Family

the gang minus Jacob & Joellen
sister-in-laws

the brothers with Grandma & Grandpa

It is often so difficult to get together with all of our family at the same time. Our schedules don't always allow us to do the things that we enjoy. Greg's 2 brothers and their families spent an evening with Grandpa & Grandma Neff right before Christmas.

Girlfriends

I have been blessed to have some amazing women in my life. These two girlfriends of mine are two of those women. Rich in their love for Christ, brilliantly intelligent and absolutely hilarious are just to name a few of the characteristics of these gals. When we get together, which is not often enough, we have a riot. We laugh, laugh, and laugh some more. I always come away: encouraged, enriched and blessed after lunch together. Kimlee & Ginger~I am a better person for having you as my dear friends! I love you two!

Vulcan-EBF-25

Alright, this is the mother of all Nerf guns! Jonny used some of his birthday money to buy this big thing. He loves it! It is semi-automatic and holds 25 rounds. It empties out pretty fast (6 seconds)! He and Hope set up this big pink dummy in the hallway. Let's just say, the poor dummy has been blasted over and over. The dog got it. Mom got it. Luckily the bullets don't hurt.

The Nutcracker Ballet~ Dec. 10, 2010

We did our annual visit to the Morris Civic Theater in South Bend to attend "The Nutcracker Ballet". Our home school group attends this wonderful ballet each year in December. It was put on by the Southhold Dance Company. I didn't take any pictures of the ballet itself but believe me, it was done well. Dancers ranged in age from little bitty to very mature. Hope really liked it and Jonny said it was "ok". If you translate that, it means it was too long and not enough swords, fighting or action. But he did humor me and sat still the whole time. I think they both enjoyed it.

Snow Angel

I had a snow angel left for me on the deck today!

Lego City Police Headquarters

Here is the lego set that Jonny, Hope & Owen spent hours assembling on his birthday!

Our Christmas Tree~ December 2010

Happy 8th Birthday Jonathan~Dec. 3, 2010

It is so hard to believe that our little man is 8 years old. We celebrated his special day with "O" spending the weekend with us. Owen is his best buddy. They played nerf swords, worked for hours on a new lego set, played at the creek, watched a movie and ate cake! I am amazed at how much Jon has grown in just one year. He has not only grown in stature but also in maturity. Don't get me wrong, he's still 8, but he is maturing in his walk with Jesus. He loves the Word and desires to talk about the Lord. I love how he is tender and sweet. He thinks the best in others and in almost every situation. His cup is always half-full and not half-empty. He tries to be so positive and upbeat. He lives and plays hard, laughs so often and loves much. He brightens my day with his dimples and big brown eyes. I love you Jonny! You are truly our gift from God and we are so thankful for you! Happy 8th Birthday!!

Hope's Music Recital

Miss Hope joined the many others, in a recital, that are taught music by Mr. Parsons. Hope plays the piano but Mr. Parsons also teaches guitar and violin. Jonathan takes guitar lessons from him and will join in the recital next year but had only a few lessons in, when this recital was put on. Way to go, Hope! We are so pleased with her ability to play the piano!

Gingerbread Houses~Dec. 2, 2010

Hope's

Jonathan's

Every year, the kids enjoy making Gingerbread Houses with our home school group. They are actually graham cracker houses but does it really matter? The final product is beautiful and mighty tasty!

Curious Kids Museum~ St. Joseph, Michigan

The kids & I spent a few hours exploring the Curious Kids Museum in St. Joseph, Michigan. What a fun little place for them to explore. It is a completely hands-on Museum with lots to touch and work on. They were able to learn more about being a vet, a news broadcaster, a radio DJ, astronaut, ambulance driver and much more. They had a great time and learned a few things in the process. It was a great little field trip to break up the monotony of the day.

Bowling

Our home school group has a monthly gym day. The month of November meant a fun time at Maple City Bowling in Goshen. The kids had a ball! No pun intended!

Happy Thanksgiving

Happy Thanksgiving! How blessed we are! We are blessed not only with freedom, religious freedom, a comfortable home, clean water, lots of food at our disposal, nice vehicles to take us wherever and whenever we want to get up and go, clothing, good health, amazing kids, family, great caring friends, education, jobs but also with the mere fact of an Awesome Creator that is crazy about us. He loves and longs for that relationship that deepens, grows and blooms into close daily fellowship! I marvel at how He loves us. I am in awe of how He invites us to walk with Him daily in this great big adventure called life. But am speechless when I think how much He has prepared for those who love Him, in Heaven for all eternity!

Roses

These beauties showed up one day via the flower shop! The yellow one was for Jonny. The peach one was for Hope. And the red dozen were for me. These were compliments of our adoring Daddy and Husband. We love his gestures of love!

Our Random Kids

One of the greatest things for me in homeschooling is the fact that our two kids are the best of friends. Yes, they do annoy each other and on occasion they do fight. But for the most part, they are always coming up with some form of entertainment together. They build forts together, play all sorts of crazy things, sumo wrestle and miss the other when they are gone overnight somewhere. Jonathan is a very protective yet tender brother. He cares very deeply for his sister. His sensitivily goes very deep, like his Daddy. When Hope's feelings are hurt, his are hurt. Hope is a very nurturing sister. She definately knows how to be a "Mother" to Jon. She looks after him and tries to lovingly correct him. She wants what is best for him. She is extremely affectionate, something she does get from her Mommy. But most importantly they both are growing in love and servanthood toward one another.

John 15:12 "This is My commandment, that you love one another, just as I have loved you."

The Shed is Finished!!!

Here is the finished garden shed that Greg has been working on! I think it is absolutely wonderful. All my garden tools will love having a home of their own. They were starting to really take over the garage and need their own space. Can you picture window boxes full of flowers next summer? I can picture it already! We have some landscaping plans that involve that pile of paving bricks in the background. My parents think it is such a well-made shed...we've been calling it their future condo!!

Happy 49th Birthday Gay!!

My sister will be turning 49 years old on Nov. 4. We celebrated a little early this year since my parents leave for Florida a little early. She enjoyed a meal out, a Dairy Queen cake and of course gifts. Happy Birthday Gay!!

The Fantasy Fashion Farm~October 28, 2010

Our home school group took a little trip to Ligioner. We visited the Fantasy Fashion Farm. This place has been in business for over 38 years! They make characters out of pumpkins and gourds. Quite cute! I remember eating at the resturant they have there with Greg's Grandpa when we were first married!! It was fun to bring my kids there. We went on a hayride, went thru a corn maze and hay maze,and had a snack. My parents joined us before heading off to the warm climate of Florida.

Matthew West Concert~ Oct. 25, 2010

Jonathan, Hope & Matthew West

Jonathan's autographed guitar

Josh Wilson & Jonny Diaz

Hope & McKenzie

Austin & Jon

We had a rockin' time with our friends the Reads at the Matthew West, Josh Wilson, and Jonny Diaz concert! Our kids love Matthew West's music and it was a real thrill for them to meet him in person. Jonathan was able to get his guitar autographed by Matthew. What a blessing to be able to not only hear some fantastic musical talent from all of these guys but also get up-close and talk with them after the concert. We had some laughs and encouraged these down to earth guys to stay in the Word & walk closely with their Savior.

Rainbows and promises....

Genesis 9:13 "I set My rainbow in the cloud, and it shall be for the sign of the covenant between Me and the earth."

Revelation 4:3 "And He who sat there was like a jasper and a sardius stone in appearance; and there was a rainbow around the throne, in appearance like an emerald."

Secret Keep Girl~ Ft. Wayne, IN

On Thursday night, we joined some friends and went to Ft. Wayne for a "Secret Keeper Girl" event! For those of you who may not be familiar with SKG, it is a fantastic ministry headed by Dannah Gresh, that focuses on True Beauty and Modesty from a biblical perspective. We had a wonderful time being reminded that we are a "masterpiece created by God". Unfortunately, our culture does not embrace this and the clothing industry does little to help us in the area of modesty but SKG uses the bible as its guide and has wonderful resources available. Thru music, games and a fashion show, we spent time in God's Word. What a blessing it was to us! Hope & I cried tears of joy as we saw many sweet little gals come to know for the first time, Jesus as their Savior and King!