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.

Camping at Silver Lake

Last week we spent a wonderful 4 days with great friends at Silver Lake. We camped once again at Jellystone and everyone seemed to have fun. We had great weather (which is a big bonus for camping with Todd- usually it rains way more than it did this year). Keith, Paul and Todd have been friends for over 20 years and it is just awesome that they continue to be friends and that now we hang out as families. Enjoy the pictures!


The kids and I hanging out by our camper while everyone else busily "sets up" camp



Josh, Abby and I at the pool - of course this was the highlight of the trip for them.

Todd - just chilling out
Josh, Abby and Taylor (Keith and Kristi's daughter) on the dunes of Silver Lake


Kristin, Paul and Ellery

Josh jumping off of Keith's boat into Silver Lake - believe it or not, but the front of Keith's boat was beached. There is a huge drop-off from the dunes where we were at.

Okay, I guess you can see for yourself where the boat was.

The dunes

One tired girl - well, make that two tired girls! ;)

Josh, Taylor and Abby enjoying a campfire

Kristi, Sarah and Taylor

Keith, Taylor, Josh and Todd after riding the go-carts at Craigs Cruisers

Happy Birthday Abby!

I can't believe it, but my baby girl turns FOUR tomorrow! How has time flown by! Enjoy the pics of her parties!

The following are pictures of her party at the cottage




And her second party was at our house with the "De Vries" family

This was actually a combined party for my Dad, my brother-in-law Jim and Abby

Fourth of July

For our 4th of July holiday we went to the cottage. We had a great time with family and friends. Todd's Aunt Von and Uncle Randy spent a good portion of the weekend with us at the cottage as well as his Aunt Karen and Uncle Mike (and of course Mom and Dad Kuiper!). Tim and Kim took their trailor out and camped at the State Park. We always comment that "when else would we get together like this if we didn't have the cottage to go to?"


The gang at the fireworks. We had the great priveledge of sharing our spot with Todd's cousin Tim and his family (Kim, allison, Erin and Tyler) all to the left of us and our friends Keith and Kristi and their two: Taylor and Sarah (to the right of us)


Ali, Tim, Erin and Tyler waiting for the fireworks to begin


Sarah, Kristi, Keith and Taylor


Todd and Josh


Tyler, Ali, Josh, Erin and Abby on the steps at the cottage


Ali, Erin and Abby - Abby just ADORES these girls!


Abby and Tyler waiting for another "buggy" ride with the bike