Father's Day

A repeat of last year's father's day post...worth sharing again to remind these wonderful men how very much they are loved and appreciated.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------

I sat down to write this post and became sidetracked looking through old photos. I laughed, I cried, I was reminded of how very, very blessed I have been by some amazing men in my life! My Daddy, my Popow, My Grandpaw, and Marcus as well as Marcus' Dad and Grandad.

My first love, the man that taught me how I should be treated, my hero and my first best friend was my Daddy. He is the most selfless person I've ever known. He has always been extremely busy with his work, but has always been there for me anytime I needed. When I was in high-school I was involved in a lot of sports and activities.  Even though Dad was working as a Principal at a High School with 1600 students as well as finishing his Doctoral degree, he never missed one event. Ever. Sometimes he'd come running in at the very end, but he was always there. He taught me how to change my oil, play the guitar, dig worms and bait my hook, lay a rock sidewalk, sing harmony, ride a bike, held me when I cried, and cheered me on when things went well. He has supported me even when he doesn't agree with the decisions and choices I make and he has always believed in me. He demonstrates for me over and over again the way that God must love his children through the way that He loves me. He is a man of integrity, faith,  hard work, and determination. He is everything that I hope to one day be and all that I want my kids to emulate. He taught me through his example how to love the Lord and how to serve. I could go on and on about my Daddy (maybe an idea for a future post?!). If you happen to read this, Dad, know that I am so grateful for the impact you have had on my life. Thank you for loving me, for believing in me, and for making me feel like I was accepted just as I am.

I am blessed by two amazing Grandfathers. One was called Popow and he was my Mom's Dad. He went to Heaven last year in June, so this will be our first Father's Day without him. The last time I was with him in his home was on Father's Day weekend last year. I took the kids by to see him and snapped this picture of him with Mack. He could hardly move at that point, yet insisted on making it to the fridge so that he could get out some Reeses cup treats for Karsyn and Kaydan. That evening after we left,  things started to take a turn for the worse, and within several days he was moved to Hospice.

My Popow was a GREAT Grandfather. He took us places, always bought us treats, would carry us around and do the "popow shuffle", made us beautiful things with his carpentry skills, made us laugh with his silly jokes or wiggling his ears, and loved us unconditionally. Popow was known as the 'chewing gum man' at our church and gave out a piece of gum to every child (and most adults) that came through the door of our church for many, many years. He knew our favorite kinds and would have them ready for us each time we saw him. He loved being a grandfather and a great grandfather. I have written about him before, and you can find that post here. Popow- I miss your hugs-they are still the best hugs I've ever had! I miss the way your house smelled. I miss your jokes and your smile.  I am so thankful for the example you set in how to be a Grandparent and to spend time investing in the lives of those you love, and for the example you set in loving our Lord. I am relieved to know that you are with Him now and that one day I will get to hug you again.

My other grandfather is called Grandpaw and he is doing well. Grandpaw is a man of few words, but when he speaks I know what he's going to share is very important and worth listening to! He is a hard worker and man of great strength. He pastored at the same church for 40 years and still keeps very busy preaching at a local retirement home, working in the garden, taking care of his cattle, chopping wood, and lots of other things. Even though he is often in a lot of pain physically, he never complains or quits. He just keeps working and doing his best. Growing up we lived right through the woods from Grandpaw and Granny so we were at their house a lot. He taught me how to play the fiddle, helped us with anything we needed, and one time even shot a snake for us that was in the pond where we wanted to fish. He is a man of great character and wisdom. I am so blessed by the example he has given us in how to lead your family and how to support them no matter what. He and my Granny have modeled for us that you trust in God no matter what. (future post coming on that as well). Grandpaw- I love you. Thank you for your sweet spirit and humble servant heart.

Which brings me to Marcus. When I married him, I had no idea that he would become such an amazing Daddy. Although I don't tell him nearly enough, he is a wonderful father to our kids. He works hard to provide for them and then when he gets home each evening he works even harder investing into their lives. He is teaching Karsyn how she should be treated by her future spouse, and teaching Mack how he should one day lead his family.

Marcus- you amaze me. Thank you for knowing the exact moment I'm about to lose it with the kids and jumping in to help. Thank you for cleaning up poo and puke at 3 a.m. when one of the kids are sick. Thanks for playing dress-up and for listening to Veggie Tales music in your truck when the kids are with you. Thank you for acting excited the 478th time Karsyn wants to show you her new trick and for playing peekaboo with Mack for as long as it takes to get him to stop crying. Thanks for learning to style K's hair in pigtails and for holding our colicky babies for month after month. Thanks for choosing us over ASU football games and for always coming back inside when Karsyn needs "one more kiss and hug". Thank you for the example you set with your faith and in the Biblical truths you are teaching our kids. I knew I was marrying a smart, good looking man, but I never could have imagined the father that God has formed you in to being. We love you, we appreciate you, we respect you and we support you. The time you are investing into our kid's lives will pay off one-hundred fold. I am so grateful for you and all you do for us.

As if these three men weren't amazing enough, God blessed me with two more when I married Marcus. Marcus' Dad, Mike, and his Granddad, Wade.

Although Wade has already gone on to Heaven, he left a lasting impact on Marcus and taught him many life lessons that will influence both him and our children. He was a hard worker and had a sweet smile. I didn't get to know him for very many years, but I am grateful for the time that I had with him. He loved his family and spending time together. Grandad O- we miss you and think of you often! Thanks for all that you did for your family and for us. We love you!

Our kids know Mike as "Granddad" as well. He is a hard-worker and a man of great conviction. He has taught, coached, and mentored hundreds of young people and their lives are better because of it. He passionately supports his family, his church, and his favorite sports teams (Go Apps!). Mike has a huge heart and loves animals and helping others. Our kids love their Granddad and miss him when they aren't around him often. He is great at getting Mack to stop crying, he can make funny faces and noises, and he even made Karsyn her own swing. We are blessed to have you in their lives, Granddad! Thank you for the time and influence you are investing with them. We love you!

This year on Father's Day as I reflect on these wonderful men, I am so grateful that God blessed us through their lives. I am blown away when I think about how differently my life could have turned out without each of them. Dads hold such a special place in our homes and families. Thank you to any of you who hold the role of Dad, Granddad, Uncle, Cousin, Brother, or Friend who are stepping up to the plate and investing in the lives of those around you.

Love to all of you!

6 years ago

Six years ago, my Grandmaw went home to be with Jesus.

Completely unexpected.

She was...
-full of life
-caring
-funny
-ta+lented

I remember her for:
-potato soup
-being the 'Proctor hotline Operator'
-long talks when things weren't going well
-arm scratches
-canning green beans
-couponing
-slumber parties at her house
-Friday night 'parties' waching TGIF and eating snacks til I could pop
-Selfless service
-singing and guitar playing
-cookie baking
-"economical fluff"
-defending me...always
-loving Jesus
-always welcoming us into her house
-yard sales
-easter egg hunts
-cooking my Popow 3 meals a day
-Christmas shopping
-Franks hot sauce
-Homemade pickles
-her little blue car
-telling Bedtime stories

She was full of life. My supporter. My best friend.

We lost her far too soon, with no notice. But because she loved Jesus and gave her life to him, I KNOW she is with him today. Celebrating his birthday in Heaven. When she died so close to Christmas, someone gave us this poem. It helped. I thought I'd share it with you today in case any of you are hurting as well this year with missing a loved one:

I'm Spending Christmas with Jesus Christ this Year

I see the countless Christmas trees,
Around the world below.
With tiny lights, like heaven's stars,
Reflecting on the snow.
The sight is so spectacular,
Please wipe away that tear.
For I'm spending Christmas,
With Jesus Christ this year.
I hear the many Christmas songs,
That people hold so dear.
But the sounds of music can't compare,
With the Christmas choir up here.
For I have no words to tell you,
The joy their voices bring.
For it is beyond description,
To hear the angels sing.
I can't tell you of the splendor,
Or the peace here in this place.
Can you just imagine Christmas,
With our Savior, face to face?
I'll ask Him to light your spirit,
As I tell Him of your love.
So then pray one for another,
As I lift you eyes above.
Please let your hearts be joyful,
And let your spirit sing.
For I'm Spending Christmas in Heaven,
And I'm walking with the King.
~© Wanda Bencke ~ 

Hope each of you have a wonderful Christmas full of the hope we can each have through the gift of Jesus. Because of Him, we have hope!

 

Merry Christmas!
And Grandmaw- I miss you, love you, and can't wait to see you again!

 

Grandparents Day

In honor of Grandparents Day 2011, I'd like to share the post I wrote last year.
If your grandparents are still alive, stop what you're doing right now and go call them. Tell them you love them. Spend time with them, ask them stories about their childhoods, soak in their presence. What a treasure Grandparents are!

(Last year's post)
Today is Grandparents day. I'd like to tell you a little about my grandparents.

We called my mom's parents Popow and Grandmommy. There were so very important in my life. I got to go spend the night at their house every week or two, they came to all of my ballgames, dance concerts, music recitals, chorus performances, pageants, reward ceremonies, graduations...EVERYTHING that was important to me. They were always involved and present in my life. I was so very blessed to have them!

My grandmommy was special, and we were always very close. When something good happened to me, she was one of the first people I'd want to call and tell. When I was sad, her house was often the place I would go. I can remember many times going to her house when upset and she'd fix me my favorite foods, and then she'd scratch my back and love on me until I felt better. We used to laugh because when I was younger, I'd lay on the couch and she would bring me snack after snack as we watched TGIF shows. She'd say, "queen of sheba, is there anything else I can get you?" as she'd bow down playfully. I remember how much I loved spending the night at her house and laying in bed with her as she would tell me the best bedtime stories you've ever heard. She was so good with children and kids, and made this her profession for years. She loved to feed people and she was the Master Couponer, before there were even coupon websites around to help. She had red hair and I loved to sit beside her and squeeze her on the back of her arms. They were so soft and warm. She would pick us up from school in the afternoons and ask you so many questions that we'd be exhausted from trying to answer them all. She was the "Proctor hotline" as she could spread news from one family member to another quicker than you could even get one person called. She kept our family united together, even when we got bigger and bigger. She made the best potato soup and pan bread that you've ever eaten, and it thrilled her soul to be able to send me home with a bottle of hot sauce or a tube of toothpaste every time I visited her house. She loved the Lord and had a servant's heart. I miss her terribly even though she's been gone from us now for almost five years. Grandmommy- thank you for being my biggest supporter and constant friend. I love you and cannot wait to see you again one day.

My Popow was a hard worker. This is the first year that he won't be with us for granparents day, or Thanksgiving, or Christmas. He was a jokester and loved to tell the same jokes over and over. My fondest memories with him were going with him up to his 'shop' where he would do woodworking projects. I remember when he would take us for ice cream and we'd squeeze into his pickup truck. I remember being afraid of his driving even when I was a little girl! He would often carry us out to our car when we were little by throwing us over his shoulder and galloping wildly towards the car. He loved the Braves baseball team and he loved the Lord. He was as stubborn as could be and we had completely different political views. We all had to make sure not to mention the name "Bush" around him so he wouldn't get too fired up. He even took it so far that he wouldn't eat Bush beans because his belief that they were somehow affiliated. lol. He gave the best hugs of anyone that I know. I remember some of the last few times I got to hug him that I didn't want to let go. I wanted to remember how he smelled and felt and how tight he would squeeze me. Even now as I type it I can remember how that felt and I'm in tears missing him and my sweet Grandmommy. I am thankful that I got to be with both of them when they passed away to Heaven- what a peace we have knowing they are with the Lord! Even though it's only been a little over two months since Popow left us, I am at peace knowing without a doubt that they have given their lives to Jesus and that both he and Grandmommy are with him now.

The most important thing that these two did for all their children and grandchildren was to make sure that we  knew the Lord and then they made sure that we knew we were loved. They were such a constant presence in our life that we always had them to share things with. There is not a day that goes by that I don't miss them and wish they were still here. Some days I think about how much Grandmommy would love meeting Mack and Karsyn and I wish that she was here so she could help me figure out what to do when they are fussy or difficult. I know that she would want to watch them for us, to play with them, and I'd love to watch her do the 'grandmaw rock' and for Popow to do the 'popow shuffle'.  I am sad for them that they won't get to know her and Popow, to benefit from their knowledge and strength.

I am blessed that my Dad's parents, Grandpaw and Granny, are still alive and healthy. They are an amazing couple that work harder than anyone else their age that I know. Granny still works two days a week at the hospital as a dietitian, and Grandpaw just recently retired from pastoring the same church for over 35 years! He and Granny now go to a local retirement home each week where they teach, conduct music, and have a sermon for the residents. They love to garden and they love Andy Griffith.  Growing up they lived right through the woods and past the pond from our house and so we frequently went to their house. Granny would make me 'macaronis' as she called them, and then share some of Grandpaw's chocolate ice cream with me. Grandpaw is a talented guitar and fiddle player and Granny can cook better than you've ever seen. She is patient and loving and kind, but don't get her mad. She is fiesty when she thinks someone has wronged one of her family members! She's a two time breast cancer survivor and one day I hope to have the faith that she demonstrates each day. One of my favorite memories with them was when they would take us Christmas shopping as little girls, or when granny would insist that ALL the grandkids got together and had our picture made at the volunteer fire department. We'd all pile in her car and head down there and the pictures turned out as awful as you've ever seen, every time! She loved them though, and they all still hang on her wall. Grandpaw tried to help me learn to play the fiddle, but it was much harder than I anticipated! He is patient and kind, and doesn't talk much so you know when he says something that you better listen up because it's important.

I am so very blessed to have the four grandparents that God gave me. My prayer is that one day my kids will have relationships with my parents and Marcus' parents like I got to have with mine. The relationship between a grandparent and grandchild is so special and sacred and can't be replaced by anything else.

For those of you who still have grandparents living- go spend time with them! Sit and ask them to tell you stories about their families, their past, their marriages, etc. They have so much to teach us if we will take the time to listen! Hug them tight and tell them you love them. Make each day you have with them count!

Here are some pictures of my amazing grandparents:

My sweet Grandmommy

Popow made this toybox for Karsyn. It worried him that he never got one made for Mack. After he died, we found a perfect box that he had made and used as a clothes hamper that will make the perfect toybox for Mack.

Grandmommy was full of life. Here she is at my bridal shower.

Popow supervising at a family gathering. I always remember him sitting in this rocking chair at my moms.

Grandpaw and Granny always dress us to give out Christmas presents at their house. Granny made his costume by sowing white fabric onto a red bath robe. She is his helper reindeer.

God, thank you for the blessing of these four people and the impact they had on my life!

Estate Sale

Today was our estate sale at my grandparents house. Such an emotional day! This house is full of memories of all of the special times that we have shared. As I drove up this morning and saw all of their belongings out in the yard, I couldn't help but cry as I remembered again how very much I loved them and spending time at their home.

Over the years they accumulated a lot of 'stuff'! We sold a lot of it at the yard sale, then we had an auction and sold a lot more. At the end of the day, we still had dozens of boxes left over that we took and donated to their church to use in an upcoming Auction. Many of the items made us laugh or smile and fondly remember when it was used by Grandmommy or Popow. It really puts things in perspective when you think about it...we spend our whole lives accumulating 'stuff'...things that we HAVE to have. One day, those things end up being given away or sold by someone else who won't hold the same opinion of the value as you did. The Bible tells us to store up our treasure in Heaven. Where are you really investing your time? Your money? Your energy? On things that are temporary or on things that will have eternal significance?

Here are a few pictures from the day.

The mailbox. Popow set up this plow years and years ago.

Grandmommy's piano that we used to play and sing carols with.

My uncle Wilson auctioning off the tools that Popow used to make many crafts over the years. Kestler and my Dad were the bid takers and item runners. 

This spot is where my Popow planted his garden year after year. He had green beans, corn, squash, zucchini, tomatoes, and more. Just a year ago there was a thriving, vibrant garden here. Now there is no evidence that anything was ever there. 

Friends, we are here today and gone tomorrow. Make your time count!

Even though we are sad with the finality of today's events, we are still overjoyed that we know we will see them again. Because we know that they knew Christ and had accepted Him (as we have), we will be reunited with them one day in Heaven. Thank you Jesus for this gift! Do you know that your loved ones will have this same peace when you are gone? If not, let's talk!

Love you all!~