Coming Down - Letting Go - Going Out

We have been trying our hands at lumber jacking in our backyard and I will have to say that I really enjoyed it. Maybe I missed my calling! :) A couple from our church came over and lent us a hand at getting rid of some trees that needed to go. As we were working, I kept thinking about what a comedy we must have made to our neighbors trying to "guide" the tree down with me being the anchor of the rope. Adam had a blast using the chainsaw. What is it with guys and power tools? The boys helped out and I think Isaac outworked his brothers by far.

I had the hardest week last week with my little boy going off to camp. Caleb has been asking to go to camp for at least two years, even though he is only eight now. The Lord gave him that desire by allowing him to receive a scholarship so I had to let him go. I kept telling Adam that he must be more like his daddy because I would have never went to camp all alone. He loved it and was never homesick although I was for him! He came back with many stories to tell and also shared what he learned from God's Word. The camp has a wonderful couple who share Bible stories using puppets. We got to go on Friday night and see the program, and they entertained us as much as the kids.








Caleb was excited to see us, and had bought us each a gift. It was so sweet to watch the joy on his face when he handed them out. Later we found out that he had spent half of his spending money on all of us. After returning home Caleb said, "You know I think I am old enough now to stay up later." I guess one week of camp made him think he was much more mature than his little brothers.








Micah's birthday is coming up so I told him that he could go on a date with me to celebrate. He was so excited and we had fun planning our night. The whole day he was anticipating it which just melted my heart. He was such a gentleman opening doors for me, and I think he felt pretty important. We went to Red Robin and shared a hamburger and malt. Several times during the date he said, "This is a really special day, Mommy!" We had so much fun just talking about whatever was on his mind which is quite a variety of topics if you know Micah at all. We then went to Pet World and looked at all the creatures he wanted for pets. I had an incredible time and went home thanking God for my three little men. Now I have two more dates to look forward to this year (and hopefully some with Adam too).

Counting My Blessings

As I have been thinking about the last few weeks, my mind has gone to the reminder I have in my kitchen to count my blessings. God has been so good to me! I am so thankful for a wonderful family. I was able to go with my boys and spend the week with my parents. My brother and family were able to come as well and it was such a blast to all be together and celebrate Emmarie's birthday. We packed in a week of golfing, fishing, bowling, biking, laser tag, and the boys' favorite pastime of driving the golf cart around my parent's house. I think my mom would rather have not had them scaring her with their driving skills but Papa gave them the okay. What was he thinking?

I was also able to see my good friend, Danielle, even though it was only for a few hours. It is amazing how much we can talk about in such a short time. Thanks, Dani, for working things out after I missed our scheduled meeting! :)

My parents then followed me back to WI to see the boys play soccer. They both scored that day so they were very excited to have some fans cheering them on. The week went way too fast as it always does. Thank you, Dad and Mom, for all the wonderful moments. I think the older I get the more I cherish time with my siblings and parents. I am so blessed!!

The next week our friends, the Flincks, came to stay with us for about five days. They were told to stay for a week but you know how missionaries are always so busy! :) We so much enjoyed the time to catch up on each other's lives and watch our kiddos playing together. Isaac and Kaylee were so cute together especially after church when they were having a tea party. We as parents are in negotiations right now on the dowry!

David Flinck was able to share their ministry with our church family and it was a blessing to hear how God is working in their lives. Lord willing, they will be headed to Chile in January. I am absolutely thrilled for them, but it is also hard to say goodbye. We are looking forward to someday seeing them in Chile and making it an opportunity to show the boys the mission field.

Hope you enjoy the pictures!