Ironman Weekend

Here's some pics...we had a chance to spend a night in an incredible suite at a resort and then goof around at some waterparks, and then go see Ironman finish his race. Now, that's a weekend. I'll youtube the video when youtube comes back up. Keep praying for our Ironman.

Kirin's Correction

Kirin called to revise my transcript of her phone message to herself. I had "How ya doing? Hold it together...you can do a good job today,k? Ok, take care...bye."

Kirin's correction: "How ya doing? Hold it together...you can do a good job today,k? Love you, Kirin...ok bye."

Kirin Visits

Zoe's Godmother Kirin visited today. She's been trying for a number of days to get out, so it was special to spend some minutes together.

Kirin also shared the power of encouragement. She played a very encouraging message she received on her phone. "Hey Kirin," the voice said, "How ya doing? Hold it together...you can do a good job today,k? Ok, take care...bye."

"Kirin," I said, "that's your voice."

"I know!" she responded, "no one ever calls me to do that so I did it myself! And now I have to keep resaving it or I'll lose it!"

It should not be surprising, then, that Kirin wore some curtains during her visit.

Happy Birthday, Allana!

Allana and Teia relaxing.


Allana is 12 today. She's Kirin and Steve's oldest kid and has grown into a very smart and kind girl. Allana has a gentle spirit and intuition. She is also quite an athlete. Happy Birthday, Allana!

Andreas En Route

Andreas has been pressing to make it back to Wisconsin for a number of days, and he's actually in the air somewhere right now. He hopes to stay until Monday night.

We talked a bunch of times about visiting and when, and his hope is to spend some time with us and celebrate a few days of Zoe's life. We're all excited that he'll be around.

Kirin also mentioned she might be making it this way...and maybe Bat and Christa. We'll see and update you all as things happen.

Happy Birthday, Kirin!

Kirin turned 45 this year. That is unquestionably as old as Kirin has ever been. Kirin is the first brat from the first group of Batiansila kids. She and Heidi represent the only Batiansilas to graduate from a non-Concordia.

Kirin has done it all through 45 years. As Liz Chantel, she danced her way to bus fare. She was a finalist in Ms. Fitness USA contest. She was an All-American in track at UW-Lacrosse where she also made the Dean's List. She reads books. She has two great kids and a loving husband.

Kirin is the athletic director at a Christian school in Madison (yes, they have those in Madison). She's always taken the time to be our sister and remember family, so we're remembering her here. A day late.

Bookworm Kirin Is Now Up To Olive In Her SRA!

Kirin called to clarify just what book about Clara Barton she read. It's this one. I'm not making this up.

...Because This Blog, Above All Is About Education

I spoke to Kirin this weekend. She told me she read a book about Clara Barton, who organized and founded the American Red Cross.

What kind of crazy world are we living in? Kirin studies, obtains her educator license - and CONTINUES TO READ BOOKS? My whole world is turned upside down.

But, in the spirit of education, I'd like to introduce you to this gem - facts about our country and the opportunities that abound here.