Category Archives: Friendship

Events, Friendship, Project 365, Sarah

Late Birthday Party

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Sarah and I celebrated our birthdays in Texas this year. When we got home, some friends surprised me with a beautiful birthday lunch. Poor Sarah, her friends can’t drive, don’t have jobs or access to shopping malls, which means she has to plan her own birthday party.

With Family Camp coming, Joshua and Kelsie’s visit next week, and the return of Rachel, Joshua and Kelsie to college, not to mention Daniel’s graduation party in the immediate future, Sarah knew she had to act quickly.

Cue last minute Sleepover Party.

Sweet Birthday Girls

Sweet Birthday Girls

And when I say Sleepover, I mean the girls will SLEEP when the party is OVER! Yes, they stayed up the entire night. They watched a movie, played cards, baked cupcakes with homemade frosting, sat outside to stargaze, opened presents, drank soda, ate pizza, painted their nails and giggled until dawn.

In the morning Tim gave them all his 30 Second Dad Lecture. This is a condensed version:

“Go home. Be cheerful in front of your parents. Fake it if necessary. Prop your eye lids open with tooth picks. When they’re not looking, sneak off for a nap. Do whatever you can to make sure you’re on best behavior. If it all goes well, we’ll get to party again.”

Sarah is 13!!!!

Sarah is 13!!!!

Happy Birthday Sweet Girl!!

Project 365 – Day 212 (July 31)
Kathy

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July – Beloved Burts

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One of the favorite treats of the summer was getting to spend time with some of our dearest friends, Greg and Tina Burt and their children. Last year Leah (the oldest daughter) lived with us for a portion of the summer. It was such a delight to have her with us. She joined in on our church’s VBS, was here for Rachel’s graduation party, and simply became one of the family.

This year Ema (second oldest) graduated from high school, and the whole family returned to Washington for part of the summer before taking Ema to school in Wisconsin. It was WONDERFUL to have the family here in our home for a day or two.

Daniel and Zach had to buy donuts ONE MORE TIME before leaving town.

Daniel and Zach had to buy donuts ONE MORE TIME before leaving town.

Daniel went to Thailand last summer to visit the Burts. He and Zach have been close friends since they were preschoolers. I love how they have kept their friendship even though separated by thousands of miles.

A quick chance to swim.

A quick chance to swim.

Of course, we had to stop by some friends’ house for a quick swim before letting the Burts leave our little town.

But, eventually, we did pack them up in their van and say goodbye.

Hugs all around!

Hugs all around!

Thankfully we had another week together at camp later in the summer.

We love you, Greg and Tina! Leah, Ema, Zach and Theo – you are sweet friends and we love you all!

Kathy
Project 365 – Day 187 (July 6)

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The Burts are Here!

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Our wonderful friends, the Burt family, are in Washington visiting from Thailand. Ema, their second oldest daughter, has graduated from high school and is heading off to college this year. Greg and Tina are here, with Zach and little Theo, to drop Ema off in Wisconsin at Bible College. We are thrilled to have time with them.

Daniel went to visit Zach in Thailand last year and had an amazing time visiting Asia. We have had Zach with us this whole weekend, and it has been a joy to see how he is growing into a fine young man. He is funny, helpful, kind, and a comfortable, welcome part of our family.

4th of July - Boys on the Ferry (Zach is in the orange)

4th of July – Boys on the Ferry (Zach is in the orange)

Sunday the rest of the family (well, except Leah who has to work) came to join us. We had a wonderful time talking, laughing, catching up, walking to the park, and, of course, going out for some Thai food. Tina is a fantastic cook, so we could have easily made something delicious at home, but it was just too HOT to think of cooking and cleaning.

Tina, Zach, Sarah and Ema

Tina, Zach, Sarah and Ema

Thankful for time with the Burt family and proud of their faithful service with New Tribes in Thailand.

Project 365 – Day 186
Kathy

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Memory Bin

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On Saturday, we went out to the our house in the Duckabush to clear out our shed, which may be needed during Wilderness Northwest Camp week, coming up in late July. With so many families attending, a few of the older boys may need the shed as housing for the week.

We brought a whole van-load home, much to Kathy’s dismay (she’s been clearing out our garage for the past week). We threw away a lot of junk (after all, if we haven’t needed it in ten years, how important is it?) but some things just couldn’t be discarded.

One bin was marked “Tim’s Memories” which I found very intriguing. Today, Kathy went through it, and found (buried under some old Army field jackets) this treasure:

A valuable note from my best friend's wife.

A valuable note from my best friend’s wife.

Apparently, about 26 years ago this last March, I set off from Fort Bragg, North Carolina — headed for Northern Virginia to stand up with my friend Phil at his wedding. I wrecked my car about an hour into the trip, and took a train instead, but made it in time to help Phil and Deb get ready for their big day. At the time, eating salad was not my favorite, and so (when I had to eat salad at the reception) I extracted this note from the new bride. It makes me laugh to think that this was probably the first thing she wrote with her new name (except maybe signing the wedding certificate).

To whom it may concern:
Tim Edgren was a good boy today. He got Phil to the church on time and with all the necessary arrangements for us. He also ate his salad, so he is exempt from touching lettuce again for 6 months!
Thanks, Debbi Dickerson

Happily, in all the excitement of her wedding day, Deb forgot to date the note, so I can use and re-use it to get me out of eating salads, pretty much forever.

I miss you, Phil and Debbie! Thanks for being my friend!

Project 365, Day 180
Tim

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Beautiful Friends

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We had the opportunity to attend a wedding this June. There is something so alive and hopeful in watching two people come together to pledge their love and devotion. The bride and her bridesmaids are beautiful in their wedding colors. The groom and his attendants are handsome and dashing looking. The family – big or small – work at making the day special. Sometimes solemn, sometimes playful, every wedding is unique and special. This particular wedding was no exception. There were tears, laughter, scene stealing little ones, and the breath-taking glimpse of God’s redemption in the midst of it all.

I am constantly amazed at how the Lord takes our weakness and reveals His strength, transforms our ugliness into a thing of beauty, and shines His love through a broken, flawed people.

Tomorrow's hope and future.

Tomorrow’s hope and future.

I never did get a picture of the bride and groom. I was too busy celebrating with friends and delighting in the sweetness of the day. Oh, and I also managed to take some silly pictures with my oldest daughter.

Sassy time with my girl

Sassy time with my girl

Smile pretty, girls.

Smile pretty, girls.

Tim and David were out of town, but the rest of us dressed up and joined other dear friends to attend the wedding.

AWANA Commander Jim and Daniel

AWANA Commander Jim and Daniel

Niki and Tony are beautiful inside and out.

Niki and Tony are beautiful inside and out.

What a good looking couple!

Chris and Kirstin – another incredible couple!

I somehow lost the “Mom Picture,” but I did find this one. Love these two women. They bring joy, laughter and true friendship into my life on a daily basis.

The sunshine and a moving ceremony brings out extra silliness in some people.

The sunshine and a moving ceremony brings out extra playfulness in some people.

We were honored to be included in this day, and I can’t help but cast my eye toward December when my baby will wed his love in Tennessee. Joyous times indeed.

Project 365 – Day 171 (June 20th)
Kathy

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