A Birthday To Remember...

We now have three teens in the house! We're truly having a time of celebration as our youngest reached her special milestone! The days when they were younger are such special memories but I have to say, we're enjoying this part as well. God has blessed us with some great kids and we love seeing them grow into who God is shaping them to be.

Ally begged for at least six months to head for the thrill rides for her birthday so off we went and had an awesome, if not heart-stopping day!

Cole and Ally were the only ones willing to go on this one!
Dirk was the 'lucky' one to take her on this monster.

Will and Al were the only ones willing to go for a spin on this one.

It seems like yesterday that she went on this ride and cried because it was too scary. This time they aimed for the edges because it was even more of a thrill.
A friend to share the day with made it a definite good time!

Summer So Far

So far, summer has involved a lot of basketball. Two of our crew are involved in Summer Jam. Cole has been to one camp already and will be leaving next week for the second one. It's exciting to watch them have fun at something they love. Will is going for his driver's permit next week so now we will have two young drivers in the family. He is also starting training to become a lifeguard so his days are about to become busier. Last night, they had a late night with friends having air-soft gun battles. The wounds are few and it sounds like they had a great time. As Independence Day rolls around we were happy to hear that some of Dirk's family will be stopping in for a pre-celebration complete with as much fireworks as the cousins can convince the parents to spring for. We've only had one near miss with a pop bottle rocket that burned a nice-sized hole in Will's shirt. What a proud moment it was for him!? He's definitely keeping that shirt. Hope your summer is going wonderful and you have less humidity than we do!

Happy Father's Day

Happy Father's Day, Dirk! Thank you for being an awesome father to our children! You are terrific and I couldn't have asked for a better dad to our offspring!

The Cherry Tree

We have a cherry tree in our back yard. I don't know what kind of cherry tree it is other than a 'cherry pie' cherry tree.
It didn't take long to discover that these aren't the kind of cherries you just want to pick off the tree and pop into your mouth.
So far, we've gotten a few into jars, the kids have snacked on a few, and more than enough have been used as ammunition in kid wars.

I love summer...and cherry trees...and kids having fun...and being a part of it all.

Camping After All

I've held on to the knowledge that I just don't like to camp out for quite some time. This weekend I found out that it's definitely tolerable. I have been blessed...
What a beautiful morning!
Our accommodations not far from the unbelievably clean 'facilities'.
Dirk and Kaylynn.
Two girls making memories.
Will and Andrew
Cousins football is a must for all family gatherings.
Sweet sister, Sheila and pregnant Meg.
The one that didn't get away!
Cole and Kaylynn.

So yes, we stayed in a tent with an air mattress, the wind was a little breezy, the blankets a little damp, but the smores were awesome. I guess I'd go camping again after all. *Thanks, God!*

OH-IO

Our recent trip to Ohio was so great in spite of Dirk waking us all up at 4:30 a.m. to get started. One of the first images we saw on the road was the beautiful sunrise! It was a terrific reminder of God's great love and perfect way to start the trip. I don't think there is a vehicle produced that would be large enough for our family when we are on one of our trips. The crew never has enough space and someone is always touching someone. :) We had an awesome time and loved seeing some really great friends. Ally was thrilled to be back in the city (uh-oh!) and was able to clarify that Columbus is a CITY and we just don't have a real CITY where we live. The boys had a terrific time fishing at their old stomping ground at Tom and Marilyn's pond. The kids had a great time connecting with friends again. Memories were made, our hearts were touched, softened and even a little bit healed. And our love for them remains...

Milestones

Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above...James 1:17

Unbelievably, we celebrated Cole's 18th birthday yesterday! Wow! It seems amazing when I look at this young man that it was just a little while ago I held him in my arms and thanked God for His very precious gift.

Everyone told me that time would move quickly, and it has. I love the memories of every moment I've been blessed to be with my children but I love the moments of today just as much.

While we try to teach our children all about life,
Our children teach us what life is all about.
~Angela Schwindt

My Sister

I can't begin to tell you what a blessing it was to get to spend time with my sister. As a little sister to her, she has taught and continues to teach me so much in life. I learned how to move legs fast and arms slow (hers, not mine). I learned that I can mix a pretty "tasty" batch of barley green. I learned to have more respect for medicine and it's intense effects. I learned that KFC isn't as bad as I thought--as long as you get the baked beans and mashed potatoes to go with it. I learned that no matter how much a person says they are trying to help, when they hurt your sister, you desperately want to hurt them. I learned that Wild Berry Gummy Savers have medicinal purposes. I learned that laughter is a very good thing. I learned that hope never fails. But most of all, I remembered that God is in control. We reminisced about some of the finer and not-so-finer moments in our lives and were able to laugh at some of both. Yvette is a fighter and has been one for a very long time. She has fought for me so many times in life and now I prayerfully fight with her. She is an example of Jesus' unconditional love. Please pray for her as she continues to fight the good fight and may you learn something in Christ today.

Visiting Oz

It seems strange that only a week ago, Will and I were in Kansas visiting my sister. I planned to go down and stay with her a few days to help her with doctor appointments, therapy, and extra things as she recuperates. At the last minute, Will decided he'd like to come along, which helped make the long drive not so long.As you can see, he brought along plenty of books to keep him occupied.
There wasn't alot happening on interstate, but then along came this awesome sight of motorcycles. We never heard what they were riding for but I found it breathtaking and inspiring that a group of people came together for a cause and were so bold in taking it. (I wonder why we aren't so much bolder as Christians?)

Will pretty much enjoyed having the TV control to himself. :) One night, we got to see Adam, my nephew, for a few minutes. He was leaving the next morning for basic training. *gulp!* It just seems like yesterday I was watching he and Cole making all kinds of little boy memories. The stormtrackers were staying at the hotel next to us so we enjoyed taking a look at all their equipment and the stormtracker vehicle. Even seeing it up close, I still wouldn't want to go through a tornado in it.

Gone Fishin'

My family likes to fish so occasionally I go out to the pond with them to enjoy the beauty of God's creation. They take their gear and nasty worms and I get my book and camera and everyone is happy. Some days it's really important to walk away from the insanity of life and just sit by the pond and be still. I'm pretty sure God even wants us to do that. And even tho the pond is in the middle of a cow pasture, I wouldn't trade this spot for anywhere else.