The Johnsons' Journal

It's December!

2011-12-16T11:42:00.003-05:00

Anniversary flowers.

December is a busy month. There is always a lot to get accomplished, and a trip to Kansas usually falls during this month as well! Our Anniversary is on the 5th, 19 years already! We had a nice dinner and evening out, not many days are we alone together anymore. David got me roses. Two white roses, representing the two of us, and 5 red roses for our 5 wonderful children. The day he proposed he gave me 7 roses as well. Two white roses with a special ring around them, and 5 red roses for the members of my family living at home at that time. How our lives have changed over these last nineteen years! I love the man God gave me, so much more now than on that snowy winter day 19 years ago. How blessed I am!

December is always busy. It has been a blast buying Christmas presents this year. I have several able helpers to get the best prices, at the best spots, then place the orders for me. All I have to do is open the boxes when they get here and wrap them. One more box to go and everything will have arrived! Now if those pictures would get here, we could send out the Christmas cards as well. Oh goody, the last box and the pictures came today in the mail. Now we just have to get Christmas cards and Christmas cookies finished this weekend- well at least the cookies, since we need them after the play at church on Sunday night. God has been helping me not get stressed out and just enjoy this busy month, with all its ups and downs. It has been a fun December, busy, but good.
Now on to the Christmas card sending and the cookie decorating!

Tis the Season to Be Thankful!

2011-11-22T11:15:00.014-05:00

This year we decided to try Green Hubbard squash. Christopher picked the biggest and best one out of the bunch at the apple orchard.

The only way to break them open was to throw them on the cement. (It was part of the lure of trying this new kind of squash- not everyday your mother will let you throw food on the cement! )

Off to the oven to soften it up!

One, four dollar squash, will provide many meals of squash this winter!

This is the season for putting fall produce away. Applesauce, cooking pumpkin, acorn, green hubbard and butternut squashes. Now that sweet potatoes are on sale, we are cooking up a bunch and putting them away in the freezer to use later as well.

This big green hubbard squash, kind of reminds me of our life. Life is tough, takes a lot to tackle some parts to get to the rewards on the inside. Smashing, cracking, bumping around, to make the character of Christ that shines from the inside. It is not always easy to change, to grow, to produce the character of Christ, but it is worth every knock and crack along the way.

I am thankful for the ups and downs of life, for they have produced many good things.

1.) Children. They are not easy to birth, not always easy to raise- lots of sleepless nights, cranky moods, sickness, attitudes that need adjustment, speech that needs improving, you know. But the rewards of those bumpy moments are the BEST! My children are precious, make me laugh, help me work, take care of me when I am sick, and encourage me. Where would I be without them? So, maybe some days are hard, bumpy, tough. But the rewards of having children is very worth the work, the character building, the tough moments along the way. Children are a blessing from the Lord! Thank you God for your five blessings.

2.) My husband. Often along the way, there were bumps, sometimes major bumps to be crossed over as we headed through the years of marriage. There were dark and lonely nights, misunderstandings, hurts that took a while to heal. Not everyday of our married life was easy and carefree, but every moment has been very worth the whole journey. We are not the same young couple we were when we met, but, oh the joy of this presenst life and relationship with the man I love! I love my husband, even more than the day we wed, so thankful that God knew what was best for me.

3.) Life in general. I am a homeschooling mother. We make our own bread, use honey, sucanat and whole wheat- most of the time. We try to buy in bulk, make our own, gather fruits and vegetables to store for use later in the year. No, it is not always easy having school each day, keeping a schedule, putting my children first. No, I have not always been joyful each day. There have been times when sending them to school and just going out and buying everything seemed a much better way to live. But, here we are today, with so many lessons learned, a freezer again full, and another school year under way. My oldest is a senior this year, cannot believe that the years have gone by so quickly! God has been good to stretch us and help me grow. God has been good to give me children who make me proud by the words that they say and the things that they do. Praise God, from whom ALL blessings flow.

4.) A place to call home. We started out in a basement apartment, that the two ladies upstairs could enter any time they needed something from their storage room in the basement, or needed my oven, or to use the washer or dryer. We now own our own home, we live close to my family, have a wonderful church just around the corner, and have air conditioning in the summer and heat in the winter. It was an interesting beginning. Having no control over the heat or air conditioning, could not get my own mail from the mailbox, never knowing when someone would be coming down the stairs to enter my little abode, unable to change the colors on the wall, one kitchen cupboard, two small closets- for clothes and any "extras"... but it was good. Now we still are short a few cupboards and closets, the heat and air settings are never perfect for everyone, we forget to get the mail because we are so busy, someone always seems to be coming and going- and taking my car with them, the paint is chipped and has dirty spots and some parts of the house could use some redoing... but it is good. The expressway may run right beind our house, and we might dream of ways to improve, but dreams do not always come true. There is no place I would rather live, than here, with my wonderful husband and five lovely children and our dog. So thankful for God's provision of a home of our own.

Isn't He good! Isn't He good!

Isn't my Jesus so good!

Well, He sought and He bought me

And with patience He has taught me.
Isn't my Jesus so good!

Isn't He wise! Isn't He wise!

Isn't my Jesus so wise!

Well, He sought me and He bought me

And with patience He has taught me.

Isn't my Jesus so wise!

Happy Thanksgiving to you!

Our First Born is 18!

2011-10-19T09:43:00.003-04:00

I can hardly believe that I can write I have a daughter who is 18! We have been married nearly 20 years- what a journey!
It has been quite a weekend/ week! Last week was busy getting food purchased and prepared for a fun family reunion over the weekend. Meals to cook and set up, dishes to wash, coming and going from our church with loads each time, plus all the fun catching up with relatives on Saturday and Sunday. Then Sunday night about 9:30 a terrible bug hit the family and within 12 hours there was a lot of sickness running through this family. Thankfully, when Tuesday morning arrived, the sickness was gone. Thankfully, it is my dishwasher and not my washing machine that does not run, as Monday the washer ran most of the day getting rid of the sickie germs on bedding and clothes and extra blankets.
Then, Tuesday was Anna's 18th birthday. A big, yummy meal with a tasty dessert... well, it just wasn't the day for that after Sunday night and Monday! So, even though she did turn 18 on the 18th of October, the real celebration will have to wait until Thursday. By then I am sure that I can go to the grocery store to purchase the "extras" for a special dinner, and we will be ready for a fun meal with a few extra fats and sugars! We have celebrated in a small way but, we will have the candles on the dessert picture with the big meal and the birthday song and all that, Thursday.
She did get her present though, since it was purchased and arrived before the "Big Weekend" and the nasty bug hit. We helped Anna purchase a guitar, and her dad is teaching her how to play. It is kind of neat hearing them strum together and sing a little tune together!
How amazing that the first little baby David and I ever had is now a wonderful 18 year old young lady! I do not know that I can say time flew, some days it did, other days it did not. But overall the years have quickly passed, added up, and brought us to the 18th of October again.
How much character she has developed. How caring and sharing of a person she has become. So much talent, loving and kind, noticing where help is needed and lending a hand. Funny, witty, caring, persistent, interested in the details and what is best. What a blessing she has been to our lives!
Sometimes I get bogged down and discouraged, thinking how much better a wife and mother I should be. Willing to change faster and be more flexible and more relaxed and more... I read things like "We need not fear what our obedience will cause to happen in our lives. We should only fear what our disobedience will cause us to miss." in my Bible study book, (What Happens When Women Say Yes to God by Lysa TerKeurst) and I wish I had changed things faster, not been so stubborn, not been so sure I knew the best way, had not rebelled when I heard the word "No" when I wanted a "Yes". What had I missed because of my stubbornness?
And then, God encouraged me yet again! Reminding me by having a birthday to make me stop and think how He has been working in our lives. How things have changed from our being the newly married couple with a little one, to the longer married couple with an 18 year old daughter, the first of 5 wonderful blessings!
While doing this weeks Bbile study lesson I read- "There is no end to what God can do with you - if you let Him." So, even though the process has sometimes gotten bogged down with my reluctance to let go and grow, God has been at work, and I am not the same as when I first fell in love with the man I married. And now, today, He is just reminding me to remember to continue to let Him, to say yes to Him, to pursue a love relationship with Him above all else, no matter what happens. God is using the years that have passed, the journey in my relationship with Him and I need only look ahead expectantly, with a willing heart to how that relationship can grow and deepen as I continue to say "Yes God!" when He speaks.
I was reminded this morning of a verse from a previous study- Philippians 3:13-14 "Brethren, I do not regard myself as having laid hold of it yet; but one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and reaching forward to what lies ahead. I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus." I am not there yet, but I can reach forward to what lies ahead and press on toward the goal!
It has been good to look back, to see that God has been at work, and is still working. Being reminded to keep Him as my focus, to pursue my love relationship with Him, to reach forward to what lies ahead through each season of life. God has been so good to me. Such a precious husband who grows more precious each passing year. Five wonderful children, who really have changed our lives in a special way that only blessings from God can. Even though there are times we do not have a second vehicle, or a dishwasher, or great health as has been ture in recent days, I do know that God is God and I can trust Him no matter what is going on. I need to believe, even when it seems I cannot see what God is doing. He has never failed me, and will not start now! So, "Yes, God!" I believe, I do love you, may You be my focus today.
Happy Birthday Anna! Eighteen years is quite an accomplishment, from my perspective! Love you!

This is the Day, This is the Life, the Lord Has Made

2011-10-06T09:57:00.007-04:00

It is not always easy to be thankful. It is not always easy to keep my focus on God. It is not always easy to be obedient. But then, who promised me life would be easy, or that God intended life to be easy?
Being thankful is an action. James 1:2 says "Dear brothers and sisters, when trouble comes your way, consider it an opportunity for great joy." and Philippians 4:4 says "Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice!" Or how about this thought from the book One Thousand Gifts by Ann Voskamp as she quotes from Henry Ward Beecher; "Pride slays thanksgiving... A proud man is seldom a grateful man, for he never thinks he gets as much as he deserves." And, what do I really deserve? I am so thankful that God does not give me what I deserve, but gives me opportunities to respond in joy and thanks to the responsibilities (as Ann Voskamp puts it- response- abilities) He has bestowed on me in life. I must keep my eyes focused on Jesus, the author and finisher of my faith! I must let go of my pride and independence and open my hands to let God fill them with His blessings. I want to be willing to say each day, in each event of the day, "Thy will be done" knowing that God wants His joy to fill my very being. Knowing that being receptive to God and His will is accepting what He gives each day, whether I understand it at the moment or not.
Being reminded of these things, I realized that I need to be more focused on thankfulness, in doing my Father's will and looking for those blessings that He promised as I focus on Him. Being willing to see that He only wants what is best for me, and praising Him for just how life is today, right now at this moment in time. So, here goes!

1.) Even though I have always had a car at home for my use, except for a few days here and there through the years when repairs were needing to be made on one of them, it is not a deserved necessity of life. It certainly makes things easier, it is a great privilege (seen from this side of the window of life) it was indeed a great asset for convenience sake, but not the only way it could possibly be. It does take some great creativity at times, especially with teenagers who work, but really, God has provided. It does take away some of my independence, my ability to do it myself, not relying on others or their gracious gifts of vehicles or time to help in transportation. It takes up time to take David to and from work, but it is time alone with my husband, and I do have two other drivers to help. I need to let go, to say, "Thy will be done", to see the joy in the new one car family way of life. I need to remember to be thankful that I do have a brother who takes the time to fix our vehicles in his "spare time" at a reduced price even though his plate is already very full! What a great reminder each day that God does provide, that God does answer when I call on Him! So, thank you God for this sometimes work, sometimes not work car that is showing me how to thank you in new ways.

2. Even when I am told "No" for something I deem very important, vital and a "good thing", I need only say "Thy will be done." There is joy to be found following the path of God's will. I need to release my desires for my life, to stop bending over to look at poor me, and look up and open my hands and release my desires and accept His will, His desires for life. "We need not fear what our obedience will cause to happen in our lives. We should only fear what our disobedience will cause us to miss." (What Happens When Women Say Yes to God, page 45) I do not want to miss anything you have to give, dear Father! Thank You for the word "No" and it's reminder that You have something good to take it's place.

3. Time. I think I know how most wisely to use it to it's fullest. People and events. They are not always on the same page as I am on how to most wisely use my time. We were looking at Proverbs 3:5 & 6 as a family this morning. "Trust in the Lord with all your heart and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make your paths straight." Do not lean on my own understanding, acknowledge God in all my ways, He will direct my paths. There is the path of joy. Now to walk in God's ways today, leaning on His wisdom for my day, and thanking Him for directing my paths. Each day is a gift from God, time to take care of my response-abilities, God's love gifts for me today. The gift of today, each moment being directed down God's pathway. Thank you for your promise to make my paths straight, to direct my paths, even when I cannot see why they are leading the way they are.

4. A mother's work is never done.
But, I do have an electric iron, with which to iron the shirts of four wonderful men, who attend church willingly with me each Sunday. To iron the blouses and dresses that my two wonderful daughters wear each week, while we are praising the Lord together.
But, I do have a washer and dryer, that run on their own, cleaning all the clothes that God has provided for each member of my wonderful family. These machines work each day, never complaining, no matter how many loads are tossed into them each day. They wash out the dirty, work clothes of my hard working boys. Wonderful young men who are learning character, earning a bit of money to learn to use wisely, so that they might become might men of valor for the King of Kings.
But, I do have so many more time saving devices for helping me accomplish the work of every day. I also have 6 sets of willing hands, wonderful gifts from God. They may moan and complain a bit, but they also talk and laugh with me as I work. They smile, they hug, they thank, they love. A few have ears that cannot hear fully, one whose leg muscles are a bit shorter than they should be, but overall, the most wonderful husband a girl could ever pray for, and five stupendous children - true gifts from God.
So, thank you Lord for this fine day! Right here, where we are!

Summer

2011-08-11T20:08:00.000-04:00

I have meant to write all summer.
I even sat down a few times and tried to download some pictures, but the computer did not cooperate.
I wanted to brag on my children, tell you what a wild summer it has been.
So, now that it is August, let me start with June.

After our annual trip to Kansas in May, we looked forward to Vacation Bible School at our church. Jonathan and Amanda had parts in the the nightly drama. Jonathan also worked in games, Amanda in crafts. Anna worked on snacks, and they all did a terrific job. This year I helped in registration, and put papers in the craft sacks for the parents. I was thrilled to see them all doing so well in each area that they worked in! It was a busy, but great week.

Meanwhile, Andrew was at SMAT camp. (School of Missionary Aviation Technology) He had a super time flying an airplane (well, with some help), being challenged to be a disciple and make disciples, and spend time with some other fellows and a gal interested in airplanes. He was thrilled to be at the controls, visit other airports, view some storms up close as it was a very rainy and stormy week, and had a great camp experience.

My nephew Ben worked at a camp this summer just about an hour from us and we were privileged to be able to pick him up four weekends and spend some time Friday evening through Saturday evening with him. The time was too short, but we had a great time having him here this summer! His laughter was contagious, his smile ever present, it truly was a gift to have time to spend with him.

Jonathan and Amanda were able to go to camp this summer with their friends, Christopher B. and Lyssa B. They were just thrilled to be able to go with friends, and had a very warm, but wonderful week at camp. Three couples and a single fellow from our church were working up at camp the same week, so they had fun getting to see them as well. I had a great time driving the church van to take the kids going to camp to Lansing to catch their bus, and even more fun picking them up and listening to their chatter and laughter about the week they had just spent at camp. It was fun to have my daughter Anna and Rosanne and Barb (mom's of campers) along for the journey.

Next, came a visit from David's parents for a few days. We loved having them here, picked blueberries with them, and then, they returned home, far too quickly.
Today the four oldest are at Great America riding roller coasters and who knows what else, with the youth group and Pastor Dan and Melissa. That meant a special day for Christopher and me to spend together. Now, Christopher is off with his dad at his favorite park, playing in the water, catching crawdads, collecting insects, watching things float down the creek... having fun.

Finally, finally, this last weekend, the girls and I got to take our delayed trip to Grand Rapids to spend the day shopping. It was to be my birthday weekend shopping trip, but June turned into July, which turned into August. We had a great time wandering around malls, and other shopping centers, spending the day together, just the girls. Special times. The boys went to the lake with their dad in the afternoon and we all met up again at home in the evening.

This summer has also included the children putting in many hours of work for various people at various times. They have worked hard, weeding, doing yard work, moving sand, and babysitting. The calendar pages have been full of times for people to go here and there, doing this and that, the days were not dull! Fit in between all this were sleepovers with friends, Friday night sleepovers at Aunt Jane's, ice cream, nights out with Daddy, a trip to Baldwin where we spent a Saturday at a cabin on a lake, of a family that Anna babysits for.

In the midst of all the summer's business, I was teaching a ladies Sunday School class on the Proverbs 31 woman for five weeks this summer. I enjoyed it. It took many hours to prepare each week, but it was a rewarding study. It meant that Wednesday and Thursday, my time was tied up at the computer, studying and putting notes together, but my children were troopers and helped me out each week to get everything else around the house done so I could study. Evenings were devoted to going over notes and more study time, but God proved faithful and there was always enough time each week to prepare. It has given me a whole new appreciation for Pastors and teachers! What dedication of time and thought and life application to be able to teach so that others can learn and grow with you!

It seems the summer is so quickly coming to a close, but there are a few more fun times to be had before the summers end. One more special shopping day with dear friends in Shipshewana, Indiana for the girls, and Andrew and Jonathan go on their fishing trip to the Boundary Waters with Papa and Aunt Jane.

Teenagers and a nine year old, a wonderful husband, and very patient Heavenly Father, and blessings overflowing. We may not have our mini van any more, but we do have a car that gets us around most of the time. Jonathan did lose a hearing aid, but now has two even better ones. The cost of hearing aids is high, but God has always provided. I know He will again. Christopher is walking crooked on one foot, but a doctor's visit encouraged us to keep on with the stretches, it was still looking OK- no new surgery in sight. God has indeed been right alongside us this summer, providing faithfully for our needs, and has even allowed our air conditioner to work through all the dreadfully hot days of this summer! Thank you God!

I have not had a lot of time to do extra reading this summer, but have read a few good books if you are looking for something worthy of your time. In the Arena by Isobel Kuhn is a challenging look at missionary life in China and Isobel's day by day relationship with God. I found her accounts riveting and challenging, causing me to want to grow in my relationship with God so that I could have the intimate oneness with God that she developed through her years as a missionary. I am now reading through another book she wrote, called By Searching. In this account she tells of her journey through doubt into faith, the years before her missionary ministry. It is just as good a book, written in her simple, but meaningful way.
I am also reading through a book by Lysa TerKeurst for the second time called Made to Crave. Satisfying your deepest desire with God not food. We all have the ability to crave. To want greatly, desire eagerly, and beg for. Is it God or something else that I crave?
Psalm 84:1-2 says "How lovely are your dwelling places, O Lord of hosts! My soul longed and even yearned for the courts of the Lord; My heart and my flesh sing for joy to the living God." This is where I want to turn my cravings, where I want to desire eagerly each day to be filled.
This summer has been a journey, a few more weeks left to enjoy and then the journey of another year of homeschooling my five wonderful blessings. We have a senior this year!! (David and I are not getting older, just the children!) Looking forward to all that this next school year will bring into our lives.
God is good, all the time.

For I Know the Plans I Have for You!

2011-06-11T08:29:00.005-04:00

Jeremiah 29:11 says "For I know the plans that I have for you, declares the Lord, plans for welfare and not for calamity to give you a future and a hope."

This was said to to a people God had sent into exile from Jerusalem to Babylon. (verse 4)
Verses 12 and 13 say- "Then you will call upon Me and come and pray to Me, and I will listen to you. You will seek Me and find Me when you search for Me with all you heart."

Sometimes my life seems very puzzling. A perfectly good van- one that had just had a great sum of money added to it to fix it up, was totaled in an accident. The passengers were all safe- for which were are VERY grateful. Why would God have us put all that money in a van and then have it totalled? How will we afford a new one? Will I have to take my husband to work every day if we need the car at home? Before this gets solved, Jonathan is crossing over a little river in Kansas on a fallen tree. Something breaks off and he falls in, losing a hearing aid. Not the hearing aid that was already not working most of the time, but the one that was in good working order. Hearing aids are very expensive! We have two children who need braces, are saving for a car... very puzzling circumstances. But, Jonathan was not hurt, and still has his glasses!

In everything give thanks- for this is the will of God! "If there is any excellence and if anything worthy of praise, dwell on these things." Philippians 4:8b Why worry about asking why? God Himself states that His ways are not my ways and His thoughts are higher than my thoughts. Why do I think that I will understand? I need to file those concerns between the riches of the wisdom and knowledge of God! (Romans 11:33) I got to take David to work for several weeks whenever we needed the car during the day. Captive audience. Time alone with my husband on half of the trip and time alone with God on the other half. God knows the plans that He has for me! He knows the inconvenience, the extra time, He cares.

Since we now need new hearing aids (one aid to match the one he currently has will cost almost as much as buying two new ones) he gets to take advantage of a brand new product that is water proof and dust proof! Jonathan is truly excited, even thinks that we should just go ahead and get Andrew one too! :) Although the bill is not paid in full, God is providing.

Then you will call upon me and pray to me- I will answer. Then you will search for me with all your heart- you will find me! Is this where He wanted me? In this place where need was great? Was He looking for me to call and pray and search with all my heart? I think so. He gave an opportunities to give thanks, stand on His promises, seek His wisdom, rest in His arms, trust.

What a peace He has given. Leaning on His everlasting arms, standing on God's promises, counting my blessings and thanking Him for them. (Wonderful hymns go along with those thoughts- providing songs of praise to dwell on throughout the day.) He has provided even when the needs of each day seem greater than can be dealt with. We have great needs, but God is greater!

So glad He knows the plans He has for me!

Clogged Drains and Joy Pipes

2011-05-02T10:28:00.004-04:00

As I was working on the clogged drains in the bathroom, it seemed as if God helped me to put into perspective some things He has been trying to teach me. I feel as if there are all kinds of messages coming at me from different directions, I know I need to change, sigh, but putting all that together and doing it...
Just like those drains that have gathered, hairs, scum, paper, bug parts, and who knows what else that has been put down our drains, so my life has gathered things that have stopped the joy from flowing through the way it ought to. I have been distracted by harsh words that have wounded, thoughts that have stayed and taken root instead of being dealt with and washed away, stresses of life that have not been taken and left at the feet of my Master. You know, the weekly happenings of life that not taken care of one at a time add up, stop the flow. My joy pipe has become clogged because I have not allowed thankfulness to keep the flow going, I have allowed hurts, cares, stubborn sins and selfish attitudes to keep me from the joy of the Lord. Which joy, by the way, is said in Scripture to be, my strength!

My mind is reminded of the Scriptures I am memorizing, ones that remind me again of the right way to do things. Matthew 6:34 says each day has enough trouble of its own- so why am I keeping the troubles piling up, plugging up the joy pipe in my life? Philippians 3:13-14 gives a few more clues. "Brethren, I do not regard myself as having laid hold of it yet (I am not there yet, I have more to learn!) BUT one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind (even if it was just a moment ago!) and reaching forward to what lies ahead. (neat word picture, I see myself reaching with extended arm, for what God has, not getting stopped in the moment and staying there) I press on toward the goal for the prize (Marching on, marching on, for Christ count everything by loss! And to crown Him King, toil and sing, 'neath the banner of the Cross!) of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus." (Keeping my eyes fixed on Jesus, the author and finisher of my faith!)

Then comes the new verse for this week. Romans 8:28 God causes all things to work together for good- those things that I have been allowing discourage me, those situations that hurt, those "little sins" that I have just shoved aside and ignored the consequences from that are building up, these are for good? Like the drain cleaner used to unplug the blockage from the sink drain, sometimes those things that work for good in my life are the very thing that God is using to unblock that joy pipe, that lifeline of all that is good from God to me. I need these things to happen in my life so that what God knows is good for me will take place in my life, even when those things that happen feel like the drain cleaner unclogging the pipe! I must trust that His good for me is far better than what I can imagine! I have not finished studying this lesson yet, so I am sure there is more to learn here.

This weekend we had Jason Nightingale from Wordsower International at our church. He quoted chapters, books of the Bible from memory. For the evening service, he quoted the whole book of Revelation! Yes, all 22 chapters! God has been prompting my heart to memorize, so I have been working on these verses from the Bible study I am doing. One verse, every two weeks. Sounds like I should be able to do it, right? I am struggling. I have given myself excuses. I am older now, busy, a homeschooling mom, preparing for a church event, doing a Bible study... now we are down to one car, so that brings a few complications now and then. And yet... Mr. Nightingale shared how to memorize, he suggested picking the book of Titus. We could say we learned a book of the Bible, it is in reality only 45 verses (I think that is what he said) and it would bring great blessing to memorize. For three weeks read the book of Titus out loud, morning and evening. (That would take about nine minutes a reading.) Then on the third week, keep reading and start memorizing, paragraph by paragraph. It is hard work to memorize, but the rewards far outweigh that work! Again that niggling in the back of my mind, memorize. So, by God's grace, I will memorize the book of Titus! God causes all things to work together for good- it may be hard work, but God's word in my heart, His truths running through my mind, that is good.

Matthew 5:16 "Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven."

Happy 16th Birthday Andrew!

2011-04-14T17:14:00.004-04:00

Sorry, no picture. The computer refuses to transfer pictures to the blog or to Facebook. So, I won't be grumpy, I'll just make do without! Andrew passed his driving test with flying colors and the Secretary of State set him up with his very own licence the same day! He got added to the insurance, and drove to pick his father up from work and go out to dinner with him. Tonight, we will celebrate with a special birthday dinner at home. (At another time I will have to explain why we only have one van at the moment, but this is Andrew's day!) Looking up to him now, it is hard to believe that he's already 16. He is a very hard worker, loves to smile and pitch in wherever he can, does wonderfully well only hearing out of one ear, and is our treasure! He still struggles some in hearing words and how they are pronounced, but he is a real trooper at being corrected and learning. He is a very special boy! Can hardly believe that it is only two short years and you will be out of high school and on to new adventures! Happy Birthday young man!

Happy 14th Birthday!

2011-04-04T13:01:00.002-04:00

Happy Birthday Jonathan and Amanda!

At 9:03 AM 14 years ago, a little 8lb. 7 oz. girl was born. At 9:40 that same morning, a little 7 lb., 5 oz. boy was born. The world has never been the same since then!

Although they are twins, they are not identical (I have been asked that many times). Although they are twins they are two different, but very precious children of ours.

Twice the bargain for one pregnancy, twice the fun every day (well, almost) since then.

Amanda is creative, energetic, lovable and a great communicator and friend.

Jonathan is a humorous, thoughtful, creative and fun loving young man.

They both are treasures to have in our family.

So, Hip Hip Hooray for Jonathan and Amanda on their Birthday!

Oh, the Character You Can Learn

2011-03-29T05:25:00.009-04:00

When I got married, I thought that I was a pretty patient person, that God was the center of my life and that things were running pretty smoothly.

When I got pregnant the first time, I should have known that there were going to be a lot of holes put in that theory of smoothness, and togetherness in life. I should have known as I felt as if I had the flu for 9 months, and became very tired from lack of sleep, that there were challenges in the raising of children. But, we were so excited to become parents, we could hardly wait. I think that God was anxious too. He had lessons for me to learn, character to build, He wanted me to grow. He also wanted to share with me the joy of having children, it compares to no other joy. Being a parent, a mother, is certainly an opportunity for growth and development in character that is greatly rewarded.

Patience. From the first crying child, that just would not stop no matter what I did, to the son who just would not learn to read, no matter how hard I tried to help and encourage him. Just like Spring never seems to come fast enough, so children do not always pass through certain stages of life fast enough. Yet, it is in the walking through those periods of their lives with them, that God has the opportunity to teach me patience in a new dimension. I have the privilege of learning a new stage of the character that I am trying to instill in the child who needs to learn.

Diligence. To be diligent every moment of every day, no matter how much I would rather just quit. I must take Christ's strength, I must take His offered grace. I cannot check out of life, I am a mother. A privileged position, a special assignment from God, a 24 hour a day, seven days a week, many years in a row type of assignment. There were days, when they were all younger when I thought I could not go on. I could not even change the diapers of the twins at night without great effort because my eyes were crossing because of my great fatigue. But, God was there, God's grace was there. I just needed to learn how to accept it so that I could accomplish with His help, what He had in store for that day. Even today, He is teaching me a new stage of diligence. They are now more independent, older, but, I need to keep on teaching them character, giving the little pushes to grow. I need to have time for them, even when I am ready to check out for the day and relax, because that is when they will be ready to talk. Take God's grace, ask for His wisdom, diligently teach them, for now it seems my days are numbered!

Love. Children have taught me how to really love. To sacrifice, to give even when I did not know there was more to give. To unselfishly pour out, to know that there would not always be a response of gratitude for all the "little" things that a mother just does. Most days it was just enough to hear their laughter, to watch them enjoying life, but there were times, and still are, when I crave someone to notice, to give me a pat on the back. Sacrificial love, giving of myself, asking nothing in return. How much more I need to learn of Christ's love, how much deeper it can penetrate my every word and action.

Mirrors. Their lives are mirrors of the character, the soul, the heart of their parents. They reflect what they have been taught by words and actions. What words they parrot, what actions they imitate! It is uncanny at times, to see myself, to hear myself in what they do and say. It is not always what I would desire to see or hear, but it is a little mirror reflecting my heart, challenging me to change and grow. I do thank God for the five mirrors God has given me, and pray that I may reflect Christ for them, so that they in turn can be a worthy mirror for God when they have children to help them grow to become more like Christ.

I am sure that this is an incomplete list, I could keep going, if I had the time. But, I am a mother, and now my children are up. A new day has begun, a new opportunity to grow and learn, to teach and admonish, to be a reflection of Christ today.

Lamentations 3:22-25 "The Lord's lovingkindnesses indeed never cease, for His compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness. The Lord is my portion, says my soul, therefore I have hope in Him. The Lord is good to those who wait for Him, to the person who seeks Him."

Happy Birthday Christopher!

2011-03-09T11:36:00.004-05:00

( Christopher has grown a "frog tongue" for his birthday picture!)

Happy Birthday, my wonderful 9 year old boy!

Our life is full of excitement, hugs, cheery good mornings, lots of movement, unique questions, and tremendous amounts of energy having Christopher as a part of our family!

Our little baby boy, (well perhaps not super little since he weighed 11 lbs. 7 ounces at birth) is now a nine year old little man!

How blessed we are to have him as a part of our family!

He has requested a layered cake, with blue frosting in the middle and yellow on the outside, with gummy lifesavers and M & M's decorating it.

Meatloaf and some kind of yummy potato for dinner, and please could he have his presents today, and not Sunday when we celebrate at Grandma and Grandpa's house?

Hope we can keep up with you today!

Happy Birthday Christopher!

K'Nex and the Winter Blues

2011-02-21T19:39:00.007-05:00

At one point this winter, the snow was just a bit higher, almost touching the edge of the bowl of the birdbath. I guess this Pileated Woodpecker thought this new bunch of suet was a great treat for a long winters day. Just the other day the snow was melting enough for the grass to show, the roads and sidewalks to be bare... then another round of snow blew through Michigan. I just know Spring is coming one of these days!

Christopher could not wait for winter to be over to have another fire, so he collected cardboard and paper and set a little blaze going in the snow. It did not melt much of the snow, but he had fun. See those little branch like objects poking through the snow? There really is a whole bush under there.

Jonathan and Andrew constructed a Ferris wheel made out of K'Nex. It is huge, functions, and has little seats that are filled with Lego people and dinosaurs taking rides. It is 6' 3" high and 5' 8" wide.

It was so large, that once put together, they were unable to transport it downstairs so that it could be viewed and enjoyed. So, their bedroom has been a bit cramped, as they could not leave it in front of the girls bedroom door out in the hallway.

I am ready for the end of winter, snow that needs to be shoveled, and temperatures quite so cold. Not ready for summer temperatures, perhaps just above freezing and some sunshine!

I am thankful that indoors, the children and their dad keep the laughter and fun in full swing, there are not many dull moments with them around! So, I will just keep listening to the laughter, join in on the fun and close the blinds on the windows. One of these days when the blinds get opened in the morning, I know the trees will have started to bud, the flowers will begin to bloom, and the grass will become greener. Spring will come!

Reading and Learning

2011-02-08T11:53:00.003-05:00

I have been reading a great book lately. Having a Mary Heart in a Martha World, by Joanna Weaver. You know Mary and Martha, the dinner being prepared for Jesus. Mary sat at Jesus' feet and Martha scurried around getting everything ready. Taking our relationship from the lets get all these wonderful things done for the Lord, to having an intimate relationship with Jesus Christ and getting done what He would have me do.

I do get discouraged, not being able to get all the things done that seem important. Then there are the outside the house activities... what do I make time for? I get distracted from the real goals, get discouraged and then even doubt my ability to do anything right! Here are the authors Five Strategies for Fighting Discouragement.

1.) Allow for rest stops.

2.) Get a new point of view. ( A new perspective from God.)

3.) Have patience. (Romans 8:28)

4.) Mingle. (Discouragement feeds off isolation.)

5.) Set the timer. (Have a good cry, then surrender the situation to the Lord and move on!)

God does care. Just as Martha asked if the Lord cares, I tend to ask that as well. His answer is that He does care, just trust Me!

God wants to dwell with us. John 15:4 "Abide in me, and I in you..." Abide means to dwell or live. Dwell in me, He promises, and I will abide in you. God wants this relationship with me. He died on the cross for me so that He could have this relationship with me!

With this relationship going, this intimate abiding, we can serve Him in love. Following His example of serving. The book lists three simple principles of ministry in the life of Christ that we can imitate. Jesus ministered as He went on His way, as He went out of His way, and in all kinds of ways. I can serve, bearing the fruit of the vine, having Christ sticking out all over me. People will know whose I am because they will see the love of the Lord in what I do and say.

Needless to say there is much more than I have mentioned in these chapters.
But, for now, I want to have that intimate abiding, that fruit bearing, that Christ sticking out all around me. I want people to know whose I am. What great lessons that can be learned from Mary and Martha. I am planning on reading the rest, and then I had better start the book over and start underlining! There are so many things for me to learn! I am so thankful that God directed me to this book.

Happy Kansas Day!

2011-01-28T07:49:00.006-05:00

HAPPY KANSAS DAY!

Now, I know, that does not mean a whole lot to most people.

But, you are not privileged to be married to my husband, David.

It is VERY important to him.

We celebrate with, the annual Kansas Day Quiz, the Kansas Day Meal, (we invite company over to help us celebrate) the food and quizzes that are taken to work and a previous work site, and many, many e-mailed copies of the quiz to friends and family around the U.S.

So, even though you are not married to a great Kansan, who is fond of K-State purple, have a great day! I know that you will not be enjoying peppernuts, bohne berrogi, specially flavored pecans- (Kansas grown pecans), cheesecake muffins and sunflower cookies, but, try your best to enjoy the day without these special foods.

Perhaps, you could just wear a bit of purple today and wish all those around you a HAPPY KANSAS DAY!

Have a great KANSAS DAY!

January

2011-01-10T19:57:00.004-05:00

I know, it is January already!

So much has happened since the last blog entry!

We had a wonderful 10 days in Kansas with all of David's family.

Food, games, laughter, presents, seeing Kansas friends and family, sleep overs, church, fun times with our wonderful Kansas family!

This past weekend, Anna, Andrew, Amanda and Jonathan went with the Youth Group to Camp Barakel for a Winter Retreat!

Great Sponsors, good food, fun on the ice, inspiring speaker, fun time had by all!

Yes, we had fun at home as well, with just one.

Watching a movie with Dad, reading, shooting with plastic tubes that the covers flew off of, special meals he requested, a bath with clothes on, special one on one time with our youngest!

Now we are all back home, school has started again, and January is already whizzing on by!

Soon it will be Kansas Day!

Merry Christmas!

2010-12-13T21:07:00.001-05:00

December is always a busy month!

So much to do, so little time.

But, oh so much fun is fit into one month of the year.

Teen Christmas party here.

Adult Christmas party at church.

We celebrated our 18th Anniversary as well. We were given a few days without children the weekend before our anniversary. (Thanks Jane!) Kind of the calm before the activity of December!

Christmas play, with practices, wardrobes, scenery, lines to learn... but what a wonderful night that play was! It was rewarding to see the children so excited to be involved and dressed up to perform all that they had put so much effort into!

Christmas shopping, wrapping of presents, lots to do, but so fun to give these gifts!

Spending time with families and friends.

Two weeks of this, this December.

Wonderful food in Kansas, games, laughter, fun walks with the dog in the prairie, seeing friends and relatives- going to have a great time with the Johnson clan!

Home in time to enjoy a bit of Christmas break, just relaxing at home and enjoying time with family and friends around home. I am sure we will have some great food around here too!

In the midst of all this business and fun, Dad had both of his knees replaced today!

It will take some time to recover, I am praying that this will go as smoothly as possible.

Just a few more days of hurry and off we go to start enjoying the company of relatives!

Thank you for sending your Son, for giving each one of us the opportunity to become your children.

This is a gift far superior than all others!

Merry Christmas!

December!

2010-12-01T11:34:00.002-05:00

December is finally here!

The snow is falling, it is white and beautiful outside!

Christmas letters are in the process of being completed.

The church play is coming along.

Props and costumes being worked on by many great helpers.

The Christmas tree is up, along with the decorations around the house.

The Christmas music is being sung and played.

The teen Christmas party plans for this Saturday are coming together.

Secret sister revealing coming up soon!

Not too many more days and we are off to Kansas!

December!

Thanksgiving Day!

2010-11-25T10:38:00.002-05:00

Yes, I do have a lot to be thankful for!

My Heavenly Father loves me so much that He gave His own Son up to save my soul. Now He willingly offers me a relationship with Him, never giving up on me, always right beside me.
My husband and children, what a special bunch they are! God knew just what I needed! We grow together, laugh together, cry together, learn together, and gladly live our lives together! I cannot imagine life without them all!
My extended family, my siblings, my in-laws. How neat to be loved by them all, and to have the special relationships that we have cultivated over the years of knowing each other.
Our wonderful house. Our house may not have everything I could dream about having in it, but it is ours. We have so many wonderful memories built up in this house, so many years of family life poured into even the smells that pervade the air of our home. We prayed for this house, know it is God's miracle abode for us, and have had fun making it into our special place.
Having my children home each day to help in their education and character training. There have been times when I did wish I had some peaceful hours while they were off at school, but looking back at the overall picture, it has been the greatest thing for our family to grow and learn together. I truly do have the BEST children, and I am thrilled to see God working in their lives!
I am thankful for all the "little things" that make my life so much easier. The washer and dryer, dishwasher, Bosch and wheat mill, the oven and stove, the computer, a wonderfully soft bed, a driver to run errands, a nice chair to read a book in, a warm shower in a redone bathroom... there are endless blessings that I sometimes just see as a normal way of life. These truly are God's little touches of blessing and care on my daily life.
Vehicles that run, most of the time. Being able to go and visit family in Kansas, go on vacations, and just run around the neighborhood. Two running vehicles is a great blessing!
We have a neat church as well. Our Pastor and his wife are very special people. He has a wonderful laugh, a very giving heart and an ability to share God's Word in a very special way. There are lots of places where we can serve here, but what a special blessing to serve with such a wonderful group of people. God has blessed us, by putting this church and these people close by!
David. Who would have guessed all that we would have learned together these last 18 years! God surely does know what is the very best! Looking back over the years we have been together, each step has truly been worth it! Not every season of the journey was easy, but to be where we are today is a priceless blessing!
God's Word and answered prayers have been a highlight this year. Learning to turn to God and know that His answers are available and right. His Word does contain the way to become more like Him and less like me- a journey that I sometimes loose my way on as I pass through life. He never gives up on me, He waits for me to return to Him and seek His ways. Oh, to be loved to that extent, a blessing above all blessings!
God's financial blessing on our lives. We never really are in want, our bills all get paid, and we are free to do so many things in comfort. I am so thankful for a wise husband, and his sound financial decisions over the years.

I am sure that there are so many blessing that have been left unsaid. I will just have to keep counting the blessings this next year, being thankful for all that God has done and is doing in my life.

Happy Thanksgiving!

Fun Fall

2010-11-04T19:19:00.005-04:00

Pumpkin carving, pumpkin seeds, squash stored in freezer, apple pies, leaf raking (although I must admit I have not been a part of that), windy cool breezes... what a great time of year! We have been very busy, as usual, but having fun!
Christopher went again today to see Dr. Forness.
Now he has some exercises to keep those muscles lengthened, and some to make them stronger.
How neat to see him standing still and tall, and at the same time to see him running and walking with those flat feet!!
This Wednesday, Anna and I were a part of a Taste of Home Road Show! We had fun watching eight different recipes being put together, listened to names being called for door prizes- none of them were ours, and enjoying a night out.
Oh, and the leaves, Andrew and Jonathan have gotten most of them up, and I did not even have to ask, they just did it! I have not really done any yard work this summer, just took care of my flower gardens, and watched the boys and their dad do the rest!
I used to enjoy doing the lawn, but am so glad for my healthy helpers.
I have been having fun baking squash and then freezing it for use later this winter.
I even tried making some acorn squash seeds, the same way we do pumpkin seeds, but I don't think they are quite as good.
I enjoyed a new squash and apple soup, but the comments were mostly that it was, interesting.
Guess not everyone thought it was a winner recipe.
My new challenge- reading a book on Romans 8:28. I am slowly getting through it, but know that this is a truth that I really need to live by!
"We know that ALL things work together for the good of those who love God:
those who are called according to His purpose.
Have a fun Fall!

The Days Are Flying By!

2010-10-25T20:31:00.008-04:00

Each week day we work on school. Some day we are more creative than others! :)

For David's birthday, he wanted to have some guests over for his birthday supper.
We invited the Archambeau's and their two exchange students Don and Moo.
We had a great time chatting with them, playing games and eating together.

Friday, October 22 before the long awaited appointment.

Friday, October 22, after the long awaited appointment!

Notice how his feet are flat on the ground! He can actually stand still on flat feet!!!

He is having a bit of a problem figuring out how to walk, but has assured me that walking on his toes just does not feel right! Praise the Lord!!

The ace bandage covers two parts of the incision that broke back open.

The ace bandage never stayed in place, we had to resort to tape and a smaller bandage.

I am praying that God quickly heals these little pits in his leg!

David's birthday was on Saturday, another busy day!

Where would I be without this wonderful man?!

So glad that I could celebrate another birthday with him, and pray I can celebrate many more with him as well!

Now on to another busy week, packed with more than enough to do!

Seventeen Years Ago Our Family Began

2010-10-19T09:55:00.002-04:00

Happy Birthday Anna!

It is so hard to believe that our first child was born 17 years ago!

What a blessing she is in our lives.

She is a hard working, gracious young lady.

What a joy to have her help in driving, babysitting, cooking, teaching math, and encouraging her siblings.

I treasure our friendship, our times of sharing together, our times of shopping together.

Our daughter certainly is a blessing from the Lord!

Muskegon Art Museum

2010-10-11T19:27:00.003-04:00

Saturday, was a free day at the Muskegon Art Museum.

It was Wild Things weekend.

Thus, the masks we made in the art room.

Can you tell whose mask is whose?

We then had a wonderful docent take us on a tour of the Museum.

There were some rather odd pieces of art, and some fascinating pieces of art.

Of course, for one person especially, the painting Tornado Over Kansas, was the highlight of the tour.

Our docent was a great guide, teaching us principles of art, and explaining details about some of the paintings. She answered questions, and asked them, teaching as she went through the different exhibits.

We then took a little tour through the gift store. If you ever needed a one of a kind, unique gift, this would be a fun place to search for just the right one.

Did you guess who made each mask?
If you need something to do on a Saturday morning, here is a fun suggestion for you!

It's Fall!

2010-09-25T10:07:00.002-04:00

The season has changed.

The calendar says Fall is here.

The weather today says Fall is here.

My life is full of changes.

My children are growing up!

Their time with me as their school teacher is almost up!

One more year after this of all five, and then Anna will be finished with High School.

In preparing the material for the Ladies Retreat, I was studying the book,

The Red Sea Rules

The Same God Who Led You in Will Lead You Out

by Robert J. Morgan.

I pray that this school year we can learn the truths of letting God guide in our circumstances, realizing that we are just where He wants us to be.

He put us there for His glory.

I do want to grow spiritually with my children as we tackle each day together.

I also want to start working on character qualities again.

Diligence will be our first one.

It is a very needed quality, one that will help us keep accomplishing more character qualities as we stay diligent.

I also have a book I want to work on.

Making Brothers and Sisters Best Friends

By Sarah, Stephen, and Grace Mally

Making a purposeful effort on each of our parts to make our family relationships ones that will last forever.

I pray that God is glorified this school year, as we learn and grow together.

September at a Glance

2010-09-24T09:31:00.009-04:00

The first day of September was Christopher's Strayer Lengthening operation.

It was a VERY long day!

He was a great patient, and has bounced back very quickly.

The first two weeks he had to be in a wheelchair, as he could not put any weight on his feet.

Since then he has been charging around on his casts.

His pain has been minimal, and the wheelchair was even kind of fun to play around in!

The next big event of the month was the Boundary Waters fishing trip.

Andrew and Jonathan went with Papa and Aunt Jane for a week in the wilderness.

The weather was extra cool this year, so they had to bundle up to stay warm.

Papa caught the largest fish, this was his second largest. Papa left his camera back in the tent, so no one but Dad and Jonathan saw the BIG fish.

Jane and Andrew with their strings of fish.

Jonathan's Big Bass!

The next big event was a visit to HUGS Ranch.

Lisa, Aunt Jane and Jill were great helpers as we all rode horses.

Lisa spent so much time with Christopher, that she let him ride on his own at the end of our time there!

Jonathan had a great time riding each of the horses.

Both Mom and I had a great helper as we rode the horses. Anna either coached us or sat right behind the saddle on the horse to help us as we cantered and trotted.

Andrew on Santee.

Amanda had to brush up on her skills, and then she was off!

We were so grateful for Aunt Jane and Lisa for their help and encouragement.

It surely was a fun day!

The days in between these days have been full as well. The Ladies at the church had a getaway weekend at Maranatha and we had a great time chatting and learning together.

School has started and occupies several hours of each day as well.

And then there was the oven that malfunctioned and burned the bread...

After checking out what was wrong, the repairs were so high that we got to go shopping to get a new oven!

It was delivered the next day at 8:40 am and we are now back in business again!

The month is flying by, God is answering prayers, giving strength and providing for our needs!

We are looking forward to all that God has in store for us for this Fall!

Thankful Tuesday

2010-08-24T10:53:00.004-04:00

Today I have a few quiet hours.

I know that there are lots of jobs that could be accomplished.

But, since I am feeling overwhelmed, perhaps even a bit like I could scream,

I decided instead just to thank God for what He is doing in our lives!

What a wonderful experience this summer for Anna. She was able not only to help Aunt Jane at HUGS Ranch, but make a new friend and ride horses with her.

I am so thankful that she had this opportunity this summer.

I did sorely miss her being here some days though!

We can laugh now, the work is done. I was so proud of my children, and their involvement in two weeks of VBS this year.

They did a wonderful job each week with the children who came each night.

Those were busy weeks, each night jam packed with things to do,

but I know that there were little lives that heard the Gospel, and it is surely worth it all!

Andrew has been working this summer as well. Doing odd jobs for people, mowing for the church each week, and helping Jonathan keep our place looking nice as well.

Hard to believe that next year he can drive himself to those summer jobs!

It seems like every week has almost everyday filled with people needing to go places, things that just cannot wait another day to get done, or else, visits to beaches or pools, and friends to have over or to visit, fruit to process and veggies to be used up from the garden.

BUT, so thankful that we have been healthy, we have the strength we need, the car to go all those places, and 24 hours in each day, in which we can attempt to get many things done each day!

I am thankful that I have a patient Heavenly Father who is working in my life, helping me grow as we make it through these summer months of business and fun.

He is strong, when I am weak, He has promised to never leave nor forsake me!

So thankful for one more little get away with great friends on Thursday.

Can hardly wait!

God is good, all the time!

Creation Museum Vacation!

2010-08-05T07:46:00.008-04:00

Here is just a glimpse of our two days at the Creation Museum.

One afternoon was spent winding our way through the 7 C's of History.

Creation

Corruption

Catastrophe

Confusion

Christ

Cross

Consummation

Lot's of "real life" animals and people depicting scenes of history.

Church History.

A very large section was on Noah's ark and the flood.

Of course there were dinosaurs!

Some looking like fossil formations.

Some were even rideable!

There was a nature walk of sorts to and from the petting zoo.

Beautiful plants, trees, and flowers were all along the path there and back.

Camels, sheep, goats, cows...

...a very friendly wallaby...

... zorse and zonkey, chickens, ducks, rabbits, were all at the petting zoo!

It was a busy two days of fun.

We went to the planetarium for two different shows, went to a program about very fancy pigeons, saw pond water under a microscope, and watched a program about creation versus evolution.

It was neat to hear in these sessions why evolution could not be true.

The hotel had a pool, so in the evening we went swimming, took walks, played games, read books and relaxed before going to bed.

I am so thankful for all the little helps God gave us so that we could afford this fun three day trip!

While the Four Oldest Were At Michigan's Adventure...

2010-07-08T07:49:00.003-04:00

July 6, Grandma turned 92. We went to wish her a Happy Birthday!

Then we went to HUGS Ranch!
Mom and I watched as Christopher brushed his horse, cleaned his hooves and got the saddle on.
Then he was off to the arena to ride around.
This was Christopher's special day with Aunt Jane!
Besides the horses, there were kittens to play with, and two dogs.
It was a very warm day, but I am glad that Aunt Jane had the time to spend with him.
Thanks Aunt Jane!
That night David took Christopher to fly a kite they had made.
It crashed, so they just went exploring- by the water of course!
They had fun playing by the water's edge and catching crawdads!
Every summer day seems to be packed with things to do, places to go, and friends to see!
I am so glad that we have the time and energy to do so.
Today, I am praying for rain all day- we desperately need it!
Perhaps we can just sit inside and relax today!

It's Summer and It's Busy!

2010-07-04T20:54:00.003-04:00

VBS!

Christopher getting ready to throw a water balloon.

Aunt Jane, one of the people to get balloons thrown at them when the children collected five hundred dollars for Hugs Ranch.

What a busy week VBS was.

Many, many children- one night 82!

Lots of excitement.

Drama- the four oldest were involved in that- they were great!

They had a great coach- thanks Alyssa!

Amanda worked in the craft department with Mrs. Rohn.

Andrew and Jonathan worked games with Aunt Jane and Mark.

Anna was a teacher with Joelle each evening.

I worked with Lyssa in snacks.

We each were very busy with the greater number of children- last years high was only 48!

Great week all in all!

It seems like each day is full and overflowing!

How will I ever get everything done this summer!

Swimming with Aunt Jane, Aunt Pam and Aunt Melissa and all the children Friday afternoon.

Good start on my tan!

The water was actually warm!

Birthday party on Saturday night.

Sunday potluck at church.

Then a great afternoon making pretzel bread and homemade ice cream!

This Tuesday, the four oldest go to Michigan's Adventure with the youth group.

Christopher, Mom and I are going to see Aunt Jane at Hugs Ranch.

The week is filling up already!

So thankful that the D-Ribose is still working- I hardly hurt at all!!

I am so grateful for God's miracle!

Tomorrow David is home- maybe we should go to the beach! :)

Happy Summer!

Family Fun In Kansas

2010-06-17T20:55:00.005-04:00

We are back from yet another trip to Kansas!

It was a warm week full of family fun and games galore!

It rained quite a bit the first half of the week we were there.

Mud appeared on the carpet, and children were told to stay in a few times.

Many rigorous games of Four Square were played.

Hit the Dip With the Stick was another fun game to play with Uncle David.
Many card and board games were played as well.
This is a game playing family!

On Saturday, we went to two different family reunions.
These are all of David's moms siblings. She is the second one from the right in the front row.

What a fun week for all of the cousins.

Some of us were cold on the way home, and just a tad tired as well.

(I thought that the air conditioning in the van was not on high enough.)
A fun week.

A bit on the warm side.

Cousins, games, great food.

Not quite enough sleep.

Great to see so many relatives in one trip!

KANSAS!

Time Flies, BUT We Are Having Fun!

2010-06-03T20:34:00.003-04:00

Already June!

Tomorrow is the start of the yearly summer visit to Kansas!

Andrew has graduated from his driving class and now has a Level 1 license!

He is working on his 50 hours, quite a few to go.

Anna has her braces- well on the top teeth for now.

Have not been feeling the best the last couple of weeks, but thankful that it is a bit better now.

Thankful for the sunshine, and also for a little cooler weather.

VBS is one week after we return from Kansas.

Amanda is having a great time working on the crafts.

I will be working with Lyssa in the kitchen- we are going to have lots of fun doing snack time!

Jonathan, Andrew and David are keeping the lawn mowed, for this I am VERY thankful!

Thankful to be seeing family in Kansas.

Am working on being thankful to be packing tomorrow.

Very thankful for all my helpers, it will make the job a LOT easier on me!

So, packing, traveling, and then KANSAS!

Many Things To Be Thankful For!

2010-05-12T15:06:00.010-04:00

What a wonderful Mother's Day!

What fun we had planning, creating, cooking and decorating for the Mother Daughter Luncheon.

There are so many things to be thankful for this week!

1.) The Mother Daughter Luncheon was this past Saturday. We had enough food, (well, perhaps a bit too much of some things!) and the tables came together with all the things that we had made. The speaker was great, the skit was humorous, the gifts to give away were wonderful! Thank you Mrs. Rohn for all the aprons and gifts that made for me! We had many willing helpers, donating aprons and bringing their favorite dessert with them to share with everyone. What a great group of helpers we had! Anna and I had a great time preparing for this day!

2.) Mother's Day was a fun day as well. My husband made me peanut butter cheese cake muffins, that he invented, for breakfast. They were yummy! He also gave me a vase full of roses and a kitchen timer- just like my favorite old one that quit working. My Dad made Sunday dinner, and only one child was home for supper, so that was easy too! What fun to get homemade cards full of notes from my children. I do not think that I am as wonderful as they say I am in their cards, but I love them just the same.

3.) Andrew is now in Drivers Education. He has been working a lot of the time with my Dad, and now goes to class 4 nights a week. A bit busier than he usually is, but I am thankful that he is working hard both at work and in his class. It is fun having the children growing up!

4.) Christopher has an appointment with his foot doctor- I guess the time has arrived for some surgery on his legs. I am thankful that he has made it to eight without getting any worse, and now am praying for God's working through Dr. Forness' hands to help out the short muscles in the backs of his legs. Christopher has an interesting take on this surgery. He is kind of looking forward to the surgery, he told me. He kind of wants to know what it will feel like having surgery, and is interested in knowing what it will be like to stand on flat feet.

5.) Anna has an appointment with an orthodontist next week. I am thankful for those who have referred me to this man. Since there will probably be more children who will need his help, it is nice to know that he gives discounts on multiple patients from the same family. Looking forward to see if this will help her jaw popping problem.

6.) I am thankful that school is coming to an end for this year. Christopher has already completed some of his books, and the others are finishing up theirs as well. Looking forward to the summer break!
7.) Thankful for this coming Saturday. Not going away, no Luncheon to plan, just a morning of shopping and enjoying my mother's company! Hope you have a wonderful weekend as well!

OOPS! Andrew turned 15!

2010-04-23T19:01:00.002-04:00

15! Happy Birthday Andrew!

Andrew and Jonathan, posing for their Retro Prom Alternative party.
I can hardly believe that on the 14th Andrew turned 15!
My little boy is growing up!
He is almost as tall as his Dad, and his character is growing and maturing as well.
He is a very hard worker- I love to see those muscles as he lifts heavy things and moves things around for me!
He is enthralled with knives, even owns a few! Thanks Rick for your influence!
He has enjoyed mowing at church and gathering leaves and sticks with Rick Lifer.
He has enjoyed working with his Papa, learning different carpentry skills.
He recently bought his first bike and went on a long bike ride with Papa in Spring Lake.
In the month of May, he will be taking drivers education, and then I am sure he will be asking to drive quite frequently! :)
He is my gentle, loving and funny boy!
I am proud of his hard work ethics, both at school and on the job.
Happy Birthday Andrew- even if I am a few weeks late in getting you on my blog!

The Bugs Have Hatched!

2010-04-22T12:44:00.002-04:00

It is official, Spring is here!

The insects have hatched and the collection of them has begun as well!

The trees have begun to leaf out, flowers are blooming all around!

But, most important, the sun has brought out the insects!

My red border bricks are again moving.

The Jiff jars are being found here and there.

Sometimes you can find a bit of mud in the jar, sometimes the remains of an insect.

The shoes and pants get muddy, the sandy grit is in the bottom of the tub and sink.

HOWEVER, this brings lots of entertainment and fun!

Christopher has already had a, in my opinion, rather large spider in a Jiff jar.

We then had the opportunity to see it eat a cricket! (This, of course, was caught by moving one of those aforementioned red border bricks- which Christopher assured me I would want him to move, so that he could catch those crickets that I do not like to hear right under my bedroom window! :} )

The spider was great entertainment for one afternoon! It's "house" had to be rearranged and added too, along with more food being added, once the cricket was finished!

Yesterday, the water in the ditch was discovered.

Not clean, running water, but muddy, stagnant water. A Jiff jar was filled with mud and water, and investigated. Then the jar was set aside to see what treasures he and his dad could find in it.

It was at this time, with muddy, wet pants and filthy feet and hands, that he announced he needed a nice long bath!

Soon after the bath was finished his Dad came home.

I was getting supper on the table and could not find Christopher!

He was back in the ditch getting one more thing for Daddy to see!

One more pair of pants- he accidentally fell- and dirty hands and feet to be cleaned once again!

The Jiff jar held mosquito larvae, a tadpole, and other wonders as well!

The laundry and baths were well worth their time, just to hear Dad and son discovering the marvelous things that ditch water holds!

So, hurray for Spring, new life, new wonders, new discoveries!

Our Sawdust Playland!

2010-04-10T16:25:00.003-04:00

Christopher has a new place to play!

Our neighbor came over today with his stump grinder and turned the stumps into piles of sawdust and dirt. Once we get rid of it, he will come back and get the rest of the roots that are now buried under all that sawdust.

After playing in the sawdust, Christopher went straight to the bathtub! He has been there for quite a bit, with an army lined up on one end of the tub, bugs of all kind on the other, dinosaurs, fences, mountains and who knows what else combined with his imagination!

It has been a fun week, not quite long enough, but a good Spring Break!

The decorations for the Mother Daughter Banquet are almost finished.

Summer clothes have begun to appear and some winter clothes put away.

Amanda has been taken to two different craft stores and has begun designing necklaces and matching earings. (That really did take quite a bit of time, as decisions over what to buy do take quite a while sometimes! :> )

We have been able to sleep in a bit, stay up a bit later doing fun things, read a bit, work on crafts, even get a little hand quilting done!

Back to the normal schedule next week, but the end of school is almost here!

Dentist visits, consultation with an Orthodontist, hearing aid checks for both of the boys, a Mother Daughter banquet to keep working on, finisheing up the school year... life is hopping!

The Twins are 13!

2010-04-07T12:19:00.004-04:00

I cannot believe it! Jonathan and Amanda are 13 already!

Not only was it Easter on Sunday, but also a big birthday celebration!

Four teenagers now reside in our home!

I am so thankful for Jonathan and Amanda.

What would our family be without them!

They bring smiles, laughter, interesting humor, hard workers, creativity, helping hands, a joy and happiness like no other two people could!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY JONATHAN AND AMANDA!

Thankful- Even For Lice

2010-03-25T18:59:00.004-04:00

Now we can count our blessings for the adventure of a child having lice!

1. We are very blessed to have only one child that contacted lice! They are extremely gross, crawly things and their eggs are stuck to the hair, it seems, with super glue!

2. We now know so much more than we did before about lice! A kind friend told us to go to Michigan head lice manual on the web, and there we found a PDF that was greatly informative. It seems that everyone has a different opinion about how to rid them from your head and your house! We even examined the nit casings under the microscope and were amazed at what we saw! We are a little disappointed that we forgot to look a the lice themselves, but do not want them back just so we have the opportunity to view them.

3. We are ever thankful for a wonderful Aunt who is knowledgeable about Shaklee. She sent us a simple little plan for killing lice, and unsticking those terrible eggs from the hair. After the first treatment, they just slid out as I combed my child's hair! Now that is a miracle!! I was so thankful that this was not a chemical, it is an organic soap called Basic H, followed by a ten minute soaking in apple cider vinegar, rinsed, then a conditioner was applied. While the hair was wet we took the dogs flea comb (nit combs given in the Nix box were useless) and combed those nasty, little eggs right out! I am terribly sorry we ever used Nix, and have since heard of several other unhappy customers, as the lice returned after using this product. I have treated the child's hair twice, but was told only once was necessary. Extra precaution I guess, as the experience is not something we would like to repeat!

4. The boys all got an early short haircut- no sense in giving those little buggers any other head to grow on! Now they are all set for a while in the haircut department.

5. So thankful that not one bug, no new eggs, and not even the old eggs, have since been seen in a whole week! We will keep checking, but I cannot see how they can come back, when I cannot find anything now.

6. So thankful for a wonderful washer and dryer, a great vacuum cleaner and many willing helpers.

7. The flowers above were given to me by a neat lady who came to help me understand I did not have to be so scared of lice, shared with me a shampoo that she used successfully with her daughter and answered questions. God is good. She shared with me a natural product called Lice-R-Gone. She never picked off any eggs or nits, she wanted the shampoo to eat up the live lice as they hatched! It worked- her daughter never got them back! I did not use this as Shaklee is present in my home and it was free, and seems to have done the trick as well.

8. We three girls were given an opportunity to be scared, to get irritated with each other because of all the stress, and respond in ways that we would later regret. Or, with God' s help, rely on Him to meet our every need, even when we did not know the whole picture and respond to each other in love and kindness. What a great opportunity to learn how to more fully rely on God! I am so thankful for the smiles, the laughter, and the patience shown, as we went through the adventure of getting to know about lice and how to get rid of them.

9. Although I see no need to repeat this process again in my lifetime, I am thankful that God sent along different ones to help, to encourage, and to answer questions. I am also thankful for an opportunity to use the microscope, and to learn something new that hopefully we will be able to pass on to someone else when they are grossed out by seeing a live bug in the hair of someone they love!

Have a very Thankful Thursday with all that God has put in your week!

Happy Birthday Christopher!

2010-03-11T07:35:00.002-05:00

Christopher turned eight yesterday.

No more need for a car seat!

He requested homemade pizza and dirt cake for his birthday supper.

Christopher is full of adventure, full of energy and full of smiles.

Where there is fire, water, mud,
things that move and make noise,

I am sure that you will find Christopher there as well!

Christopher has always had a vocabulary above his age level,

therefore coming up with some pretty unique ideas.

Christopher loves to give hugs, excitedly thank someone who grants him something he wanted, and his facial expressions clearly let you know what is going on in his mind!

Chirstopher has a mind that includes a great imagination, the ablility to remember many details (especially about insects and outdoor details he learns with his dad)

and a great amount of curiosity!

Being the youngest, the others think that he gets away with more,

gets a later bedtime than they got,

and that I am all around more lenient with him.

Perhaps I am, but I love them all!

Today I am particularly thankful for the 8 years God has allowed us to have Christopher.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY CHRISTOPHER!

Thankful Thursday

2010-03-04T17:20:00.002-05:00

The day is almost gone, but the thankful thoughts are still there!

1. So thankful that David takes time to go out with the children one on one. They so enjoy their time with their father! It is nice here as well! No "official" supper, and Anna makes something everyone likes that is home! Good deal all around. Thankful that tonight is Jonathan's turn.

2. Sunshine!! There has been quite a lot these last few weeks. It seems to make a person smile just seeing it!

3. Thankful that my mom could spend some time with her sister in Illinois. We miss her here, but I am glad that they can spend time together.

4. Glad that God has given new ideas for Wednesday night, and that I have a super team of people to work with!

5. Washing machines and dryers! I just cannot imagine doing all the laundry around here without them!

6. Teenagers, and almost teenagers. What fun to hear them teasing and laughing together. Having friends over, playing games together, goofing around. I loved my babies, but this stage is pretty fun as well!

7. So thankful for a patient Heavenly Father. Sometimes I think I move at such a slow pace in learning lessons, He never gives up or looses His cool!

Happy Thursday to you!

Thankful Thursday

2010-02-24T16:11:00.003-05:00

There are moments of my days, when I feel that I have run into a bank of something,

and I just cannot go any further.

There are other moments of my days, when my day seems sunny and bright.

I am so thankful that God sees me through each part of my day!

I am thankful for:

:Snow blowers!

Since it is winter, and it does snow, and it has to get removed, this is kind of a fun way to do it!

Sure am thankful for healthy, willing children to help as well!

:Sunshine!

We have seen a bit around here these last few days. It is good medicine to see the sunshine on a cold winter day!

:Sewing!

Anna and I have been having fun taking our quilting class, making bags and spending time together.

:Improved Skills!

It seems, although I am saying it VERY quietly, that Christopher's reading is improving!

He is reading at a noticeably quicker rate!

That is a very big PRAISE!

:For Jane!

For her willingness to take on Wednesday nights and keep things going!

I do thank God for her wonderful, creative skills.

It seems like the ideas just spill out of her, and the children love her!

:For good reading material!

Created To Be His Help Meet by Debi Pearl.

Convicting, encouraging, helpful, and full of Scripture.

: For children who can babysit!

I was thinking back this week to a wonderful friend who took all my children, for the afternoon, a few different times and told me just to go shopping and have fun.

Now, I have my in-house babysitters, and can run errands when needed throughout the week.

This is truly something to be thankful for!

I know that this is only Wednesday, but I had a moment, the computer was free, and soon it will be Thursday!

Happy Thankful Thursday to you!

Kansas Day, Quilting and Bag Making

2010-02-06T08:20:00.002-05:00

I always intend to blog,

think about how I should blog,

and then the days fly by!

January 29th was Kansas Day. We had company, made a fun dinner and had a wonderful evening together!

David, of course, made up his Kansas Day Quiz and e-mailed it around the world! He also made some bread, peppernuts and cookies to take to work with him.

Anna and I started a quilting class with a lady from our church. We started making a few different types of squares, and making these bags. The ones on the right, we made in class, and the ones on the left we made since class. Anna is very excited to get started on her quilt. We have been looking through magazines to see what type of quilt we would like to make.

There are so many different types, so many colors, so many ideas!

I am so thankful for the sunshiny days we have been having recently.

I kind of like this winter, not much snow and clean roads.

Life has been busy, always things to do, but good.

Kansas Day Preparations

2010-01-18T19:53:00.005-05:00

Since David had the day off of work, we had some fun!

(I got to stay in bed until a little after 8, Daddy made breakfast for us all!!)

Saturday, David and Anna made some cookies out of some Kansas shaped cookie cutters David got for Christmas.

Today the children and David had fun decorating them.

Great care was taken to make the BEST cookies ever!

Here they are! The hats, cowboy boots, box turtles, airplanes,

meadowlarks, sunflowers, and the shape of the state of Kansas.

Andrew also had fun building up his fort. I do not think that I would care to have a snowball fight with him!

It was a fun relaxing day!

January!

2010-01-08T19:07:00.002-05:00

So much has happened since the last post!

The new year has begun!

We have had Christmas here in Michigan, and travelled the next day to have Christmas in Kansas!

We had snow here, they had snow and cold there!

Games were played, cross word puzzles solved, relatives were visited and good food was enjoyed!

So thankful for wonderful families, cousins, Grandma's and Grandpa's, Aunts and Uncles.

What a great time this season has been!

Now we are back home, back to school and trying to catch up on all that lost sleep! :)

Anna, Andrew, Amanda, and Jonathan are at Camp Barakel, enjoying a Winter Retreat with the Youth Group this weekend.

Quiet, fun with one child!

Everyone Was Worried

2009-12-18T19:59:00.012-05:00

Last Sunday night was the play Everyone Was Worried.

Pam found the play, did some adjusting of the script with David,

and then put the rest together!

After many practises,

costumes put together,

and lines memorized,

the play was performed!

Before hand, everybodies costume had to be pinned, adjusted and enhanced!

There were the prophets- Micah (my dad) and Isaiah (Gordy Moen),

Moses (David), Zechariah (Mr. Parker) and Ezekial (Jason North).

The angel Gabriel (Albert Vander Velde) and Mary (Danielle Vander Velde).

Jonathan was Joseph- here very anxious about his pregnant wife.

Andrew was the innkeeper that had no room!

Then there were the shepherds! (Thomas, Amanda and

Andrew) were in this group.

Finally, there were the sheep! Christopher was in this flock and had a short line to say.

And here they all are, at the end!

Anna was running the sound and lights, but did not get in the pictures.

It was a fun adventure, but many times I sure was glad that I was just the helper and not in charge!

Pam did a wonderful job finding people to play the parts, put together practise times,

and generally put all the pieces together!

It certainly was a fun adventure for this Christmas season.

(Thanks again Jerry for taking the pictures for me so I could concentrate on getting everyone up on the stage on time! They are great!)

IT SNOWED!

2009-12-04T10:11:00.006-05:00

The Christmas tree has been decorated!

The first snow has fallen! I am so glad that I got the greenery outside up yesterday.

Winter has arrived.

Even the snow tube is out- or should I say UP?!

Christopher discovered that by rubbing it on the floor that it gathered static. He asked Andrew if he though it would stick to the ceiling.

Andrew tried- I guess it does!

Now the snow pants are out to get tried on, Andrew needs a pair of boots, the shovels need to be gotten out... winter has begun!
Happy Winter!

Happy Thanksgiving!

2009-11-25T19:18:00.002-05:00

Anna is home!

Sounds like she had a great time.

But, I am glad that she is home.

Jane is back!

I know she had a great experience at the Ranch these last eight months.

But, I am glad that she is home, even if just for a short time!

Thanksgiving is tomorrow, the whole family will be there!

What fun!

So much in life to be thankful for!

My husband, my five wonderful children.

Family near and family far, we have great families!

A wonderful church family and a great Pastor.

Our health, we have our aches and pains, hearing aids and toe walking.

Overall we are a healthy bunch!

Our ability to home educate, spend times together as a family, building memories together.

Our wonderful house with all its space for our family.

Our two running vehicles.

Laughter, smiles, jokes, fun playing and working together.

God is good to us!

Many reasons to be thankful!

HAPPY THANKSGIVING!

Two Trees Down!

2009-11-07T16:15:00.015-05:00

Today was the day to take care of two damaged trees in the backyard.

This is leftover tree damage from the August storm.

Our yard has certainly changed with the loss of many trees!

Our neighbor Richard helped by cutting our trees down.

The trailer has been loaded, and loaded.

The chainsaws and hand saws are hard at work.

Tree #1 almost complete.

Tree #2 is begun.

Richard's son Tony also came to help.

Tree #2 down with a thud!

The new landscape with both trees down.

Now for the clean-up!

Anna is Off!

2009-11-04T18:45:00.004-05:00

Anna is off to Oregon!

We stayed and watched her plane take off!
At about 1:04 Anna's plane took off from Grand Rapids flying to Minneapolis, St Paul.

From there on to Seattle, and then Redmond Oregon.

She is supposed to arrive at 6:55 PM tonight (our time 9:55) and Jane will be there to pick her up!

She is very excited about the opportunity to be with Aunt Jane, work at the ranch,

and explore Oregon!

Although she will be GREATLY missed here, I am so very happy for this opportunity for her!

It is ten o'clock and Anna called to say that she has safely arrived!

Yahoo! Have a great three weeks Anna!

Welcome November!

2009-11-01T17:48:00.003-05:00

Can you believe it is November already!

It seems like life is just whizzing by!

Christmas is just around the corner, not a present has been purchased yet!

Anna leaves for Oregon Wednesday to see Aunt Jane.

Little Natalie Jane Vander Velde was born on Friday at 10:55 PM! She weighed 5 lbs. 7 oz.

She was 18 inches long.

Mom and baby are fine and home now!

Natalie had a little trouble starting to eat and had a little breathing problem, but as of Sunday afternoon, they are both home!

Natialie's due date was November 21, and her planned C-Section date was the 20th, but I guess she wanted to come sooner!

I have a bit of something that is slowing me down some, but life just keeps going at a fast pace around me, so I am praying to be rid of it soon!

All in all, life is grand, and I am happy to be right where God has me.

Fall

2009-10-15T21:08:00.002-04:00

I was ready for a change,

thus the new face to the blog!

I can hardly believe that next Thursday, Anna will take her drivers test!

Change- fun!

She already has plans for ways to save me time by doing the driving!

Piano, babysitting for Dan and Melissa- I will not have to take her or pick her up, errands at the grocery store- you know last minute things...

Changes- a little scary!

Now she needs a cell phone, mine is an old fuddy duddy, she just may need to call while she is gone all these places!

That change- do not think it will happen! :)

Andrew is next in line, already 14, maybe we will wait a bit longer to start the driving school for him.

Then, two in one year with the twins.

Those changes can wait- there is time still left!

I am glad that God never changes.

I am glad that He is still working on changing me!

Sweet 16!

2009-10-15T19:50:00.008-04:00

Happy 16th Birthday Anna!

Wow, the years have flown by!
I remember you as a baby, you sure could cry for long lengths of time.

On the other hand, when you giggled, which you did often, we laughed right along with you!

You have always caught on quickly to things. Seems like you just up and walked one day, no crawling for you!
You have always been an eager learner at school. An easy student, you set high goals for yourself, strived for the best.
You have always helped with your siblings, even now you play games to distract a little brother who needs some distracting!
You have a wonderful smile, you are a hard worker, you do your very best!
Thanks for all the hard work you do, for all the ways you help me out, for being a friend to me.
I am so happy that you have put God first in your life and strive to study and learn more about God. I know that God has great things in store for you as you follow His ways!
You are almost a full fledged driver... thanks for being patient to take your test!
You are nearing the end of your school years here at home.

You are soon going to embark on a mission to Oregon. Fly by yourself, be gone for three weeks! What an adventure, new things to learn, new places to be, wonderful time with Aunt Jane!
You are maturing into a wonderful lady!

May God bless your life as you enter into womanhood, and all the experiences that holds for you!

Happy 16th Birthday Anna!

God Knows!

2009-10-02T20:00:00.003-04:00

God in His infinite wisdom, knows EXACTLY what adversity we need to grow more and more into the likeness of His Son. He not only knows what we need, but when we need it and how best to bring it to pass in our lives. He is the perfect teacher or coach and NEVER over trains us by allowing too much adversity in our lives. (JB)
This is a quote from a friend on Facebook and seemed to fit life this week.

I am playing the game of "Life."

Goodness knows, everyday is not always easy, but I am sure there are those whose lives are harder than mine. Those whose challenges are much more difficult than mine.

God knows what is best for our family-

even if it means hearing the glugging in the kitchen sink when the toilet flushes.

even if it means teaching school to a child who is sure that he does not want to do school!

God knows just what each day, each week needs. I can trust Him to do what is best and know that He has provided the grace for each situation.

I know that I do want to become more like Him and am glad that He has not given up on making me more like Him.

Having faith that He knows what is best, trusting Him even when I do not understand.

This week I am thankful for:

1. A husband to help me with Treasure Hunters. His guitar playing and singing, his help teaching the language of Balangao this week. His chopping of the coconut. His constant up-beat attitude... He's the best!

2. The Rohn's. Wonderful couple. Fun to spend time with. They treat the kids very specially. Invited us over for dinner, sent the leftovers home with us. Did not have to do much for supper for two nights this week!

3. The rain, the cooler weather, apples, apple pies, fresh applesauce.

4. Children, their laughter, their help, their hugs and kisses!

5. Pumpkins. Their cheery orange color, the thought of pumpkin seeds soon to be roasting in the oven!

6. The school week to be finished. Mostly good days, mostly happy students. We all are learning, I am thankful for their ability to learn and retain knowledge.

7. Even though we had to take one of Jonathan's hearing aids in this week to get fixed, he never complains about the change in his hearing. He misses a few things, but is patient when he does not hear or understand something.

God is good, I am thankful that I am His child.

Fishing Trip 2009

2009-09-24T15:29:00.009-04:00

Andrew caught the largest fish of the week.

Jonathan caught many fish each day.

What a great catch!

The boys had a great time with Papa!

I am so thankful that dad can take them each year! Maybe Aunt Jane will be able to go again with them next year.

The boys were fishing the rest of us...

2009-09-18T20:36:00.009-04:00

Welcome to our home, and our freshly painted outside doors!

(I am not sure what possessed us to buy white paint, I am not sure that it will stay that color very long, but it looks great now!)

One day, while I was painting, Amanda and Christopher made Rice Krispie Treats and then cut them out with cookie cutters and added sprinkles.

Amanda and Christopher also invented sliding down the stairs on cardboard.

No broken bones, lots of laughter, and a bit of NOISE!

Also this week, it was Christopher's turn to go out with Dad!
They went to Patterson Park and went insect hunting.

Christopher was thrilled to find a crawdad, and play with it, even when it was pinching him!

It brought out the monster in him!

Daddy and Christopher had a great time together. They even found a water scorpion, a prize to add to the insect collection.

They stopped at McDonald's on the way home and Christopher got some ice cream!

He was thrilled when he came home!
It was a very busy couple of weeks, but several very important projects were completed.

Next week doing school will seem like a break... well, maybe not! :)

Andrew and Jonathan are also home!

I am very glad to have them all back home again.

They had a great time catching fish, enjoyed eating around the campfire, and spending time with Papa.

There were some pesky mosquito's and squirrels, and a few menacing spiders, but the fish were great!

I'll have to post some pictures on the trip later.

Tomorrow morning is the Life Walk for the Muskegon Pregnancy Center.

Happy Weekend!

Grass Seed Planted!

2009-09-10T16:07:00.006-04:00

The grass seed is planted!

The stones have been laid in the back of the house.

The stones are finally finished in the front!

The black dirt has been spread by my wonderful boys and husband. On Labor Day, they planted the seeds... I am anxiously awaiting the appearance of green!
David also dug out the apple stump and the dogwood stump. Andrew and Christopher helped him chop roots- Andrew with the chain saw and Christopher with a hatchet.
Sad to see the empty spot where the trees once were, but I am glad to get the stumps out and the holes filled in. Two more pines to go and then all the storm damage will be cleaned up!

A little quiet around here with Andrew and Jonathan on their fishing trip with Papa.
I am so glad that they can spend time with him and enjoy the outdoor life!

David has decided to take one child a week out with him. Spend some time together, encourage them, challenge them, be with them. I am so excited to see them have a great time with their Dad! A very nice side benefit for me is that every 6th week is my night with him.

In the book I have been reading, Making Brothers and Sisters Best Friends, it mentioned three life changing attitudes. I may be reading this book to encourage and teach my children, but it always seems there is something there that I can use as well.
Sensitivity- Seeing beyond the surface to the real needs of those I am with.
Meekness-Giving up my rights and dying to my wants, knowing that God is actually in charge!
Compassion- Gently healing hurts because we are able to feel how others have been wrongfully injured.
Thank goodness God is patient, faithful to keep on providing grace, and a very loving Father!
Have a great rest of your week!

This and That

2009-09-03T19:03:00.003-04:00

I can hardly believe that another week has almost past!

The second week of school, almost finished.

We have put some peaches away in the freezer and made some peach jam.

Anna and I cut up some tomatoes and made some salsa.

Anna has been such a great help, not only helping with the peaches and tomatoes but also in making dinners.

Andrew and Jonathan filled the trailer twice with sand and we hauled it over to Papa's house.

Tomorrow the black dirt comes, and I am looking forward to covering all that sand around the porch up! Next comes the grass seed!

I am thrilled to death to get this project done at long last!!

I'll have to post a picture when we get this stage finished.

This weekend I need to get the boys finished up in getting ready and packing for their trip

to the Boundary Waters with Papa!

I am hoping to get a few projects finished while they are gone and we have a few weeks off from school. I am going to try really hard to finish the final coat of paint on the woodwork in the bathroom and Anna said that she would help me paint the outside doors.

I would also like to finish the stone border that I started many weeks ago.

Well, for tonight, I am bushed, ready for bed and not one of the children is in bed yet!

I have been very thankful for the sunshine this week, it sure brightens things up! :)

I am also thankful that this weekend has a holiday in it- David will be home one extra day!

The pumpkins are turning orange and the children are thrilled with their sizes this year!

Pumpkin seeds... can't wait!

Thankful Thursday

2009-08-27T11:27:00.004-04:00

Life is full of business, laughter, school, cooler weather, shopping and opportunities to learn.

I am so thankful for:

1. School starting so smoothly! It is hard to get started and end summer, but the year is moving along and here we are, almost to September! We started a few weeks early so that Jonathan and Andrew could go on a trip to the Boundary Waters with Papa and not be behind in school.

2. VBS. It was a great week of fun! I got to work with Lyssa and Mary in the kitchen doing snack time. What fun to work them and get to interact with the children who were there. Andrew and Jonathan got to work in games with Pastor Church. Anna and her dad worked with the 1st and 2nd graders, and Amanda worked in crafts with Katie and Aunt Pam. There were many helpers and a great number of children. Pastor Dan and Melissa kept it all running smoothly and did lots of prep work and work that week to keep it going!

3. Wonderful children. What fun to have muscle power, and kitchen help, willing cleaners and the sound of laughter and playing all around. They are not perfect, but then, neither am I. Children are indeed a blessing from the Lord! Thanks for giving us the perfect family for us, God!

4. Nights out with David. I am so thankful that he is a willing listener, sometimes my mind gets very burdened down with all that is going on around me. I am thankful to have his perspective and help. He is a wonderful husband and Dad, God is good to us! It was fun to walk along the beach and just bounce ideas off of each other. It was fun to have him all to myself!

5. Books. I am currently reading through Making Brothers and Sisters Best Friends. I am hoping to read this with the children when the boys come back from their fishing trip. I want my children to learn to work on solving problems with others, forgiving each other, looking at the future picture of their lives. I want them to be able to dig for the root problems, and be able to have great relationships with each other both while they are young and when they grow up as well. Even some tips in there for me as I continue to work on relationships!

6. Times of rest! I am so thankful for evenings, for sleep, for time to just read a book. So glad that there is a little down time in the business of life.

Count your blessings, name them one by one!

Count your many blessings see what God has done!

And Life Goes On...

2009-08-16T21:51:00.008-04:00

Last Sunday night while Jane was sharing in church, the electricity went off. As we drove home we saw that several of the traffic lights were working in between church and home.

We were hopeful.

Then, we were turned around as we neared home because a tree with a wire in it was across the road.

As we traveled around the other way we again were stopped by trees and several wires over the road.

This time we parked our van at my brothers and began walking home.

It began to rain as we got near our home.

This is what greeted us as we arrived home.

Our house was fine, some shingles off, but otherwise fine.

We are so thankful for a generator, wonderful family and friends who helped take the trees off of the garage, electricity that reappeared on Tuesday evening and our house being kept all in one piece.

After 23 trailer loads of brush and stuff, and about 15 hours of labor on our part, we can again see the grass.

The maple tree wood is neatly stacked to send down to Dan's to burn in his wood burner this winter.

The apple tree is just a stump, and the line of pines will never be the same.

Thanks to Dan and Jessie, the Baxter Towing company, Pastor Church and Dad,

the trees are off the garage, and much of the chain saw work was done in the back yard on Monday afternoon.

We are very thankful that God protected our house and our garage. Our yard will never be the same again.

Some for the better, I did not really like the poplar trees by the garage.

Some for the worse.

We will surely miss our apple tree and our flowering dogwood.

Hopefully the remaining dogwood will perk up and keep living.

There are still some downed pines that need to be worked on.

There are still three trees in the back yard that are leaning over the fence that need some help.

But, we are safe, our electricity is on and we can again see the grass in our yard.

When it started raining in church tonight, I did pray, please, not this Sunday again God!

This next week is Vacation Bible School at church.

Next week school starts.

Week after that David and I start teaching again on Wednesday nights.
Busy Life, but fun!

August Already?!

2009-08-07T19:16:00.003-04:00

Where has my summer gone?

Here we are well into August and my school calendar has the dates on it...

My stones are no farther than they were weeks ago when I started.

My Wednesday night curriculum is in my head, but needing to be put on paper.

VBS is just a week away, and after that the first week of school!

The four oldest have been to camp and back,

then, a day and half later off to Cedar Point with the Youth Group.

I think that those four are extra tired... emotions sometimes get the better of us in those times.

Many emotional ups and downs, opportunities to take up offenses for others,

lack of sleep on Mom and children's parts,

it has been a tough week.

II Corinthians 4:16-18 (Very much paraphrased)

Therefore we do not lose heart, How could we! Even though on the outside it often looks like things are falling apart on us, on the inside, where God is making new life, not a day goes by without His unfolding grace. I am being renewed day by day!

For momentary, light affliction is producing for us an eternal weight of glory far beyond all comparison.

The things we see now are here today, gone tomorrow. But the things we can't see now will last forever- they are eternal!

Jane came home on Wednesday night!

How fun to have been able to spend some time with her.

Hearing her stories, seeing that she is mending from her concussion, although there is still a long ways to go!

Looking forward to spending time with her this weekend and next week!

Christopher now has some arches for his shoes. He and I need to go shoe shopping now so that he can start wearing them and exercising with them on.

I think that job will be for Monday! :)

Although it has been a busy week, full of emotion, I have seen God working.

Both in my children's lives and my own.

I am so thankful that God does not give up on us!

Have a great weekend.

Tennessee!

2009-07-29T07:31:00.012-04:00

Life just never slows down!

Last Wednesday evening we made it back home after our twelve plus hour trip from Fall Creek Falls State Park. Thursday was spent enjoying David's parents being here and getting them cherries and blueberries to take home with them on Friday. Then we crashed! Tuesday at seven A.M. the four oldest were off to Camp Barakel for the week! Life is just one busy thing after another for the rest of this month! In the midst of all the excitement of August, Aunt Jane is coming home for a week! We can hardly wait!!!

Tennessee was a busy four days! Trip down on Sunday, two days there and then back home on Wednesday. We had lots of fun hiking, swimming, seeing David's relatives, boating, eating and playing games.

The trails had their ups,

and downs.
Some steeper than others. Sometimes rocky, some with worn roots poking up in the paths.

But, each path lead to a waterfall. This one being 256 feet to the bottom!

After we zigzagged our way down the steep path to the bottom of this one, Amanda and David decided to sit under the fall! David said it was like the hardest rain he ever felt.
(Had a bit of a headache after sitting under there for a bit so we could get pictures!)

Always fun to get together with family!

Here are all the siblings, except for the two who could not make it!

(David's mother is in the front row, first on the left.)

What fun to have all the children and their family that could make it in one place!
Christopher is anxious to have cousins over to play today, so I best be on my way!

We will go the the library and park before lunch, and if the weather is warm enough they will play with the hose and sprinkler after lunch!

Well, off to another fun day with Christopher!

Tennessee Here We Come!

2009-07-18T16:13:00.003-04:00

The sidewalk is in- not time for pictures today!
The house has been cleaned- well mostly! (David working with Christopher swept most of it! Thank you, Thank you!)
The house has piles everywhere, need to be picked up and organized and put in the van.
The food is made and in various places waiting to be loaded up to be consumed while we are gone!
The laundry is happily running to finish up the rest of the clothes.
Tomorrow morning until Wednesday night we will be off and exploring Falls Creek Fall State Park in Tennessee! Well, we might see a few relatives as well, since it is a family reunion! :)
David's parents will stay here Thursday and get some blueberries to take home with them. Wish they could stay longer, but will enjoy our day with them.
So, until the next time - So Long!

Welcome to Our House!

2009-07-11T19:50:00.003-04:00

Come on up the steps and visit!

What fun to have the front porch up.
Soon, a little sidewalk connecting the porch to the rest of the cement.
Maybe a little lattice, some grass, a little landscaping, NO MORE SAND!
Thank you so much Papa and Andrew for all your hard work on Friday and Saturday!

Night braces and insoles.

2009-07-09T19:02:00.002-04:00

We went to see Dr Forness today. (Christopher's foot doctor.)
I do not know why I always wish that we were all finished, but I always do.
I think this trip reality has set it.
We are in this for the LONG haul!
Dr. Forness was concerned about Christopher's left foot. Stretching the leg muscles has caused the arch in that foot to become stretched out. He feels if the leg is stretched any more it will just stretch the arch in the foot more. The leg muscles in this leg are very tight, so he may have to do surgery and lengthen the long muscle in the back of his leg in the calf area. This will not be until he is eight though, so we have until March! In the meantime he would like for him to wear some insoles in his shoes to see if his foot will stay straighter and lengthen the leg muscles. We are supposed to do stretching exercises each day with the insoles in the shoes. I MUST be faithful to make sure that this happens!
After our visit with the doctor, we went to Teter Orthotics and got his braces repaired. While we were there they took an imprint of each foot and will make insoles for him to wear in his shoes. We will worry about finding shoes to put these in and still get his foot in after we get them! :)
I am so thankful for our small problems- the older boys and their hearing aids, and Christopher's toe walking and it's issues. Each time we visit the doctor's office, we see many there with problems much more severe than Christophers, and I realize again that God has been so good to us!
Next thing to think about is our short vacation to Fall Creek Falls State Park in Tennessee. David's mother's family is having a family reunion there. We will leave Sunday the 19th and return home Wednesday the 22nd. David's parents are going to spend Thursday, the 23rd here with us and pick blueberries! Not looking forward to the two long days of driving, but looking forward to having a great time with family!

What a day!

2009-07-03T11:30:00.002-04:00

Last night I was so exhausted!

It seems like life is just always so busy, never a quiet, rest day anymore!

Then there is today!

I will be gone this evening, so no dinner preparations.

The laundry is finished- just four loads today!

Breakfast was made for me by my husband.

It is quiet!

Dad took four children along with the dog, with him to Patterson Park.

They are catching bugs, taking pictures, and I am sure,

getting dirty!

But I do not care, I am leaving when they get back! :)

Andrew is off working with Papa.

I have had time to play the organ, read blogs, wonder what I should be doing with all this time, but just relaxing anyway!

Thank you God for this quiet morning!

How refreshing!

DOES JESUS CARE?

Does Jesus care when my heart is pained too deeply for mirth and song;

As the burdens press and the cares distress, And the way grows weary and long?

O yes, He cares; I know He cares, His heart is touched with my grief;

When the days are weary, the long nights dreary, I know my Savior cares!

He cares.

BLESSED QUIETNESS

Joys are flowing like a river, Since the Comforter has come;

He abides with us forever, Makes the trusting heart his home.

Blessed quietness, holy quietness, What assurance in my soul!

On the stormy sea, he speaks peace to me, How the billows cease to roll!

Well, the troops have come home and it is almost time to take off and go get Mom from Illinois!

What a week!

2009-07-02T20:42:00.013-04:00

From sweeping up plaster sanding piles, to making dinner for a family who just had a new baby.
From vacuuming up sand piles in the house, to going in for Jury Duty.
From cooking meals, doing laundry, picking weeds, grocery shopping, letting out the dog, to bed each evening.
From working on the curriculum for the Wednesday night group this fall, to talking to Mom on the phone.

Every minute seems to be taken up with things to do, yet life is good.

I am so happy to be healthy and able to keep up a busy schedule.

I am very happy with my children.

I love my husband.

I have a wonderful family.

I go to a great church.

I get to go and get my Mom and bring her back home again!

(This of course means that Aunt Betty has been given a good report on her health and is feeling much better! Praise the Lord! )

What a week!

I am ready for putting my feet up over the weekend at some time and reading a good book!

Have a great 4th of July weekend!

Strawberries

2009-06-23T19:59:00.005-04:00

From this,

to this!
What a successful day!
I am thrilled to have the strawberry freezer jam in the freezer!
Some whole strawberries were frozen as well for some yummy strawberry shakes!
Thanks Anna for all your help!

Brighten the Corner Where You Are!

2009-06-17T21:29:00.011-04:00

Jonathan and

Andrew worked on the second coat on the green wall.

Anna worked on the second coat on the blue wall.

Lyssa, Katie and Amanda put the first orange coat of paint on.

Becky and Joelle put on the second coat of pink.

Pastor Dan did the touch up work on the yellow wall.

This was the second Wednesday that the Youth Group worked on painting their new youth room in the basement of the parsonage.

Melissa was on her way to Iowa for her brother's wedding,

so I got to go along and help with the painting.

I helped on the orange wall. The first coat takes a long time to fill the wall with color on those bumpy bricks!

It was a fun evening of chatter and painting.

Can you believe four of my children are now in the Youth Group?

(Well, Jonathan and Amanda are not fully part of the Youth Group, but can attend Wednesday nights and summer activities.)

What a fun evening.

Somedays...

2009-06-13T20:31:00.004-04:00

There are days, like today, when I wonder...

As I went to wash my hands in the bathroom, what in the world happened to that mirror?

What is that white cloudy stuff all over that half? Who has been in here?

I am sure that just yesterday I did a whole load of jeans and towels, now there are enough to repeat that?

I popped and popped and popped popcorn, how many poppers full was that?

3, 4, 5?

It sure looks like the vacuum cleaner is broken around here, but I am sure I just ran it, was that yesterday?

A little voice is heard on the stairs, did I not put that child to bed a half hour ago?

I hope that the hand lotion I put on as de-itching cream will help make the itching go away under the braces! :)

Hey, who put that dirty glass on the shelf after the dishwasher was on and all the dishes were washed up!?

My mother tells me that these years will pass all too quickly, that I should enjoy them.

Tonight, I am glad for the quiet.

The birds chattering outside the open window.

I am glad for my 5 blessings, some days I just have to look a little further than others!

How boring life would be.

No happy faces and compliments for the Reese's Pieces blizzards.

No happy laughter, no chattering on the shopping expeditions.

No little, well sometimes big, bodies to fill those jeans doing dirty tasks for me around the house.

No helpers, no laughter, no horsing around with dad noises.

I really am glad for those 5 blessings. Thankful that God still has things to teach me.

Thankful that He thought I was worthy to teach and train them.

Thankful that at the end of the day we can all go to bed,

knowing our adventures will begin again in the morning!

In a few moments of silence...

2009-06-11T13:51:00.003-04:00

The bread is resting for 20 minutes.

The children are all watching The Major and the Minor.

I only hear an occasional laugh.

The dogs are resting. (Katie is here with Susie.)

The dishwasher is running.

The washing machine and dryer are quietly resting after working all morning.

Can it be that there is time to write on my blog?!

Andrew has been helping our Pastor with the redoing of his roof. He has come home quite black and tired, but enjoying being able to help out.

Twice this past week, we have spent a couple of hours at church picking up roots, twigs and branches where many trees had been felled. Not always easy work, but the children did a wonderful job and kept at it even when they got tired of bending over again to pull out yet another root!

I have been sorting through school books, notebooks, papers, things that collect over the school year. Now I have to pull out the books for next year and order the rest. It always seems that this is a great task to get out of the way before too much of summer passes by.

Yesterday, as I was taking children to the painting project at the church for the teens, I accidentally left Jonathan at home! First I dropped off Amanda and Danielle for Melissa to take to church, (leaving enough room to pick up others), that left my children and Joelle, who had been at my house already. Then to the Pastor's house to pick up Andrew and another fellow, Zach. While at the Pastor's house I had to remember to get the key for the parsonage, where they were going to paint. Then drop off Zach at home and pick up his sister Brittany. On to church and drop everyone off. As I am going back to the van to take Christopher back home and get supper ready for David, Anna says, "Where is Jonathan?" This is forty minutes after we had taken off! I called and he did not answer, I hoped that I had not locked him outside!! When we got home he had just shortly before noticed that it was five and came down to ask when we were going to leave! Guess his book was good, and God was good to keep him busy while we were traveling around without him! I am so used to only two being in the youth group, now there are four... I thought I made notes for everything for the day so that I would not forget anything!

Aunt Betty is home, still on oxygen and liquid penicillin, but home. She is slowly getting better, and I am looking forward to being able to go and see her one of these weekends. Mom is staying with her right now and for the next several weeks. Aunt Betty does not have a lot of strength yet and runs out of energy very quickly. Thank you God for your healing hand!

Well, the bread is ready to get started on the kneading. I am making rolls for dinner to go with the pulled pork. Dad is coming for dinner along with Pam and Katie, so we should have a fun time.

Life is moving along at a fast clip, and we are enjoying the journey! Even though we go to bed each evening exhausted, "The Lord's lovingkindnesses indeed never cease, For His compassions never fail. They are new every morning; Great is Your faithfulness." Lamentations 3:22-23

Catching Up!

2009-06-06T19:11:00.008-04:00

Where has my week gone?! Here it is Saturday evening already! It has been a busy week, catching up after having been to Kansas. While in Kansas we enjoyed many things.

The boys especially enjoyed riding on the four wheelers.

Many walks were taken!

We visited the Cosmosphere and learned about rockets, the history of the race to space, and watched some IMAX movies. It was a great day of learning and fun. It was also a great day to go as it was a rainy, cold day. Thanks Grandma and Grandpa for taking us!

Many games of Four Square were played.

Just as many or more games of cards were enjoyed by small and large groups.

And, we enjoyed many, many wonderful meals cooked by David's mother.

She is a great cook, and works non-stop to keep us all very well fed!

Thank you so much!!!

It seems like everyday this week was so full of things to do that the week has just flown by!

I am very thankful for several things though.

1.) I am very thankful that my Aunt Betty has pulled through a very scary stay in the hospital, having streptococcus pneumonia and a surgery to remove hardened pus in her lung cavity. Satuday night, after we arrived in Kansas, my Dad called to say that Aunt Betty had entered the hospital in severe pain and had pneumonia. Last night my mom and dad went to Illinois so that Mom could stay with her sister for the rest of her stay in the hospital and then when she first comes home. The road to recovery will be VERY long for her, I am thankful that God spared her life and is helping her to recover.

2.) I am also very thankful that after 53 days, David's van has been fixed, and I now have a car each day. I am thankful for Dan and my Mom for letting me use their vehicles during this ordeal. I am very thankful for Eric, (the mechanic my Dad put us in touch with) for his generosity and hard work, and for Dad and Dan in helping to make decisions and find a new motor for the van. God is good, He does provide, He does care about us and wants us to grow.

3.) I am thankful for the summer. How was it that we got anything done when school was still in session? It is fun to take it easy in the morning, my brain is having a great rest not having to answer all the school questions! Now we need to set up the summer routine and get some projects going.

4.) I am thankful that my turn at Children's Church has come to an end, I do not have to finish up a lesson and teach it tomorrow! I am glad for seasons of rest.

Have a great rest of your weekend!

HOME!

2009-05-31T21:45:00.002-04:00

We are home again.

From the beautiful sunsets behind Grandpa and Grandmas house,

to the beautiful Flint Hills, and back again.
We are home!

We had a wonderful time, wonderful food and wonderful company. Traveled to the Flint Hills with Aunt Norma, to the Cosmosphere with Grandpa and Grandma, to the bridge by the sheep farm, to Ray the repair man of the tractor. Had a great time with cousins, Uncles and Aunts, brother and sister, Mom and Dad... all the family, even the two dogs had fun! Many late night games, laughter, scrumptious food, warm weather, family.

More stories and pictures later, as I am worn out and ready for bed. Just wanted you to know we had fun, had a safe trip, and are home once again!

And We Are Off!

2009-05-21T21:28:00.002-04:00

Wow! Tomorrow is the day! We leave for Kansas as soon as David gets home from work! It hardly seems like 6 months have gone by already. Was Christmas really that long ago?

The garden is planted, our wonderful neighbors will turn on the sprinkler.
The shirts are all cleaned from the episode with the gel pen in the washer Monday morning!
(Well, except the two Oxford shirts I never did get clean, but they are replaced and ready for Sunday in Kansas!)
The car top carrier is in place, the van is gassed up and will be washed by two of the children in the morning.
The lawn is mowed, even the ditches!

Piles are all around the house, and in the morning the clothes, food, piles of stuff, and everything else going will start getting packed into the van!

Sometimes life seems to be moving at a speed that I cannot keep up with, but this next week it will slow down a bit. We will play games, talk with and enjoy the company of our Kansas relatives, and no alarms will be set!

See you when we return on the thirty first of May!

A quick tour.

2009-05-16T20:07:00.014-04:00

Right hand side of the bathroom.

Left hand side of the bathroom.

Behind the shower, on the right.

Behind closet on the left. Mirror on the top,

sink and cupboard on the bottom.
David's Dad made this several years ago for us.

Then, Mom gave me a valance, and after 11 years I now have a curtain on my bathroom window!
Some caulking, touch up painting, and a few more pieces of trim to put up and paint,
some cupboard doors someday... we are almost there!
It was wonderful to be able to use the bathroom, put up the towel bars, paint and then fill the bathroom closet/cupboard, it is truly a beautiful little room.
I am very thankful, even though the cost was a bit higher than first anticipated, that our new and improved bathroom is in place.
God is good!

VERY Thankful Thursday

2009-05-07T19:18:00.004-04:00

After 29 days the toilet in the main bathroom is back! The flooring is in and the walls are painted as well! The shower is back together (except for the shower curtain), and the sink and cabinet along with some electrical work will get done tomorrow! Now we can see the place getting put back together again! How thrilling!! I am so thankful that my Dad just keeps plugging away, whistling while he works!

I have been reading this book, Before You Meet Prince Charming, by Sarah Mally. In it is a chapter entitled, Dreams Must Die. Not only the dream of marriage and children when you are young, but also surrendering daily to Him and His desires for your life. Not my will but thine be done. How great to start learning that when you are younger, because the lessons never end, the dreams and desires for things to be different than they are never end. No one can ever meet your needs like Jesus, not before marriage and not after either. Life has held its challenges lately. After a month, David's van is still at the mechanics, so we are down to one vehicle. We have had one functioning bathroom for almost a month. School is winding down and school is NOT on the favorites list for the youngest son, so everyday seemed like a battle! There were Wednesday night lessons and Jr. Church lessons for Sunday to be worked on. The daily ups and downs of life. You know, everyone has their lists. These things I need to surrender daily to Jesus, He has a plan, He has the big picture, He just wants my obedience. Then and only then can I be truly happy, as I have surrendered my desires and longings to Him.

Like the bathroom, I have things that need to be torn away, to make place for the new. I need to be patient, trusting that God knows what He is doing, He is making me more like Him each day. I need to keep surrendering to Him my dreams and desires, for His will for my life is so much better than I could imagine.

"For I am confident of this very thing, that He who began a good work in you will perfect it until the day of Christ Jesus. " (Philippians 1:6) I am so very thankful that this is true!

Decisions, Decisions!

2009-04-30T18:55:00.004-04:00

The first and second coats of mud are up on the wall. They are now drying and will get sanded on Monday. Dad is at a Men's Retreat this weekend (David is also) so the bathroom will take a rest until Monday. I am so thankful for all the hours that Dad has worked to redo and rethink and redo again. Next week all his hard work will get finishing touches as the paint, floor, toilet and sink are put in place.

I am trying to decide what color purple to use. The third one down from the darkest is called Brave Purple. I kind of like the next one up as well, but am not sure how brave to be! I think that will be the flooring, and that is the countertop in the bathroom. (In real life, the colors match much better than they show up here.) David said that whatever I wanted was great with him, how thankful I am that he is so agreeable!

In the next few weeks we will be finishing up the school books and closing them for the summer. We are counting down the lessons left in the book, and some of the children are finishing many pages in a day to get done even sooner. I am certainly ready for summer break, and I am sure that they are as well!

It seems that these past few weeks we have had a LOT of rain! Our ditches by the road are full of water, I have never seen them with much water in them since we have moved here. So far God is protecting our septic system, even with the high water table. No gurgling in the kitchen sink when the toilet is flushed! I am so thankful! Wish we could bottle a little water up for the warm, dry days of summer!

Sometimes I wish for the energies of others. My seven year old, Christopher had this to say the other night when he was not settling down to go to sleep. "I was just jumping on my bed to get me tired so I could fall asleep. And, I was jumping on my flat feet so that was good." He was a toe-walker and we have gone through a lot to get his feet flat, but...

I thank God that His strength, grace and mercy are there for me everyday, in just the right amount, because some days I do not have the strength to get through the whole day on my own! I don't ever seem to need to jump up and down on my bed to get tired enough to get to sleep at night.

Some Days There Are Set Backs...

2009-04-25T14:58:00.003-04:00

Now there is a closet. A bit of rearranging and refiguring of space and everything will fit in!

The drywalling has begun and should get finished on Monday morning.
As with any project, time and wisdom are needed. I am so glad that my Dad can refigure spacing when the spaces needed a few more inches of room. He moved studs, reinforced walls with plywood and we gained a few more inches, and VOILA! everything fits in. Thanks for the redoing and refiguring to make the most use of our space!
Now it is cleaned up and ready for showers this evening. Then back to work on Monday!

Bathroom Update

2009-04-22T20:52:00.004-04:00

The shower is in, the window is next!

The window is in, along with the insulation and sub-flooring.

Electricity moved, furnace duct moved, pipes moved, ventilation fan installed, flooring put in, rotted wood around new window replaced and caulked. Many, many details, but tomorrow is time for the closet to be built and wallboard is going up. It is resembling a bathroom again!

The shower is wonderful, the bathtub extra deep...what luxury! Tomorrow the basement area can be cleaned up and everything put back away! Progress is being made.

Thank you SO MUCH Dad for your many hours of labor! Thank you also, Andrew for being right there learning and helping all that you can.

Andrew's Birthday

2009-04-15T10:46:00.005-04:00

Andrew had peanut butter pie at Grandma and Papa's on Sunday.

For his birthday Andrew wanted Brownie Chocolate Chip Cheesecake.
We had homemade pizza and on Thursday will have monkey bread.
(Monkey bread was his first choice, but I thought that was a large amount of sugar for one evening and said we could have it on Thursday instead of on his birthday. That was fine with him because he loves pizza too! )
Happy 14th Birthday Andrew!
What a treasure Andrew is. He is a hard worker, full of energy and fun.
He is a grateful and generous young man.
I am so proud to call him my son!

Pipes

2009-04-11T21:28:00.003-04:00

The new pipes.

(Some day I am going to have to paint that wall! Usually there are buckets of wheat and oats piled in this corner and no pictures are ever taken of this storage area of the basement!)

Well, at least some of them. Then there are the water pipes that you cannot see. The new pipes through the floor for the toilet and the sink. No pipes for the bathtub, have to decide the kind of tub and size and all that.

No more OOPS! today. Must be that David and I did not have much to do with what happened today. Andrew and Dad worked on the pipes, I just swept the carpet.

The room still looks dark and dreary, but the clean new pipes poking through the floor are exciting! Change is happening.

Happy Easter. Happy Resurrection Sunday!

Math is Fun!

2009-04-10T21:23:00.002-04:00

Andrew wants the world to know he has finished his math for this school year!

Congratulations!

Well, I have to correct the last lessons yet, barring any problems he is done!!!

Day 2

2009-04-10T21:10:00.003-04:00

What was in here...

... is now out here!

David and Jonathan finished tearing everything out of the bathroom.
Andrew and Dad worked on plumbing all day.
The water was off in the house a good part of the day, and we are now really thankful for the bathroom upstairs. Even the shower upstairs is nicer than nothing! The water pressure is just enough to rinse off, and we will be glad to get the "good" shower back.
Our "OOPS" for today was noticed by David as they were tearing the ceiling out.
Even though the bathtub was somewhat covered up, it got a hole poked into it.
Not fixable, Dad said. Well, a new bathtub was added to the list.
Anna and David have choir practice in the morning, Dan's five kids will be here during that time,
but Andrew and Dad will start working on the plumbing!
The bathroom looks very dirty and uninviting as this moment, so it can only improve!

The Remodeling Has Begun!

2009-04-09T17:31:00.004-04:00

One half.

The other half!
Today the work began. What fun! Andrew and Jonathan and I finished about half of the bathroom walls, and the boys had fun putting a few holes in the ceiling as well.
Tomorrow the water gets unhooked by Dad and David and the boys take over the rest of the demolition.
I turned around to answer a question for Jonathan and my hammer knocked into the toilet- OOPS!
I knocked off part of the porcelain in the back, looked like decoration to me. Later we began to smell an unpleasant odor and called Dad.
Guess I broke a part that keeps the stink in the pipe... oh dear. Well, Dad will have to check it out when he comes in the morning. For now grey tape holds the piece on and the stink in the pipes!
Where the closet was removed in the bathroom, the stairway wall on the opposite side has a hole where a nail is now missing and a crack farther up. Jonathan said that was all right we could just paint the stairway wall some fun color... well, I had not meant to make another project!
Other than that, the bathroom now has a temporary light and mirror, and we can take a shower and brush our teeth until Dad unhooks it all in the morning!
Now for the adventure of Day 2!

Spring Break is FINALLY Here!!!

2009-04-06T19:28:00.007-04:00

We celebrated Jonathan and Amanda's birthday at Grandma and Papa's on Sunday.

For this occasion we made Ice Cream Crunch Cake and Peppermint Ice Cream Dessert.

I am SOOOOO excited!! I get to have the main bathroom redone! The walls have been peeling since we moved here eleven years ago! David's Dad built the cupboard that the sink sits on and I did sand and repaint. My Dad has done bathtub and tub surround work, but it was still not enough. This time it gets to be totally gutted and redone! I am so excited I could burst! :)

One side of the bathroom.

The other side of the bathroom.
Dad is going to rearrange the bathroom, putting the tub on the side so that the window is not in the shower area.

The ceiling above the shower is peeling and has black moldy spots on it.

The walls are peeling, along with the woodwork.

Well, just another view of the peeling walls.

I am so happy that I do not have to sand and repaint again, just for it to peel again in a while.

Since this is Spring Break and David is home from work on Friday, and Dad is free on Friday and Saturday, the work will commence this week!

YAHOO!

And, since this is Spring Break and it seems life never gives me many breaks, I have turned off the alarm. I am not getting up to exercise when the alarm rings. Well, at least if the scale does not go all wacko by midweek! We all are really taking a break. I know that a few projects will get done as well... but many of them will keep for another week. This week is a break, a week for the beginning of a new bathroom!

See How Tall I Am Aunt Gail?

2009-04-04T17:13:00.002-04:00

Can you believe it?

Well, this is probably the most accurate of the two! :)
I guess a few phone books helped in the first picture!
Have a great weekend Aunt Gail! We love you!

The Twins are Twelve!

2009-04-04T13:41:00.007-04:00

Jonathan and Amanda were born 12 years ago today!

Amanda, at 9:03 a.m., and Jonathan at 9:40 a.m.

Happy Birthday! K' Nex are the rage this birthday!

This year, they decided to each make a choice for birthday dessert. Amanda picked Caramel-Pecan Cheesecake Pie and Jonathan picked Brownie Caramel Walnut Pie.

What a wonderful 12 years with these two!

Three months after they were born, we moved to the house where we are still living.

What fun memories fill these walls. I am so glad that God added these two to our family! The first year was challenging at times with two little babies, but WOW! twelve already!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY JONATHAN AND AMANDA!

Life is a Zoo!

2009-03-28T16:17:00.004-04:00

It is hard to believe that it is Saturday, late afternoon, and the week is almost gone! So much seems to get crammed into each week these days, I am surely looking forward to Spring Break!

This week saw us:

Waiting through week number 2 without the second vehicle. Boy, how dependent I have become running errands during the day instead of during the evening! An expense for sure that I would not like to have added to the budget, but thankful just the same that God does provide and care for us!

Working really hard to get tennis shoes to fit Andrew- looking for size 13 shoes at an affordable price really is a challenge. After the second day of trying (Dad gave me some store suggestions), and trying on numerous shoes, we settled for size 12 4E tennis shoes! (I guess with the extra wide width we could stay at size 12 for now! ) He is now taller than I am by quite a bit, and his jeans are the same leg length as his dads! In a few more weeks he will be 14! ( I even had to ask his age! Does that mean my brains are aging, or he is just growing up tooooooo fast?)

Studying for Children's Church, and now since Jane is gone working with David and Pam on Wednesday night as well. I am really enjoying the curriculum for Wednesday nights. We are using character qualities, animals that go with them and people in history that demonstrate that quality. I have been having fun working on this.

This Friday evening, Anna, Andrew, Amanda and I went to a play at the Fruitport Middle School. My brother Dan and his wife were going with those in the youth group who wanted to see Becky (also in the youth group) perform in the play her high school was putting on. Becky was one of the Nuns in the Sound of Music. She did a great job! We sat by the band, so could see them while they played during the scene changes. I enjoyed watching both the band and the play! The band director looked awful young, no ring on his finger, well, also kind of cute. I do not remember any of my teachers looking like that in High School! (Another sign of my aging?)

I am looking forward to relaxing this evening, and getting to bed on time! Have a great rest of your weekend!

Aunt Jane is off to Oregon!

2009-03-23T12:29:00.005-04:00

Sunday dinner we had a going away party. Katie and Anna made and decorated a carrot cake.

(Aunt Jane's favorite cake.)

Katie and Anna made a special scrapbook for Aunt Jane to take with her.

The deacons and Pastors prayed for Jane during a sending off service Sunday night.
(Sorry Dad, you were behind Dan and I could not get you!)

David and Dan sang a special Irish Blessing a the end of the service.

We had a potluck before the service and dessert and coffee afterwards.

Monday morning a little after 10:00 AM Jane started on her way!

Her adventure has begun!!

My Sister Jane

2009-03-19T09:58:00.007-04:00

Anna and Aunt Jane.

My sister, my friend.

Jane leaves Monday, entering a new era in her life.

She leaves for Oregon, with a short pit stop to visit relatives in Illinois first.

Jane is starting on April 1st to work at Crystal Peaks Youth Ranch.

I will miss her greatly, but am looking forward to hearing

all the wonderful things that this new venture will bring about in her life.
You can keep up with her, as I will by reading her blog

Hearts, Hooves, and Hope.

There will be a piece missing these eight months while she is gone.

But, God has great plans, and I am excited for Jane.

Christopher is Seven!

2009-03-12T10:05:00.004-04:00

Happy Birthday Christopher!

The boys had a great time lighting the candles!

Yes, Christopher loves fire, and playing in water is another fascination of his!
We had a fun evening having the family over, 20 of us, and having dinner together.
What fun to celebrate seven years of Christopher's life.
He is full of life, movement, discoveries and fun.
Christopher loves water, matches, summer, his cousins, playing, smiling and laughing,
hot dog pizza, Rollo's and Tic-Tac's.
I am so glad that you are my son!
Happy Birthday to you!

Thankful Thursday

2009-03-05T18:49:00.001-05:00

The week has passed so quickly, and here we are at Thursday again!

I am very thankful for a wonderful brownie recipe- thanks to my friend Mrs. Troop. They are wonderfully, chocolaty, marvelous!
Andrew has had the opportunity to work with Papa this week. My dad is doing some carpentry work and had Andrew come along to learn and be a helper. Wonderful opportunities!
The weather was much warmer today- it hit the 50's! I am thankful for the sun that has been shining, and the outdoors feeling warm enough to want to be outside doing some projects. The van got swept out and the windows washed. The living room windows got washed- they had some dirt spots, thanks to someone who was throwing mud on the house and "accidentally" got it on the windows too! :}
I am thankful that this weeks Jr. Church story and activities look much more doable and easier to put together.
Thankful that God has supplied all our needs this week.
Thankful that Friday is coming, and that this Saturday I can do some running around with my mother! Looking forward to spending time with her.

Have a wonderful weekend!

Thankful Thursday

2009-02-26T18:22:00.011-05:00

Wow, Thursday is here already!

This week had been so full, my brain has been so full of ideas from the conference of this past weekend... I just needed sometime to let those ideas spill out!

We had a wonderful time! The being together without children was a great break!

The hotel, time to talk together, meals with just the two of us chatting together, no dishes, no meal preparations, care of children left in capable, loving hands, so, just the two of us.

Not that we were having any major problems, but God opened my eyes to see some areas where I could and should grow.

Oneness was a key word. How we came from different backgrounds withall the things that holds, the inevitable difficulties that will come and my response to that, the "affairs" in my life that take more of my time than I spend with my husband, the threat of selfishness and being self centered, and the pattern of our culture- 50/50 relationships, as the threats to that oneness.

The rest of the weekend was how to work through these issues of life in a proper way to promote oneness.

There were many challenges for me to work on. Here are a few.

There are weaknesses in each persons character, will I choose to focus on these weaknesses or on the strengths that these traits represent? Realize that the qualities that I first saw as wonderful in my husband are now probably those areas that irritate or I see as weaknesses.

Who changed?

Who can again change?

God put both of us together because we could do more for His cause together than we could apart. Am I striving towards oneness so that God can be glorified?

God is using my mate to remake me!

I loved the whole section on conflict and its resolution. Showing us how to work through conflict, we can get to the other side! Conflict can be minimized when I actively choose to bless my husband. My focus needs to be on God and the promises of His word.

Each of the speakers gave examples from their lives, and painted word pictures to help drive home some of the points that were given, and some of these examples with live in my mind forever.

I loved the example of anger that is suppressed. It is like holding a beach ball under the water. You can probably do that with one, or two, or even maybe three. But when those anger situations reach too high a level, those balls come blasting back out.

But the thing about those balls is, they never come back out where they went in.

So it is with anger, and to propperly tackle anger I need to know why I am angry and deal with it, not stuff it. Who knows where it will resurface and what harm it will bring.

I am sure that there are many more things that God will bring to remembrance as the days pass, but I am so thankful for God's working in my life to open my eyes to see how He can work in my life and as a result work on the oneness in my marriage.

I am thankful that He provided some easier school days this week. It was encouraging to

get done a bit earlier and get some other tasks done. Shopping was left off the list last week as I ran out of time, time was needed to provide food for a family who lost a loved one, I have been having a bit more joint pain this week, so a bit more tired. God was there, giving the extra minutes, encouraging me with success at school, and the grace to make it through each day.

I think all in all, these last days have reminded me again that I have to choose to place my focus on God, His word, His ways, His promises. He will not fail me. Oh, that I would be able to teach my children to fully put their trust in God, His ways, His word!

The Weekend is Near...

2009-02-19T21:12:00.002-05:00

The week has gone crawling by,

but school is almost over for the week,

(even did Christopher's Friday reading with him tonight)

the house is again clean,

(got the crew together and tackled it, finally!)

and the weekend is, oh, so close.

I can hardly wait!

Only one bed in a hotel room for TWO nights,

several meals in a row I do not have to prepare, clean up after...

a Seminar to attend- I am excited to see how God will

change us and help us grow.

Two wonderful sisters, five wonderful children and a dog,

being taken care of by them.

A weekend with my sweetheart, less than 24 hours now!

2009-02-14T08:01:00.008-05:00

HAPPY VALENTINES DAY!

Some new snow has fallen and made the scenery clean and white again.

Most of us in this house would have wished for Spring to visit

early and stay... but it is still Februrary!

David and I are waiting to complete our celebration of Valentines Day

until next weekend.

My parents signed us up for a Weekend to Remember Conference, and also

provided a hotel room for Friday and Saturday evening.

(Thank you so much Mom and Dad!)

Sisters are babysitting, there are things that I am sure we can learn,

time alone to talk and share meals without company...

well, I must be patient, next weekend is coming!

Ah, The Weekend!

2009-02-07T20:23:00.002-05:00

Today, Anna and I learned to make flannel pillowcases.

Melissa (Aunt Melissa, Pastor Dan' Wife, Youth Leaders wife...) set up

an opportunity for all the teen girls in the youth group, along with their mothers,

to learn to make real neat pillowcases.

Here are all of the sets. Debi Carlson led the class, picked out our material,

and helped us learn to put them together.

We sure are thankful for these ladies and their work to put this morning together!

Now, I wonder where we can use this new skill... I have some ideas!

Some random thoughts...

I am very thankful for the warmer weather, seeing the driveway again,

driving without snow and ice on the roads,

walking into the grocery store on dry pavement

being able to walk outside without a jacket!

I am very thankful for dishwashers- what a lot of time they save!

I am thankful for weekends. No school, time to run errands without children,

sleeping in a bit, time to read a book, time to relax.

Have a great weekend!

KANSAS!

2009-02-02T17:22:00.015-05:00

Welcome, to the Kansas Day Party!

Just inside the door, each person was greeted by the Singing Sunflower

(singing, You Are My Sunshine)

and reading material was supplied to enhance everyones knowledge of Kansas.

Each person had their own Kansas Day Quiz place mat.

Each table had a basket of homemade rolls (thanks Pam!) and a bowl

each

of Peppernuts, Sweet and Spicy Pecans, Swedish Pecans and

Southern Spiced Pecans.

What a great looking bunch! Yes, many are wearing purple

in honor of the state of Kansas!

Dinner included, Ham Loaf, Bohne Beroggi, (a Mennonite dish made of sweetened pinto beans in a sweet roll dough, covered in a sweet white sauce)

Crock Pot Corn, Crunchy Cole Slaw,

Cauliflower Salad, and Apricot Jello Salad.

Dessert was Kansas Dirt Cake!

Opportunity was given to all the cowboys and cowgirls to try their hand at shooting

the cans and bottles off the logs.

We even had a little relay race, the hunters in the group kept the pace up,

but the gals valiantly tried to shoot those

bottles over!
After dinner, David supplied the answers to the Kansas Day Quiz.

He also lead us in a singing time of Kansas Day Carols.

Songs such as Home On the Range, Oh My Darling Clementine,

I've Been Working On the Railroad and others.

What a fun evening!

And Life Goes On!

2009-02-02T00:53:00.003-05:00

Today is Sunday, well I guess technically it is Monday morning and I just stayed up and read

a book since coming home from church.

I know that I should have probably written a blog about the Kansas Day party,

gone to bed on time,

not eaten any extra food, especially those chocolate chips, but...

this night was fun.

It seems this last month has been centered around this last Friday,

all the things and ideas that made it work,

and it was a GREAT evening.

And, I will get a blog done about it, I will not eat any more chocolate chips for a while,

I will get up and exercise and try to get off that extra 10 lbs. that seems to want to stay,

but yesterday and today, it was fun relaxing, letting things just wait,

and spending time just being, well lazy, and having

all the time in the world.

I love my husband. I had a wonderful time celebrating Kansas Day with him, loved

seeing his big grins on his special day,

loved seeing people have a great time, loved seeing David relax,

laugh, sing, joke, enjoy good food and just

plain, have fun.

Now, back to homeschooling, baking bread, laundry, writing blogs, getting to bed

on time, exercise and eating good foods.

But, I get to do these things with the man I love, and his big grins,

and the children God gave us.

So, the blog will get done one of these days...

A Picture Tag

2009-01-29T20:45:00.002-05:00

So, since not cleaning out the picture file for some time and not deleting the unneeded ones, here is what I got when I followed these instructions.

1. Go to your pictures

2. Go to the sixth folder
3. Find the sixth picture
4. Blog about it
5. Tag six people to do the same
6. Smile!

In June of 2008, after a visit to David's famliy in May, this picture entered the files.

Amanda is playing the piano at Grandma and Grandpa Johnson's house.

I have enjoyed both daughters taking piano lessons. It is fun to hear them

play, getting better each year!

Does this make you curious as to what is in your picture file?

Happy Kansas Day!

2009-01-29T20:25:00.002-05:00

Well, Happy Kansas Day to you!

What? You never heard of or celebrated Kansas Day?

I can tell you have not been around my husband very long!

We (Katie, Anna, Andrew, Amanda, Jonathan, Christopher and I) went to church to set up for the big Kansas Day Celebration (well, actually a Sunday School Party we are hosting) that is to be held on Friday at 6pm. Some of the children brought their remote control

cars and played on the other half of the activity center, while the rest of us set up! :)

But, we all had fun and are excited for tommorrow night!

So, stay tuned, I am taking the trusty camera and will show you what happens

when you Follow the Yellow Brick Road!
Hope you had a wonderful Kansas Day!

The First Lost Tooth!

2009-01-26T19:10:00.001-05:00

Christopher lost his first tooth!

He has been wiggling a top tooth, and then Friday discovered that the bottom tooth had almost fallen out and wanted help getting it the rest of the way out!

Life is just full of fun moments!

Praise The Lord!

2009-01-20T17:39:00.002-05:00

Praise the Lord,

Let songs of Joy break forth,

Sing Hallelujah, Praise His name forevermore!

(This song was sung at our wedding, and has been running through my head

the last few days.)

Our new van!

For which we are VERY thankful.

Thanks to David for searching for some to look at.

Thanks to Dad for going with David to look, haggle the price, and give advice.

Thanks to Mom and Dad Johnson for sharing their corn harvest money with us!

We are so thankful that God knew all this ahead of time,

knew just where the van was that we needed,

and knew just how to provide for the payment of it!

So, This is What Went on Here This Week...

2009-01-17T21:04:00.009-05:00

Yes, the braces came in this week.

Since I still do not have a car, Pam offered to take us to Grand Rapids to pick up the braces, as she had an errand to run in Grand Rapids as well. I am so glad that she drove through the winter wonderland for us! It was a blustery, white out type of day!

And, then there was the treadmill that no longer worked.

So, I asked the boys to take it apart so that it would fit in the garbage, and the metal parts could go to Uncle Dan's steel collection.
They did, literally take every single piece apart!!
I was indeed saddened, and so was Anna when the treadmill started to stink. Dad came and checked on it and said that the motor was probably going bad. After calling and calling the number on the paperwork, (they said that they were moving and could be reached on a certain day in December that had already passed) I found a place on the Internet that said they could fix this kind of treadmill. Needing help, I called them only to find that they would not be able to help me unless I gave them money and bought a new warranty. The other company was out of business, they said, and they were helping out anyone who had one of their treadmills.
The prices they gave for the advice they could give, well they hardly seemed worth it!
After assessing the books, my wonderful hubby said that we could get a new one.
Thus, the removing and dismantling of the old one.
Now, since eight this morning, it has been snowing, and snowing and snowing. And, well, it is still snowing! At least it is a little warmer, the thermostat reads 22 degrees!
I guess Sunday morning travel could be interesting!