Mother, Wife, Grandma, Aunt, Sister, Niece and Friend

It is not goodbye...

After a long, fierce and courageous battle with cancer, mom was carried home by the arms of her savior Jesus Christ on Friday May 20, 2011. We have found peace in knowing that she is in her final resting place. We will never forget her humor, strength, stories, compassion, love for others and even her strange requests! We will forever cherish the memories we have of her and our hope is that everyone else will keep close all of those wonderful memories they have of her when she was happy and healthy. 

We will take some time to grieve, for we know that tears heal the broken spirit. Yet, at the same time, we are at ease knowing that she is now pain free, disease free and wearing some pretty fabulous angel wings up in heaven. She is now with the angels, friends and family that have gone before her. We cannot wait until the day that we see her smiling face again, but until then, all of our warm memories of her will remain in our hearts. 

We're all Grown Up and Graduated!

We did it! Finally! I know we have spent the last few weeks moaning and groaning...but that was A LOT of work! On May 7th, 2011 we graduated from Minnesota State University! We had such a wonderful weekend full of family, friends and celebration. We felt so truly blessed having everyone there to support us as we put closure to this stage in our lives. This weekend, 

Nickolas received his Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering

Ashley received a Master of Science in Teaching and Learning. 

We have so many people to say thank you to for traveling and visiting us! It was a memorable and emotional weekend for us. We wish Valerie could have been there with us, but she was so proud to hear that her baby boy received his degree! We are going to visit her next weekend and can't wait to see her. 

 Nickolas receiving his degree.

Madilyn and Gracie all grown up and graduated!

 Nickolas was giving the girls a tour.

 The exhausted, yet ecstatic graduates!

 The commencement gang!

My cheerleaders!

 Nick explaining how he got his degree!

 One proud sister, Jennifer!

And a proud dad, Scott!

Valerie Update

Good Evening,
We wanted to inform you all of Valerie’s friend and family filled weekend. This weekend was a weekend that Valerie had been anticipating for quite some time. First off, Valerie’s brother Jamie and his wife Cheryl drove up from Colorado and along the way they pick up Valerie’s father, Jim, in Iowa. Valerie’s mother Harriet wasn’t able to make this trip due to health reasons, but sent all her love and delicious cookies! Jennifer, Valerie’s daughter, also came up with her children Mykah and Madilyn as well as Nickolas and I.
It was an i​n​d​e​s​c​r​i​b​a​b​l​e moment when Valerie saw her family walk in the door. There were tears, there were hugs, and there was joy. Valerie was in very good spirits and seemed to enjoy every little bit of c​o​n​v​e​r​s​a​t​i​o​n​.
She also had many friends from Neenah come in and out throughout the weekend. And once again, we must emphasize that Valerie truly has some of the greatest friends in the world! Their diligent visits, love, and consistency are a true testament to their friendship. As you can tell, her room was constantly filled with shared stories, reminiscing, laughter, and holding hands.

Thank you for all you continued prayers, cards, flowers, and comments. We all appreciate them more than words can describe.

Valerie and her Father, Jim

 Valerie and her Brother, Jamie