Blessed to Live this Life

The Ohmstede family is ready for summer! What a nice change of pace it will be for this full-time working Momma in the evenings and mornings! I have a new friend, Ali, who is also blogging about her journey. They lost their triplets too soon. I think we've both gotten to a point in our blogging where we aren't sure what to say now that the 'story' has been told. So here is a simple update on our life that we are blessed to live!

The boys have had an amazing school year. Our Jefferson family holds such a special place in our hearts. They stood alongside us throughout our journey and loved our entire family. It does my heart good to know our boys are in such a wonderful environment with the greatest teachers and office staff in the WFISD!

Over the past year we have seen God move in our lives like never before. He's placed some of the greatest friends we've ever had in our path. This summer we say goodbye to the Bindels. They've inspired us in many ways but mostly to boldly love the life God has given us, and never stop striving to do more for Christ. They will begin their journey to Salt Lake City in a few weeks to start a church plant. They are making huge sacrifices for their family of 5 and are stepping outside of their comfort zone to reach others for Christ. Check out their story and if you feel compelled to support them in their journey...do it! {www.journeytoslc.com}

Baseball season has been a blast, and still isn't over! It cracks me up when the little guys get up to the plate and their main goal is to see how hard they can hit the bat against home plate to 'get ready' for the swing, it's pretty adorable! Cross and Crue have been fortunate to be on the same team (fortunate for Mommy and Daddy anyway!). Cross played in his first baseball tournament with his friends and cousin, Jay. This summer he may be joining a tournament team to learn more about the game.  Crue isn't all that into it just yet. I can officially say I LOVE being a baseball mom!

We had the pleasure of entertaining our Maryland family for a few days. They always bring hugs, love, and the greatest sense of humor I've ever known! We can't wait to visit them next, and introduce Cross and Crue to the great state of Maryland.

Cross and Crue turned 6 and 7 this month!! They continue to make life joyful for Gary and I. They laugh all the time and Cross has become a little jokester in the family...and I happen to think he's hilarious! We had their party at the local gymnastics sports center- first time we've actually paid for a party (usually held in the backyard or at the park) and it was definitely worth it!

We try to make weekly visits to the cemetery to clean up Cannon and Coyt's headstone and add or remove flowers and cute garden picks. Hobby Lobby has become a frequent shopping place for us, though not how I would prefer to shop. :) My sister has a friend who works with the NICU Helping Hands. She sent us two Angel gowns sewn by volunteers out of donated wedding gowns. I love that wedding gowns are typically loved so deeply by the owner and handled so delicately. What a clear picture of our love for our baby boys!

The chalkboards are written on by Cross and Crue and say, "I wish you were alive." and "We all love you."

Precious Angel Gowns

This summer I will graduate from Southwest Cuna Management School. Truthfully, I didn't think I would have the strength or motivation to finish after losing Cannon and Coyt, but as always...God had a bigger plan! SCMS is a three year school that consists of spending three summer sessions on the TCU campus and two winter sessions in Dallas. It sounds like a vacation, but trust me...it's a LOT of hard work! In between these sessions, you must develop a 3-year Strategic Business Plan for your credit union. They say it's like getting your masters in the credit union industry. I have learned so much more than I thought I would, and gained some much needed confidence! If you work in the credit union industry, and you have a passion for it, you've GOT to look into this school. They develop credit union leaders all over the US, and even internationally. Proud to be part of the graduating class of 2014, and so humbled that my employer chose to invest in me through this opportunity! 

In a few weeks we will join Varcity for beach week in Panama City, Florida. The student ministry at FBC WF continues to bless us and we have loved getting to know these students. I will be jumping back in with my group of girls this week and can't wait to start pouring into their lives again as they encourage me with their abundant knowledge of the bible and love for Christ. Through the many changes in this ministry this year, one thing has remained constant - the focus remains on God and His love. Each move has clearly been bathed in prayer and God continues to be glorified! 

Life is busy, fun, tiring, yet rewarding when we choose to love God first and serve Him wherever we go. Our hearts continue to mend and our love for Cannon and Coyt keeps growing, never to stop. God was great then and He is greater now. I will cling to this powerful verse, Malachi 3:6 "For I am the Lord, I change not." His promise, protection, presence, love, sacrifice and righteousness will never change. Friends, we serve a mighty God!