Hello again Friends! 

 It’s been 6 months (today!) since the Lord called John home.  Thank you for your patience while we try to get our feet back under us.  Here’s an update on our family happenings.

First, this day began with the news that John was the recipient of the Industry Strength Award!  Apparently, at the PNSAA Conference , Jim (Dad Ellis) was asked to accept the award on John’s behalf----to a standing applause!  Jim was the first recipient of the award, and John is the 16^th.  They are the first Father/Son to receive it!  His legacy continues!  I am grateful for this honor for him!

We miss him every day!  Grieving is hard work.  But God is with us every step of the way, and we are indeed blessed!  There is so much to be thankful for!  Here are just a few…

John provided well for us while he was living, and continues to do so.  I am able to continue to be a full time Mom, which was his wishes, so I can better ride out the “earthquake” with the kids. So grateful for God’s provision through John!  I am thankful every day for this gift!

We were also blessed with our three children!  They continue to be a source of joy----so grateful the Lord gave us kids, these kids!!  They continue to keep me busy as I try and keep up with their activities. 

The last month, for instance, has been a hectic one!  Jessica fractured her nose as the softball season began, losing the ball in the sun.  I had minor surgery, followed by Laura’s chicken pox!  Spring break was just what we needed, a” STAYcation”, allowing me to recover as a took care of Laura’s “Polk-a-dots”!  Then Jessica broke her ankle stealing second base!  (Fibula fractured in 2 places, sprained ankle, & sprained high ankle!) She was safe AND her substitute runner got her home! So, we have the first cast in our home.  Nathan just got his drivers license!  Yeah!  Another driver!  So thankful to be widowed with kids still at home!

I have been given some good books on grieving and I will finish up Grief Share next week.  As hard as this process is, I am thankful for the journey.  It wouldn’t be hard if we didn’t love him so much! We were blessed with the gift of time and there are no regrets! And we have a large circle of family and friends walking this with us! So thankful for ALL of you!! Family & Friends, Northview Bible Church and Stehekin Community, Teachers and Coaches, Neighbors----we are so grateful for each of you! 

And John has loved on us from the other side of heaven!  First was a Christmas Gift that now hangs over our fireplace.  A scene of the ocean on the Oregon Coast, called “Days End”.  The attached card read “to remind us of the 2 great anniversaries we celebrated and all the family vacations we took there”. The kids received their notes of encouragement while in Stehekin, bringing in the New Year.   I was given a love letter, entrusted to Jessica, on what would have been our 21^st wedding anniversary. And just recently, the kids (for the first time) received separate birthday cards from their parents.

The kids and I are doing well, considering!  We have much laughter and enjoy each other more and more!  So thankful for our Savior and the Hope of heaven!  

Our hope is increasing, indeed!