May 1st - Summer is on the way, and so is change...

 

Change is coming.

Not only in the weather, but also in our family.

Our oldest, Cassie has moved out and away from home.

I was expecting the move out part, but the moving away part,

not so much.

However, she is happy, and as far as I know, she is loving

her new home,

TEXAS.

It's been 5 weeks since she has moved out.

 

Where has the time gone?

Each day seems to pass faster than the day before.

I look in the mirror and I wonder where that

young, fresh faced Denise went.

The clock keeps ticking, and seems that I feel I can't catch up.

I'm at that phase in life where I wish I could have

days back to relive.

I so miss the times when I was a stay at home mommy.

Where we'd play and read and play some more.

Now, my days are filled with work and things I really

don't enjoy doing at all.

BUT, I know there is a purpose for me here, and

doing the things I don't really care for.

One could say, God is building my character.

LOL

But I know I'm being the helpmate God asked me to be,

the day I said I DO to my one and only love.

 

Summer is fast approaching and

change is in the air.

 

We will be empty nesters starting June 25th.

At first, I have to admit I was dreading the day,

but now, I'm welcoming it.

It means I will get to spend time with my husband again,

just him and I. 

I will miss having my house filled with the voices

of my girls, and their laughter and fussing,

yes, I will miss the fussing, but

I know they are both where they are suppose to be.

 

Morgan is going to be an intern this summer for

God's Mountain Ministries.

God is showing her (whether she knows it or not) where

her talents lie.  She is a remarkable young lady

who loves kids and it shows in how she interacts

with them and how she truly gives each one

her undivided attention.

I'm proud of the passion she has to want to be a part

of an amazing experience she will have this summer

at God's Mountain.

 

 

I really miss my girls.  I really miss them.

I wish we would have hugged more.

Did I say I really miss them?

 

I'm looking forward to the week Cassie will be

here for a visit, and a wedding.

Also, Morgan will be home for a couple of weeks

before she is off to God's Mountain for the summer.

At least, Morgan will be close, and her dad and I

can travel up to see her, take her out to dinner,

and just spend time with her.

 

We are planning a trip to Texas to visit Cassie.

Hoping to spend time with her and her

showing us around her new town and home.

Hoping also we can be there in time to listen

to her sing with a group of musicians - they call

themselves Tree House. (look them up on

facebook and LIKE them!)

 

So, this summer things are changing.

I'm going to welcome it.

I'm going to enjoy the time I have with Rob.

We will get to know each other in a whole new way,

like we once knew each other before, before children.

It will be a time for us to grow closer

and plan our future.

 

Change is good, Yes?

Yes, I believe so.

 

Come on Summer, let's get started.

 

 

 

that looks different around every corner

Cassie

Cassie & Morgan, Colorado Fall 2012



 Every day is a new day.  I'm thankful for each and every day, some days more than others.

It's hard, this thing called parenthood.  You hear so many people say, I know how you feel. I'm certain some do.  I'm certain, some don't (even when they say they do). 

This week, my husband and I watched our daughter pack up her things, those things most important to her, and put them in bags, vacuum seal bags, and drive off, to a different state to live.  She is old enough to take this step, but as a mother, you can't but help feel helpless seeing your daughter take this step in life. It kind of reminds me of her first steps.  You're there, ready to pick her up if she falls, but all the while telling her "come on baby, you can do this, look at you, what a big girl" and all the other phrases we parents say to encourage them to that next step.  That's what we've done. We've been there all along to encourage. To prepare her for this step in life, called, leaving home. It's heart breaking though for us that our time has come (so fast) where she has got this, she doesn't need us to pick her back up, to get her foot steady for that next step, she can do this on her own.  One thing about it though, we will always be ready to go help her, pick her up, help her be steady on her feet if she were ever to need it.  She knows we've got her back.  She knows, home is going to be there as long as God allows. 
Our home though, is never going to quite feel the same.  It's that next phase in life for the Sandberg household. 

We still have one at home really, even though she is away to college, she is still home.  We know though, that it is probably coming sooner than we'll be ready for, but again, we'll be there all the way, encouraging her, and helping her get her foot steady enough to take that step.  It's what we do as parents.  There comes a time when we have to let them go, let them sore on their own. It's their time, they will learn so many things, sometimes it's from doing things the hard way/wrong way, but it's still a growing/learning experience that they need to experience.  I can't be a parent that will limit my child on their desires or dreams, or tell them they can't go live someplace that isn't close to home, I just can't do that.  I don't ever want to make them feel that they are obligated to being close to their family. I can't imagine that being a good feeling to have.  My parents never once made me ever feel that way, I am so thankful for that.  They allowed me to make that choice without swaying me one way or the other. They respected me, they loved me, and they let me grow, and they let me go. Even when my life was going through so many difficulties, I knew they were there, praying for me, encouraging me and ready to be there if I needed them. That's what I want to be like for my girls.  I want to see them sore, high, and reach for their desires, those desires I truly believe Christ has put in their hearts!  Of course, sometimes I just don't like it that they both choose to go far from home, I'm honest here, but it's NOT ABOUT ME! I will continue praying for them as I have all along, probably even more so now. 

So, yes, our home is quiet, and yes, we miss her, and we are learning. We are adjusting. We are excited to see what God has in store for our girl, for both of them!  I think the one thing that we will miss most is the laughter that went on in our home when it was filled with the girls and their friends.  That's what we will miss the most.  It's a new phase, and it's going to look different.  I'm just so thankful for all the blessings, and look forward to watching the blessings fall on my girls! It's an exciting time!
Denise

Sorry, I reread this and it's not very well written, but it is what it is. :) 

Taco Soup - perfect for cold days! Especially snowy days!

Taco soup. 2lbs of ground hamburger - cooked & drained

1 envelope of ranch dressing mix

1 envelope of taco seasoning

1 16 oz can corn (you can even use creme corn)

1 16 oz can ranch style beans

1 16 oz can pinto beans

1 10 oz can tomato & chilis (rotel)

2 16 oz can stewed (small diced) tomatoes

serve with corn chips/crackers/cornbread/rice & shredded cheese

super yummy (I use medium rotel cause we like it spicy -and I put 2 cans in it)

throw it all in a crock in the morning, it's good by noon, but BETTER by supper -

It's a recipe my mother gave me from her mother.

I hope you enjoy this as much as we have!  

Growing pains

You will have to excuse me, but this post may be a lot like throw up -
I have all kinds of thoughts/questions just floating around in my mind these days, just spewing out from time to time, so I'm going to attempt to spew them all out right now.

Why does time go by so fast?
If you could turn back the hands of time, what would I do differently? like in parenting?
What would I change, if I could?
Am I ready for this next phase...in my life?
Can one ever be ready? I mean, really?


Does anyone else have questions such as these?  This is just a few that I have been pondering.

As a mom, I hope that my children know that I hold them dear to my heart. That no matter what choices they make, good or bad, I won't love them any less.  Home is always there, to welcome them in with love & hugs, warm beds and their favorite foods. 

Parenting has not always been fun though. Those times of correction, or times when I myself have made a mistake, and have to humble myself to my children, it's tough I tell you.  BUT it's necessary, that they see you make the wrong, right!  I know I did not do this as often as I needed to!

I hope my girls will have forgiving hearts, because being able to forgive is what will FREE them and will give them peace and joy. Forgiveness means so much more to the one having to forgive, than the one expecting it or accepting it! 

Sometimes I wish time could just stop!

I'm having days of mourning it seems.

Having trouble letting go.

I know it's normal, so I've been told.

I'm sad one moment, excited the next.

Oh wait, maybe it's just menopause.

No, I'm not old enough so I'm told. (I don't believe that)

Throw up. Now you understand? 

Just so much on my mind.

I am trying to remember what I felt like when I was the one leaving home.  I do remember being very excited to be away from my parents and their ways.  Wanting so much to develop my own ways, my own life, my own beliefs. I remember wanting to please them, but also, wanting to please myself.  I was selfish back then, and it seems, I'm still selfish today. 

I've learned a lot in the past 25 years.  BUT I know I am just beginning to learn. 

When all this stuff is floating around in my mind, I am reminded, that it's just STUFF and even though some of it is important, I need to rely on Christ, each and everyday, to help me through the questions and thoughts of life.
Do you know the words to an old hymn, What a friend we have in Jesus. Here it is if you don't.

What a friend we have in Jesus,
all our sins and griefs to bear!
What a privilege to carry
everything to God in prayer!
O what peace we often forfeit,
O what needless pain we bear,
all because we do not carry
everything to God in prayer.

Have we trials and temptations?
Is there trouble anywhere?
We should never be discouraged;
take it to the Lord in prayer.
Can we find a friend so faithful
who will all our sorrows share?
Jesus knows our every weakness;
take it to the Lord in prayer.

Are we weak and heavy laden,
cumbered with a load of care?
Precious Savior, still our refuge;
take it to the Lord in prayer.
Do thy friends despise, forsake thee?
Take it to the Lord in prayer!
In his arms he'll take and shield thee;
thou wilt find a solace there.

I am human, I am not perfect.  I am a sinner and struggle like everyone else, but I love Jesus, and am so thankful for His saving grace!  His mercies are new every morning!  Lord, thank you, for cleaning up my throw up!

Our family is growing!

Welcome, Lucas Bru from Argentina

 

 

 

A year has gone by, and we had to say good bye to our boy, Ignacio back in June.



Christmas, 2011 with Ignacio/Me/Morgan/Rob & Cassie

 

It was a wonderful year with Ignacio.  He was our first boy in the Sandberg household.  We truly felt like he bacame one of us.  He was gracious, respectful, loving, funny, onery, and loved.  He accepted us, for who we are, and loved us in spite of it!  Many memories were made the 10 short months he was in our home.  Having the opportunity to travel to New York and meet his family, was a wonderful blessing.  We truly connected on this trip, and I feel like Ignacio's family is our family.  We look forward to getting to travel to Spain to meet them again, and also meet his extended family.  Ignacio, we love you and THANK you for giving us the opportunity to know you.

 

 

 

Lena, Christmas 2009

It's been 3 years since Lena was with us.  She lives in Moscow, Russia.  We have spent a few times skyping with her, but not as often as I wish we could.  The 8+ hours time difference makes that difficult.  I miss her  and her laughter.  Lena was our 1st experience with the AFS student exchange program. We were all a bit nervous.  We had some good times and we had some not so good times.  Having another girl in the house can cause tension at times and drama. (WHAT?)  When Lena was around, you can expect to hear her, and her laughter. (makes me smile just thinking about it)  She like Ignacio, accepted us for who we were, even our differences in opinions.  I believe this year was a great experience. It truly stretched us as a family, to look at ourselves through a lense we have never viewed ourselves through before.  It just amazes me how God can put love in your heart for someone as your own child, and how that love never fades, even many miles that are between us.  I still feel, and will always feel, like she is my daughter, who just happens to live in Russia.  I pray for her and her family.  I hope that one day, we will get the opportunity to see her again and meet her family.  I love you, Yelena Gorbacheva! 

 

 

Now, we have another boy in the house.  His name is Lucas Gaston Bru. He is 17 years old. His birthday is one week after mine! (Jan 23)  Not only does he share the same birthday month as me, he shares the same dislike of SEAFOOD as me!  He started with our family as just a welcome family, that is, when there is no placement for them, AFS needs welcome families to allow the students to stay until a family is found.  We had no intensions of hosting this year.  After hosting just the year before, we wanted to take a break.  Lucas came in, and we wouldn't let him go.  I am so glad he is with us.  We are still getting to know each other at this point.  He is a very confident young man. He is the oldest child in his household in Argentina. He is the youngest in our household.  This is different for him.  He is adjusting to the way we parent.  Our city has curfews and such, things he is not use to. Another adjustment for him, is having SISTERS!  He has two younger brothers at home.  They are 15 and 9 years old.  In our home, he has two OLDER sisters.  (I think he thinks of them as bossy at times - LOL, But that's what girls do)  He hasn't got to spend much time with Morgan because she is attending college in Colorado, but he has spent some time with Cassie.  It's fun to just set back and watch him interact with them.  I'm sure as the months continue to fly by, we will only grow more in love with him. 

 

Being a host family for these students have been so wonderful and life changing.  I won't lie and say every single minute is wonderful, because it's not always.  I will say though, that just like our own children, there are some not so wonderful times.  It's an adjustment for everyone.  BUT, you still love them, even when it's not so wonderful. I'm very thankful for all 3 of these young people who have become a part of our family.  Our lives have forever been changed because of them. 

 

 



Welcome to the family, Lucas!





December is here and the journey continues...

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

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

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

 

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

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.

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

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

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!  

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 March 2011

Here it is, the year my youngest is a senior in high school.  Please tell me where all the time has gone.  From the moment she entered the world, God blessed me and this family.

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

Denise

Blessings song lyrics performed by Laura Story

Blessings song lyrics performed by Laura Story

This is just a SMALL taste of what the Sandberg Summer has been like!

This summer has flown by! This is the photo of the Maywood Youth Mission Team that went to Minneapolis/St Paul Minnesota - Morgan & Rob went on this trip. This was Morgan's 1st Mission trip and she can't wait to go back to Minnesota to visit the church where they worked for the week. It was truly a growing experience for her.

Then in July, my neice, Megan got to come up for a visit - while she was here the girls got to see the Jonas Brothers in concert!

They had a great time.

After Megan's visit to Independence, we all went to Branson, MO with David, Valerie, Curtis & Caleb Williams for the weekend. IT was a great trip - which included go-carts, and SilverDollar City! Fun times and memories made on this trip - hope we can do it again!

After our weekend trip to Branson, Morgan and Megan went to Eagle Rock, MO for a week of camping out with their Grandma Hicks & PaPa Hicks. They enjoyed the week of tubing and swimming and just hanging out together! I'm very thankful Morgan and Megan are not only cousins, but are great friends.

After the camping trip with her cousin Megan and grandparents, Morgan leaves again for a weekend lake trip with the Carroll girls, Shannon & Molly. Megan Higgins went as well. Morgan has been very busy this summer!








We got a visit from our great friends from Des Moines, IA - the Willeys! Enjoyed their visit and the girls enjoyed the McCoy water park. I love these girls! and I miss them a lot! David & Erin's prayers have been answered and they moved into their new home this past weekend! God is faithful!





MEET LENA! Lena is finally here! We picked her up on Friday, August 14th! She is here from Moscow, Russia for 10 months! We have been so excited about her coming and now that she is here it has been so much fun getting to know her and to learn about her culture back home. We were so busy the week before she arrived - getting the house ready and her room - thanks for my parents and my in-laws for helping with that huge project! As each day passes we grow to love her more and more and I'm already at that point that I dread her going home. This is a huge adjustment for our family, but one I know we will all grow from! I hope that you all will get to meet her soon!




Cassie is off to SBU - 2nd year! Yes, a week after Lena arrives Rob heads off for a business trip for 10 days - to Minnesota and Georgia - and it also is the weekend we move Cassie back to SBU! So, nothing like Lena getting to know us better than to pack up and move Cassie to college. ;0) Not only did we pack her and move her, but we moved furniture once we got there- not once, but 2 or 3 times! ;0) We girls can do amazing things when we have to!


Cassie had a busy summer too - she worked by my side at the law office each day - running errands and helping out around the office and answering phones while I went on my lunch break - it was great having her around so much this summer - I miss her so much!


NOT only was it move in weekend for Cassie - it was also LENA's SWEET 16 birthday! ;0) So of course, after we move her stuff in and move furniture we had to take a lunch break and have a little Sandberg party for Lena - so at the local Pizza Hut we enjoyed lunch (it was 3:30pm! by then we were starving)
Lena enjoyed her presents and the pizza!





After lunch at Pizza Hut and a little party for Lena - we had to take Cassie back to her dorm room - it was time for us to leave and time for Cassie to unpack her stuff and settle in her new home for the next few months. Morgan, Lena, me and Daisy were headed to Eagle Rock for the night - time for Lena to meet her host grandparents!





Lena meets my parents. She is welcomed by my mom and dad and muffin (family dog)! She gets to visit with them a little then we have dinner - fried chicken, mashed potatos & gravy, green beans and then BIRTHDAY CAKE!

My mom got her a necklace "Y" for Yelena, and a YELLOW peace watch. She loved the birthday celebration and gifts and she especially loved the homemade cinnamon rolls! Lena loved the country and will for sure want to spend some time there!


Here are a few photos of the weekend in Eagle Rock.


















Sunday after church - it's time to head back home where Lena had an AFS gathering at Truman High School - here are a couple of photos of that evening -











This is a friend of Lena's - she is an AFS student from Germany who lived in Russia till she was 3 - and she spoke Russian - her family still speaks Russian - so Lena and her became fast friends!


THEN ON MONDAY - we had a surprise party at the local HiBoy for Lena! Friends from school and from Maywood came by to wish her a happy birthday! She was truly surprised and enjoyed the evening! Thanks all who came and made this so much fun for her! Here are some fun photos of that evenings events:

























Well...if you got thru this post you've done quite well. Did I mention that we have been busy? ;0)

Rob wasn't seen much in these photos, but it's because he is training for a new position at Jack Henry. He has been traveling quite a bit - Minnesota, Georgia, New York to name a few places he has been or will be going in the next few weeks! He is excited about what this new position and I am too cause it means once this training is done he will hopefully be around more!


Morgan and Lena are both playing tennis for Chrisman and last night was their 1st match - Morgan won both her matches and played JV2 - Lena is playing exebition and lost both of her matches - but she is learning - she has never played tennis before.


As you can see, we are busy - and I don't see things slowing down any time soon. I will try my best to keep this updated for all of you that are out of town - ;0)

Hope you get the opportunity to meet Lena and get to know! I feel blessed to have her here!


MUCH TO COME!

Denise

We are going to host an AFS Student! We are in the process of getting the application completed - its quite lengthy. We are excited -however it changes the last post totally - forget my entire list of To Do's - I have a new list!
I am currently flustered by all the things that I'd like to see get done before "she" arrives in August - only 30 days away! So many things that are not finished at our house, like our 2nd floor landing, the door frame in Morgans room needs to be fixed so that the door will SHUT- our new family member will be staying in Morgans room so we are currently cleaning out my craft room on the 3rd floor for Morgan to make her room - it's new up there - new carpet, newly painted - new windows - but we need to make it hers...so, we have work to do. UGH - time is getting away, and "she" will be here before we know it. "She" is Yelena, and she is from Russia. She is 15 and has many of the same interest as Cassie & Morgan. We are praying for a smooth transition, but I know many adjustments will have to be made on her part and on ours. She is coming into something SOOO new and we are so use to the way life is here and I know she is not. Just pray for our family that we will be very sensitive to her needs. She being only 15 (she actually turns 16 the 1st week she is here) - I know this will be difficult for her - leaving everything she knows to live with STRANGERS and well....I just know she must have so many things going through her mind as she prepares to come here and to also leave her friends and family. Just pray that she feels loved and cared for and that she will have a great experience here with our family in our home. I pray that our home will feel like home to her and that she feels "accepted" by all who meet her. Pray for us as we all make adjustments in our lives that we would be open to how God can use us for this time and this opportunity. I'm excited, and nervous.
Denise & family

JULY IS HERE! I don't know about you, but somedays I wish the days were longer, others, I wish they'd go by.....we should never wish our time away!
Thinking lately of what I have accomplished this summer.....NOT MUCH. I need to do so many things but just don't have the will power to just get in there and DO IT!
1)ORGANIZE my house/each room (and throw away STUFF I think I need, but don't!)
2)RE-DO my bedroom - I mean by that getting rid of stuff and redecorating - repainting - (this room has not been touched with anything new since we moved in about 14 years ago)
3)save money for a fenced in back yard - and then landscaping it so we can actually enjoy being outside!
4)scrape & paint the outside of our house
5)loose 5 lbs
6)each week, keep UP with everything!
7)don't be LATE to anything!
8)read my BIBLE EVERYDAY! and journal!
9)spend more time with family - (including parents, nieces, nephews)
10)keep my car cleaned out! (somehow my trunk fills up all its own)

That list, is it all that important? some of it is.....some of it, does not make a bit of difference to the Kingdom of God. (most of it doesn't) Seeking God daily is so much more important than dust on the furniture and worrying about keeping a house clean. Spending time with your children is so much more imortant than organizing your rooms in the house, or working in the yard....time with them is so fleeting, and it's gone before you can blink an eye. I miss so much the days of those little arms around my neck and those wet kisses and butterfly kisses....and those little handprints all over the mirrors and windows & doors! I miss so many lill' things with my girls, now that they are grown, I don't get as many hugs and kisses, and for some reason, they don't want to set on my lap! ;0) I enjoy the moments we do have, and the laughs we share. They are all very special to me. Time slips away so fast, kids grow up, become independent, and truth is, you aren't needed as you once were - they can fix their own food when they are hungry, and wash their own clothes, and fix their own hair....the list goes on. I'm happy with the adults that my children are becoming. They care and have passion for others. They love the Lord, although I know they struggle at times. They both know that their parents loves them deeply and will do anything for them, NO matter what. They know that they will be loved by us, NO matter what they do. I look forward to the times we will have in the future as they continue to grow into adults......go to college, finish college, have boyfriends, get engaged, get married, start their own families....I don't know if God will allow me to be here for all of that, but I do hope so. I'm very thankful for the gift(S) God has blessed me with - one, a loving husband - the gift of being a wife; 3 beautiful daugthers - the gift of being a mother; and many more.
I hope that each of you notice today the gifts and blessings you have. Spend some time writing them down, you will be amazed at how many you will have! ;0) Be thankful, and don't forget to Thank the One who allowed you to be blessed with them!
Love you all,
Denise