead by means of the Holy Spirit. Through Christ, God has given us the privilege and authority to tell Gentiles everywhere what God has done for them, so that they will believe and obey him, bringing glory to his name.--Romans 1:4-5

Tuesday, April 8, 2014

ELEVEN TIMES TWO!!

This post is about a month late, but having all of these girls overnight wiped me out for 3 weeks :) :) 

Lily, Brooklyn, Paige, Mandi, Anna, Sydney; back- Lexie, Shae


The NIGHT after a sleepover.........cranky, tired, had to wake them up for their official family birthday celebration!!


My favorite thing about the twins' birthday is seeing how they prepare for each other's gifts.  This is something we don't have to tell them to do; they instinctively want to get their twin a special gift, and this year was the best yet.  Paige wants to be a fashion designer and created a long-sleeved sparkly t-shirt with Shae's initials.  Shae knows how much Paige loves sock monkeys, so she made her a "funky monkey" out of brightly-colored socks.  They were so proud to give...and so excited to receive!  This picture just warms my heart as their mom :)
 Happy 11th Birthday, Paige Elizabeth!  You are zany, fiercely devoted to your causes (to the point of aggravation for the rest of us), my wacky waffle-maker,  fun, and sweet.
 Happy Birthday, Shae Isabel!  This picture doesn't show it, but you are my tidy-haired sports girl who loves to read read READ, my super-duper laundry folder, sensitive and loving.
 Can you believe these girlies were in NICU over a decade ago?  and made their return trip to the hospital at age one?  They're growing strong and smart and I can't keep up with them.  Mom and Dad are so proud of you, little ladies!

Love you bunches!!

But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To him be glory both now and forever! Amen.--2 Peter 3:18