A shot of each of my children from the weekend! Precious.
Grace,
Brian
Three of My Most Favorite…
Category Aaby Family
Looking Forward… Audrey
One of my favorite shots with Audrey!
Several weeks ago I started a blog series entitled, “Looking Forward.” This series will be a semi-regular post. Today, I am posting about my youngest daughter, and middle child, Audrey!
In the next…
…hour I look forward to arriving at home to most likely see her looking out the front window and waving at me. We are going on a daddy-daughter date tonight, just the two of us. I think we’ll grab a bite-to-eat and hit a park (as long as it isn’t raining). I love this special time with my kids, and when I told her today we were doing a date tonight, she quickly ran out of the room to talk to Halle. She proclaimed, “I’m going on a daddy daughter date tonight… and you can’t come.” So… glad to see she’s excited, but we’ll have to work on the tact side! (side note: Halle has something special planned with Mommy tonight).
…day I am excited for the date tonight and some time at home with Audrey (and the family) over the weekend.
…week I can’t wait for Audrey to start her second year of PreSchool. She excelled in her three year old class last year and can’t wait to see her interact, play and make new discoveries this year in “F0-Yee-Old Pre-schoo.”
…month I can’t wait to hear her amazing stories from her PK class. She talks openly about what she did that day and who she played with. I am also excited to see how she transitions into an eventual “home church” (which could take place this month). She was the more courageous one last week as we visited a church. Halle sat with us during church (which was fun, she did great) but Audrey went ahead and attended the class for her age!
…year I am excited to see her develop in so many ways. The four year old year is such a year of growth. She’s taken a big interest in books recently. She is very physical and loves to climb. I can’t wait to see her develop friendships with some kids in her class. In the past she has played with anyone around her very well, but I would anticipate that this year she’ll develop an interest in friendship too, not just a play friend (it’s funny but I see her doing this in the way she treats her dolls, she seems to give them more character now and they are less of a “toy.” It’s fun!).
Father, thank you for our Triple-A. Audrey is so fun, so sweet and a blessing to our family. Thanks for her spiritual interest (talking a lot about heaven right now). Would you guide and direct her steps. May she come to know you and bless you with her very being! Amen!
Grace,
Brian
Latest Prayer Requests
I am very thankful for those of you who continue to lift us (the Aabys) and Youthmark up in prayer. We see the things on the horizon, but truly are propelled by the strength of your prayers. Things are moving along nicely, this last week has been extremely productive. I look forward to seeing what happens next; could you lift up these important requests this week?
1. Wednesday I have an important meeting which pertains to a leadership training time.
2. Meetings over the next ten days with several key players in the mission project.
3. Finish production of the mission project literature/brochure.
On the family side: We certainly are looking forward to the beginning of the school year to settle into a routine and to see the churches we are looking at in “school year” mode. Please pray for wisdom and direction for our family.
Thank you once again!
Grace,
Brian
Going… going… gone?
This is certainly not a “normal” post on my part. However, we’re desperate! Two years ago one of them caught fire. 18 months ago another one quit. 6 months ago one decided to work whenever it darn well pleased. Then the door stopped working and the front glass recently shattered. Any clue as to what I am talking about?
That’s right, our stove/range is almost dead! We are down to one burner and no oven. It’s time to replace the junker! Anyone who helps us find a fantastic deal on a new (to us) slide in downdraft range is entitled to the fantastic “first meal” from said stove (and we make a great meal!). Seeing as how the summer is almost over (as you can tell outside) we will not be grilling as much, a new stove is needed for survival. So, basically, you can look at it as saving our lives!
Because it is an “island” stove, we do need it to be a downdraft (but we will contemplate duel fuel, though we’d have to install the gas line, so electric is preferred). As I stated above, this is a very strange request, but you never know what networking will do? We have scoured Craigslist for the last two months only to be denied the pleasure of purchasing by not being the first ones in the electric (mail) door.
So, what do you say? Wanna come over for dinner? Now you know the ticket!
Grace,
Brian
death!
Celebrating Communication
In the spring of 1994, I visited Colorado for the first time in my life. I spent a couple days hanging out with Scott Stimer (who would later become my brother-in-law!). I remember how impressed I was with the Stimer family and their communication. They had a couple car phones (which was sort of rare back then). It seemed like very hour or two they called each other just to “check in” and to let one another know of any plans any individual may have had.
It’s nice to be on the same page with others. I’m celebrating communication in my life right now. As you see above, it was so nice for my girls to be able to “check in” with Mommy during our camping trip (though we had a ten foot zone in which calls could actually go through). On top of the ability we have with cell phones (IM, email, texting, etc.), I’m thankful for face to face communication as well. This weekend, I felt, was a great communication time for us as a couple.
“Checking in” with one another should not be a difficult task, but for some reason we allow life to get in the way of relationship. I hope you are checking in with those you love and care for! This week alone I have three or four “checking in” appointments lined up.
As we are instructed in Hebrews, “consider how you may spur (inspire, promote, urge) one another on toward love and good deeds.“
Grace,
Brian
Brian
Round Two
As many of you know, we have been checking out different churches the last month and a half. We are in the middle of our second round now (narrowing the field and returning to churches for our second look). In the spirit of not really thinking of a post today and in the spirit of of just wanting a good laugh, I hope none of this happens in the church we visit tomorrow (okay, so maybe I do want some of it to happen)!
Grace,
Brian
My Little Ladies
I know I have boasted about my wonderful wife on my blog a couple times already, and this one isn’t really focused on her, but she is the best. A little over a week ago I went on my Scottsdale trip with the guys from my lifeboat (small group). She was the “single mom” for those 6 days. So, I had pre-arranged for a little break for her by taking the girls camping for a couple days! She and Will were able to have some good Mommy-Son time while Daddy took his girls on a camping trip date! What a blast. I sensed Elisabeth enjoyed the break and when we returned she had the “back to school” surprise on each of the girls beds. New clothes! The girls were quite excited!
Camping with the little ladies was a lot of fun. They were pretty pumped about everything! The tent took me 10 minutes to set up and about 10 seconds for them to “call home” (setting everything up as they liked it). They loved the fire times (marshmallows especially). And of course they loved the lake. They had just finished their first round of swim lessons on Monday (we’ll resume in the winter or spring); so they put it all into practice at Lake Kachess this week. Halle even swam briefly without any lifejacket! Poor little Audrey must have some pretty sweet blood, she must have 25 mosquito bites (in spite of my best efforts with spray). We took five books for Halle (all about 100 pages)… She read four!
Halle with one of her five books
I love camping, can’t wait to do it as an entire family next summer, but this one was special with just the girls! Thanks Elisabeth!
Grace,
Brian
camping cuddles!
Halle practicing her backstroke!
campfire time!
too cute!
gotta love it!
Daddy Daughter(s) Date
I received an Instant Message from Brad Hostak at about 4:30 last night letting me know he had a few extra tickets the the Tacoma Rainiers game. I quickly called Elisabeth to see if she was interested or if she would be interested in a quiet night at home (with Will) and I would take the girls on a Daddy-Daughter date to the game. She chose option “B”. When she mentioned it to the girls they got quite excited (and started talking about Cotton Candy and all the other treats present at ballparks!).
When I arrived at home the girls had each packed a small backpack with their supplies (paper, books, crayons, and of course, a first aid kit). We drove to Tacoma, to be honest, I thought it would be a quick outing, maybe three-four innings and then boredom would win and we’d be back by 8:15-8:30 (about the time Audrey and Halle go to bed). This thought was only affirmed when I discovered shortly after leaving, but too-far to turn around, they had forgotten the aforementioned backpacks. On the way to the game I let the girls know they would each get one treat (the started chanting “Cotton Candy”). I then received a text from Brad (don’t tell the cops, I read it): “Free Hot Dog, Chips and Drink with your tickets.” The girls could hardly contain themselves.
mmmm hot dogs and chips!
The girls wanted the food pretty quick… the problem, the “group express” (where you get your free food) was already out of hot dogs (and we would have to wait). So, we went to the main concession, only to find out the conspiring dentists had gotten their wish and broken the Cotton Candy machine! No Cotton Candy!?! At this point I thought, “no dogs, no cotton candy… two innings max.” Dip-n-Dots to the rescue. I believe the girls found their new best friend, this futuristic ice-cream treat did the trick and lasted two innings and bridged the gap to the now available warm semi-meat product (hot dogs)! Not only did the girls enjoy the food, they actually were paying attention to the game and their special buddy “Rhubarb” (I guess the Mariner’s Moose offspring?).
Rhubarb, the Rainiers Mascott
Three innings turned into four, four turned into six, six turned into the full nine! The girls didn’t want to leave. They had a blast (and didn’t even break my bank, we stuck to the “one treat” rule). I am so thankful for the time I get with my family. I had a great time with my little girls!
doesn't get much better than this!we moved up for a "better view"
couldn't resist the backward cap pic!
I love my Daddy-Daughter Dates!
Grace,
Brian
The Best Mommy
A week or so ago our daughters did something sweet for their Mommy. Halle and Audrey hosted “The Best Mommy Party.” It was quite gracious of them. I am privileged to have three great Mom’s in my life. My own Mom is pretty special; my Mother-in-Law is pretty awesome as well. I can make a case for both being “the best mommy” as well, but today I’ll focus my attention on the recipient of Halle and Audrey’s party.
BMP sign #1
BMP Sign #2 "The Host's"
Elisabeth is “The Best Mommy” for many reasons and I know she isn’t seeking attention, but I’ll give it to her anyway.
The last few weeks/months have been pretty crazy. First, she gives birth to our very cute son, Will. Shortly after this I make the move to Youthmark as my full-time venture. Then I take off for six days on a baseball trip. Upon my return, I begin working many hours on YM stuff. At one point during this venture I take off for a couple days (short notice) to LA for some meetings. Then I have a wedding, a sermon and oh, a business I am organizing. Through all of this she maintained “Super Mom” (and Super-Wife) status in my mind.
She is an amazing woman of God. She seeks to serve Him first and foremost. Her knowledge of Scripture and tenderness toward the Lord is not only a great example for our kids, but it is rubbing off on them and shaping their actions. “Jesus is the best in all the earth” was a recent song Audrey had made-up and was singing. Halle will often be found writing a beautiful second and/or third verse to a well known hymn or song. And just the other day I caught Will having some serious praise time.
Will in his "praise position!"
Okay, so maybe I was helping him? But nonetheless, Elisabeth’s servant’s heart and wonderful patience is an example to me. I desire to “Daddy” as well as she is “Mommy-ing.” She prays for, cares for and serves our family well. I couldn’t have asked for a better partner in life. Thank you Jesus.
But we were gentle among you, like a mother caring for her little children. We loved you so much that we were delighted to share with you not only the gospel of God but our lives as well, because you had become so dear to us. Surely you remember, brothers, our toil and hardship; we worked night and day in order not to be a burden to anyone while we preached the gospel of God to you. ~1 Thess. 2:7-9
Based on this passage, like Paul, Elisabeth is gentle, caring, loving, delightful, and giving. She does work night and day, and in spite of any difficulty in our lives she seeks to do right by God and her family. I am blessed to have “The Best Mommy” in my life!
Plus she’s so cute and funny!
Best Mommy and Best Wife recipient!
My girls!
Grace,
Brian
Back In The Saddle
Not this kind of saddle...
I am sitting in my saddle at the Benson Starbucks (for those dying to know from yesterday). I am beginning my sermon prep for preaching this Sunday at Boulevard Park. This will be my first sermon since making Youthmark my full-time venture (though I did do a wedding on Saturday… that was certainly not a sermon).
I have the privilege of bringing a message from 1 John 3:11-21. This is a fantastic passage, I’d really appreciate your prayers as I jump back into Pastor mode of preparing a message. I did faithfully work ahead on some of my Youthmark items last week to make the time to do sermon prep this week. However, one of my projects for Youthmark does require some extra attention. Your prayers are greatly appreciated. Speaking of prayer…
Elisabeth and I have some big decisions to make in regard to our kitchen… we have been milking our old stove for all she is worth. As of this morning we have use of one burner (the three other burners are not working, and the oven is now permanently locked because the door broke). We need to replace the stove/range, and since we are making that change, do we go ahead and make the three or four other needed changes/updates to our kitchen? Wisdom needed. Thanks for your prayers.
Back to the saddle, resting in/on God’s Word!
Grace,
Brian
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