Sharing my Journey

I had the privilege of sharing my testimony at Cedarville University back on the 18th of October. I shared about "Leaving a Wake of JOY" through the storms of life. I'm working on the possibility of posting the video here on my blog, but for now you can click here to go to the university's Chapel Archive. In the search bar type in my name "Kristin Koning" or search for Oct 18 and it should pop up. You can listen to the audio version or watch the video which includes my powerpoint pictures and scripture. I pray it will be an encouragement to you...

A Walk to Remember

I got to be a part of this Remembrance Walk on Saturday - Honoring and Remembering our babies together. It was a sappy "sad/happy" day, but it is always a good thing for me to be able to create good memories alongside such painful ones.

I also wanted to spread the word about Dupont's new support group. I do actually look forward to going! This is a place where I "belong," where I feel like I can breathe deeply, share honestly, and I don't have to explain anything…the other moms just get it. We meet the first Thursday of each month at 7pm.

A Walk to Remember

By Kathie Mayo

I walk to remember the steps you’ll never take. I carry you with me as I firmly plant my feet. Our trek started long ago, before my belly swelled. You were a love that grew like butterfly wings that beat. Your gentle flutters then become kicks upon which I would dwell. And I would talk to you, sweet babe, about the world you soon would meet the sun always shown upon us then - when you were in my womb. And I was eager to show you the world that would have been your home. How you’d have loved the sun shining - blue skies without a cloud. The autumn leaves turning - the snow falling all around. The flowers in the summer- would have filled your eyes with smiles. And the rain that might have fallen would have caused you great surprise. You would have traveled far with me holding me by the hand. And I’d have shown you all I could more than I can imagine. You hold my heart tightly now, as though we’re holding hands. How far we’ve traveled, little one and my life with you has been sweet. For I carry you in my heart as I firmly plant my feet.

October 15th

And though our arms are empty,

Our hearts know what to do

Every beating of my heart says

"I Remember You"

For those of you who are wondering about all the candle pics popping up, today is National Pregnancy and Infant Loss Day - No, we Don't need one day to Remember…we remember them EVERY day! But I am thankful this is becoming less taboo to talk about!

I'll be thinking about and praying for the moms tonight who, like me, have loved and lost. We all light candles tonight as we remember. We create a #waveoflight. It's nice to be able to feel we are NOT alone on this journey. We gather. We honor. We remember.

My heart aches for the day I get to see my children again. I saw a quote that went something like, "I miss you with all of the pieces of my heart." Yep, a heart once shattered has begun to heal.

I REMEMBER YOU

The world may never notice

If a rosebud doesn't bloom:

Or even pause to wonder if the petals fall too soon.

But every life that ever forms,

Or ever comes to be

Touches the World in some small way

For all eternity.

The little ones we longed for

Were swiftly here and gone.

But the love that was then planted

Is a light that still shines on.

And though our arms are empty,

Our hearts know what to do

Every beating of my heart says

"I Remember You"

Author unknown

2 years

Oh boy, look who's 2!! I can't believe it. She's full of energy, joy, and mischief…just like her brother Drew. I think we'll have lots of crazy stories to share about this girl. She got a pink tricycle for her birthday and she just loves it. This girl sure keeps me hoppin. It's a great blessing to be her mama!

Sum, Sum, Summa Time!

We stopped quick at Solomon Farms this week to snap a few pics of the kids while they were dressed up. I'm so excited to spend my summer with these three loves! Can't believe how grown up they are getting!

Fun days ahead…

Just be Held

Back in February I got to go to a Casting Crowns concert. It was a much needed girls night out with some friends I don't get to hang out with very often. We laughed and cried as we sang along. This song was a new one for me, but it struck a chord. God has been working in my heart in very specific ways these last 7 years…through much heartache and loss, and yes, moments of joy sprinkled in too.

So thankful that EACH day I've been HELD!

Just wanted to share this tonight as I reflect on Emilie's 3rd birthday in Heaven.

Hold it all together
Everybody needs you strong

But life hits you out of nowhere

And barely leaves you holding on

And when you're tired of fighting

Chained by your control

There's freedom in surrender

Lay it down and let it go

So when youre on your knees and answers seem so far away

You're not alone, stop holding on and just be held

Your world's not falling apart, it's falling into place

I'm on the throne, stop holding on and just be held

Just be held, just be held

If your eyes are on the storm

You'll wonder if I love you still

But if your eyes are on the cross

You'll know I always have and I always will

And not a tear is wasted

In time, you'll understand

I'm painting beauty with the ashes

Your life is in My hands

Lift your hands, lift your eyes

In the storm is where you'll find Me

And where you are, I'll hold your heart

I'll hold your heart

Come to Me, find your rest

In the arms of the God who wont let go

Grand Prix Time!

Third time's the charm! This is Trent's 3rd and final race. This year he came out on top with a WIN! Pour Drew had to start down at 4th place for his first year (just like Trent)…in fact, Drew's times were better than Trent's first year. This year the times were SO VERY close! Good job boys.

When I went searching to find posts about the other 2 cars, I discovered I never blogged them…well, here, see what other fun you missed…

2013 = 3rd place - Speed! I didn't get a picture of the results, bummer! But, I tracked down the times:
First Place 10.3242, Second Place 10.5978, Third Place 10.6182

We thought the church shuttle bus was clever - maybe win a design award, never thought this block of wood would actually be in the running for speed. Pleasantly surprised us! 4th place, time: 10.6798

FAME Festival

Every year FAME (The Foundation for Art and Music in Education) puts on a festival downtown. Their website said there would be "60 schools displaying art and sculptures representing approximately 6000 pieces of art. There would also be "45 choir, band, dance, and drama performances by local schools and organizations representing over 3,000 student performers."

Trent sang back in 2nd grade and this year he not only sang, but played in the band.  They combined with 2 other schools from our district and it was amazing to hear how much they have improved since September. I'm very thankful my boys have the opportunity to participate in something like this!

21 months

Not a baby anymore! **Sniff, sniff.** Love her spunky, determined, joyful personality. 
Funny story from this week, I found her in the bathroom sitting on top of the potty seat (i didn't know she even knew what this was) which she had put on top of the toilet. She climbed up and got stuck and began crying for help to get down. How did she do that by herself??? I can hardly wait for the terrible two's to officially begin ;)

Kinda reminds me of her big brother who had the same curiosities and no-fear tendencies. Remember the old refillable popcorn buckets from the zoo? Yep, he wanted some popcorn…so he climbed on top of the fridge to get the special bucket. Oh my, that kid!

18 months

*update*

Indulge me...i did some cropping this morning and although the boys looking at the tree looked a bit CHEESY (yep, mom's amateur posing!) I love Anna's dreamy stare. So this is her 18 months pic TAKE TWO!

and yes, it continues...

she's a year and a half and I can't believe it! We are loving this holiday season so far. She giggles at the lights and has learned to say tree. When we go outside she looks at us and shivers and says "co-o-o-ld." She's just a bundle of fun.

A mom, a camera, and her girl!

So here are my favorite pics from a couple weeks ago...at the farm...but without animals. The leaves...the sunset...so pretty!

All in Good Fun...

No explanation necessary...especially if you're a Kuhn! The caption was just perfect with her little hands on her hips showing a bit of attitude, dontcha think ;)

One out of 3 isn't so bad...Trent's joined the dark side...Drew's pretty neutral...so Anna has no choice but to stick with me on this one.

Boo...

But I still love you Mike & Trent...my silly brainwashed boys!

15 months

I just can't believe how quickly our baby girl is growing up.  Anna and I had a quick little photo shoot at a nearby farm while the boys were at football practice. I've wanted to continue the "stat pics" so here is the latest...

I've been keeping a list of her words on a post-it note, which is is now full!  I misplaced it the other day, so for my memory's sake, I'm going to record them here.

She's so social. She loves to get someone's attention and get a response when she talks. I think she's gonna be an extrovert...

"Hi, hello, daddy, mommy, drew, trent, uh-oh, pretty, doggy, kitty, tickle, peek-a-boo, shoes, cracker, thank you, wow, outside, bye-bye, all done, please, ni-night, up, cookie, go, ball, down, hot, kick, duck, more, cup, diaper, poo-poo, & No!"

Runners!!

I just love that my boys have the opportunity, at a young age, to experience cross country. I must say, knowing how much they enjoy basketball and baseball and football, I never imagined they'd enjoy running so much. I didn't think cross country would even be on their radar, especially if'd they'd have to choose that instead of the other sports they've played since they were 5.  I enjoyed running for my school when I hit junior high. My only experience up until that point was probably the 50 yard dash at the annual field day. If you ask Mike, he'd admit, the running genes come from my side of the family. My dad and younger brother were also runners.

The boys have run 3 races so far this season. Last Friday, Trent set a goal, went for it, and got first place. His determination is amazing to me. He was white as a ghost after he crossed the finish line and walked over to me. His lips were quivering both from the emotion of his excitement and sheer exhaustion. He half whispered through his dry mouth "I did it, Mom!" He gave me a big HUG! (you know, in front of EVERYONE!)

Yes, I totally teared up! So amazed by his drive and determination and accomplishment. He has not yet won in his 3 years of running. He's been 2nd many times, so this was fun for him. I loved cheering him on and sharing in his success!

Drew has done well this season too. He's enjoyed running and being part of a team. I'm learning more about his personality as well. I love that he is just as excited, if not more, to see his friends do well than he is for himself. He's got a good heart.

Enjoy a few pics from the race...

Schools In

A new school year has begun!

New School,

fresh supplies,

lunches packed!

Praying you have a great year, boys!

And, yes, we miss you already! See you this afternoon...

Celebrating!

...another year of life...

We always do a big b-day party with Mike's family on our vacation together. We spanned June through September this party. So here are, of course, 3 of my sweet 6 gifts!

Sporting her new pink tutu! She wears it well.

13 months

Cuz I just can't help it...

I love making these monthly reminders of my baby girl growing up.  Really, I just know I'm probably not going to get to making her a scrapbook, so this is going to have to do! I love looking back at the 12 other pictures I've got and seeing how she has changed.

I just love her delicate little profile.

Have a great week all!

Walkin'

We reached another milestone...she's on the go. This last week I gotta break my mom and brother took countless steps with Anna. She knew where she wanted to go, but needed there hand for stability, and they graciously obliged! It was so funny to watch her take off and practically run. When we arrived back home she ventured on her own after a ball in the family room. She took a two steps, then four...then seven! Ahh!! She was so pleased with herself. I snapped a few of her outside as well...

Idependance Day 2013

We got to celebrate the 4th with my family in Ohio. We took the kiddos to King's Island and had fun going on the big rides! We hardly spent any time in the kiddy area. They are just growing up so fast. We stayed with my brother and had a nice afternoon in their pool.

Happy 13th!

Just looking back at some pictures of this day 13 years ago! I posted some a few years ago here...

A fun little review of the last 13 years...