where we are

I need to share some sad news with those non Tilsen readers of this blog. On December 23rd, 2008 we lost Jim Lewis, Lucas's step father to a presumed heart attack. He was snowblowing a sidewalk and colapsed, EMS was unable to revive him. We are currently very sad. We will be traveling tomorrow, Christmas Day to Kansas City and then finish the trip Friday on to St. Paul to be with Lucas's mom Judy and 11 year old brother Dominic. We are not traveling today because of the weather prolems accross the country and we are spreading our trip up into two days to ensure that we arrive safely. My parents have graciously offered us the use of their Tahoe. The memorial service will be on Saturday. To lose a parent is not a grief anyone is prepared for. Please pray for Lucas and the 7 other adult children and step children of Jim's, but especially for Dominic. We were blessed to share a trip this past October with Jim and Judy to celebrate Jim's 61st birthday.(We called it his 16th) We went to a pumpkin patch, ate alligator at a local cajun restraunt, but most importantly just spent time together. Balin and Ayden both adored Papa Jim and Ayden is confused, and sad about what is going on. We hate that Balin will not get to grow up knowing this wonderful loving man with a spitfire attitude. We joked during the trip that Jim and Balin spoke the same language. Balin was entralled the entire time. I'm sure there will be more words later, but for now I'll leave you with my favorite picture from that trip. We are seeking comfort in the normal. Today is Christmas eve and we will go to church and then have dessert. We will open a gift and then read the Christmas story from Luke. Tonight Santa will come and in the morning we will enjoy our children's wonder. We celebrate during this difficult time the Prince of Peace.
May He bring you peace tonight that we pray he will bring us. Merry Christmas,
Lucas and Emily