Christmas time is fast approaching.
I still have shopping to do.
Trying to keep focused on the true meaning of this season, and disappointed in the stress the holidays bring, but it's my favorite time of the year. Families gather, friends too, to celebrate God's gift of His Son to us, our Savior, and the greatest gift EVER given for us. It's our choice if we receive it, and our choice of what we do once we have received it. We can share this gift (the Good News) with others, so that they also receive the gift, or we can keep it to ourselves. The older I become, the more important it is for me to share, but also, sometimes, harder. All God wants us to do is bring others into His kingdom, that is MISSION work for those of us who believe. Each one of us is called to be on Mission for HIM.
Our church is challenging us to get out there and invest in the lives of others. I'm so thankful, for my church and for the challenge of living my life, ON MISSION! God has placed us where He wants us, and so thankful for this season, and for the new friends that have been given. So blessed, so blessed indeed.
Here's hoping you have a very Merry CHRISTmas, and a happy New year!
Denise
Thursday, December 8, 2011
Friday, November 4, 2011
dreaming...of home.
Seems like lately, all I do is day dream. Those desires of one day being at home full-time and doing the things I enjoy. Crafting is a big thing I have always enjoyed. Sewing, crocheting, scrapbooking, creating. Something about it is calming. Going to be doing some "crafting" for the upcoming season of giving.
I miss the days when I was home. Home is definitely, a place I can retreat to. (if it's clean!) Our home was built in 1905. You could say, it has a LOT of character, some of which are major flaws, but mainly, it's HOME.
Home is definitely where my heart is, but it would not be there, if the FAMILY was not there as well.
Looking forward to the Thanksgiving festivities, and also the CHRISTmas season fast approaching. ONLY because family will be gathered and new memories will be created.
Blessings to you all,
Denise
I miss the days when I was home. Home is definitely, a place I can retreat to. (if it's clean!) Our home was built in 1905. You could say, it has a LOT of character, some of which are major flaws, but mainly, it's HOME.
Home is definitely where my heart is, but it would not be there, if the FAMILY was not there as well.
Looking forward to the Thanksgiving festivities, and also the CHRISTmas season fast approaching. ONLY because family will be gathered and new memories will be created.
Blessings to you all,
Denise
Thursday, September 8, 2011
Fall....continuing this journey...
Fall, such a crisp, fresh time of year. The sound of leaves crunching under your feet, the smells of the fresh breeze when you have your windows opened and no longer need the a/c running! This is the time of year I love and long for. Although I love the summer season, this summer was H O T! Fall, you are welcome and I love this season and the moments on this journey of life.
Our families journeys include:
Morgan: off to Colorado to attend college. She is rooming with a childhood friend, Tori. They became friends in the 3rd grade. You hardly ever saw them apart. They were always together. Either at our house, or at the Broyers. These are the times I saw true friendship develop. It's always a blessing to see such friendships develop in your children. In the 5th grade, Tori's family decided to move to Shawnee, KS. After a couple of years here, they moved on to Oregon. From Oregon, to Colorado, where they call home. Morgan and Tori remained friends throughout these years, and I'm so thankful for that bond. Tori's family are also like a 2nd family for her, and with her so far from home, this gives me comfort, knowing they are close. From what I can tell, Morgan is adjusting well to college and loves it in Colorado. I'm sure, her missing some 1st this year from the normal Sandberg traditions, like the Santa Cali Gon Days, where Cassie and the Midflight took the community stage to perform their 1st concert, and having to listen via cell phone during the entire concert, most certainly brought tears to her eyes, but this is just one of many other things she will have to adjust to while being in Colorado. Please remember her as she is on this new journey in her life. Pray also, that she will find a church family there, that she can continue to grow spiritually.
Cassie: In her last semester of school, to complete her Associates in Business. Then she will be focusing on her music career. Writing lyrics and music, is her calling. She has been given the talent of her voice and also the talent of her writing. I'm so thankful, that she is responding to this awesome opportunity that God has given her. I think of her as brave and I look up to her for following the call. She is continuing to work part-time, but she wants to use this time to work on her songs, so that by summer she will be ready to make her first CD. She is blessed to have many friends and family that support her and encourage her along this journey. I know, that if she continues to be faithful to the calling, that God will lead her to many blessings! Not that it will be easy, nothing that God ever calls one to do is EASY. Please continue praying for her and this journey.
Ignacio: he is on a journey too, his first in the United States. This boy, 15 years old, from Madrid, Spain has captured our hearts. I think of him as brave, for coming to a foreign land, so far from home, family, friends to step out on his own, to learn who he is. To trust us as his family, is also brave! and I feel very blessed to have the opportunity to be his host mom. I know Rob and the girls feel it too. He is also taking on American football! He has never played before, and knows little about the sport, but each day, he learns something. He is kicker right now for JV and Varsity. He does well for never playing. I know he gets frustrated from the losses the teams have taken, but each day, I know, he is learning what it means to be a part of a school, a team, and the spirit of being part of the TEAM. I know he probably came with many expectations, I hope that he will not be disappointed, but that he enjoys his time here in the USA, and also his time with our family. The most important part of this year that I want him to experience, is building close relationships/friendships. Friendships that will never end. Please pray for Iggy (his nickname on the football team), that his time here would be everything GOD would have it be, in every way.
ROB & ME: our journey..things are changing for us. Back in June, God continued to lead us in a new direction. From a church we once called family. This is so new for us, to be in a search mode for a new church, to be seeking for a new body of believers, a church family. Not that we don't consider our friends from our past church any different, but we are not part of that body any longer, so that has changed. The meaningful friendships that we made there as we served over 23 years of our marriage, raised our children there, that has not changed. Those closest to us, know that without a doubt. God is using this time, to stretch us, to get us out of our comfy place and give us a yearning heart for HIM! What an awesome place to be. It's scary at times, but I know we are exactly where HE wants us. Too many of us get too comfortable, and then, we take so much for granted. I'm excited to be where we are right now, cause I know, the one who holds tomorrow, knows exactly where HE wants us, we just have to be faithful and join HIM where He wants us to be.
Also, our journey in parenting has changed. We have two adults now, no longer considered children. Parenting continues to humble me, cause I have no idea what I am doing! And they probably would agree! I look at my two girls, and I can't believe they are mine. Where did the years go, oh how fast each year goes by, and it goes by in the blink of an eye. So much I wish I would have done differently, but that too has passed, and we move on. Each day is a new day, to start fresh. I am far from a perfect mother, oh how I know that so well. I wish I could have been everything for them that they needed, but I know I have fallen short in so many ways. We want to be parents who always pray for our kids. To always be there to support and show them they are loved, I don't think there is any age that they will ever reach where we stop doing that.
Being a Host parent is also something new. Although we have done it before, (Lena from Russia), it was done at a time when we were still parenting our own child. This time, with two adults, we are again parenting, a child that was not born into our family, but has joined us for the next 10 months. An instant 15 year old! AND A BOY! Some people think we are crazy for doing what we do with volunteering with AFS, but it feels normal to me. These bonds we are building are forever. They come here as strangers, but they leave here, as family. I have a daughter, Lena from Moscow, Russia, and now, a son, Ignacio, from Madrid, Spain. Although we are still growing in our relationship with Ignacio, he is fitting in well with our family. There is a connection there. I'm very thankful for the experience of being a host parent to these amazing people!
Pray for us, as we continue this journey...
So, this is what's going on in our family! New adventures around every turn. Thankful to serve an amazing God who loves us in spite of ourselves. So thankful!
Happy Fall!
Denise
Our families journeys include:
Morgan: off to Colorado to attend college. She is rooming with a childhood friend, Tori. They became friends in the 3rd grade. You hardly ever saw them apart. They were always together. Either at our house, or at the Broyers. These are the times I saw true friendship develop. It's always a blessing to see such friendships develop in your children. In the 5th grade, Tori's family decided to move to Shawnee, KS. After a couple of years here, they moved on to Oregon. From Oregon, to Colorado, where they call home. Morgan and Tori remained friends throughout these years, and I'm so thankful for that bond. Tori's family are also like a 2nd family for her, and with her so far from home, this gives me comfort, knowing they are close. From what I can tell, Morgan is adjusting well to college and loves it in Colorado. I'm sure, her missing some 1st this year from the normal Sandberg traditions, like the Santa Cali Gon Days, where Cassie and the Midflight took the community stage to perform their 1st concert, and having to listen via cell phone during the entire concert, most certainly brought tears to her eyes, but this is just one of many other things she will have to adjust to while being in Colorado. Please remember her as she is on this new journey in her life. Pray also, that she will find a church family there, that she can continue to grow spiritually.
Cassie: In her last semester of school, to complete her Associates in Business. Then she will be focusing on her music career. Writing lyrics and music, is her calling. She has been given the talent of her voice and also the talent of her writing. I'm so thankful, that she is responding to this awesome opportunity that God has given her. I think of her as brave and I look up to her for following the call. She is continuing to work part-time, but she wants to use this time to work on her songs, so that by summer she will be ready to make her first CD. She is blessed to have many friends and family that support her and encourage her along this journey. I know, that if she continues to be faithful to the calling, that God will lead her to many blessings! Not that it will be easy, nothing that God ever calls one to do is EASY. Please continue praying for her and this journey.
Ignacio: he is on a journey too, his first in the United States. This boy, 15 years old, from Madrid, Spain has captured our hearts. I think of him as brave, for coming to a foreign land, so far from home, family, friends to step out on his own, to learn who he is. To trust us as his family, is also brave! and I feel very blessed to have the opportunity to be his host mom. I know Rob and the girls feel it too. He is also taking on American football! He has never played before, and knows little about the sport, but each day, he learns something. He is kicker right now for JV and Varsity. He does well for never playing. I know he gets frustrated from the losses the teams have taken, but each day, I know, he is learning what it means to be a part of a school, a team, and the spirit of being part of the TEAM. I know he probably came with many expectations, I hope that he will not be disappointed, but that he enjoys his time here in the USA, and also his time with our family. The most important part of this year that I want him to experience, is building close relationships/friendships. Friendships that will never end. Please pray for Iggy (his nickname on the football team), that his time here would be everything GOD would have it be, in every way.
ROB & ME: our journey..things are changing for us. Back in June, God continued to lead us in a new direction. From a church we once called family. This is so new for us, to be in a search mode for a new church, to be seeking for a new body of believers, a church family. Not that we don't consider our friends from our past church any different, but we are not part of that body any longer, so that has changed. The meaningful friendships that we made there as we served over 23 years of our marriage, raised our children there, that has not changed. Those closest to us, know that without a doubt. God is using this time, to stretch us, to get us out of our comfy place and give us a yearning heart for HIM! What an awesome place to be. It's scary at times, but I know we are exactly where HE wants us. Too many of us get too comfortable, and then, we take so much for granted. I'm excited to be where we are right now, cause I know, the one who holds tomorrow, knows exactly where HE wants us, we just have to be faithful and join HIM where He wants us to be.
Also, our journey in parenting has changed. We have two adults now, no longer considered children. Parenting continues to humble me, cause I have no idea what I am doing! And they probably would agree! I look at my two girls, and I can't believe they are mine. Where did the years go, oh how fast each year goes by, and it goes by in the blink of an eye. So much I wish I would have done differently, but that too has passed, and we move on. Each day is a new day, to start fresh. I am far from a perfect mother, oh how I know that so well. I wish I could have been everything for them that they needed, but I know I have fallen short in so many ways. We want to be parents who always pray for our kids. To always be there to support and show them they are loved, I don't think there is any age that they will ever reach where we stop doing that.
Being a Host parent is also something new. Although we have done it before, (Lena from Russia), it was done at a time when we were still parenting our own child. This time, with two adults, we are again parenting, a child that was not born into our family, but has joined us for the next 10 months. An instant 15 year old! AND A BOY! Some people think we are crazy for doing what we do with volunteering with AFS, but it feels normal to me. These bonds we are building are forever. They come here as strangers, but they leave here, as family. I have a daughter, Lena from Moscow, Russia, and now, a son, Ignacio, from Madrid, Spain. Although we are still growing in our relationship with Ignacio, he is fitting in well with our family. There is a connection there. I'm very thankful for the experience of being a host parent to these amazing people!
Pray for us, as we continue this journey...
So, this is what's going on in our family! New adventures around every turn. Thankful to serve an amazing God who loves us in spite of ourselves. So thankful!
Happy Fall!
Denise
Friday, August 12, 2011
8/11/11 & 8/12/11 (Day 1 and Day 2)
Day 1:
Picked up Ignacio (Nacho) at the Marriot by the airport at 4:15pm.
Drove to the city to show Ignacio the downtown area. He enjoyed that.
Headed to Rob's boy's basketball team's games - we had 2 games back to back! Ignacio enjoyed sitting on the bench with Rob & the team.
8:30pm - we head to 54th Street Bar & Grille for dinner.
His 1st meal with us - Bacon Cheeseburger & fries.
Come home, all tired...Cassie & Morgan had friends over for the evening, and the old folks headed to bed around 10:15pm.
Ignacio calls it a night at 10:30pm!
It's been a FULL day! A GREAT day!
Day 2:
So far, Ignacio was up at 7am to be the school at 7:30am! To sign up for his classes!
I'm sure he is home resting now getting ready for the scrimmage blue & gold football game tonight! Yes, he's playing FOOTBALL!
Rob is working from home today.
Morgan is home today - probably working on her Thank you notes (still) and packing up for Colorado. That day is fast approaching.
Cass and I have to work today.
Hopefully everyone will get to nap today too!
That's it so far!
BUSY and having a great time!
Denise
Picked up Ignacio (Nacho) at the Marriot by the airport at 4:15pm.
Drove to the city to show Ignacio the downtown area. He enjoyed that.
Headed to Rob's boy's basketball team's games - we had 2 games back to back! Ignacio enjoyed sitting on the bench with Rob & the team.
8:30pm - we head to 54th Street Bar & Grille for dinner.
His 1st meal with us - Bacon Cheeseburger & fries.
Come home, all tired...Cassie & Morgan had friends over for the evening, and the old folks headed to bed around 10:15pm.
Ignacio calls it a night at 10:30pm!
It's been a FULL day! A GREAT day!
Day 2:
So far, Ignacio was up at 7am to be the school at 7:30am! To sign up for his classes!
I'm sure he is home resting now getting ready for the scrimmage blue & gold football game tonight! Yes, he's playing FOOTBALL!
Rob is working from home today.
Morgan is home today - probably working on her Thank you notes (still) and packing up for Colorado. That day is fast approaching.
Cass and I have to work today.
Hopefully everyone will get to nap today too!
That's it so far!
BUSY and having a great time!
Denise
Thursday, August 11, 2011
a new journey begins...today
Today, we are heading out soon to pick up Ignacio. He is from Madrid, Spain. Today, is a day, our family will begin a new journey.....
We are excited.
We are excited.
Tuesday, July 26, 2011
Life, in general...
It's a journey.
Plain and simple, but sometimes, complicated.
Emotions
Feelings
it's all there.
The upcoming months, I would say is a journey I have not looked forward to.
Letting go.
You hold them in your arms and nurture them, love them, quiet them, love on them, change them, feed them, sing and rock them, teach them how to do all of lifes lessons, and then, there it is, they grow up right before your eyes. This heart is heavy. I am sad. I am happy. I have all kinds of things I'm fighting within, but the hardest, is letting go. I have done it before. Each time, it does not get easier. It's just something no one can help you with.
I leave it with God. I have to. He knows me better than I know myself, He knows my girl, better than I do. He loves her more. I trust Him. My faith is in Him.
mom
Plain and simple, but sometimes, complicated.
Emotions
Feelings
it's all there.
The upcoming months, I would say is a journey I have not looked forward to.
Letting go.
You hold them in your arms and nurture them, love them, quiet them, love on them, change them, feed them, sing and rock them, teach them how to do all of lifes lessons, and then, there it is, they grow up right before your eyes. This heart is heavy. I am sad. I am happy. I have all kinds of things I'm fighting within, but the hardest, is letting go. I have done it before. Each time, it does not get easier. It's just something no one can help you with.
I leave it with God. I have to. He knows me better than I know myself, He knows my girl, better than I do. He loves her more. I trust Him. My faith is in Him.
mom
Wednesday, July 6, 2011
thoughts....
A lot on my mind these days.
Hosting another AFS Student.
A Boy this time.
Lots of things on my TO DO list that I'd like to be done before August gets here.
Trying to have fun, during the busyness of life.
A new season for our family as we are searching for a new place to worship.
Excited, and ready for this change.
Trying to stay focused on what is most important.
Family, it is changing.
Doing the right thing, seems to look different "in the world view".
Going to God's Word for guidance, is the most logical place to go.
Loving this life I've been given, and praying, I can make a difference in the lives of others.
Posting more later, with photos of what's been happening in our lives most recently.
Denise
Hosting another AFS Student.
A Boy this time.
Lots of things on my TO DO list that I'd like to be done before August gets here.
Trying to have fun, during the busyness of life.
A new season for our family as we are searching for a new place to worship.
Excited, and ready for this change.
Trying to stay focused on what is most important.
Family, it is changing.
Doing the right thing, seems to look different "in the world view".
Going to God's Word for guidance, is the most logical place to go.
Loving this life I've been given, and praying, I can make a difference in the lives of others.
Posting more later, with photos of what's been happening in our lives most recently.
Denise
Monday, May 23, 2011
GRADUATION!
SHE IS FREE!
WELL, the day came and went. She is done with high school! Can't believe how fast the time went.
From my last post, I wasn't ready. It's not like I have a choice, each day seems to go by faster than the one before. But the day came, the weather cooperated (thankfully), and she is HAPPY to be done. A milestone in her life, one of many, and many more yet to achieve and experience.
She is ready, but nervous and scared. She is not alone. We all have been there! Excited and scared all at the same time. The adventure into the great unknown. Decisions and choices now will impact her more now, than ever before. She is ready. She has her faith to hold on to, and she has us, her family.
A Note to Morgan:
The day you graduated there was so much excitement. The happiness only reminded me of the day you entered our world. You had family and friends there to love on you, and hold you, and tell you how much you are loved and how proud we/they are of you. There were camera's flashing all around to catch this time in your life. You were the center of all our attention this special day in May, just as you were that snowy day in December, 18 years ago. As your mom, I have to tell you, how much I love you. How much happiness you have brought into my life. The precious little girl who loved to keep me awake into the wee hours of the night, with those precious blue eyes and just soak in the attention, is now, a beautiful blue eyed young lady, who still loves to get my attention. ;0) You have added to our family so much joy.
I am excited for you as you end this chapter in your life, and begin the next one. There will be tough days ahead of you, they can't always be filled with sunshine and smiles. Remember though, during the tough times, you are never alone. There will always be rainbows that fill the sky after the storm. We are here for you always during the happy celebrations and also during those tough times. Keep your eyes on Christ, and let HIM keep you grounded in His knowledge and wisdom. Proverbs 3:5-6 is such a comforting verse, and will help you keep your mind on what matters most. "Trust in the Lord with all your heart, And do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make your paths straight."
mom, morgan, dad, Cassie
CONGRATULATIONS MORGAN!
Monday, May 2, 2011
GRADUATION MONTH
OH DEAR!
It's May!!!!!
This momma is not ready!
This momma is not ready to even think about being ready!
Where has the time gone?
What have I been doing all this time?
Procrastinating!
YES, that's what I have been doing!
Why you ask? Because, I am not ready! Not ready to call it an end to her high school days.
I remember like yesterday, the summer before she started high school, as we were driving by the high school.....she says "Mom, I don't want to go there, or grow up."
Well...here it is, May, 2011, the year she graduates from that place a few years ago that she didn't want to go to.....
My TO DO list is growing as we approach graduation Day in May!
May 22nd!!!!! 20 days from now!!!!! NO, I'm not ready......
Now, that I've talked enough about me....I wonder about HER.
What is going through her mind?
Is she frightened of this new phase that is fast approaching?
Is she ready?
Is she happy?
Is she super excited?
I can't imagine everything that she must be thinking right now....but I do know, with confidence, that she is bright, intelligent, and beautiful (inside and out). She may fear the unknown, but she is a conqueror! If she puts her mind to it, she can accomplish whatever she wants to! She has her faith that no one can take away! She will always have her family, and we support her wholeheartedly! and her family loves her more than she can ever imagine!
Posting photos soon!
Denise
It's May!!!!!
This momma is not ready!
This momma is not ready to even think about being ready!
Where has the time gone?
What have I been doing all this time?
Procrastinating!
YES, that's what I have been doing!
Why you ask? Because, I am not ready! Not ready to call it an end to her high school days.
I remember like yesterday, the summer before she started high school, as we were driving by the high school.....she says "Mom, I don't want to go there, or grow up."
Well...here it is, May, 2011, the year she graduates from that place a few years ago that she didn't want to go to.....
My TO DO list is growing as we approach graduation Day in May!
May 22nd!!!!! 20 days from now!!!!! NO, I'm not ready......
Now, that I've talked enough about me....I wonder about HER.
What is going through her mind?
Is she frightened of this new phase that is fast approaching?
Is she ready?
Is she happy?
Is she super excited?
I can't imagine everything that she must be thinking right now....but I do know, with confidence, that she is bright, intelligent, and beautiful (inside and out). She may fear the unknown, but she is a conqueror! If she puts her mind to it, she can accomplish whatever she wants to! She has her faith that no one can take away! She will always have her family, and we support her wholeheartedly! and her family loves her more than she can ever imagine!
Posting photos soon!
Denise
Wednesday, March 16, 2011
It's March 2011
What can I say about Morgan Fae-Lynn. She was nicknamed moonbeam because from day one when she came home from the hospital, she had her days and nights mixed up. She was happiest and most alert in the late night. Sleeping ALL day. Many and most nights I would be in the rocking chair, singing songs from a hymnal. Now, I'm not the best singer, but when I would sing to her and rock her, she would look up to me with her sparkling blue eyes and smile underneath her paci. I remember her just looking at me, not taking her eyes off me. I could feel the trust she had in me at that moment. We would rock and sing, for hours. As she grew older, she became more independent. She would watch her big sister. You could tell she was studying her. Trying to figure out how she was moving around so freely, when she did not even know how to crawl. I have many photos of the time Morgan started to learn how to crawl. She would get up on all fours, and would shift back and forth looking like at any moment she was going to take off. Cassie was so excited to see her up and would always come tell me, MOMMA Morgan is going to crawl, come see! I would come in to find her body shifting forward and backward and Cassie and I would begin to count, 1 2 3 GO! Morgan would smile so big, she was happy just right where she was! The day she figured out how to crawl, that day, her world and our world was never the same. She was a curious little thing and had to touch everything. It was not long after crawling that she began pulling up. From that point, I think she began walking within just a couple of weeks, and was walking by about 11 months. She was the tiniest little thing. She would follow her sister around and Cassie was ever so gentle with her and was so good to sit down and play with her. We read a lot of books. We read a lot of the cat and the hat books, and even Cassie had memorized a couple, so she would read books to Morgan. They both loved to read.
I thank God for the opportunity we had at that time, for me to be a stay at home momma. I remember many days we would have pj day, just because I didn't have time to change my clothes! Yes, I would even still be in them when Rob would come home from work. I know the first thing he thought of was "did you do anything today?". Of course, I did! Any mother knows, there is laundry to be done, clothes to be folded and put away, meals to prepare, dishes to do, toys to be played with and books to be read, hugs and snuggles, and kisses too. Those days were busy days.
OH how I miss those days. I look at my girls, what wonderful, beautiful girls they have become and are becoming. But, I miss the hugs, kisses, and the singing and rocking. I remember the moment I realized they did not need me as they use to....it made me feel empty. That's all I had known for so long. Now, they could do and go on their own.
Morgan, is now a senior. Wow. Her year is almost over. It seems like yesterday we had her outside taking photos of her walking to her first day of kindergarten. She will be walking across that stage soon, and soon begin a new and exciting chapter in her life. I can't tell you countless prayers this momma has prayed for her girls. The excitement I have for both of them as they leave home that first time for college....the unknown. My heart aches for them as they leave, but it also is joyful, because they are so happy. So many mixed emotions for all. But it's a time to rejoice the accomplishments! Parties and lots of laughter will soon be had!
So blessed,
 |
| Sandberg Family |
Wednesday, March 9, 2011
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