Sunday, July 27, 2014

Remembering Ken

Yesterday life dealt our community and our family quite a blow. Our dear family friend, Ken Murray, was killed in a car accident.

Ken was our small group leader and Daddy to Anna Claire's Red Barn buddy Lucas. It was so easy to be Ken's friend, and I love anyone who loves and invests in my kids. He invested in them, and in Larry and me.

When I told Anna Claire that Ken died in a car accident, her first comment was to ask me if his car broke, and then she told me that he was with Meme and Freddie, with Jesus. 

Bless her heart, she's only five and has lost three major adult figures in her life. Last night she told me to make sure Daddy wore his seat belt when running an errand and to send him in to give her a kiss when he got home.

Then this morning she wondered, "Ken can't come see me in my class anymore?" I reminded her that Ken was with Jesus and even though she can't see Ken right now, she will see him again one day. I reassured her she can talk to him anytime she wants and he is always watching over her. That got a smile.

Later on in the day she asked, "Mommy, can I go to Ken's funeral since he was my man who came to see me in my class?" 

Ken would pay Anna Claire daily visits in her classroom at The Red Barn. These visits would consist of him picking her up, holding her up high and giving her kisses. Her teacher Miss Jackie would inform me about this, "Miss Angie, a man is coming in every day to see Anna Claire." I just said, "Yes ma'am. That's just Mr. Ken Murray."

This was not any kind of pediphile behavior, simply an act of love, like a fun uncle. Which was fitting since Larry and I loved him like a brother.

Ken did adore and love Anna Claire. In hindsight, it makes perfect sense to me that they would be kindred spirits. They both have many, many traits in common. They are both old souls and thoughtful and wise beyond their years. They both are always looking for ways to help and do for others and think outside themselves. They are both easy to be friends with: disarming, comforting and reassuring. Truly admirable qualities in a world where most people judge, criticize or ignore. 

I am hurting for Ken's wife Teresa, kids Brandon, Lucas and Amelia, and Aunt Nell who has served as caregiver to the two youngest children while Teresa has been deployed the past few months. He loved his family dearly. I hurt thinking about Lucas's upcoming birthday, remembering how his daddy always prayed over him at his birthday parties and how precious that always was to witness.

I feel brokenhearted for all who knew him, because they must surely feel the way I feel. He made each person he met feel worthy, valued, and accepted just as he did for me and my family. It leaves me wanting to be better because I know I can't say that of myself yet, but I'd like to. He's a life changer for me because he's made me want to be a better person.

Church today was tough because Larry and I sat with Ken every Sunday. I felt the void and knot in my stomach as I peered over at the empty seat beside me. I will miss seeing him text and taking selfies of us to send Teresa (always multitasking), making us laugh during sermon, and getting up to get his second cup of coffee before the sermon began.

I am humbled and feel blessed that I was privileged to know such a fine human being and pray that I can take what I learned from him and apply it to my own life. He taught me to always look for opportunities to serve and to show acceptance and understanding to others. 

One of his colleagues posted that it sort of makes sense that God would take Ken to be with Him at his young age. That being the over-achiever he was, he had cram packed into his short life what would take most a lifetime to accomplish.   This gave me some peace, recalling he had such a full life, impacting so many, but selfishly wanting him here with us. 

As I was processing it all I remembered Ken and I were "friends" on YouVersion Bible app. It occurred to me this morning that I had access to scriptures he's highlighted so I read some of them instead of my usual devotional. He had the passage below highlighted which I believe sums up well how he strived to live his life and I pray it will serve as inspiration for anyone who might come across this post:

Therefore if you have any encouragement from being united with Christ, if any comfort from his love, if any common sharing in the Spirit, if any tenderness and compassion, then make my joy complete by being like-minded, having the same love, being one in spirit and of one mind. Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others. In your relationships with one another, have the same mindset as Christ Jesus: Who, being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be used to his own advantage; rather, he made himself nothing by taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness. And being found in appearance as a man, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to death— even death on a cross! (Philippians 2:1-8 NIV)

Wednesday, July 23, 2014

Flying with Young Kids



One for the books! Our first time flying with kiddos (ages 5 years and 9 months) and what a way to begin. The thought of thirteen hours total travel time with two layovers had me concerned. But not only did we survive, dare I say we enjoyed flying with our kids?

At the airport we received so many compliments on our blanket and luggage make-shift play yard. I have to give credit to my mother-in-law for that stellar idea. Brilliant. Crawling and moving around was just what Madeline needed after hours of being restrained.


Anna Claire is old enough to really appreciate what's going on and loved flying. It really could've gone either way so I am oh so thankful she enjoys it. She had her handy dandy ladybug luggage full of props plus Grandma to help entertain and keep her full of snacks. If she could get a window seat it was a huge plus since she loved looking out the window at the clouds. When she didn't get a window seat she sulked for a bit but then got over it.

For four to six year olds, I'd recommend and of the gear we brought along for the flight as well as for times your in your hotel room or vacation home with little to do. She especially loved her Leappad (art studio and new Sofia game in particular.) I loaded Frozen and Wizard of Oz on the Kindle which helped entertain both girls. A Melissa and Doug Magic sea life coloring book was a huge hit, as was her My First Plane Ride coloring book. She plans to color the whole book she says to make a "real book" since there is a story as well. That way I can read it to her, she says.



Madeline is so little and I was extremely anxious about flying with her and how she would do. I envisioned her crying the whole flight. She fussed, for sure, but nothing that couldn't be curbed by puffs, other snacks or introducing a new toy or trinket every few minutes. And I had better luck giving her random items like pieces of yarn or my bracelet or even a tampon than I did her own toys. Found items rule. Even better, she spent most of each flight sleeping. And the layovers were spent with her awake for the most part, usually an hour or more each. So that was really great to help break up our flying time.

Pat the Bunny is a must for the 6 to 12 month old jet setter.

Puffs: another must-have!


Tuesday, July 22, 2014

Hawaii Vacation Day Five



We had the Morning and afternoon to explore the island as individual families. Then later, at night, come back together for a dinner cruise.

Our morning was wonderful. We started out eating breakfast at the best breakfast restaurant in Kona: Island Lava Java. I had the Island Eggs Benedict served up on a croissant. Croissants and all breads and pastries are made on site. They have a bakery within. Larry had the Big Island Breakfast, and once again the bread was a standout. His was a wheat toast (with generous amounts of butter. Anna Claire had their yogurt and fruit plate and Madeline had fun trying everyone's food.


After our tummies were full we headed to an open air market we spotted next door and some of the nearby souvenir shops. I'd say that the number of souvenirs we al wanted is indicative of how much we have all loved Hawaii and want to remember it!

Anna Claire picked out a little solar powered hula girl who wiggles her hips, a hawaii tshirt, a Hawaiian dress, a ukelele, a little notebook, and a flower clip for her hair.

I picked out a Shiono Sushi shirt (best sushi ever...sea candy!) I also have a shirt from swimming with dolphins and won a free shirt from paradise helicopter that they are mailing to me! Mom found Hawaiian Christmas ornaments for both girls, got Madeline a Hawaiian dress and tshirt and a few other trinkets (necklace, coffee cup, keychain). I suppose Kona coffee and Kona sea salt count as mementoes as well? 

We laughed that when you vacation in Destin you might get a shirt or a visor, but when you go to hawaii you want as many as possible because it's a trip of a lifetime you never want to forget!

I got Larry a Hawaii lighter that was really slick looking but he had to surrender it at the airport. He did find a beautiful ring with abalone inlays to remember his trip.

After our retail fun we kept our promise to Anna Claire and found her a beach so she could play in the water. Our beach was called Kahulu Beach and is known for having sea turtles and being family friendly. We did get to see a sea turtle and Anna Claire was the one to spot it. There was also a food truck which made for best day ever in the eyes of our little snacker. We shared cheeseburger, sprite and fudge bar. I really think everything tastes better by the water!





After some fun beach time, we headed back home to get ready for our dinner cruise.

Add caption
The dinner cruise was beautiful. Despite one fussing baby and one sea sick baby, we were able to enjoy delicious food, beautiful scenery, ocean sunset, not to mention the dancing talent of Manny Doss. I do believe he charmed everyone on the ship. Love Manny!
Beautiful Khloie.
We love you, Mom!

Anna Claire loved being able to lean on the rail behind her and feel safe that should wouldn't fall out. Mommy liked that too.

Happy girl...pre-sea-sickness.

Love this pic of me and my girls. Thanks to Aunt Lisa for capturing the moment!
Larry and Madeline.

Madeline telling everybody all about it.
One of the beautiful views from our boat. Anna Claire loved watching all the boats.

Anna Claire with her "Uncle Qwint"

Beautiful sunset!

Madeline finally found sleep.

Hard to believe all three of these sunset pics were taken the same day.

Manny is a hoot.

Sunset right before leaving the ship.

Our day ended with a trip to the ABC Store where we found adorable Hawaiian outfits for the girls!




Wednesday, July 16, 2014

Hawaii Vacation Day Four



Anna Claire and Manny excited to ride a helicopter.

How blessed are we to check off so many of our life's bucket list items this week? Today's agenda? Ride helicopter. See waterfalls. Sample fresh local tropical fruit. Try shave ice. Explore beautiful Hawaii.

Madeline was not feeling the headphones.

Our mics on our headphones worked like walkie-talkies. So fun.

 Shaka! Aloha.

I was gonna be stoked to see one waterfall but we saw so many! They were all so beautiful.

Love the colors.

I may never get a bird's eye view like this again. Beautiful!

We were able to go through a valley.

The waterfalls were my favorite. Bucket list worthy.

He took us in for a close look at this war plane. The crew walked away.

Multiple waterfalls!

Loved all the little bays.
AC fell asleep halfway through our helicopter ride. Probably a good thing since she was having motion sickness. Madeline fell asleep right out of the gate.

Team Averitt
Team Doss
The whole Averitt-Doss crew. Or Doss-Averitt.


We made it to Hilo on the other side of the big island. More bohemian vibe for sure. I snapped this postcard shot. I saw this image so many times when researching the island before our trip so it was neat to see in person.

Grabbed lunch at Remys plate lunch in Hilo, then explored some shops before getting shave ice with the fam!
Anna Claire discovered an amazing art gallery and fell in love with this painting.
AC with her rainbow shave ice.

Madeline and Oakley chillin in the double stroller. I think they're gonna be great playmates in a year or so, just like their older sibs.

Cousins enjoying their shave ice!

These three really hit it off this week. Lifelong friendships formed.

The beautiful lady who made this wonderful week possible. Love her so much!

These two cuties had so much fun together. Love that they are cousins.

After lunch we hit our main destination for the afternoon: Hilo farmers market! Found my sugarloaf pineapple here!

Farmers market finds...Clockwise:dragonfruit, durian, star fruit.

Larry in his element, scoping out mushrooms.

Emily joked that she imagined me looking like the girl on the left in Hawaii. She wasn't too far off base. I was in tropical fruit heaven!

Daniel in his element. Found a ukulele!

Mom got each of the girls a piece of jewelry to remember our trip.

Madeline loved Jackie Rey's. We all did. I think it was everyone's favorite meal in Hawaii.

My dish was as beautiful as it was delicious. Raw ahi with mango. The salad and sauces were amazing.