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!

Roses

I planted this bush on the side of our house this summer and it has constantly been blooming!

"And the LORD will continually guide you, and satisfy your desire in scorched places, and give strength to your bones; and your will be like a watered garden, and like a spring of water whose waters do not fail." Isaiah 58:11

Crossroads

Our church had a Harvest Party. It was a party!!! Not only were there games for the kids, tons of food, hayride, but also "Crossroads has Talent"!! I didn't take many pictures of all the talent but snapped one of our Pastor and his trumpet! We had 16 different acts ranging from singing, gymnastics, different instruments, Tae Kwon Do, comedy, dancing and lip-syncing. It was so much fun to meet so many people with a vast array of talent! Positively....one of the best Harvest Parties I have ever been to!!!!

The Princess and her Slaves

Jonny & Owen got more than they bargained for when they decided to be the ones pulling Hope's Chariot!!

Buddies

My garden

Ok, I neglected to put this post on when Greg was starting the shed. Maybe, I didn't want to gross any of you city people out! Yes, I hauled two truck loads of cow manure on my garden while my dear husband was hammering away. Hope graciously helped shovel one whole truck-load and then a friend came over to play. While I was outside basking in the aroma of cow poop, Hope and Hannah were inside cleaning my house!!! These two sweethearts not only cleaned but also made a delicious pumpkin dessert!! I wanted to kiss and hug them both but they said I stunk!!

Updating.....

Here are a few more pics of the shed progression! It is roofed and ready for siding!

Saturday, October 9, 2010

Our Saturday was a busy one. Greg started to build a shed in the back yard. Since we are finishing the garage we needed someplace to put all of our yard tools and the lawnmower. Greg started out with the limestone, then the skids, then the floor, then the walls, then the roof and lean-to. It is really coming along fast.

Science Project...Mercury

The kids are studying Astromony for science this year. They made this great model of the planet Mercury from flour, salt, and water. They put the craters in with rocks and both ends of a pencil. Good job kiddos!!

More Projects.....

These are pictures of the attic stairs that Greg put in the garage while we were insulating.

Weekend Project

Greg & I spent the day Saturday, insulating the garage. Now, how romantic is that! We do have fun working side by side. That is one check mark beside the many projects we have on our house list! Another one down!!