Another First Day

Here are some pictures from Abby's first day of preschool. She was so excited to start school and thought it was very unfair that Josh was able to go several times before she started. She has only 12 kids in her class(with a teacher, teacher's aide, and 1 parent at each class), so I am looking forward to a great year of growth!

School Days

Here we are at another school year. It's so hard to believe that Josh is in 2nd grade now! Wow! I was so ready for school to begin because the kids were just plain at eachother, but I really missed not having Josh around today! Here are a few pics of Josh waiting for the bus. Abby will be starting preschool on Monday.



I just love this picture. Even the dog is nostalgic about school starting

Labor Day Weekend

We had a great Labor Day weekend spending time with friends and family. Unfortunately we weren't able to hook up with my side of the family, but hopefully next year we'll connect and make plans sooner... Anyway, this is how our weekend went: Saturday I went to a bridal tea shower for my friend Kara from college who is getting married in November. Her sister is an event coordinator and put on a great shower! Saturday evening Todd, the kids and I biked to our friends the Wilmots who live about 3-4 miles away. When we arrived the kids played for awhile, we ate ice cream and then biked back home. Abby was able to ride in the buggy and Josh did great riding his bike. Sunday we went to the cottage in the afternoon after church and were able to see all of Todd's side of the family that live around here (Todd's folks, Mike and Karen and Grant, Von and Randy,and Todd's cousin Tim and his family). We stayed overnight and then on Monday afternoon came back to town to the Wilmots to spend time with them and with mutual friend Jeff. In the evening we went back to the cottage to have the traditional barbecue with Todd's dad's side of the family. Very busy weekend, but lots of fun.



getting ready for the ride

Needing a drink after reaching the Wilmots

having fun with our friends


Todd and Josh made a teepee next to the cottage and the kids had a great time playing house in it - although Abby told me it was quite "sweaty" inside there!

Born in the USA

Well, I read this morning that the Democrats are making Bruce Springsteen's song "Born in the USA" their "unofficial" party theme song. Shortly after this I was watching/listening to a forward regarding the "Battle Hymn of the Republic" and I was reminded that our country has forgotten all it has gone through to gain the freedoms that bring us these political parties and nation in the first place. This song was written in the 1860's during the Civil War. Please take a moment to listen to the words of this song and remember what those who have gone before us and those currently serving in our military have done and are doing for this wonderful country of ours.

I have to admit that I did not listen to most of the speeches made at the Democratic National Convention. I'm not a politically "savvy" person. I do know, though, that both parties talk of how our country needs change. Yes, I believe we do need change. However, I think one of the biggest reasons we need change is because of the changes we already have made. We have lost the focus on our Ultimate Ruler and have lost many of the laws He has made for us for peaceful living. Our country has become too "worldy". We need to come back to God. Anyway, those are the ramblings on a non-political person.

I personally would rather have this song as a reminder of what our nation was founded on and what it could still be. "Our God is marching on" is a bit more encouraging to me than the lyrics of "Born in the USA".

Rest Awhile

As most of you know, Todd's folks have a cottage that we spend a lot of time at. Early this summer I thought it would be fun to have some of our "adult" friends out. We love our children and love being at the lake with them, but I can't remember the last time we were at the cottage without them. So, we all set a date early in June for August 23. What a blessing that was. It was so great to have adult conversations, adult time-tables and time to focus on our friendships. My folks watched our kids and we had out Paul and Kristin, Keith and Kristi, Heidi, and Laura. Paul, Keith, Kristi, Heidi and Laura go way back to high school and Kristin and I "married" into the, what I call, "Hamilton gang". We ate dinner together, had many conversations, some played scrabble, we took walks, went to the ice cream shop, slept in (except for Paul who had to leave at like 5:00am so he could get to work at church - oh, and the rest of us slept until 8:30am - apparently that is "sleeping in" now that we are in our mid-thirties!), took more walks, more conversations and just plain had fun together. We plan on making this an annual event. I'm just disappointed I didn't take my camera.

How Beautiful

I absolutely loved the music that Kara and Joel chose for their wedding. One solo was "In Christ Alone" and the other was "How Beautiful". I chose to add "How Beautiful" to my play list as this song was also in our wedding over 11 years ago. The song is loaded with so much meaning and so much focus on Christ and what he did for us. Kara and Joel's wedding was such a great reminder that we need to keep Christ at the center of our lives, marriage and homes. By following Christ, His examples, His teachings and commands and accepting His amazing grace we will be blessed!

One phrase that sticks with me from the song is "that we may live as he died, willing to pay the price". Wow! It's so much easier some days to go the easy way. The world's ways seem right and a lot of times may even make sense in our minds. But, to be "willing to pay the price". That is just so convicting to me. Thank goodness that Christ was willing to pay the price for me because He's always there waiting for me when I mess up! However, listening to this song again reminds me of how I need to work harder at making the right choices in my life to please and honor what Christ has done for me. How often am I called to literally die for Christ? Yes, in many countries around this world people still do, but that's usually not the case here in America. When hearing this song and remembering how Christ died for me, I can't help but wonder why I make living for Him sometimes to be so hard?!

Enjoy the music and pictures and it is my prayer that you are all blessed today!

Wedding

This past Saturday was Todd's cousin Kara's wedding. Abby was asked to be a flower girl and Josh helped to pass out flower pedals at the end of the service (for throwing at the bride and groom). They both did a great job. The wedding was beautiful. Very Christ-centered. Kara was a beautiful bride. I hope you enjoy a few pictures! Both of the kids did a great job. I was a bit worried that Abby would not walk down the aisle, but with a bit of bribery, she did and she absolutely loved it! In fact, when the wedding was over she became a little teary-eyed because she wanted to do it again!

Abby with Kara and Joel and "ringbearer" Wilson (Joel's cousin)


Abby peeking at the guests arriving
and getting teased by the boys (Josh and Joel's other cousin Guy)
Here they go!

I'm not real fond of this picture because I think I look pregnant, but unfortunately it is our only family photo from the day.