R is for Ronnebeck!

I never imagined that being an administrator on 3 blogs would be so much work! Sorry to report in so late. I have been meaning to get a post up on here for quite a while but I’ve had a lot on my plate. Eric left for Mexico a week ago on Sunday and he will return on Friday! I’m so excited to see him again! It sounds like they’re having a really great trip! He called me last night and he said that it was his “best trip ever”! He reports that despite the raised concern about the drug cartel and federales they’re perfectly safe and hasn’t seen anyone ill yet. I can’t say I wasn’t worried about it, but I can say I feel better after talking with him. Tim has kept updates going on Twitter so we can see/hear what they’re up to every day. Here’s a picture of the view from the orphanage; pretty amazing huh? They’re getting all packed up today/tonight and they’ll be crossing the border back into the states tomorrow! I’m looking forward to having Eric back in “home turf”; it will make me feel even...

I wanted to type a short post from home 2 night. Its both impressive and short because I am using my WII Browser. I have now blogged using 3 different types of technology... aren't I savvy? I much prefer the computer!

I’ve painfully begun to realize that I am a total product of my generation. I e-mailed a couple people on my morning break and was chomping at the bit to check my e-mail on my lunch hour to see if any one’s gotten back to me and nothing, and I know I’ll be racing to check my e-mail again this afternoon. The agony of not having my computer available at home, I’ve even resorted to checking it on my cell phone on the way home… What can I say I guess I have a need for instant gratification?

On a Mission... Here's a few pics I took this weekend and a few things we did. I took this one of him and Aquaman as he was packing yesterday. He was almost having as hard of time leaving Aquaman behind as he was me. This man loves his dog! Mom thinks while Eric's away You guys will see many more pictures of my dog... I told her this was a very real possibility. For Mexico and really any mission trip that the kids go on they draw Prayer Partners which are similar to secret Santa's in the fact that they make/buy gifts for each other and write little notes to each other . It's a lot of fun. Any ways, we made Mexican wrestling masks for thumb wrestling. They're pretty Non-stereotypical but they're pretty funny. I can't even remember what we named them all, but you get the gist . Here's a couple photos I'm really glad I captured today. Here's Eric on the bus as they were passing by all the waving parents and loved ones. The top one makes me ...

Okay… So I’ve really been a slacker this week, and I sort of apologize. I have been a busy bee getting Eric ready for Mexico, everything that’s going on with Mom and just trying to enjoy summer. So, with that… I actually started another blog, because yes I have THAT much to say about life… Just kidding. I started a blog for my Mom this week. It’s officially been “Launched” to my family and friends and hopefully people will actually read that one! Either way, I’m really excited about it, and I think it’s a good therapy tool for all parties involved. Let me know if you’d like to “guest post” on that blog. So, despite all the C-word talk that’s been going on, I wanted to post some happies, because despite bad things in life, life is still good. -I am happy that the 4th of July is getting closer and closer, It’s the best holiday all summer…:o) -I have been listening to 50’s music all morning and I can’t tell you how it improves my mood, but I swear it does! -I finally got new Specs , and t...

Hello Friends, I just realized the Lack of photographs I have of my Mom and how many I have that she would spank me for putting on my blog. I'll have to get on top of that, because every post is better with a photograph! So here's one of the whole fam (Kyle's in Julie's belly)... because it's just too cute. Here’s a little update on Mom, thank you for keeping her in your prayers, you have no idea how comforting it is in a time like this. Mom (Diane, for those of you who don’t know her name) went into her Specialist in Sioux Falls this afternoon. The plan of action is to do another CTSCAN to take a picture of her whole body checking for more spots and irregular activity. Then, radiation on the mast in her left lung that is pressing against nerves causing pain; it’s also putting pressure on her ventricles of her heart. After radiation has lessened the pressure and started to kill off the tumor/mast in her Lung they will begin Chemotherapy. It’s a long journey from he...

It's been kind of a crazy week around here and as Mexico Mission trip approaches for Eric I find my honey-do list has become my "Abby-do while Eric's away" list. I like to take on big projects, cleaning, crafting and organizing so when Eric comes home the house is in order, the pets are happy and he marvels at all he's missed in the past two weeks and it helps me keep my mind off of him being gone. This year I have a few girlfriends that are willing to be a distraction for me so that helps as well. Usually my pocketbook can't afford the type of distractions that my girl's offer, but shopping is one of the many things I find myself good at. Part of my Abby-do list started this weekend in my quest to seal off the 3.5 inches of space between my deck and the railing so Aquaman can come out on the porch with us and play. Below is a picture of my handy -work. As you can tell I'm the daughter of a very handy woman and I took on this project all on my own exc...

Posting this photo means that the Grace Lutheran Church Summer Mission Team is commissioned and ready to take on their trip's. Mexico leaves in a week, and Inglewood the week after. This is the best photo I have of them after the commissioning , you try to get 60 high school kids and advisors to all look and smile at the same time! More love later. Abby

If you've been reading you know that our family has had a pretty tough week. Dad's still refusing treatment, and we pray that things will turn around for him. In an even scarier event, Mom got the results of her CT Scan yesterday and the Doctor called her and the dreaded C-word was said. Yes, Mom's spots in her lung is cancer; and we're still waiting on the results of the Biopsy - but that should come Wednesday My heart is so heavy while I type this because it's just something you never think you'd have to say out loud or type for that matter. It's still not fully sunk in for me. Mom seems to be doing well, and she's on the "let's kick it's ass" version of Mom, which is how my Mom is, tough as nails. Thank you so much for your Prayers. God does amazing things.. There hasn't been a decision made on treatment yet, but she will be referred to a specialist and we will go from there. Continued Prayers are appreciated. All the love in the...

Last night Eric and I ordered from our favorite little Greek shack named Spyros Gyros. We were excited as we haven't eaten Spyro's for a couple weeks. Eric made the phone call for pick up, and he acted a little weird. He said "Either they have a new person or Ristka has slowed down her speech". When we arrived at Spyros to pick up our food, there was no Ristka ... No George... what?! The Sokuls Family Left Sypros Gyros ... SAAADDD ! Okay, so maybe I'm being a bit of a drama queen but this really does effect our life in a sad way. George has been cooking yummy Spyros food for us for 14 years (me, 3). It is the best greek food I've ever tasted! They sold the restaurant to some Church friends of theirs, they're going to retire and vacation in Greece. Spyros will never be the same... Here's to George and Ristka ... Thank you for years of amazing food and the friendly face when we walk in the door. *tear*

Prayer Request… Hey guys, I hate to solicit prayers... but here I am... for my Mom. My Mom went in for a Biopsy yesterday for a lump in her neck and a mast in her lung. I ask that you please pray as we wait for results. Prayer’s medically proven… All the love in the world, Abby

Eric took Aquaman back to the vet yesterday to see if his little puppy antibiotics & antidepressants had cured his parasite, the Medicine worked... and we have ourselves a HAPPY & HEALTHY Puppy! YAY !!!!

Is today, so with that I give you an official… *** Mush MODE Alert*** If you’re anti-mush I suggest you close the browser window and go back to what you’re doing. If you’d like to hear me gush – Please read on. You’ve been warned… I never thought 3 years ago that the love of my life would come and sweep me off my feet and a year later we’d be married. Eric and I celebrate 2 years today! What a wonderful 2 years it’s been! I don’t even know what to type, my heart just smiles knowing that there are so many more wonderful years to come! Last year on our anniversary I dug out the photo albums and oohed and awhed over the photos and memories – I can’t believe how many wedding photos we have and we didn’t even hire a photographer! I also dug out the VHS recording of our wedding taped by Jason. Jason was so kind to tape our wedding. That being said … Jason really REALLY liked to tape the boutonnieres that I had made for the wedding party I think it’s safe to say we have at least 5 recorde...

Last night Eric and I met up with Tim, Kat, Nick, Ben, Serena, Chaz , and Luke at the WingDome . The purpose ? To have fun and to eat a 7 alarm wing to be put in the WALL OF FLAME !!! ... I don't have any photos of the 4 of the brave "champions" crying after they've eaten the hottest hot wing in Kent Washington, but only because the lighting in the place was so crappy and all I had was my cell phone. However, I think they'd be happy that their photo will not appear on the blog but only amongst the sea of people all ready inducted on the WALL OF FLAME!!! Eric, Nick, Serena and Chaz all took the challenge to eat 1 wing dripping with 7 alarm wing sauce. They took the team friendship handshake and went on eating, Nick's eyes were watering so bad it looked like someone had just kicked his dog, and Serena couldn't swallow it. Chaz and Eric's lips were on fire. I dipped my pinky in the sauce just enough to make the tip of my finger a little red and put i...

What a busy weekend it was! Friday night Eric and I went to a Mariner’s game and watched them lose to the Twins. However it’s the only game they lost to the Twins this weekend so I guess we just had bad timing. At the game we got to hang out a bit with our good friends Reiner & Teresa, we ran into Ryan (a pastor of our church) and ran into an old youth intern; Bryant. It was amazing how many people we knew there. There were two other couples I knew were there, but we never crossed paths. During the game Elvis-Moose was in our section, and the kid next to us got on the Jumbo screen for dancing chaotically. He was pretty determinate to get on the screen – Eric was soaking up all his dance moves! The boys mom would move over closer to Eric and I to “give her boy some dancin’ room!”. What a great night! Saturday we had a few grad parties to attend. We went down to Federal Way for Nathan’s and then ran a few errands, then to Jason & Rachel’s. It was a long day. Grad parties take som...

Recent events have brought me and my family closer together via the Verizon / Alltel network. For those of you who don’t know me as well as my family, I grew up with a Dad who was an alcoholic; I don’t talk about my Dad much because we don’t have much of a relationship, anymore. Most of my young years my memories included Old Milwaukie, Lord Calvert & Diet Coke and one very red faced Dad. In the late 90’s my Dad went to Alcoholics Anonymous. He became sober and remained that way for quite some time. Up until the past year or so that is. My Dad has relapsed; big time. I haven’t heard from him, and my Dad went from being one of my best pals to a complete stranger in what seems like overnight. I am finding few avenues to vent my frustration, anger, and sadness better than talking to my family. I realize that by blogging my troubles may not make them better but exploit them for all to read. But I’m really not blogging for sympathy, or prayers or even good thoughts sent our way. I’m b...

It's been almost 2 years ago this week that my family was out visiting for our wedding. I get a little sentimental around anniversaries and wanted to post a few pictures I happened upon when they were here. They make me smile. Here's Troy trying to tell me to be quiet because the ducks were sleeping on the dock, I just love how cute Erica looks in this picture with her little camo capri's and her hair all dolled up still from the wedding. Here's Tony and I in the Ferry terminal waiting to go for a ferry ride. I thought it would be hard to "impress" my big brother in the big city, but I think the Ferry ride was even fun for him. Here's Four of my most favorite girls in the world! All we need to add is Erica, Mom & Julie and we've got it! We were busy picking out my flowers at the market for the wedding. This was taken after the wedding, we went touring together in Seattle as a family. We went and took a Safe Co Field tour and this picture melts m...

Happiness resides not in possessions and not in gold, the feeling of happiness dwells in the soul.- Aristotle So, I have many things to be happy about this week / thankful for. I don’t even know where to start, so I’m just going to list things in no particular order. -My Mom is healthy. Yesterday she was at the clinic with a swollen neck and a lump, they did some blood work and everything is normal and decided that it’s an abscess tooth that needs to come out that caused infection. She’s on penicillin but she will be okay … Praise God! -Eric went to the Mariner’s game last night and Had a great time with Tim, they don’t get as much hang out time as they used to so it was nice to see them able to connect. -Last night I got a lot of things done, not everything I wanted to, but a lot of things done, I folded laundry, took Aquaman for a walk and made inspiration cards for Eric to take with him on his mission trip in a couple weeks. Things I normally procrastinate and then look at the clock...

My puppy is pretty photogenic, Eric sent this picture to me via text today and I just about laughed right out of my chair. I have a lot of really great pictures of Aquaman but this one makes me giggle, because the look on his face tells me he's SO sick of photos! Eric was edited out of the photo because I doubt he'd appreciate being posted on my blog making fun of the dog. Any ways, enjoy a good laugh at Aquaman's expense. It sure made me smile on my grumpy Monday!

I always seem to moan and groan on a Monday ... so I find it fitting that I always want to title my Monday posts with "Monday Moanin '". Eric and I had a great weekend, it went really fast and I don't feel like I hardly saw him! This weekend was full of Dog sitting, errand running and friends! Ivan and Dawn came over yesterday eve and Dawn and I grocery shopped while the boys stayed at home with the dog. They remind me what it's like to have a great time with reliable friends. Eric was a Special Olympics all day Saturday and loved every minute of it, Katherine and I ran around and played Saturday eve. It was great to hang out with her and conquer Ikea & Fred Meyer! I'm exhausted this morning, I didn't sleep well. The heat is already getting to me and the fan's aren't helping as much as I'd like them to. Bring on the rain! On the plus side, I got a new pair of Teva Sandals this weekend that I'm in L♥ VE with! I can't wait to wea...