Adopted For Life

Snow Week

2012-01-27T23:09:00.014-06:00

I made a last minute phone call to see if I could sneak into the coronation of the Snow Kings and Queens today. After getting the okay from the school (and Alison), Ben and Belle and I made it just in time.

The Candidates

Alison was happy, because her good friend, Kailey won. Alison told me afterward that before they found out the news of who the winner was, she told God that if He would get more glory with it being Kailey, she wanted her to have it.

Kailey is a really sweet kid, and as much fun as it would have been to see Alison win,
I was glad Kailey got it too.

Flowers from Grandpa and Grandma

Alison and her friend, Erin...all ready for the big dance.

Yikes, seriously, where did the time go?

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Yep, she sure loves him...

2012-01-27T23:08:00.001-06:00

Our week, in pictures...

2012-01-24T12:59:00.014-06:00

Miss Belle woke up sick today. She made it to the counter to try and eat breakfast but fell back asleep even before I got the cereal poured.

She has spent the rest of the day doing this...

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Scouty Boy is officially retired INside of the house. We got him professionally groomed and bathed, and brought him in on Monday. This hardcore duck hunting machine has now become another one of my photography models.

And Miss Belle loves having a pal to hang out with while the other kids are in school.

A little mayo on the cheek...

We put a pony in her hair for the first time. It took 3 years to make this!

Danny and I went for a drive Saturday afternoon, both with cameras in hand...and snapped some fun pictures of strange and unique things that we saw in alleys, and parks, and
different places in town.

This is how I got here...

2012-01-24T12:57:00.002-06:00

My Dad and Mom...40 some years ago.

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The Window to the Soul

2012-01-20T15:26:00.011-06:00

Seems I have been focusing on eyes this past week as I slowly teach myself how to photograph. Thankfully, I have a pretty willing participant who seems to like having her picture taken.

This is me and my 40 year old eye!
When I first looked at this...all I could say was, "Wow."
Not because it's a cool photo. But because God's handiwork is all over this eye.
It's miraculous that He gave me these eyes to see.
I mean, seriously...look at the craftsmanship in it.
The amazing detail...the skin around it that reveals 40 years of life.
All I can say is, "Thank You, Lord!"

And more of my favorite model....

She was getting a little grumpy. I am not sure if this is a cute pouty face, or looks a little too much like a scary girl ghost in a bad movie...

The eye of a Sweet Pea~ This eye is 8 years old.
And there is much behind it that people don't know.
I am one of the blessed people he lets in.

This reminds me of a painting my Mom has hanging up in her house with 3 little girls looking at a book. I guess this is the updated version...

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Come Messy

2012-01-17T08:54:00.008-06:00

It was a typical weekday night...Mark was gone chasing the bad guys in North Minneapolis and I was left to man the bad guys in our house. I was attempting to make dinner while the kids were getting settled, and Sam was in the shower. I heard the water stop, and soon after, his dripping little body was walking through the living room with just a towel around his waist.

Belle decided to do something to annoy him on his way to his room to get dressed, and he got angry at her and hit her on the shoulder. And of course, she cried that loud, 'you just really hurt my feelings' cry, and came running to me.

Immediately I was angry. How many times had I told those boys to be gentle with their sister? How many times had I shared with them how they are not allowed to hit or touch their sisters in any way out of anger, and that God wants them to be their protector's, and to honor them, and put their needs above their own? And this little pang of fear started creeping into my heart that Sam was just not getting that.

So I yelled at Sam to get dressed and ordered him to my room....my mind already preparing condemning words towards him....

As he sat in the bedroom waiting for me, I went into the bathroom to pick up the extra clothes he forgot to pick up...and I looked up at the window, and saw this...

My heart dropped immediately. I was instantly convicted of my own anger...and compassion filled my heart for Sam. I laughed to myself as I thought about how my heart is just like Sam's...
exclaiming my love for God one moment...and the next moment giving in to my sinful desires.

Those precious, wobbly, dripping words scribbled on the window was exactly how I loved God...messy.

And that reminded me of some words Paul Miller wrote in his book, A Praying Life.
He says, "The criteria for coming to Jesus is weariness. Come overwhelmed with life. Come with your wandering mind. Come messy."

So I walked into my bedroom and there sat Sam on the floor. Instead of sharing my list of "How could you's!?" like I originally wanted to...I reached out for him to hug me and we sat and had a talk about how hard it is to be kind when others are mean to us. And how much we need Jesus...how we can't obey all the time...and that is exactly why Jesus had to come.

We were able to pray and thank Jesus for dying on the cross and taking the punishment we deserved for our anger we displayed just moments before. And we thanked Him for living the perfect life we never could. And that we can ask Him for help when we are struggling and know that He will always forgive us when we come to Him.

It made me thankful too, that my wobbly attempts at loving God are not what I should be putting my faith in...

that it's Jesus' perfect love that rescued me,

and will continue rescuing me every time I fail.

There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus. ~Romans 8:1

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Happy Birthday, Little Brother!

2012-01-12T18:52:00.010-06:00

Happy Birthday, Little Brother!

I couldn't let the day go by without thanking God for your life and the blessings He has given us all through you....so with that said, here goes...

1. Thank You, God, for Joseph Robert Kern, and the amazing passion you have put inside of him. Anyone who knows him...knows that Joey doesn't ever do things half heartedly. Whether it be a baseball team, duck decoys, helping me hang a heavy mirror on the wall...to even his very own wedding... he goes all out...and gives it everything he's got. He wouldn't and couldn't do anything less. I love how I can have a conversation with him about something he really loves that I know nothing about....and sure enough, within 10 minutes, he's got me loving it right along with him.

2. Thank you, Lord Jesus, for the huge amount of love you have put in Joey's heart towards the people in his life. He is a faithful friend. And a faithful brother. It is only by your grace working in his life that he loves the way he does. I think I saw the biggest example of this when Sugs died. His careful detail to giving her a place to lay, and his loyalty in caring for her until the very end, was just one example of his commitment to the relationships in his life.

3. Thank you, God, for shining your light in Joey's life...and for opening his mind to question... and wonder... and struggle...and consider... all that life is, and why he is here. So many people go through life avoiding the big questions. And just taking life as the here and now. But you opened Joey's heart and caused him to see the beauty of Yourself through Your Son...

'For God, who said, “Let light shine out of darkness,” has shone in our hearts to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ.'
(2 Corinthians 4:6)

4. Thank you, Jesus, for letting me be his Sister. Thank you for letting me be his BIG sister. Being almost 10 years old when he was born was a great thing. I remember so much...from the falls down the stairs, dropping him off of the counter as a baby, the bruises, the broken collar bones...even from the very beginning...that incredible physical strength and endurance was there.

Yet, as big as he was, he still was sweet baby Joe-Joe. Maybe not to poor Mom...but he was to me. What ten year old girl doesn't love having a REAL baby in the house to play with? He had a special place in my heart from the very beginning...

5. And lastly, Lord Jesus...as I close in my thanks for Joey's life...I ask you now to please bless and keep him. Make Your face continue to shine on Him. Protect him, at work and in his coming and going. Use his life to glorify You. Do not let him stumble...and cause his eyes to be fixed on the cross.

When he is feeling let down that he can't live up to You...remind him that that is EXACTLY why you sent Your Son in the first place... You loved Him that much. You died the death he deserved to die...and you lived the perfect life he never could. Remind him he is more loved than he ever dared hope.

And when his birthday's in this lifetime run out...encourage him in the knowledge that he will have the incredible, indescribable privilege, of being in your presence and living a life of excitement, joy and utter amazement in eternity that he never thought possible.

Thank you, Father, for showing us Your amazing holiness, love, compassion, creativity, and even your sense of humor, in the creation of this man...who you call your friend..........and Your son, Joseph Kern.

How blessed we all are by just this one, yet very important life...

In all these things, I pray in Your name. Amen.

Happy Birthday, Joey.

~~~~~~

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2012-01-10T11:47:00.000-06:00

2012-01-10T11:31:00.003-06:00

FYI

2012-01-10T11:25:00.000-06:00

A walk around the block...

2012-01-10T11:10:00.003-06:00

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My favorite (and most willing) model...

2012-01-10T07:59:00.004-06:00

Miss Belle said that this is her "being a monster".

2012-01-09T10:48:00.001-06:00

2012-01-09T10:34:00.000-06:00

And some more....

2012-01-08T10:44:00.001-06:00

2012-01-07T21:31:00.002-06:00

2012-01-07T21:02:00.002-06:00

2012-01-07T20:52:00.001-06:00

Some fun editing ....

2012-01-07T17:30:00.005-06:00

I found a fun and free website to help edit the pictures from our new camera...
I am pretty sure I found my new favorite winter hobby. This will keep me plenty busy on those days it's too cold to paint and work in the garage.

If you scroll down a little bit you will see this picture of Miss Belle BEFORE I edited it. I was able to give her a little more color which made the picture pop.

A added a little fake snow because, yes...it actually IS January in Minnesota after all.

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New Camera Part 2!

2012-01-06T14:10:00.008-06:00

Here are a few more of the two squirrels...

Notice how the book is the focus point of the picture? I am catching on...

A New Camera!

2012-01-06T10:25:00.032-06:00

This is one of the biggest reasons why Mark, Alison and myself thought a nice camera would be a great investment...moments like this captured. And we have a lot of people to thank for it too! We pooled all of our Christmas money together this year to purchase it. I told Alison last night it was was one of the best ideas she has had yet. I am glad I listened to her.

I can't wait to see what pictures will turn out like once I actually really know what I am doing. So far all I know is to turn it on, find some good natural light, keep the flash off if possible, and shoot away. It doesn't hurt to have some really cute models as well...which I had plenty of......

Love those toes!

And here we are visiting the George's.

Grandpa and Grandma came too...

Making lunch.

Little Reidster and Grandpa...buddies.

Miss Belle was happy Cousin Reid let her on the 'boys only' bunk.

Grandpa's pumpkin pie (yes, I said GrandPA)...the best I have ever had!

Grandma showing Heather how to make little jewelery boxes out of Christmas Cards.
(Hmmm, I wonder where I get it....)

I love food pics.

Thank you, Everyone!

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Glimpses of December...

2011-12-29T11:57:00.053-06:00

It was hard to choose which pictures to download into this post.
But I will just let them speak for themselves.
Here was our December....

Merry Christmas ~ 2011

Unexpected Thanks

2011-11-22T13:58:00.008-06:00

This Thanksgiving brings many things to mind that I never expected to be thankful for. Here are just a few:

1. I am thankful for chemotherapy. God is using it to sustain my sister's life right now. He also used it to save my little nephew, Carter Boy.

2. I am thankful we still have Heather Lee George with us. It was only a few short weeks ago there was a moment we weren't sure she would be with us today.

3. I am thankful for the love I have seen displayed in her marriage from her husband, Taylor. It does a big sister's heart good to see her little sister loved as much as he loves her. What a display of the Gospel!

4. I am thankful for the ways God is using my Mom and Dad, who, in retirement years, are still caring for and serving their children with joy. I don't know if trips and leisure were ever on their minds as something they desired to do or talked about together. But that wasn't God's plan for them. Instead, they have cared for and buried their own parents these past few years, have helped in the care of their young grandson who has battled cancer, and now their daughter and her children need them as the battle of cancer continues for our family.

God has placed my parents in the lives of many other brokenhearted and hurting people. It's amazing to me how this last part of their lives they are walking towards the arms of King Jesus, ready to lay at His feet the crowns of righteousness He so deserves.

5. I am thankful for lost job opportunities. It has taught me better to wait upon the Lord with gladness, and made me better see what I need to be focusing my time and attention on.

6. I am thankful for disobedient children. Well, maybe it would be more adequate to say, I am thankful for how God is working in my own heart through their disobedience.

I am seeing more and more, that I am my toddler, fighting to get my way, wanting things done on my own, just like she does. How I don't want to be under the safe loving hands of my Father who knows what is best for me. Yet, He brings me back to Him again and again...with patience, discipline, faithfulness and perfect love.

7. I am thankful for a heavy heart. A lot of this year has been a struggle of fears and grief for me. But recently, I was reminded, that God saves the afflicted through their affliction.(Job 36:15) So I am thankful for the ways He has given me a sensitivity to the suffering in the world around me...far away, and up close as well. It has caused me to focus more on who He is and not my circumstances. Which is our only true place of rest. I have realized that I can grieve with hope
(1 Thessalonians 4:13) And that has made me cherish Christ more.

And Lastly...

I am so very thankful to see the Holy Spirit mightily at work in my family. He has used these trials to soften hearts and save souls! He is on the move. It gives me so much joy to see God at work...changing people. And to see it right within the family I grew up with, and the family He has given me now with my husband, is beyond incredible.

I end this Thanksgiving 2011 post with a song written by our music Pastor, David Ward. We sang it last Sunday, and it gives me much comfort as I reflect upon all of the things I am so thankful for from this past year....

O soul, are you weary from wave upon wave
Of grief and affliction whom no man can save?
Has sickness surrounded, or unending night?
Uncertainty stolen your joy and your might?

O doubting, o fearful– remember His care,
The helpless and hopeless need never despair
For from your afflictions His glory shall spring–
The deeper your sorrow, the louder you’ll sing!
Remember your Father– His promise, His love:

Remember your Savior– His grief and His pain,
The lonely affliction, unmerited shame.
Though you had betrayed Him, He died in your place;
The joy set before Him He offers by grace.
Remember your Father– His promise, His love:

Chorus:
“I’ll never forsake you, this pain will not break you,
For I will remake you for unending joy;
My promise is faithful though now it is painful;
No power can trample my covenant love.”

Happy Thanksgiving, Family, I love you!

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I am so glad we are running this race, together.

"Therefore,
since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses,
let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely,
and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us,
looking to Jesus,
the founder and perfecter of our faith,
who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross,
despising the shame,
and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God."
Hebrews 12:1-2

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From Fall to Winter in one afternoon...

2011-11-21T08:00:00.004-06:00

Didn't we just say goodbye to the last of that huge mound of snow only a few months ago? It sure seems like it. And it seems like it was only yesterday I was driving around with Miss Belle in our tank tops with the windows down looking for the next garage sale.

But ready or not, here we are again. I often wonder why we get so excited about the first snow fall that bids in another long winter. The kids ran to the windows in anticipation of getting their hands and feet in it.

Personally, the changing of the seasons is very comforting to me.
The first snow fall always reminds me of God's faithfulness.
How He sent His son to cover my sin and make me white as snow.
How though the winter is long and dark, he comforts me through it,
even showing me beauty in it.
And looking forward again to the feeling of freedom that Spring will bring.
That has never failed.
He never will either.

Miss Belle and Grandma

2011-11-09T09:08:00.004-06:00

For every one sentence you say about cancer...

2011-10-27T08:24:00.018-05:00

October 14th was a typical Friday afternoon for the kids as I was pulling into the Elementary School to pick them up. Sam isn't very fond of riding the bus so as an end of the week treat I often go get them, and save them from the crazy bus ride home.

Just as I found a parking space my cell phone rang and it was my Mom. Normally, I would have let it go and called her back, but the day before we found out my little Sister had cancer. We didn't know what kind yet. She went in to get what she thought was a cold that wouldn't go away looked at again. The X ray revealed a large mass in her chest. Needless to say my phone was fully charged and at my side from that point on.

I knew immediately that something was terribly wrong when my Mom insisted I come right away. Her cry was one of the saddest, most heartbreaking sounds I have ever heard. The sound of a mother who needed desperately to get to her child. We didn't know if my Sister was going to make it. What was supposed to be a simple biopsy of the tumor turned into her chest being cracked open and an all out operation to stop the bleeding from an artery that was hit.

I heard my mom's cries as she hung up the phone. There I stood in the school parking lot with buses whizzing by me and kids laughter and all the busyness of 3:00 on a Friday afternoon. I never felt so helpless. How would I get there fast enough? But I ran into the school, grabbed Sam, and composed myself enough to know I needed to be paying attention to my driving. God got me safely there. And He allowed my Sister to get through her surgery.

This wasn't the first time I got a phone call like this. It was just a couple of short years ago that my brother called me after his 2 year old son was diagnosed with Leukemia. They were putting Carter under for the first time for some tests he needed and he had a bad reaction to the anesthesia. They ushered my brother and his wife out of the room and my brother called me to pray, not knowing what was going on, and if his son was going to make it through. He had that same helpless cry that my mom had when she called me. God allowed Carter to make it through that too.

Last summer my Mom called me one muggy morning, asking me to pray for her neighbors. The Sheriff just showed up at their home telling them that their 16 year old son was in a head on collision and being flown to the hospital. My Dad was driving them there. On the way, they heard the news that their son did not make it. At that time, I was in the middle of a painting project. That project was never finished and is still sitting in my garage today. It seemed as soon as I got that news, all I felt I could do was sit and pray. Doing anything else seemed paralyzing.

I have felt the same way these past couple of weeks since getting the news about my Sister. And I have been thinking a lot about those phone calls the past couple of weeks. I have also been thinking about how when moments like these come, how important it is to know ahead of time, just who this God is that I am crying out to for help.

I am so thankful God has allowed me to be surrounded with and saturated with people and preaching and moments, that have shown me Who He is. My ability to write and paint and create lately seems to have completely diminished. I have had many thoughts and words floating around in my head, but no way to really get them out. Until last night, when I remembered these words from David Powlison in he and John Piper's article, Don't Waste Your Cancer . Powlison says,

"For every one sentence you say to others about your cancer, say ten sentences about your God, and your hope, and what he is teaching you, and the small blessings of each day."

As soon as I realized I needed to focus more on who God is in this newest trial in our family, and less on the cancer itself, it seemed easier to sit down and write.

"Let us know; let us press on to know the Lord." (Hosea 6:3)

So hear goes...this is what I know right now about the God who has designed this latest Cancer diagnosis in our lives...

1. He understands my burden. The Bible says Jesus was a man of sorrows and acquainted with our grief. "For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but one who in every respect has been tempted as we are, yet without sin.

2. He loves comforting me. ..."Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need." (Hebrews 4:16)
"Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me." (Psalm 23:4)

3. He is sufficient. "My God will supply every need of yours according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus. (Phil 4:19)

4. He never gets sick of my cries and need for help. "Come to Me, all who are weary and heavy-laden and I will give you rest." (Matthew 11:28) As Paul Miller has said, "The criteria for coming to Jesus is weariness. Come overwhelmed with life. Come with your wandering mind. Come messy."

5. He pursues me. "For he did not remember to show kindness, but pursued the poor and needy and the brokenhearted." (Psalm 109:16)

6. He is watching over me. "He is a shield to those who walk in integrity, guarding the paths of justice and watching over the way of his saints." (Proverbs 2:7)

7. He delivers me. "You saw with your own eyes the great trials, the signs and wonders, the mighty hand and outstretched arm, with which the LORD your God brought you out."
(Deut. 7:19)

8. My tears are precious to Him. "You keep track of all my sorrows. You have collected all my tears in your bottle. You have recorded each one in your book." (Psalm 56:8)

9. He is close to me, even when I may not feel it. "I will never leave you, nor forsake you." (Hebrews 13:5)

10. His sovereign love rules over my life. "declaring the end from the beginning and from ancient times things not yet done, saying, 'My counsel shall stand, and I will accomplish all my purposes," (Isaiah 46:10). .."in your book were written, every one of them, the days that were formed for me, when as yet there was none of them." (Psalm 139: 16)

It is my hope upon hope, that Christ will be cherished and many will see His power and love in my Sister's cancer and say,

"Come and see what God has done, His awesome deeds for mankind!"
(Psalm 66:5)

Our favorite time of year...

2011-10-07T20:09:00.017-05:00

Pretty colors, duck hunting, Papa home, chili on the stove...

Last week one Saturday morning after dropping Alison off to soccer practice
I decided to take my camera along and snap a few pics of our neighborhood.

I told the kids to do a funny face. It's ironic though I think that the faces they each made describe perfectly how they make me feel sometimes... haha!

Rewind 3 1/2 years ago, and I imagine God laughing a little bit as Mark and I talk to each other about the birth of our new little girl...and we ask each other, "Do you think we are finally going to have the calm, and quiet daughter we always wanted?"

Happy Fall!

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The ducks are flying...

2011-10-07T20:01:00.005-05:00

And it's time to go get em!

But Miss Belle just wants to push them around in the stroller.

Good times.

Soccer Season Comes to an End

2011-10-07T19:32:00.017-05:00

It was a great season for Alison. She is improving more and more
and is becoming quite the athlete.

Ben watching the game. It was homecoming week and this day was wacky hair day.

Wrestling was also going on, as well as soccer.

Uncle Joe came, too.

Miss Belle's usual routine.

She worked hard this year.

You know your a police officer's wife when....

2011-09-30T09:54:00.010-05:00

Some of my online friends at Etsy who are all police officer's wives started a thread that really made me laugh, and cry a little too. It was titled,

"You know your a police officer's wife when..."

I actually found it quite comforting and was even a little amazed at the similar thoughts and experiences we all share...

Here they are...some from them, some from me:

You know your a police officer's wife when:

~You never have a holiday on the actual holiday.

~You count your days in numbers (1 of 5, 2 of 4 etc...)

~Your kids have a huge collection of squad cars.

~You tell the guys sitting down for coffee to take their gun belts off so they don't scratch the chairs.

~You go to social events alone.

~You are never sure when your spouse will show up at family events.

~Your toddler gets a police escort to her first day of school.

~You have to check to make sure what is in the freezer is not evidence, but dinner.

~Everyone uses the patrol vehicle parked out front as the local landmark.

~You wear your 'good' pajamas when they work the graveyard shift in case you get the late-night knock on the door.

~You don't question why all of a sudden he's walking behind you instead of next to you at the mall.

~A five minute conversation turns into a 2 hour long conversation because he keeps saying, "Shooting, gotta go!"

~He starts talking in radio codes when he is telling you about his day.

~You ask him where HE wants to sit in a restaurant because they like to face the door.

~When he says, "I may have to work late tonight." you don't even care anymore. It's routine now!

~You don't find it odd at all that you are in the kitchen painting and talking on the phone to your husband who is hiding in the bushes waiting on a gang member to make a drug transaction.

~Your first reaction when you wake up in the middle of the night is to reach over to see if your husband is home yet. If so, you smile and breathe a breath of relief...if not, good luck getting back to sleep.

~Your only chance of seeing him on a given night will be on the news. But then you aren't really sure if it's him your seeing because all of his co workers are tall and bald too. :)

~And lastly....you know your a police officer's wife when as you are writing this blog post you notice that this has become your coffee mug of choice...

People often ask me if it is hard to be a police officer's wife. To be honest, I don't think I really knew what I was getting into when I married Mark and he was fresh out of the Academy. But I am very thankful God knew.

I really can say it is only by the Grace of God, truly, that Mark can leave the house each day and I can have full assurance that his life is in God's hands.

That God guides not just every beat of his heart,
but every car he drives by on his way home,
the hands of the evil he encounters,
and every bullet.

There really is no such thing as a stray bullet if you believe God guides it.

You saw me before I was born.
Every day of my life was recorded in your book.
Every moment was laid out before a single day had passed.

(Psalm 139:16, NLT)

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And just for fun....

Mark and Steve in Beijing, China, at the Forbidden City.
Steve is a cop in Philadelphia.
2 days after this picture was taken a beautiful little girl was placed in Steve's arms
who became his daughter,
and a tiny little boy in Mark's, who is our Ben.

Alison, my Mom and Alicia, in New York with one of New York's finest.

Mark, Alison and Danny at MPD's Award's Ceremony.

_____________

September Days...

2011-09-12T07:47:00.011-05:00

Here are few pics of our September so far...

Every other day, it's just the two of them now. You would think that means less work for me.

Not so.

Let's just say, without the bigger kids as a distraction, it's harder for them when they have to just focus on each other. Much more sharing and patience involved. (For them, too. :)

Grandma and Grandpa came to visit. I am not kidding when I say that within a 24 hour period, they had delivered us new dressers for the boys,
a lawn mower for Mark,
replaced the belt in it,
mowed the lawn,
hung a large mirror,
sewed 2 items that needed mending,
shopped at a few stores in town,
cleaned my vehicle,
cut down a few dead trees,
babysat so I could go to a school meeting,
had a picnic with the kids,
went to Alison's soccer game,
and somehow made all of this fun for the kids to be included in.

Grandma also stayed with Ben while he got his teeth cleaned at the dentist, and she and Grandpa, they stayed up late with Alison to help her form a hypothesis on a science experiment she needed to come up with.

Did I mention that Grandma also brought along like 100 brand new beanie babies for the kids to each choose a couple? Nothing like digging through a giant bag of stuffed animals to brighten their day. :)

It's been a terrific month so far.

Miss Belle's weekly greeting to the boys when they come home from school...

2011-09-09T12:34:00.000-05:00

Ben's 1st Day of Kindergarten

2011-09-09T08:58:00.022-05:00

Here he is! Toothpaste splotch on his shirt and all...but boy was he ready!

After 3 days of this routine, Sam was ready to show his little brother the ropes...

I can see these 2 and what they might look like a little in about 20 years...

So thankful for the big Sis...the watchful eye on the bus to school.

His time has finally come.
The past 3 days were a long 3 days for him. He wanted to go to school so badly.

And there they all finally go...

And Miss Belle and I make the long treck back up the driveway.

Today was the first day she didn't cry when they left. She just made a mad face and slowly walked back up to the house.

I know you can't hear it, but with the sun shining through the trees, there were also angels in the distance singing....
"Haaaa---leeeee----luuu---iahhhhh!
Halleluiah! Halleluuiah!"

No...just kidding! But in all seriousness, yes, there really was a part of me that was thinking of the blessing of this day. Not because the kids were gone...I actually have really missed them this week. But I was feeling much praise because God had provided this chance for them to be educated, and in classrooms with some great teachers who they all really like a lot.
That is a great blessing.

So Miss Belle and I got in the truck and headed off to the school to meet the bus at the doors...so we could help Ben into his room.
Here they are getting off the bus in front of the school.

Danny stays on the bus and heads off to his school after the littler kids get off.

Mr. Fink, the Principal, stands outside of the gate and high fives all the kids as they come in.
He is actually our neighbor, too. :)

There they go...
We said goodbye to Sam and I followed Ben to see if he knew the way.

And of course, he did.

Getting his stuff out of his bag.

A couple of the teachers were giggling at Belle.
I didn't notice but as we entered the school she took off her shoes. She did this at Danny's orientation too.
I had to tell her it was okay to keep her shoes on in the school. She just has to take them off at home. Hehe!
It was cute as we walked back to the front door and saw her pink little crocks sitting by the entryway.

We had a great first week! Praise God. The boys are looking forward to our tradition of having "Family Fun Night." I do this every Friday with them when Mark is working. We just watch movies and eat popcorn and licorice and stay up late. But it's something they look forward to every week.

~~~~~~~~~

The most important word in the universe

2011-09-07T06:07:00.003-05:00

From Ray Ortlund's blog, a place I go daily for encouragement...

Some years ago, in a faculty devotional at Trinity Evangelical Divinity School, Dr. Murray Harris proposed this line of thinking:

What is the most important Book in the universe? The Bible. Which book within the Bible is the most important? Romans. Which chapter in Romans is the most important? Chapter 3. Which paragraph in Romans 3 is the most important? Verses 21-26. Which verse in that paragraph is the most important? Verse 25. Which word in verse 25 is the most important? Propitiation: “. . . whom God put forward as a propitiation by his blood, to be received by faith.”

Therefore, the most important word in the most important verse in the most important paragraph in the most important chapter in the most important book within the most important Book in the universe is propitiation.

Worthy of our reverent contemplation...

Here is an excellent clip of my Pastor, R W Glenn, explaining what the word propitiation means...

1st day of school, and tears from the least expected...

2011-09-06T09:23:00.038-05:00

As usual, the first day of the school year has already given us many opportunities to see just how needy we are and how much we need our Rescuer involved in every aspect of our lives.

I ended the day yesterday praying with the boys and talking to Sam about a few last minute things...most importantly, reminding him Who would be with him all day, all the time, every second, even when Mommy and Papa are not.

It took awhile for the boys to fall asleep. Eventually Sam fell asleep but Danny was so filled with excitement he came upstairs about 10:30 asking me to pray for him because he couldn't fall asleep.

Thankfully, soon after, he did.

I found myself actually getting a little anxious. Thinking about Sam, and his very first day, thinking about Alison walking into that high school as a Freshman. I forced myself to bed but found myself an hour later laying there, praying for the kids...and for me.

About 2:30 AM, of all the kids to wake me up, I found Alison at the foot of my bed. She had a nightmare and was really freaked out. Not typical for her at all. I told her to get in bed with me since Mark wasn't home yet. We prayed. Slept a little...prayed some more. An hour later Mark got home and he prayed for her as well and she went off to her room.

I actually found myself in that half sleep, half awake state most of the night. But I was thankful that it gave me a chance to keep praying.

Sometimes just saying, "God, please keep the kids asleep." Or, "Please help them tomorrow."

Before I knew it the alarm clock went off.
And to my surprise, I woke up some pretty sleepy, but happy kids.

They seemed to perk up pretty quickly, though.
And Danny's happiness and excitement help set the tone for Sam.

And here he is... Sam, Sweet Pea; AKA, My Biggest Fan, My Little Shadow...
No more shadow following me around each morning showering me with his hand drawn pictures.

Yep, this is a picture of answered prayer.

And the Two Bookends.

I was thankful that Mark said he would get up and be there with us at the bus stop since this is the middle of the night for him. Here he is praying with the kids before the bus comes.

Lots of smiles...

But still a little nervous.

And Alison and her typical pose, phone in hand.

'I think I hear the bus!'

Look at Danny's smile.

And there goes Sam.

Mark and I turned around after the bus left to see this.

And then the tears came...

I am so thankful Ben doesn't start Kindergarten until Friday this week.
Seeing most of her buddies go was hard.

I am happy to say though, that she and Ben are busy playing and being silly as I speak.

It kind of feels like this whole morning I heard in the distance that chinging and changing sound you hear as you creep slowly upward towards the top of the roller coaster before the ride really begins.

But we made it to the top this morning...

and off we gooooo......

Happy Belated Anniversary!

2011-09-05T12:53:00.011-05:00

This past August BOTH my parents and Mark's parent's celebrated their anniversary's!
I am pretty sure there is over 80 years of marriage combined here!
But August came and went and we forgot to congratulate you~

So Happy Anniversary to you all...

because without you...

There never would have been us....

And we never would have had this....

Which gave us all of this....

We love you Mom and Dad, Grandpa and Grandma!
Way to go on so many blessed years together!
God has been so good to us all.

~~~~~~~~

Happy Birthday, Miss Belle!

2011-08-25T08:23:00.037-05:00

3 years ago on August 26th, 2008, at 1:30 in the afternoon, this is where I was.

And we saw our little Miss Belle for the very first time.

Though she wasn't that little.

It was not an easy 9 months of her getting here.
Lots of scary and hard moments.
I think that caused me even more so to appreciate the gift of this little girl.

Since then we have seen her go from a calm, easy spirited, sleeping through the night by 2 months old, quiet, and go with the flow kind of a girl to....

...loud, wrestling with her brothers, running around the house, tough, incredibly strong, getting into trouble, 3 year old, who is keeping up with her big brothers very easily, and who needs to be watched like a hawk.
(Mark says her naughtiness came in when her curls did. :)

But she still has a lot of girl in her too.

Sometimes some of God's greatest gifts are the unexpected ones.
The ones you have no idea are coming...
and once you have them, you can't imagine you ever lived life without them.

Miss Belle was one of those.

Happy 3rd Birthday Belle Caroline Suchta!

You have brought so much "pink" into our lives.

(My favorite color.)

The hand of an artist...

2011-08-23T07:55:00.002-05:00

Sam woke up the other morning with this on the side of his forehead. It really freaked me out because it looked just like the bulls eye mark that can happen after you have been bitten by a deer tick. Living in an area with lots of woods, it is usual routine to be looking for these things on the kids. I decided to grab the camera and take a picture, just in case it lightened up or disappeared before a doctor saw it. Or for evidence later on if he started showing symptoms.

As I was taking the picture, Sam asked if he could go in the bathroom and look at it in the mirror himself. He went in, looked at it, came out and said,

"Wow, that looks just like the picture I drew on my hand last night!" .......

I guess our little artist fell asleep the night before with his face resting on his hand.
So, there wasn't a tick bite to blame after all...just a crayola marker.

Phew!

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Just the Boys

2011-08-18T21:12:00.024-05:00

The boy's annual getaway with Papa always means they get to do lots of fun stuff...
like fish till dark.

And make breakfast all on their own.

Use the outhouse...

Be extra silly.

Danny brought along his old typewriter that he got from Grandma Kern for his birthday last year. In his downtime I guess he decided to start a book.
He has spent quite a few hours this summer watching YouTube videos on computers and reading stuff on the Apple website. He wrote this just from what he remembered...
Our little computer geek.

Bond...

Sunnys

...and clams!

Play chess!

Mark said Ben literally fished for 6 hours straight one day. He didn't catch a thing. But he wouldn't give up. He just kept saying how much he loved fishing.

The second day was the same thing. So they started to pray. And the third day, around supper time....the fish started to bite! And each of the boys caught a lot!

Our little outdoorsman...just like his Papa.

Sweet Pea is off to school...

2011-08-18T19:40:00.014-05:00

Ever since last winter when we decided that we would be sending Samuel to public school this fall, I have been praying for him.
Praying that God would help him with his anxiety.
Praying that he would be blessed with a wonderful teacher who understood the kind of kid he was.
Praying that he would be really looking forward to going, and that he would enjoy it.

Last March I was able to put in a request of who we would like Samuel's teacher to be. That didn't mean we were guaranteed that particular teacher, but we were able to make a plea for our case, so to speak, as to why we wanted a particular teacher for our child.

So after doing some asking around of some other parents, we were told time after time that Mrs. "L" was the best 2nd grade teacher. Even a parent who had a child who struggled with panic attacks and anxiety said she was wonderful with their daughter. And Alison shared with me how kids her age still talked about 'back when they had Mrs. L' and how much they loved having her as a teacher.

So... I put in a request for Mrs. L....sharing with the school my concerns about Sam and why I thought he would thrive best in her class. And then I prayed often my same prayers for Sam. That he would get a good teacher. That he would really enjoy school and look forward to it. That God would calm his nervous heart.

The end of June I called the school and asked who he was given as a teacher. To my disappointment, it wasn't Mrs. L. It was a teacher I had never even heard of. I am sure she was a good teacher. But I couldn't help but start get a little nervous myself as I thought of Sam, and his first year of public school....the boy who is known around here as "Mom's little shadow." And "Mom's biggest fan."

Mark and I both agreed and I knew deep down that he needed that little gentle shove out of the nest...that it was time...but there was a part of me that just wanted to keep him here forever...after all...this was my baby boy I was sending off to someone I didn't even know, right?

I have to admit, my tears welled a little at that thought. But I continued to pray to God to help me to trust Him that He had the teacher already in mind for Sam's year. And that whoever it was, I would be okay with it, knowing she (or he) was being sovereignly placed in his life.

So last week Sam got a postcard in the mail from his new teacher. (The postcard pictured above, that said, "Welcome to My class!" As I read the note I thought it looked like his teacher was a pretty nice lady. I brought the card inside for Sam to read, and he told me he wanted me to read it to him. As he smiled that nervous smile of his...

So I turned it over and read it again...but THIS time...I noticed it was signed, Mrs. L!
What? Did I read that right? But the school told me he had been placed with another teacher? My eyes filled with tears again.

I called the school and asked the secretary who Sam's teacher was and that he got a card from Mrs. L but that someone from the school told me earlier he was in someone else's class. She looked it up and said, "Oh yeah, I don't know what the mix up was. He originally was in another class and now he is down for Mrs. L's class. Is that okay?"
I said, "That's wonderful!

I was so happy that day. I was so thankful to God for answering our prayers. And I am so excited for all 3 of the boys this year, who each have been blessed with amazing teachers. Danny will have his same teacher as last year who he adores, and Ben's teacher is actually one of the preschool teachers he had last year who he also really likes a lot.

I have learned from experience already, making this transition will not always be smooth. Both Alison and Danny had some bumps when they started down this road. So I am prepared for that.
Some days aren't easy. Some have been really hard in fact. But the Gospel is always there for each of us...and the God who gave it to us is ready and able to take us up in His arms on those not so good days.

And He is always cheering us on in the good ones.

I am really going to miss this face sitting across the counter from me all day long...

Okay, Mrs. L, here he is.
And he is really going to bless your socks off.

~~~~~~~~~

15 years of snapshots...happy birthday, Sweets.

2011-08-05T08:17:00.087-05:00

To My Girl! Happy Birthday...here are just a few memories of the last 15 years God has given us with you....

You've been to China...and brought back a little brother.

And New York...and brought back a Keke Palmer autograph. :)

How did our little girl go from this...
to this, so quickly?
(Notice that same look in her eyes hasn't changed?)

Sweets, I want you to look especially at the faces of those who love you...look in their eyes and see the joy that God has given all of us through you these past 15 years...

Papa will never let you forget these...
You and your 'unique' style.

At least you have a very sensible, sane, and wise family you can learn from...

I love this shot of you and Heather...it reminds me of how I feel when I am with her...and you.

Wearing your heart on your sleeve...as usual.

This is my birthday wish for you, my daughter, who I adore and love...

way more than you could ever imagination...

The Lord bless you and keep you;the Lord make his face to shine upon you and be gracious to you;
the Lord lift up his countenance upon you and give you peace.
Numbers 6: 24-26
~~~~~~~~~~~~

Never forget...your more sinful than you ever dared believe...
but your more loved than you ever dared hope.
~~~~~~~~~~

Miss Kimmy Kaboodle

2011-07-19T09:51:00.005-05:00

I have started a new blog to keep track of all of my creative outbursts.

Here is the link:

Miss Kimmy Kaboodle

Now open for business!

Check it out...

A new season has begun...

2011-07-18T08:36:00.010-05:00

These are the first of some vintage style signs I have started designing from an old pile of wood my dad had. I am excited, after only a few hours of putting some pictures up of them on Facebook, I have 4 orders. Maybe I am on to something here.

Only a couple of years ago at this time, I was busy buying school supplies, organizing my homeschool curriculum, and developing that little anxiety lump you get in the back of your throat as you anticipate another year of teaching.

I never would have imagined that by this year, 4 out of our 5 kids would be in public school, and I would be embarking on the very first steps of a possible future business in furniture restoration and painting!

In fact, I probably would have been scared had I known how different things would be. But God in His great sovereignty and love had a different plan and today though I am a little nervous about the changes, I am looking forward to seeing everyone in our family stretch out of their comfort zones and into the next year....

Mark...a possible promotion as Sergeant? This might be more than a year from now though. Until then, there are always bad guys to chase.

Alison...HIGHSCHOOL! Ahhh! Enough said.

Daniel...is so blessed to have the same teacher and class he had last year. He is in a looping class which means his class and teacher stays the same for 2 years. I am so happy for him because he LOVED school last year and adored his teacher.

Samuel...our little social anxiety man, is venturing out into public school for the first time as a second grader. I am not sure who is more nervous, him or me. But the little Sweet Pea needs a gentle shove out of the nest for his own good. And as much as he loves doing school and as smart as he is, I think there are going to be parts of it he loves. I have been praying daily for him since last winter when we decided this would be his last year at home. God has heard my pleas and prayers. That's all I need to rest in.

Benjamin...Kindergarten! Though he is a little behind in his writing skills, you would never know it by his confidence. This kid loved preschool, loves being busy, and is going to have a blast, I just know it.

Miss Belle...my precious little Piglet gets a few more years with me at home. She will be 3 years old this August already. I imagine she will be playing with her dolls and cars and play dough a lot and helping Mommy paint. :)

Me: I plan to paint, restore, shop the thrift stores and fall garage sales, finally get the chance to do ladies morning bible study, and do all the administrative type work for my 4 kiddos who are in school. I am hoping to volunteer at Sam and Ben's school, and I still will be chauffeuring Alison Elizabeth around for another year...which is a full time job in itself. Soccer is on the agenda of course for her, and may be even more so as the boys are starting to show an interest. And last but not least I can't forget I have to feed all of these people at some point and make sure they have clean clothes to wear.

But most importantly...my hope is to live out these days remembering and enjoying these words...

But when the goodness and loving kindness of God our Savior appeared,
he saved us,
not because of works done by us in righteousness,
but according to his own mercy,
by the washing of regeneration and renewal of the Holy Spirit,
whom he poured out on us richly through Jesus Christ our Savior,
so that being justified by his grace
we might become heirs
according to the hope of eternal life.
Titus 3:4-7

What a love, what a cost...

2011-07-17T05:29:00.004-05:00

Snapshots of our 4th of July Weekend

2011-07-05T22:40:00.017-05:00

Grandpa Stan's Birthday Party

Cooper and Alison in a water fight

Miss Belle in Grandma Kern's pool

Sitting and talking...

More sitting and talking...

Sweet Pea

Cooper

Happy 4th of July!

Cousin Ozzy

2011-07-05T22:32:00.011-05:00

The kids got to meet little Ozzy for the first time this weekend.

Grandma Bartz's Buttons

2011-07-05T22:27:00.008-05:00

Who would have thought Grandma Bartz's Buttons would be so much fun to these 3 boys
(and me!).
I had fun picking out my favorites while they stringed them.

And the rockets red glare...

2011-07-05T22:08:00.018-05:00

All 7 of us, including Miss Belle, made it to the fireworks this year. Grandpa and Grandma and Joe, Jen and Ozzy did too!

How could they NOT let cute Ozzy in the park?

Her first fireworks.

Danny telling her what to expect.

These look kinda vintage...cool!

They got a little loud for Miss Belle...Ozzy too.

Came for the stuff...stayed for the people.

2011-06-28T07:38:00.006-05:00

Ever since Danny started showing an interest in things from the past, it has caused me to appreciate more just what he was appreciating. Danny has always had a heart for the elderly. Anyone with gray hair and glasses he seemed to have a special liking to. He felt instantly comfortable with them. Along with this, he started having a fascination with antiques. What other 10 year old boy asks for an antique typewriter for his birthday? That's Danny.

So as time has gone by, my interest in things from the past has grown as well. I wanted to see what Danny sees. And I can say that as of right now, I am finally getting it.

For me, as well as Danny, its not really about the 'stuff'. It's about the people behind the stuff. And I think for me, it's about going back to a simpler time. A time, that in my mind, was less busy, with less stress, less noise, less hustle and bustle.

Now I know the less stress part is really not true. My Grandparent's had a much more difficult life than I do. So maybe it's not necessarily the outward stresses...but my longings for a peace filled heart amidst the difficulties. And somehow thinking back on their old farmhouse gives me that emotion.
Thinking back on Grandma's fresh apple pie, jars of pickles, and the feast she laid out for us at every visit makes me want to be that kind of a mom....to fill my kid's tummies with good cookies, and send them out to play content and happy.

And so when I happen upon an antique sale, and I am looking at all of these ramshackled treasures, I see more than rust and cobwebs. I see someone's grandma, someone's hard work, things that were once important to someone.

I think the most fun and interesting part is talking to the people who are selling these items. The people are far more fascinating than any of the stuff we find. They love talking about what they are selling, and telling the stories behind them. They like that they have someone interested enough to listen and really wanting to know about this piece from their past. I find I come for the stuff...but I want to stay for the people. The conversations are what always draws me back.

With that being said, I always have to remind myself that I will never find true peace of heart in the memories of the past. I am sure my Grandma would tell you that it wasn't a piece of cake...and that old farmhouse of hers was often filled with arguing kids just like my house often is. And she didn't always leisurely bake pies and goodies as the laundry just miraculously washed itself. My mom peeled potatoes and did much of the cleaning while my grandma worked outside of the house to make ends meet.

What we cling to for rest and relief, if it isn't Jesus, is only a distortion of reality. It will always let us down. Because it was never meant to be our savior. It was meant to point us to the Savior.

The only place I CAN go to for rescue is Jesus...

He said,

"Come to Me, all you who are weary and heavy laden and I will give you rest."

So these old treasures, the stories from the past, the simpler times, the farmhouse on the hill, my Grandma's apple pies and pickles...

all point to the only One who is my home, my peace, my rest.

I can look around at my house full of Grandma's earrings, Danny's typewriter's, the old tractor wheel in my garden, furniture pieces that I grew up around, the photographs of the past...and say,

"Thank you, Jesus! Thank you! Thank you for all of these things that remind me of Your love and goodness.

Thank you for living the life I never could...
for dying for my imperfect mothering.

For offering me a place to rest from life's frustration and my sin.

For preparing for me my ultimate home with You."

So I guess you could say behind every antique and every person behind that antique...I can see Christ. He's everywhere when your truly looking for Him.

You will seek me and find me, when you seek me with all your heart. ~Jeremiah 29:13

Grandma's Earrings

2011-06-28T07:29:00.002-05:00

The 3 jewels on each of the ends are my Grandma's earrings. The rest of them I found at an antique sale nearby. The middle flower is a pin. I used them to decorate my kitchen window treatment. I wanted to put them somewhere where I saw them often. How perfect, as they are just above my kitchen sink...a place I spend most of my time. My Grandma spent a lot of time by her kitchen sink too. I picture her there often when I look at them.

These are also my Grandma's. So funny how a little set of red earrings can bring such warm thoughts to my heart.

An Old Favorite...

2011-06-25T08:38:00.004-05:00

I asked the Lord that I might grow

In faith, and love, and every grace;
Might more of His salvation know,
And seek, more earnestly, His face.

’Twas He who taught me thus to pray,
And He, I trust, has answered prayer!
But it has been in such a way,
As almost drove me to despair.

I hoped that in some favored hour,
At once He’d answer my request;
And by His love’s constraining pow’r,
Subdue my sins, and give me rest.

Instead of this, He made me feel
The hidden evils of my heart;
And let the angry pow’rs of hell
Assault my soul in every part.

Yea more, with His own hand He seemed
Intent to aggravate my woe;
Crossed all the fair designs I schemed,
Blasted my gourds, and laid me low.

Lord, why is this, I trembling cried,
Wilt thou pursue thy worm to death?
“’Tis in this way, the Lord replied,
I answer prayer for grace and faith.

These inward trials I employ,
From self, and pride, to set thee free;
And break thy schemes of earthly joy,
That thou may’st find thy all in Me.”

~John Newton

My Latest Treasure

2011-06-24T08:32:00.011-05:00

Yesterday on the way to swimming lessons a garage sale sign caught my eye. The Youth Hockey League was having a big sale at the arena. Of course I decided to just "stop in" and see if they had anything worth dragging home.

I saw this little treasure right away. As I walked over to it I couldn't believe I was the first person to come across it. I told Danny I felt like a mouse who just found a big piece of cheese and all the other mice hadn't seen it yet.

It was black and rusty and full of cob webs but I saw incredible potential. So for $10.00, yes, I said ten dollars, I became the new owner, and took it home and spent the afternoon sanding and painting and varnishing.

The neat thing is that just this past week I was thumbing through a magazine and saw a rack similar to this one and thinking how much I would love to have one of those someday.

God was so kind to bless me like that. Often during the times I feel I least deserve it, He does stuff like this. Even in the smallest things like a garage sale find, or a loving word from my children or husband...

The thing is, even on my very best days I don't deserve Him or His goodness to me.
As I tell our kids often, "Mommy needs Jesus so badly!"

I was the ugly, old, rusty garage sale item full of cobwebs that no one would want.

And not because of any potential I had,

But because of Jesus,

God rescued me and took me home
with great excitement and joy.

-----

I am so very thankful He is my greatest Treasure.

And I didn't have to go searching for Him,

He found me.

The Two Bookends

2011-06-24T08:26:00.004-05:00

When I look at these girls together,
I can't help but think, "Wow, really? I am their Mom?"

We call them the two bookends, because we have 2 special girly girls, with 3 crazy boys smooshed in between.

Our Evenings

2011-06-24T08:19:00.006-05:00

Have I said how much fun it is for me watching this girl play?

I usually bring Ben or Belle with me to the games. Often times it is just Belle. We have gotten in a good routine, she carries her little chair, and I bring a small blanket and make sure we have plenty of crackers and paper to draw on and she is all set.

I want one of those soccer mom's bumper stickers.
I would show it off proudly.

Our Mornings

2011-06-24T07:59:00.014-05:00

The boys will be spending their last mornings of June in a swimming pool.
Yes, it's that time of year again...

Waiting patiently for their turn in the water...

All Ben could talk about for days was swimming lessons. He rushed to get up the morning they started, rushed to the car, rushed into the building, rushed upstairs to the pool, and then as soon as he got a couple feet from the water he froze. The entire first lesson he sat by the water with a blank stare.

But thankfully, after bribing him with gum, and assuring him he was safe, he got in, and has loved it ever since.

Sweet Pea going off the diving board. So brave!

And goofy Danny...

Father's Day, 5th Birthday, Promotion!

2011-06-21T08:47:00.036-05:00

On our Way to Grandpa and Grandma's house!

Cole turned 5! Now he and Ben, who are BCF's (Best Cousins Forever) are the same age. :)

Rich and his thoughtful gift giving...

Rich got a copy of Dad's old college year book. And there he is...number 81!

Kids: "Rich! The hose tastes like candy!"
Rich plays along.....

Yes, Clippers....this is your new high school football coach!

Alison Elizabeth...the avid Novel reader...gets caught with a Chicken Soup for the Soul book...

Awe, Alison, the Chicken Soup got the best of you, too!

Come on, Mom, it's Father's Day! Give them the spot light FOR ONCE!

She loves her Papa.

Sunny Day, everyone else outside...and I tracked these 2 down here.

SLIP AND SLIDE TIME!

This is what happens when you throw 13 grandkids in a pool...

Sweet Pea drew a picture of him and Papa in the duck boat. His present to Papa.

Love his face here...he is so happy Papa likes it.

Tired girl playing inside after all the water fun. We say her naughtiness has come in with these new curls of hers. :)

~~~~~~~~

Friends

2011-06-13T13:50:00.012-05:00

Miss Belle and Miss Darcy

Ben and Talia and Emma...making smores~

One of my favorite people in the whole world, right here, Kate! And our little Small Group Baby, Naomi.

Love these girls, Naomi, Darcy and Sarah!

This is Miss Marcie. She is a second grade teacher during the week and Sam's Sunday school teacher on Sundays. We had a going away party for her because she is leaving for one year to teach in Columbia. She will be SO missed! She is Sam's very favorite teacher, and someone I know he has a special place in his heart for. Marcie is the one person outside of our family that "gets" Sam and his quiet, anxious personality. I am thankful to God for her.

Thank you God for friends.

Go #4!

2011-06-10T20:23:00.006-05:00

Alison and her Soccer Teammates

Watching these girls play is SO much fun!

Way to go, girls!

"Because..."

2011-06-10T09:16:00.005-05:00

Here is a great explanation of the Christian faith from our pastor, RW Glenn, from his blog Red Meat for the Soul:

...Christianity is a "because" faith, not an "in order to" faith. And the "because" nature of the Christian faith is what makes it unique.

Every other approach to religious life operates from the "in order to" principle. "Fulfill these mandates in order to go to heaven. Execute these directives in order to be acceptable to God. Comply with these demands in order to receive God's love. Do what God requires in order to be welcomed into his family. Conform your life to these ethical and moral standards in order to have eternal life."

And there is a sense in which this should seem right to us. It fits with life as we know it. It makes sense. Can you imagine not doing anything good and God accepting you anyway? That would defy our logic, any sense of propriety. It goes completely against the grain of our "in order to" nature in our fiercely competitve "in order to" world.

But this is exactly what Christianity does. It defies the logic of our "in order to" world with this game-changer: the word "because."

Because you are going to heaven, fulfill these mandates. Because God has accepted you, execute these directives. Because you have received God's love, comply with these commands. Because you have been welcomed into his family, do what God requires. Because you have eternal life, conform yourself to these ethical and moral standards. Because, because, because, because, because!

This difference - the difference between "because" and "in order to" is the difference between Christianity and every other religion; it is the essence of the gospel. Therefore, the moment you leave the save haven of "because" for the open water of "in order to," you're adrift in the ocean not simply of a weak or muddled gospel, but in the ocean of an anti-gospel.

So today, rest secure in the calm seas of "because." Anchor your boat in the waters of the gospel of grace.

Comforting words from our Pastor...

2011-06-08T07:36:00.003-05:00

Why God opens our eyes to the reality of a fallen world

Posted 6/02/2011 | By: R W Glenn

One reason why God lets us see and taste suffering and brokenness and the bitter meaninglessness of life in a fallen world is that he wants to wean us from our attachments to things that will never satisfy the deepest longings of our hearts. Shorter version: he wants to wean us from our idols - from all the Christ-substitutes and Christ-counterfeits that we look to in order to find meaning and purpose and satisfaction and joy. For God not to show us that they only tend to misery is for God to be unloving and unkind. If he knows that our pursuit of and obsession with money, achievement, power, fame, sex, life's simple pleasures - whatever are the God-forsaken altars at which we worship - if he knows that this pursuit will only end in our misery, what kind of God would he be not to point this out?

It's like that old John Newton hymn, written from the perspective of the Lord:

These inward trials I employ,

From self, and pride, to set thee free;

And break thy schemes of earthly joy,

That thou may'st find thy all in Me.

But one of the best words I can give you on this subject comes from an email that our friend Liz Kaufmann sent to my wife, Gayle, not too long ago. Her husband, Dick Kaufmann, Senior Pastor at Harbor Presbyterian Church in San Diego, CA, has been a mentor to me, and Liz to Gayle. Here is what she wrote:

I think the more we travel as aliens through this life, the more opportunities we have to grieve but not without hope and not without becoming more like Jesus through it. We can become very complacent and self-satisfied when we have the illusion that we are in control and think that we can protect ourselves and our loved ones from the reality of the fallen world. It is easy for our idols to grow and dominate us when we live in that bubble.

The Lord is so gracious to hold our hand and expose some of the true nature of this world to us and then to be there to hold us tightly as we cringe in horror. It is like a child waking from a nightmare who has an opportunity to be so wonderfully comforted and loved by the parent who knows the truth and can reassure the child that it is only a bad dream.

Thank you, Lord, not only for exposing us to the realities of life in a fallen world, but especially for lovingly holding us as you do.

__________________________

(You can read more of his writings by scrolling to the bottom of this page to the link to his blog.)

100 Degrees and Waiting for the AC Repair Man

2011-06-07T20:40:00.015-05:00

Ben was loving the heat.

Belle was loving the ice cream.

Thankfully the air conditioning was fixed by the end of the day.

Ben's Jammies and Mommy's Shoes

2011-06-05T13:50:00.001-05:00

Belle's very favorite things to wear these days...

Fun Little Chairs

2011-06-05T13:36:00.007-05:00

Last week Belle and Ben and I stopped off at a new antique shop we had never been to. Right next door was a little restaurant that had the prettiest little piece of pottery in the window for 3.00. We decided to go inside to check it out only to see that it led to a basement boutique with all of these fun little treasures...including these 2 little chairs that were priced for 8.00!

Ben was so cute, as we walked out of the store and down the block he carried his chair so carefully, and I said, "You know you can't have them RIGHT away when we get home. I have to paint them first." And he says, "I know...I know...."

The chairs were originally white with a neutral colored wood. After sand papering them and painting the seat yellow and the flowers I accidentally grabbed a much darker stain than I wanted. But after applying it and wiping it off, it turned out to create just the look I was wanting. More of an older, antique type feel.

Watching Toy Story 3 in their new chairs.

Another fun afternoon project under my belt. :)

Middle School=Done!

2011-06-01T06:46:00.008-05:00

Alison Elizabeth is officially not a 'middle schooler' any more after today! It has been 3 years of ups and downs, highs and lows, peace and drama intermixed, for her as well as me.

I have often told her the past few years that her day as a teenage girl walking into that school and living those next 8 hours (12 hours with sports) was harder than any day any of the rest of our family had to face. Being a 14 year old girl is hard. Living your day with 80 more 14 year olds can be even harder.

God has been teaching me many things the past few years though regarding our little girl who is not so little anymore. The biggest one being that I need to stay focused on her heart. The shock value I used to have as to the things my daughter was hearing and thinking and seeing has dulled for the better. The Gospel has allowed me to see life through her eyes...and to care more about what is going on inside of her rather than being so quick to condemn her outward behavior.

It has also given me much empathy towards these young girls, who struggle so much with their identity. I am thankful Alison and I are able to talk about not only her struggles but the struggles of these young precious kids around her. They, like me, are looking for hope...and for some kind of messiah...some kind of salvation.

Recently, my heart was burdened for those girls in Alison's life who are choosing to cut themselves for relief. I didn't know how to express to Alison what was on my heart about that...but one night these words came to me very quickly...

Hey Little Girl
I know the worlds got you down.
Your friends turned away
and enemies abound.

Your eyes that used to sparkle
show only despair.
The guilt is creeping in.
You wish you didn't care.

But you still want to feel...
If not joy-how about pain?
You deserve it you think,
and things can't stay the same.

Your friends tell you stories...
relief from a blade.
A temporary fix
from the mess they have made.

Is it the answer?
You say you don't have the guts.
Will it really feel better?
Cause everybody cuts.

Little Girl--Stop.
It's already been done!
It's atonement you seek,
you don't have to run!

You don't need guts,
Someone bled in your place...
Your Rescuer and Redeemer,
the Lifter of your face.

He came to save you
from the shame that you feel.
There's not anything you can do
only by HIS wounds can you heal.

He knows ALL about you
every thought, every tear.
He bled for you-His enemy,
opens His arms and says, "Don't fear."

You carry His nails in your pockets,
He carries your sins away.
Trust Him-Love Him-Treasure Him...
For He bled for YOU that day.

Celebration Part 2

2011-05-25T13:09:00.014-05:00

I LOVE how Miss Belle is smiling at her Uncles. It really tells of how much she likes them! It's like she is saying, "See? I did it! I walked down the aisle!"

Here are a few more that were sent to me...

Joe and Jen Kern

2011-05-23T12:55:00.053-05:00

And here they are...

Sisters

Mr. and Mrs. Kern

Rachel, this is for you, since you're probably the only one reading my blog besides the Grandpa and Grandma's. :)

We dodged the raindrops all weekend...but God gave Joe and Jen the 'moment' I prayed for, for them. I was so happy about that.

Rich announced to the family that he is now "Coach Kern". He was picked after a long process of applying for the job of Cleveland High School Football Coach. Go Clippers!! We are all so happy for him!

Johnny Cash came to serenade Joe. :)

The grilling expert

Raise' Your ' Glass!

More to come!!!

To my Husband of 11 Years: Thinking back on what has changed...and what hasn't.

2011-05-06T09:11:00.008-05:00

Changes:

1. I no longer wear clothes that resemble Peg Bundy. (Most of the time.)

2. You don't wear your baseball hat backwards anymore. (I still think you should, sometimes. :)

3. My diet no longer consists of Marlboro Lights and Diet Mountain Dew.

4. The time we now go to bed was the time we used to start the night.

5. There are 5 other little people sharing our house.

6. We can now say we have been to China and back...and brought home a new son in the process.

7. You finally threw away your Michael J. Fox jean jacket.

8. God came!!! ....and so graciously opened our eyes to His beauty through His Son. I praise Him He rescued us early in our marriage!

9. I gained weight. (Danny) Then lost it. Then gained it. (Samuel) Then lost it. Then gained it again. (Miss Belle) Then finally lost it. You just lost some hair in the process.

10. I love you more. I love you differently. Because of Christ, I am learning to love you less selfishly. I still have a long way to go. But I am so thankful to get the chance.

Things that haven't changed:

1. The excitement and happiness I feel when you pull in the driveway when you come home. (Except if you happen to have a bunch of kids with. Then I sometimes run to the bedroom and pretend I am napping. :)

2. Your still my very favorite person to be with...and the one I want to share my every last thought with. (Thank you for our daily coffee talk.)

3. You still like to shoot ducks. A lot.

4. I still haven't sat in your duck boat....or eaten anything you have shot.
(That's okay, I like it that way.)

5. You're still a meat and potatoes kinda guy. (But you dress better, now. :)

6. I still cannot read that poker face of yours at times.

7. I used to think when we were dating that someone or something must have cast a spell on you to make you love me (and like me!) as much as you did. I couldn't believe it. I still feel that way.

8. Even when we were God's enemy, He was planning our rescue. He was still there. And He's still here...weaving our little story into His big one!

9. Alison. Our little Captain has always been a part of our marriage. I am so thankful you are in her life.

10. God's faithfulness. He has been so kind to bring you home to me every night, unharmed. (There have been a few close calls.) His continuation of grace upon grace in our lives...and an abundance of mercy showering us every day.

Happy Anniversary!