We finished our last full day of school for the 2009 year! In a way, it was a relief. This year had been more work than ever before. However, another part of me feels like we are stopping while on a roll. God has revealed so much this year in homeschooling my high school daughter and junior high son. I hope my fourth grader and Kindergartner benefit from all the things I am learning about teaching my children, honoring God with our days, and having a vision for our family and our roles in that vision.
Of course, just because school stopped, doesn't mean education has come to an end for the year. Just as God teaches me everyday, we strive to teach our children in every moment we have with them. Whether it be working on godly attitudes, teaching ways to serve in our community, or even learning how to bake Christmas goodies, our roles are to educate our children in every way.
Does that also mean we don't have any fun? On the contrary, this month we have undertaken horsebackriding lessons for the family! What a challenge and great family time together! We are also planning times with our extended family and have already had many great times celebrating with friends in this Christmas season. We also have several service opportunities coming up that we are looking forward to. It is a joy to go and play and sing at the nursing home in town. We are also, thanks to the arrangements of a friend, blessed with the opportunity to put together Christmas boxes for needy families in our community.
So, while the school books are temporarily on the shelf, we are taking time to invest in our family, spend time with others and just enjoy the reason for the season-Jesus Christ, King of kings and Lord of lords.
I pray that this season finds you doing the same. I pray also that we might see your face among those with whom we visit!
Here are some pictures from fall and Thanksgiving. I'll post some Christmas pictures in the next week or two.
Family Blog
Monday, December 14, 2009
Monday, November 30, 2009
Finally! Goblin Valley Photos!
(See previous post, "bumps in the road")Well, these certainly aren't as entertaining as my smilebox creations, no music yet or fancy backgrounds. Still, i hope you will enjoy the eerie beauty of this place.
Wednesday, August 26, 2009
Utah pics
Well, I promised so many of you a new smilebox with our Utah pictures. Something is not working correctly, so my really cool slideshow "Hallelujah" will have to wait. In the meantime, I managed to find something that might work just as well. You really have never seen any thing like this place!
Wednesday, August 19, 2009
Back to School
Nathaniel turned 12 yesterday. How did that happen? I remember a little four year old running around here getting in to things and laughing at everything Hannah did. Now I can barely get the two of them to talk!
We had a great day at Wild Waters in Clovis. Lots of sun and fun and adventure were had by all. Micah, I think enjoyed the water park more than anyone. Mark was able to join us for 1/2 the day.
We are so thankful for Nathaniel and the young man he is turning out to be. He really matured this summer in so many ways. I can't believe he is in 7th grade now.
We are staunchly sticking to our "No school before September" rule. Although, most of our friends started school this week. I feel a little lazy when I hear everyone is else getting back in to their school routine. But we have hardly been home long enough to get in to a home routine--regular meals, laundry, music schedules, yard work. I think I need another 10 days just to get ready! In the meantime, we are trying to enjoy lazy days of summer, though mentally I have real problems with the lazy part. The kids can't find enough to do unless I come up with lots of extra chores.
As much work as school is, it is good for us. We are more organized and purposeful with our days. We are just trying not to overschedule. Too many things to fit in to a 24/7 schedule. I wonder if heaven will have longer days, or weeks. Or will it be one long day that goes on and on (No darkness, so will we have nights and days????) Maybe someone more theological than I am can answer that one.
We had a great day at Wild Waters in Clovis. Lots of sun and fun and adventure were had by all. Micah, I think enjoyed the water park more than anyone. Mark was able to join us for 1/2 the day.
We are so thankful for Nathaniel and the young man he is turning out to be. He really matured this summer in so many ways. I can't believe he is in 7th grade now.
We are staunchly sticking to our "No school before September" rule. Although, most of our friends started school this week. I feel a little lazy when I hear everyone is else getting back in to their school routine. But we have hardly been home long enough to get in to a home routine--regular meals, laundry, music schedules, yard work. I think I need another 10 days just to get ready! In the meantime, we are trying to enjoy lazy days of summer, though mentally I have real problems with the lazy part. The kids can't find enough to do unless I come up with lots of extra chores.
As much work as school is, it is good for us. We are more organized and purposeful with our days. We are just trying not to overschedule. Too many things to fit in to a 24/7 schedule. I wonder if heaven will have longer days, or weeks. Or will it be one long day that goes on and on (No darkness, so will we have nights and days????) Maybe someone more theological than I am can answer that one.
Tuesday, July 14, 2009
God's Provision
Well, I didn't sleep much on Thursday night. What a scary day. We had been stuck in the desert in the middle of summer with a broken down car and a tow truck coming all the way from Moab. I didn't know if our car would be fixed easily, what had caused the breakdown or, my worst fear, that we could try that swell again after the truck was fixed, just to have the same thing happen all over.
I spent a lot of time praying that night. Trusting God, rather than fearing the future day was easier said than done. I'd also been asked a tough question--from Nathaniel. "Why did God let this happen to us?" Maybe the question bothered me because I heard myself in his words. It's true. Whenever anything bad happens, big or small, I tend to say, "Why did God let this happen?". I needed to use this experience to show my kids something about how God doesn't always keep us from bad situations, but God is always with us and providing for us through the bad situations. I have had ample opportunity to learn this truth in my lifetime. But I will still ask that same question when bad, or even inconvenient things happen. In the grand scheme of things, this breakdown was under the category of inconvenient. I am sure at the time though, my kids saw it as a very bad thing.
Even though I had clearly seen God's provision for us through that day, I didn't give Nathaniel his explanation until it was all over. Apparently, I had another lesson to go with it and to learn myself.
Long story short: The garage had our car ready by 11 am. I had decided after much prayer that if the car was ready before noon, we would try the mountain again, even though Mark had offered to rent a car, drive from Vegas and drive over the mountain for us the next day. By the time we got the truck and were able to hook up it was 12:15--not too far off from my cutoff. The trip was very tense. The mom I met in Colorado at Focus had shared with me how she would be ready to strangle her kids after traveling cross country for as long as we had and not smiling like I was at the time we were conversing. Well, apparently with the stress of the last week from Colorado to Utah and then the truck breakdown, combined with the fear of driving over the mountain range with a recently fixed truck (I'd had several bad headaches in Colorado where I had been virtually headache free prior and our campsites were chaotic with people and mosquitoes-I was also getting beeped by my warning panel that the trailer was constantly disconnecting, at least electrically), whew! Did I say short story?
I lost it on the trip. I was tense and my kids had had enough too apparently, because all they did was fight and whine. Even the dog (that we had to put in the truck with us because of the heat) was acting up. And...the trailer disconnect alarm went off every two minutes the entire time. It is very hard to spank children who are in the back seat while you are driving a truck, pulling a trailer, over a mountain range. So I resorted to my mouth. Let's put it this way--I was a little hoarse by evening. I even said a few words we don't allow like "stupid" and "idiotic". I also have to admit to throwing a few water bottles over the back seat (not full). It wasn't pretty. We were a different group that pulled in to Las Vegas that evening than the one that had traveled all over the country and gotten along fairly well. I had many apologies that evening to make.
Mark met us that evening and took over. Needless to say, we had no problems once he was with us. Even the trailer disconnect alarm just magically stopped going off when he showed up (doesn't that figure?). We drove and got home Sunday night.
Now for the lesson: I talked to the kids on Monday about the question that had been raised, "Why did God allow our truck to breakdown in the middle of the desert in the middle of the summer with four kids and a dog?" For that matter, why does God allow anything bad to happen? I am not going to get in to the deeper theological reasons,(C. S Lewis deals with this really well--have to remember which book) but explained to my kids that when we ask "Why?" we are basically shaking our fist at God and complaining "You did this to me, and I don't want it". Do you really think that is the appropriate question for the Creator of the Universe? (When Job virtually said this same thing, God questioned him. Read the last few chapters of Job. You don't want to be questioned by God, no sirree)
We really have to ask different questions. I asked the kids to come up with good questions to ask. We came up with three: 1) Will you help me through this? (God did help us amazingly) 2) Will you help me see your provision while going through this? (God revealed His provision to us by showing us how He provided a tow truck that could carry our truck, the trailer, all four children and a dog when, amazingly, AAA didn't tell the tow company we even had a trailer. God provided cloud cover that morning in a previously empty sky all week, so we were quite comfortable in our long wait. God also provided a driver who, after some talk and alot of silent prayer, agreed to drop off our trailer at the KOA so I could leave the kids in the locked, air conditioned trailer and go to the auto shop. God helped me ride Hannah's too small bike from the auto shop to the trailer park and God also provided great mechanics who charged me $35 in labor and not much in parts to fix our car. Finally, God got us over the mountain range which went on for over forty miles and got us safely home) Which brings me to question 3) How can I honor You in this trial? This last question brought on a discussion of how we did a good job honoring God while we were broken down. We prayed. Everyone waited patiently. We thanked God for the clouds and cooler weather, and the kids were amazingly quiet and cooperative the whole time we were waiting and while we hooked up the tow and while they waited for me to come from the auto shop. We did not honor God the next day while I was losing my temper, because of fear and worry and the kids were fighting and being selfish in the back seat. We all asked forgiveness and asked that we would learn from this experience.
Well, sorry this is such a long post. I can't process all the lessons we have learned on this trip. I may do that in a later post, but in the meantime--it is good to be home.
I spent a lot of time praying that night. Trusting God, rather than fearing the future day was easier said than done. I'd also been asked a tough question--from Nathaniel. "Why did God let this happen to us?" Maybe the question bothered me because I heard myself in his words. It's true. Whenever anything bad happens, big or small, I tend to say, "Why did God let this happen?". I needed to use this experience to show my kids something about how God doesn't always keep us from bad situations, but God is always with us and providing for us through the bad situations. I have had ample opportunity to learn this truth in my lifetime. But I will still ask that same question when bad, or even inconvenient things happen. In the grand scheme of things, this breakdown was under the category of inconvenient. I am sure at the time though, my kids saw it as a very bad thing.
Even though I had clearly seen God's provision for us through that day, I didn't give Nathaniel his explanation until it was all over. Apparently, I had another lesson to go with it and to learn myself.
Long story short: The garage had our car ready by 11 am. I had decided after much prayer that if the car was ready before noon, we would try the mountain again, even though Mark had offered to rent a car, drive from Vegas and drive over the mountain for us the next day. By the time we got the truck and were able to hook up it was 12:15--not too far off from my cutoff. The trip was very tense. The mom I met in Colorado at Focus had shared with me how she would be ready to strangle her kids after traveling cross country for as long as we had and not smiling like I was at the time we were conversing. Well, apparently with the stress of the last week from Colorado to Utah and then the truck breakdown, combined with the fear of driving over the mountain range with a recently fixed truck (I'd had several bad headaches in Colorado where I had been virtually headache free prior and our campsites were chaotic with people and mosquitoes-I was also getting beeped by my warning panel that the trailer was constantly disconnecting, at least electrically), whew! Did I say short story?
I lost it on the trip. I was tense and my kids had had enough too apparently, because all they did was fight and whine. Even the dog (that we had to put in the truck with us because of the heat) was acting up. And...the trailer disconnect alarm went off every two minutes the entire time. It is very hard to spank children who are in the back seat while you are driving a truck, pulling a trailer, over a mountain range. So I resorted to my mouth. Let's put it this way--I was a little hoarse by evening. I even said a few words we don't allow like "stupid" and "idiotic". I also have to admit to throwing a few water bottles over the back seat (not full). It wasn't pretty. We were a different group that pulled in to Las Vegas that evening than the one that had traveled all over the country and gotten along fairly well. I had many apologies that evening to make.
Mark met us that evening and took over. Needless to say, we had no problems once he was with us. Even the trailer disconnect alarm just magically stopped going off when he showed up (doesn't that figure?). We drove and got home Sunday night.
Now for the lesson: I talked to the kids on Monday about the question that had been raised, "Why did God allow our truck to breakdown in the middle of the desert in the middle of the summer with four kids and a dog?" For that matter, why does God allow anything bad to happen? I am not going to get in to the deeper theological reasons,(C. S Lewis deals with this really well--have to remember which book) but explained to my kids that when we ask "Why?" we are basically shaking our fist at God and complaining "You did this to me, and I don't want it". Do you really think that is the appropriate question for the Creator of the Universe? (When Job virtually said this same thing, God questioned him. Read the last few chapters of Job. You don't want to be questioned by God, no sirree)
We really have to ask different questions. I asked the kids to come up with good questions to ask. We came up with three: 1) Will you help me through this? (God did help us amazingly) 2) Will you help me see your provision while going through this? (God revealed His provision to us by showing us how He provided a tow truck that could carry our truck, the trailer, all four children and a dog when, amazingly, AAA didn't tell the tow company we even had a trailer. God provided cloud cover that morning in a previously empty sky all week, so we were quite comfortable in our long wait. God also provided a driver who, after some talk and alot of silent prayer, agreed to drop off our trailer at the KOA so I could leave the kids in the locked, air conditioned trailer and go to the auto shop. God helped me ride Hannah's too small bike from the auto shop to the trailer park and God also provided great mechanics who charged me $35 in labor and not much in parts to fix our car. Finally, God got us over the mountain range which went on for over forty miles and got us safely home) Which brings me to question 3) How can I honor You in this trial? This last question brought on a discussion of how we did a good job honoring God while we were broken down. We prayed. Everyone waited patiently. We thanked God for the clouds and cooler weather, and the kids were amazingly quiet and cooperative the whole time we were waiting and while we hooked up the tow and while they waited for me to come from the auto shop. We did not honor God the next day while I was losing my temper, because of fear and worry and the kids were fighting and being selfish in the back seat. We all asked forgiveness and asked that we would learn from this experience.
Well, sorry this is such a long post. I can't process all the lessons we have learned on this trip. I may do that in a later post, but in the meantime--it is good to be home.
Friday, July 10, 2009
Bumps in the Road
On our way to Eagle Colorado, cresting the Rockies, I started getting a warning beep and message that my trailer was disconnected. After pulling over several times to check the connection, I realized there was something electrical wrong and the trailer was secure--except for the fact that my trailer brakes wouldn't work whenever the warning flashed! Yes, this is a big deal coming down from mountains. Despite several stops at auto parts dealers, no one could help and we proceeded for our last week of travel to Green River, Utah. It is a little town, in the middle of high desert that is smack dab in the middle of some amazing sights.
Our first full day there, we spent some time at Green River park, one of the tributaries of the Colorado River. That evening, we drove to Goblin Valley State Park for some hiking. nathaniel had read, that the place is really cool in the evening and night==I told him we would have to play by ear how late we could stay for safety reasongs. This place was truly amazing. The soil is not so much rock as it is a clay base. As water and wind have traveled through, unusual formations were carved out. Cowboys discovered it in the early 1900's while searching for lost cattle. Apparently, parts of the movie "Galaxy Quest" were filmed here in this unusual terrain. The pictures don't quite capture the eeriness of the place. When we arrived at almost 7pm the heat was still draining, so we hiked in to the valley and waited in the shade for the sun to go down enough to cool things off. It was still light until 9pm, so that gave us plenty of time to hike around. We stayed until the moon rose over the valley. Nathaniel was right, evening is the best time to be there.
Our first full day there, we spent some time at Green River park, one of the tributaries of the Colorado River. That evening, we drove to Goblin Valley State Park for some hiking. nathaniel had read, that the place is really cool in the evening and night==I told him we would have to play by ear how late we could stay for safety reasongs. This place was truly amazing. The soil is not so much rock as it is a clay base. As water and wind have traveled through, unusual formations were carved out. Cowboys discovered it in the early 1900's while searching for lost cattle. Apparently, parts of the movie "Galaxy Quest" were filmed here in this unusual terrain. The pictures don't quite capture the eeriness of the place. When we arrived at almost 7pm the heat was still draining, so we hiked in to the valley and waited in the shade for the sun to go down enough to cool things off. It was still light until 9pm, so that gave us plenty of time to hike around. We stayed until the moon rose over the valley. Nathaniel was right, evening is the best time to be there.
We spent a day trying to track someone down to look at the trailer connection and decided for safety reasons (as no one seemed to be able to solve our problem) to fore go our next destination--Bryce Canyon, so we'll have to make a trip back sometime. We did however, tour Arches National Park on Wednesday.
We got an early start due to the heat and hiked the various sights until 2 pm when Micah started to wilt. Temps here are over 100 degrees and the sun is intense. The formations are really amazing. I've seen plenty of pictures over the years, but it is so much different seeing these arches up close and hiking in them and through them. Our favorite was double arch.
The boys were wondering why their faces felt so gritty after all the hiking--especially after the the older ones hiked a precarious cave we had a little trouble getting out of. I explained that was salt from all of the sweating. If we stayed much longer we may have started to resemble Lot's wife!
We left on Thursday for our last drive. We had to get to Las Vegas where Mark was flying in to help us get the rest of the way home. When crossing a huge mountain range locals refer to only as "The Swell", the truck started to lose power, I lost my steering and we overheated. We pulled off and called AAA. I was hoping they could put in some antifreeze or something and we would be one our way. After waiting 2 1/2 hours, our tow finally arrived from Moab. We were towed into a garage in Green River (back where we started from that morning). Our serpentine belt broke. Because they are out in the middle of nowhere, a new one wouldn't arrive until the next day. Guess we are stuck in Green River another day.
Tuesday, July 7, 2009
Focus on the Family!
We arrived in Colorado worn out from two days of driving. I hardly thought we would be able to tour The Focus on the Family visitor center the next day, but we did.
We got there fairly early and toured Odyssey, the Narnia room, Whit's end and play area and the giant three story slide.
We stopped for a while to check out the KidsRadio and met a woman who's children were actually making a radio program. She informed me this was their third time at Focus trying to sign up for the radio program and they finally made it by being the first one's there at 9 am! Well, she received the surprise of her life and found out they were the 3 millionth visitor! She actually said they had lunch planned for her to eat with Jim Daly the President of Focus! I felt honored meeting her. You will probably see her family's picture in the next magazine!
Well, I had given up hope of the kids getting in for the radio program, but right in the middle of our chat, a tour person came out to the waiting area and asked if we were waiting to sign up! Yes, they had one more spot! Hannah and Nathaniel got to have speaking parts and Micah and Aaron were sound effects people. There are actually two episodes of Adventures in Odyssey pre-recorded with the parts missing for two actors and some sound effects. After the kids did their parts in the sound room, we were given a real live episode of Adventures in Odyssey --starring our kids! That alone was worth the trip. But of course, we still had to eat ice cream in Whit's End and go to the bookstore. I am posting just a small part of the episode!
While the trip to Focus was fantastic, we found Colorado Springs and the surrounding area to be a little uncomfortable. As beautiful as the area is, it is highly congested. Traffic is serious and the people are more so. We only lasted another day and then decided to move to a little town east of Denver called Eagle, located on the Eagle River. This was more our speed. Small town, friendly people, beautiful scenery.
We got there fairly early and toured Odyssey, the Narnia room, Whit's end and play area and the giant three story slide.
We stopped for a while to check out the KidsRadio and met a woman who's children were actually making a radio program. She informed me this was their third time at Focus trying to sign up for the radio program and they finally made it by being the first one's there at 9 am! Well, she received the surprise of her life and found out they were the 3 millionth visitor! She actually said they had lunch planned for her to eat with Jim Daly the President of Focus! I felt honored meeting her. You will probably see her family's picture in the next magazine!
Well, I had given up hope of the kids getting in for the radio program, but right in the middle of our chat, a tour person came out to the waiting area and asked if we were waiting to sign up! Yes, they had one more spot! Hannah and Nathaniel got to have speaking parts and Micah and Aaron were sound effects people. There are actually two episodes of Adventures in Odyssey pre-recorded with the parts missing for two actors and some sound effects. After the kids did their parts in the sound room, we were given a real live episode of Adventures in Odyssey --starring our kids! That alone was worth the trip. But of course, we still had to eat ice cream in Whit's End and go to the bookstore. I am posting just a small part of the episode!
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While the trip to Focus was fantastic, we found Colorado Springs and the surrounding area to be a little uncomfortable. As beautiful as the area is, it is highly congested. Traffic is serious and the people are more so. We only lasted another day and then decided to move to a little town east of Denver called Eagle, located on the Eagle River. This was more our speed. Small town, friendly people, beautiful scenery.
I am getting so behind in my posts I am forgetting what came next! After KY and the Creation Museum, we rushed to a town just outside of St. Louis, Missouri--Granite City , Illinois. Mark had to fly out of St. Louis the next day. The weather was so hot (almost 100) and really humid (85 degrees is bad when it is humid), that we wondered how people could survive there. That night, we had yet another rain storm. We had been getting rain since Ohio on the way out, rain the whole time in PA and again in Ohio, now in Illinois. It was getting tiring (even for a person from CA that appreciates rain) as we discovered two leaks in the trailer. However, this time that rain made quite a difference. We woke up the next morning to much cooler weather and a lot less humidity. We had some time to do laundry and swim and then took Mark to the St Louis airport. We had seen some local publications listing all the many things to do and see in the St Louis area, I thought after we dropped Mark off we might see if any were close to the airport.
We settled on the "Magic House-Children's Museum". It was in a very nice suburb of St. Louis and built in an old mansion that had been donated and fixed up. What a fun time we had! There was a construction zone, and Jack's Beanstalk that climbed three stories. They had exhibits on the Oval Office, Congressional meeting rooms and Federal Courts. There were science exhibits and literature exhibits and a beautiful garden outside complete with a wading moat and boats. We stayed until the place closed and then packed up the next morning to head to Salina, KS. We stayed just one night and then on to Colorado Springs! We'll fill you in on Colorado on the next post!
We settled on the "Magic House-Children's Museum". It was in a very nice suburb of St. Louis and built in an old mansion that had been donated and fixed up. What a fun time we had! There was a construction zone, and Jack's Beanstalk that climbed three stories. They had exhibits on the Oval Office, Congressional meeting rooms and Federal Courts. There were science exhibits and literature exhibits and a beautiful garden outside complete with a wading moat and boats. We stayed until the place closed and then packed up the next morning to head to Salina, KS. We stayed just one night and then on to Colorado Springs! We'll fill you in on Colorado on the next post!
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Tuesday, June 30, 2009
Creation Museum
Most of you know that we planned on making a detour on our way back to Northern Kentucky to see the Creation Museum and Answers in Genesis. They opened just two years ago and have had 750,000 visitors already. We had planned one day for seeing it, but ended up spending two. The museum was really state of the art, well presented and highly educational. The kids enjoyed everything from the planetarium, to the petting zoo and gardens. Not only is the whole creation viewpoint presented in an intelligent a beautiful way, the gospel is presented clearly throughout the exhibits. Anyone coming here seeking, will find answers! This museum is worth a trip cross country to Kentucky!
I'll just let the pictures speak for themselves:
I'll just let the pictures speak for themselves:
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Thursday, June 25, 2009
California, here we come!
Well, I am getting behind myself. After coming back from Ohio, Micah and I stayed at the Quemahoning Reservoir in PA. It was just 2 miles from the kids camp and there is a second "Summer's Best Two Weeks" on the reservoir. It was very wet and rainy almost the whole time we were there, but the campground and lake are just beautiful. For those of you in California, it looks very much like Bass Lake. Micah and I enjoyed walking down to the water and we could hear all the cheering across the lake from the Summer's Best camp there. We realized Hannah, Nathaniel and Aaron were doing all the same things. Boy did we miss them. We also missed Mark, whom we would be picking up Thursday night!
On Wednesday, Micah and I went to an old amusement attraction in the Ligonier area, called Idyllwild. Despite checking before I paid that they wouldn't close the rides if it rained, they closed the park at 2pm that day--due to inclement weather.
Well, thankfully, the crowds were almost non-existent, so we got to ride a lot of rides.
Also, on Thursday, we were supposed to go to an old friend's home after picking Mark up, but Mark was bumped from his flight and wouldn't be coming in until 11:30. So, Micah and I went by ourselves.
We got to visit with Mike and Muff (Martha) Dunlap. We went to college together. Mike and I were in the same graduating class. What a wonderful visit we had catching up. I hadn't seen them in twenty years! They both created and run a ministry to youth in the area of Boswell, PA. They were getting ready for their day camp the following week. We could have stayed and visited forever, but Micah and I had to drive to Pittsburgh to get Mark.
Mark arrived safely. We hadn't seen him for 16 days. Micah slept close that night, so Daddy would still be there in the morning. We took off early Friday to pick up the kids from camp. We arrived at the dining hall while they were still eating breakfast. (And of course, I know from all my years there as counselors, the parents wait outside.) Aaron spotted us and got up from his table and tried to "hug" us through the screen. He actually had tears in his eyes. We spotted Hannah and she waved. Then the singing began. What an experience to hear almost 300 voices when you add in counselors and staff raised in song praising Jesus!
The kids were dismissed to flag to hear who won the week's competitions. I almost got tears in my eyes when they raised the Galatian flag. (Loyalties die hard). The Romans gathered their team together for prayer.
We then went to cabin assemblies for awards and then to the large assembly. Nathaniel got the "Life is Good" award for having a great attitude with everything and never complaining. Aaron got the "Point Guard" award for practicing best amongst his cabin the "I'm Third" motto (God first, others second, yourself third). Hannah was praised by her counselors for always looking out for others--they didn't give specific awards. It was great being back in the large assembly, Camp has a worship area outdoors, under the canopy of trees that I used to love worshiping in.
I got to introduce my family (of course the kids had already met him) to Jim Welch, the man who started all this 44 years ago out of Fox Chapel church. He is one of those individuals you learn from just by having a conversation with him. While we were talking he told us two stories about his son, Kyle that I am still thinking about. There is always a lesson in anything Jim shares.
Well, we left camp happy, but tired. The kids talked our ears off for the next two days, just telling stories about camp. What an experience they've had.
On Father's day, we went to St Paul's Presbyterian in Somerset, where the kids got to see what the churches looked like when I was living in Western PA. They are generally at least 100 years old, with beautiful wood balconies and pulpits, and the stained glass windows are mesmerizing. The acoustics are wonderful and though the church was small, the singing reverberated off the walls.
We spent the rest of the day at the lake and then packed up to go to our next stop, Grove City PA. I went to school at Westminster in nearby New Wilmington. So, we spent a few days touring the Amish countryside and visiting my old stomping grounds. The kids were impressed by Westminster, especially when I had stories to go with everything, but I think Hannah was far more impressed by Grove City College. The chapels at both schools are magnificent. I included a few pictures from Westminster's, but Grove City's was under renovation, so we could only peek inside. The library had been refurbished, so no longer had all the secret stair cases to show the kids, and Browne and Ferguson Halls were locked, so we didn't get to run through the underground tunnel joining them---but we did get to see the mummy. It had been moved from the scary ground floor of the library, to the Hoyt Science Center, but the kids were still impressed. They enjoyed seeing the beautiful old homes in this quaint town. There weren't as many Amish buggies going through town as I'd remembered, but many Amish shopping in the small downtown area. I missed the sound of their buggies clopping down the brick streets on a Sunday morning.
The next day we toured Wendell August Forge in Grove City and the Cheese House in New Wilmington. We even stopped at the Grove City outlets for a while. (Like we need more stuff in the trailer). The next day we were headed for Western Ohio, finally headed toward home, with a stop at the Creation Museum.
On Wednesday, Micah and I went to an old amusement attraction in the Ligonier area, called Idyllwild. Despite checking before I paid that they wouldn't close the rides if it rained, they closed the park at 2pm that day--due to inclement weather.
Well, thankfully, the crowds were almost non-existent, so we got to ride a lot of rides.
Also, on Thursday, we were supposed to go to an old friend's home after picking Mark up, but Mark was bumped from his flight and wouldn't be coming in until 11:30. So, Micah and I went by ourselves.
We got to visit with Mike and Muff (Martha) Dunlap. We went to college together. Mike and I were in the same graduating class. What a wonderful visit we had catching up. I hadn't seen them in twenty years! They both created and run a ministry to youth in the area of Boswell, PA. They were getting ready for their day camp the following week. We could have stayed and visited forever, but Micah and I had to drive to Pittsburgh to get Mark.
Mark arrived safely. We hadn't seen him for 16 days. Micah slept close that night, so Daddy would still be there in the morning. We took off early Friday to pick up the kids from camp. We arrived at the dining hall while they were still eating breakfast. (And of course, I know from all my years there as counselors, the parents wait outside.) Aaron spotted us and got up from his table and tried to "hug" us through the screen. He actually had tears in his eyes. We spotted Hannah and she waved. Then the singing began. What an experience to hear almost 300 voices when you add in counselors and staff raised in song praising Jesus!
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We then went to cabin assemblies for awards and then to the large assembly. Nathaniel got the "Life is Good" award for having a great attitude with everything and never complaining. Aaron got the "Point Guard" award for practicing best amongst his cabin the "I'm Third" motto (God first, others second, yourself third). Hannah was praised by her counselors for always looking out for others--they didn't give specific awards. It was great being back in the large assembly, Camp has a worship area outdoors, under the canopy of trees that I used to love worshiping in.
I got to introduce my family (of course the kids had already met him) to Jim Welch, the man who started all this 44 years ago out of Fox Chapel church. He is one of those individuals you learn from just by having a conversation with him. While we were talking he told us two stories about his son, Kyle that I am still thinking about. There is always a lesson in anything Jim shares.
Well, we left camp happy, but tired. The kids talked our ears off for the next two days, just telling stories about camp. What an experience they've had.
On Father's day, we went to St Paul's Presbyterian in Somerset, where the kids got to see what the churches looked like when I was living in Western PA. They are generally at least 100 years old, with beautiful wood balconies and pulpits, and the stained glass windows are mesmerizing. The acoustics are wonderful and though the church was small, the singing reverberated off the walls.
We spent the rest of the day at the lake and then packed up to go to our next stop, Grove City PA. I went to school at Westminster in nearby New Wilmington. So, we spent a few days touring the Amish countryside and visiting my old stomping grounds. The kids were impressed by Westminster, especially when I had stories to go with everything, but I think Hannah was far more impressed by Grove City College. The chapels at both schools are magnificent. I included a few pictures from Westminster's, but Grove City's was under renovation, so we could only peek inside. The library had been refurbished, so no longer had all the secret stair cases to show the kids, and Browne and Ferguson Halls were locked, so we didn't get to run through the underground tunnel joining them---but we did get to see the mummy. It had been moved from the scary ground floor of the library, to the Hoyt Science Center, but the kids were still impressed. They enjoyed seeing the beautiful old homes in this quaint town. There weren't as many Amish buggies going through town as I'd remembered, but many Amish shopping in the small downtown area. I missed the sound of their buggies clopping down the brick streets on a Sunday morning.
The next day we toured Wendell August Forge in Grove City and the Cheese House in New Wilmington. We even stopped at the Grove City outlets for a while. (Like we need more stuff in the trailer). The next day we were headed for Western Ohio, finally headed toward home, with a stop at the Creation Museum.
Monday, June 22, 2009
Friends and fellowship among the Amish
6/12-6/15 After surviving a cross country trip and getting the older kids off to
camp, Micah and I headed to Ohio Amish Country. We stayed in a little
town called Mt. Eaton. You know, before we left on our trip, I had
explained to the kids that we would see parts of the country where
people grew up reading the Bible more and worshiping in church. Well,
in New Mexico, we found casinos everywhere...and a lot of unhappy
people. In Oklahoma, we found friendly people, a lot of old churches, but
only old people attending. When we crossed in to Missouri
(remember--part of the "Bible Belt"?), we were greeted at every exit on
the interstate with giant billboards for "Adult Superstores". Lots of
very nice people in MO, but lots of things that made your heart ache. Of course we realize, you find sin everywhere--even in church! However, we had expected something
different.
That something different we actually found in Ohio. The RV Park we stayed at had a church right on the premises. It was a very small church, but quite active. The pastor preached a great sermon on Sunday and the people were wonderful. I met a nice Mennonite woman, Ruth Hershberger and we had quite a chat.
Micah and I had a great day of rest, because everything (and I mean everything) shuts down on Sunday. There were no stores, no restaurants, not even a gas station
open on Sunday. There are a lot of non-Amish that live in this area,
yet everyone honored--at least in business--the Lord's day.
On Saturday, Micah and I shopped at Lehman's. Some of you might have heard of them from their catalog/internest sales. What a fun store! It was like a whole mall in one store. It had everything you might need for cooking, baking, canning, working in the garden, feeding the animals. They carry quite a bit of non-electric
home supplies needed in an area where many people don't use electricity.
We also shopped for quilts and Amish maple baskets. But mostly, we just
toured the countryside.
What beautiful country! Everything is so green! As a Californian, in the middle of summer, I appreciate that. The farms stretch for acres and acres. The Amish farms have large, neat houses all painted in white. There are large fields and no electric or gas machinery equipemnt to work these farms. You see large (usually four)sets of matched work horses all pulling wagons or threshers or giant hay wagons. These farms look like they would have in ourgrandparent's or great-grandparent's time. What's more, the Amish start their children working very young. I saw boys as young as eight driving the team, so the older boys and father could throw the hay up and over the wooden bin into a 15 ft high pile on the wagon. These people work very hard, and yet they are quiet and friendly and seem very happy.
I got to meet Henry Hershberger(no relation to Ruth above -or maybe distant)He ran a farm and he and his wife made baskets on the side. He invited me to their home to buy
baskets any day, but Sunday. When I showed up Monday, I met his wife, Sarah and their nine children. (Sarah is only 32 and their oldest child is nine)
Emmanual Miller gave us an Amish buggy ride that Micah will remember for the rest of his life. Emmanual surprised me by explaining that he and his wife grew up in Berlin Ohio and live there now for seven months of the year, and then during the hardest part of winter, go down to Florida, where they "have a place". I didn't hink to ask how they travel to Florida.
I made a new friend at a furniture store, Ada Yoder. It's amazing to me how you
can walk in a store and just take care of your business, or you can
pray and look for the Lord's leading and walk out with a new friend.
She and her co-workers spoke Pennsylvania Dutch while they were
working together. What a gentle, soft spoken language. Ada explained
that Amish children grow up speaking this specific dialect of German
and then learn English before attending school. No Amish attend any
public schools, but attend their own community schools.
One of my favorite people I got to meet was Alma (yes, Hershberger). I met her in an Amish house Micah and I toured. She was cooking in the kitchen and had
cookbooks to sell. We toured the house quickly and then went back to
the kitchen to chat a bit with her. She cooks all day long in that
kitchen canning, baking and making candy--then goes home and quilts or paints. She contracted polio as a child and has had a very difficult life and yet lives joyfully and thankfully, working hard everyday. I hope I never complain again about my feet hurting after cooking in the kitchen for long periods of time.
I could go on for ever about our three days in Mt Eaton, Kidron and Berlin, Ohio. It was the first time on this trip that I really relaxed. I will post pictures below. Don't look for a lot of people in them. Most Amish folks don't take
kindly to having their picture taken. I was able to snap a few while driving, at a distance and then cropped to get closer. Enjoy.
camp, Micah and I headed to Ohio Amish Country. We stayed in a little
town called Mt. Eaton. You know, before we left on our trip, I had
explained to the kids that we would see parts of the country where
people grew up reading the Bible more and worshiping in church. Well,
in New Mexico, we found casinos everywhere...and a lot of unhappy
people. In Oklahoma, we found friendly people, a lot of old churches, but
only old people attending. When we crossed in to Missouri
(remember--part of the "Bible Belt"?), we were greeted at every exit on
the interstate with giant billboards for "Adult Superstores". Lots of
very nice people in MO, but lots of things that made your heart ache. Of course we realize, you find sin everywhere--even in church! However, we had expected something
different.
That something different we actually found in Ohio. The RV Park we stayed at had a church right on the premises. It was a very small church, but quite active. The pastor preached a great sermon on Sunday and the people were wonderful. I met a nice Mennonite woman, Ruth Hershberger and we had quite a chat.
Micah and I had a great day of rest, because everything (and I mean everything) shuts down on Sunday. There were no stores, no restaurants, not even a gas station
open on Sunday. There are a lot of non-Amish that live in this area,
yet everyone honored--at least in business--the Lord's day.
On Saturday, Micah and I shopped at Lehman's. Some of you might have heard of them from their catalog/internest sales. What a fun store! It was like a whole mall in one store. It had everything you might need for cooking, baking, canning, working in the garden, feeding the animals. They carry quite a bit of non-electric
home supplies needed in an area where many people don't use electricity.
We also shopped for quilts and Amish maple baskets. But mostly, we just
toured the countryside.
What beautiful country! Everything is so green! As a Californian, in the middle of summer, I appreciate that. The farms stretch for acres and acres. The Amish farms have large, neat houses all painted in white. There are large fields and no electric or gas machinery equipemnt to work these farms. You see large (usually four)sets of matched work horses all pulling wagons or threshers or giant hay wagons. These farms look like they would have in ourgrandparent's or great-grandparent's time. What's more, the Amish start their children working very young. I saw boys as young as eight driving the team, so the older boys and father could throw the hay up and over the wooden bin into a 15 ft high pile on the wagon. These people work very hard, and yet they are quiet and friendly and seem very happy.
I got to meet Henry Hershberger(no relation to Ruth above -or maybe distant)He ran a farm and he and his wife made baskets on the side. He invited me to their home to buy
baskets any day, but Sunday. When I showed up Monday, I met his wife, Sarah and their nine children. (Sarah is only 32 and their oldest child is nine)
Emmanual Miller gave us an Amish buggy ride that Micah will remember for the rest of his life. Emmanual surprised me by explaining that he and his wife grew up in Berlin Ohio and live there now for seven months of the year, and then during the hardest part of winter, go down to Florida, where they "have a place". I didn't hink to ask how they travel to Florida.
I made a new friend at a furniture store, Ada Yoder. It's amazing to me how you
can walk in a store and just take care of your business, or you can
pray and look for the Lord's leading and walk out with a new friend.
She and her co-workers spoke Pennsylvania Dutch while they were
working together. What a gentle, soft spoken language. Ada explained
that Amish children grow up speaking this specific dialect of German
and then learn English before attending school. No Amish attend any
public schools, but attend their own community schools.
One of my favorite people I got to meet was Alma (yes, Hershberger). I met her in an Amish house Micah and I toured. She was cooking in the kitchen and had
cookbooks to sell. We toured the house quickly and then went back to
the kitchen to chat a bit with her. She cooks all day long in that
kitchen canning, baking and making candy--then goes home and quilts or paints. She contracted polio as a child and has had a very difficult life and yet lives joyfully and thankfully, working hard everyday. I hope I never complain again about my feet hurting after cooking in the kitchen for long periods of time.
I could go on for ever about our three days in Mt Eaton, Kidron and Berlin, Ohio. It was the first time on this trip that I really relaxed. I will post pictures below. Don't look for a lot of people in them. Most Amish folks don't take
kindly to having their picture taken. I was able to snap a few while driving, at a distance and then cropped to get closer. Enjoy.
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Tuesday, June 16, 2009
A funny thing happened on the way to Pennsylvania...
Rylie never did come back to our campsite the next day. Micah and I packed up and headed out with more memories to add to our mental scrapbooks.
These memories were partly more "Lucy" moments and partly another opportunity to see how God can use anyone he wants to provide help to His children.
When we packed up in Ohio that last morning (before arriving in PA) I was assisted by a very well meaning man with no shirt on and some very tiny shorts. When he bent over to check my hitch connection for me and I read on his backside the words "Buck Naked" I realized he was at our campsite in his underwear! It's OK though, we decided he must be some kind of super hero as I didn't even get his name! He probably wants to keep his identity secret.
We arrived in PA late and on fumes (see previous post for three hour side trip in West Virginia).
The next morning after tackling laundry and working to pack kids for camp, I decided I was going to tackle learning how to put up the awning. I prayed first, which is always wise because that saying "What goes up must come down" may not apply to awnings, and Micah and I were leaving for Ohio's Amish country the day after the kids left for camp. you can't very well drive a trailer with the awning still up. Well, I think our instructions were written in Chinese and then translated to English, because what the book said did not match the book pictures very well and the book's pictures did not match what my awning really looked like. Well everyone that knows me well, knows I am really good at playing "Wonder what this button does", so I decided I would get to work. After pushing buttons, pulling levers and climbing up the side of my trailer, we finally got the awning to open. Thank you Lord!
Hannah discovered, however, that our door wouldn't shut--the awning was too low. I knew there must be a way to extend those arms, so I started pushing on things again. Next thing I know, the awning came unattached from the trailer, Nathaniel started rolling up in it and I was in a heap of trouble. Hannah and I could not get the arm reattached, so I decided since the pull cord had rolled up in the awning that I would climb up the ladder and hand roll it down. Midway through, while Hannah is holding up one arm, I realized the flaw in my plan. I am not very tall, and while I can unroll the awning by hand, my height stops when it is only unrolled halfway. So there I am hanging from the awning, with my feet on the top step and the top half of me ready to splat on the wet ground. Suddenly, out of nowhere two heads were below me. One man grabbed the awning arm from Hannah and reattached it in a second and the other man was pulling the flap down (without even a ladder!) so that I could stop hanging in the air. Without a word, these two men fixed the angle, the arms, the pull cord and fixed a bent locking pin, that was causing part of my problem. Marion and Joe were their names--my neighbors.
I baked them cookies later to thank them and once again made new friends. I had no idea God would use so many unexpected people to help me out of my scrapes. What a blessing these men were. Marion even came over the day I was taking down to make sure everything came down OK.
As if that wasn't enough, when I took the kids to camp Thursday, we were all a little nervous. The kids about the new place and me about leaving them there and also seeing a place I hadn't been to in 20 years and had felt so much a part of, was strange.
Well, we got to know people pretty quickly. First, because there are a lot of people that read lisence plates. Everyone noticed the family that had come all the way from California. Second because I caused a traffic jam stopping to hug my old mentor, Jim Welch. Thirdly, because this lady that drove a trailer all the way from California, ended up getting stuck in the mud at camp (no trailer, thankfully just the truck). Yes, I have four wheel drive. Yes, it is a great big truck with all terrain tires. Now you know why I've earned the nickname "Lucy" from my husband after "I Love Lucy". Well, my kids were certainly going to be well known at camp.
Thankfully, Timotheus, who knows how to drive in four wheel drive was able to get me out without a call to AAA. Once again, I was rescued. I really could not survive a day in this world without God's sustaining hand upon me. I would accomplish no good thing and would make a mess of everything I tried. I am so thankful I have a God who cares about every detail of my life. I can't even take a breath without His providing it. I told you I would do some growing and stretching on this trip. I am learning how utterly incapable I am. That's alright, though. Where I am weak, He is strong.
These memories were partly more "Lucy" moments and partly another opportunity to see how God can use anyone he wants to provide help to His children.
When we packed up in Ohio that last morning (before arriving in PA) I was assisted by a very well meaning man with no shirt on and some very tiny shorts. When he bent over to check my hitch connection for me and I read on his backside the words "Buck Naked" I realized he was at our campsite in his underwear! It's OK though, we decided he must be some kind of super hero as I didn't even get his name! He probably wants to keep his identity secret.
We arrived in PA late and on fumes (see previous post for three hour side trip in West Virginia).
The next morning after tackling laundry and working to pack kids for camp, I decided I was going to tackle learning how to put up the awning. I prayed first, which is always wise because that saying "What goes up must come down" may not apply to awnings, and Micah and I were leaving for Ohio's Amish country the day after the kids left for camp. you can't very well drive a trailer with the awning still up. Well, I think our instructions were written in Chinese and then translated to English, because what the book said did not match the book pictures very well and the book's pictures did not match what my awning really looked like. Well everyone that knows me well, knows I am really good at playing "Wonder what this button does", so I decided I would get to work. After pushing buttons, pulling levers and climbing up the side of my trailer, we finally got the awning to open. Thank you Lord!
Hannah discovered, however, that our door wouldn't shut--the awning was too low. I knew there must be a way to extend those arms, so I started pushing on things again. Next thing I know, the awning came unattached from the trailer, Nathaniel started rolling up in it and I was in a heap of trouble. Hannah and I could not get the arm reattached, so I decided since the pull cord had rolled up in the awning that I would climb up the ladder and hand roll it down. Midway through, while Hannah is holding up one arm, I realized the flaw in my plan. I am not very tall, and while I can unroll the awning by hand, my height stops when it is only unrolled halfway. So there I am hanging from the awning, with my feet on the top step and the top half of me ready to splat on the wet ground. Suddenly, out of nowhere two heads were below me. One man grabbed the awning arm from Hannah and reattached it in a second and the other man was pulling the flap down (without even a ladder!) so that I could stop hanging in the air. Without a word, these two men fixed the angle, the arms, the pull cord and fixed a bent locking pin, that was causing part of my problem. Marion and Joe were their names--my neighbors.
I baked them cookies later to thank them and once again made new friends. I had no idea God would use so many unexpected people to help me out of my scrapes. What a blessing these men were. Marion even came over the day I was taking down to make sure everything came down OK.
As if that wasn't enough, when I took the kids to camp Thursday, we were all a little nervous. The kids about the new place and me about leaving them there and also seeing a place I hadn't been to in 20 years and had felt so much a part of, was strange.
Well, we got to know people pretty quickly. First, because there are a lot of people that read lisence plates. Everyone noticed the family that had come all the way from California. Second because I caused a traffic jam stopping to hug my old mentor, Jim Welch. Thirdly, because this lady that drove a trailer all the way from California, ended up getting stuck in the mud at camp (no trailer, thankfully just the truck). Yes, I have four wheel drive. Yes, it is a great big truck with all terrain tires. Now you know why I've earned the nickname "Lucy" from my husband after "I Love Lucy". Well, my kids were certainly going to be well known at camp.
Thankfully, Timotheus, who knows how to drive in four wheel drive was able to get me out without a call to AAA. Once again, I was rescued. I really could not survive a day in this world without God's sustaining hand upon me. I would accomplish no good thing and would make a mess of everything I tried. I am so thankful I have a God who cares about every detail of my life. I can't even take a breath without His providing it. I told you I would do some growing and stretching on this trip. I am learning how utterly incapable I am. That's alright, though. Where I am weak, He is strong.
Monday, June 15, 2009
Thoughts in PA
(From June 11) Well We arrived in PA two days ago. We are staying about 30 minutes from where the kids are going to camp. We had a day to swim a little, do lots of laundry and repack and get everyone ready to leave for camp today.
A little more later on what a time warp experience it was to go back to the camp where I worked as a counselor over 20 years ago. I'll include pictures hopefully, but there is a link to Summer's Best Two Weeks below.
I wanted to share a story even though I don't know the ending. Before we left for this mammoth trip there was a lot of praying and a lot of planning involved. But one of my goals and prayers was to get to know people as we traveled all over the country. I thought I could have opportunities to minister to people that God put in our path and also get a random sampling of where people were at spiritually in this nation. I know what Time/Newsweek is saying, I know what Obama is saying; I wanted to see for myself. So as I have conversed with people I have looked for opportunities to share, witness, pray for, whatever God leads. I have been in many conversations where I try and turn it to spiritual things, only to be shut down, sometimes more quickly than others (except in churches we are visiting). I decided, maybe I was trying too hard to make an opportunity.
So I am going to try less hard, and listen for God's prompting. right?
While we've been here the last day and a half, my kids have been bombarded with attention from a little girl staying here. She does not know an appropriate way to get attention, so whe resorts to ways that are, for lack of a better word, obnoxious. She rides her bike by and screams and yells at the kids. They didn't know what to make of her.
I went out and greeted her and invited her to play with the kids. All it took was a little attention and she is with us all the time now! She's played with them all day, ridden bikes with the kids, had apples and pudding-- she even came in the trailer to "help" us pack. That was yesterday. She is extremely demanding and very self centered, but my kids for the most part were patient and friendly. As we were looking for Bibles (the kids tend to leave them in the car for traveling) I asked her if she had a Bible or ever read one. She shut down on me. Again, I was forcing.
Well, today was really hectic. I thought I had everything ready for camp yesterday, but there are always last minute things. I was putting together the dog kennel, carrying luggage, packing toiletry bags, etc. when I asked if all the kids had their bibles one more time. The little girl (who was there again today)looked at Aaron and asked "What is a Bible?". Aaron showed her his and I gave a somewhat theological answer I thought appropriate for a child that age. I asked her if she could read and if they had a Bible at home. She replied that she couldn't read but they did have one. I said that I was sure her mom would read it to her if she just asked. She replied that her mom wouldn't want to read a book that was so long. I mentally shrugged my shoulders, and hurried back to the packing. As I was lifting one more heavy bag into the car, a weight settled on my heart. I was convicted, as much as if God had actually said "shame on you." to me. Here was a little girl that might be asking her first spiritual question ever. and I basically brushed her off, because why? This was the day my kids were going to camp.
Boy did I miss an opportunity. When I went back to make things right, she was in the middle of a hide and seek game with Micah. I prayed for another chance. This little girl is not in quiet, listening mode often.
When she finally looked attentive I told her, we would be back late tonight, but if she wanted to come around early tomorrow, I would be happy to read to her from my Bible. I told her to ask her mom if it was Ok.
So, I don't know if she'll come, but you can be praying!
That is so typical of me, to ask something of God and then when He sends it I am busy, or preoccupied and I miss it. Lord, help me not to miss the opportunities you give to share you
A little more later on what a time warp experience it was to go back to the camp where I worked as a counselor over 20 years ago. I'll include pictures hopefully, but there is a link to Summer's Best Two Weeks below.
I wanted to share a story even though I don't know the ending. Before we left for this mammoth trip there was a lot of praying and a lot of planning involved. But one of my goals and prayers was to get to know people as we traveled all over the country. I thought I could have opportunities to minister to people that God put in our path and also get a random sampling of where people were at spiritually in this nation. I know what Time/Newsweek is saying, I know what Obama is saying; I wanted to see for myself. So as I have conversed with people I have looked for opportunities to share, witness, pray for, whatever God leads. I have been in many conversations where I try and turn it to spiritual things, only to be shut down, sometimes more quickly than others (except in churches we are visiting). I decided, maybe I was trying too hard to make an opportunity.
So I am going to try less hard, and listen for God's prompting. right?
While we've been here the last day and a half, my kids have been bombarded with attention from a little girl staying here. She does not know an appropriate way to get attention, so whe resorts to ways that are, for lack of a better word, obnoxious. She rides her bike by and screams and yells at the kids. They didn't know what to make of her.
I went out and greeted her and invited her to play with the kids. All it took was a little attention and she is with us all the time now! She's played with them all day, ridden bikes with the kids, had apples and pudding-- she even came in the trailer to "help" us pack. That was yesterday. She is extremely demanding and very self centered, but my kids for the most part were patient and friendly. As we were looking for Bibles (the kids tend to leave them in the car for traveling) I asked her if she had a Bible or ever read one. She shut down on me. Again, I was forcing.
Well, today was really hectic. I thought I had everything ready for camp yesterday, but there are always last minute things. I was putting together the dog kennel, carrying luggage, packing toiletry bags, etc. when I asked if all the kids had their bibles one more time. The little girl (who was there again today)looked at Aaron and asked "What is a Bible?". Aaron showed her his and I gave a somewhat theological answer I thought appropriate for a child that age. I asked her if she could read and if they had a Bible at home. She replied that she couldn't read but they did have one. I said that I was sure her mom would read it to her if she just asked. She replied that her mom wouldn't want to read a book that was so long. I mentally shrugged my shoulders, and hurried back to the packing. As I was lifting one more heavy bag into the car, a weight settled on my heart. I was convicted, as much as if God had actually said "shame on you." to me. Here was a little girl that might be asking her first spiritual question ever. and I basically brushed her off, because why? This was the day my kids were going to camp.
Boy did I miss an opportunity. When I went back to make things right, she was in the middle of a hide and seek game with Micah. I prayed for another chance. This little girl is not in quiet, listening mode often.
When she finally looked attentive I told her, we would be back late tonight, but if she wanted to come around early tomorrow, I would be happy to read to her from my Bible. I told her to ask her mom if it was Ok.
So, I don't know if she'll come, but you can be praying!
That is so typical of me, to ask something of God and then when He sends it I am busy, or preoccupied and I miss it. Lord, help me not to miss the opportunities you give to share you
Sunday, June 14, 2009
Driving through a sliver of West Virginia
On Tuesday we drove from Ohio to PA, the last leg of this part of the trip. We were excited when we checked our route and saw we would pass through a tiny little "corner" of West Virginia that sticks up between Ohio and PA just on Route 70. The kids are learning states and facts as well as capitols. Little did we know, once we passed Wheeling there was one of the most unusual stores in the United States. Mark has been a fan of Cabela's mail order a long time. If you are interested in any thing outdoors, they are a great place for supplies. It turns out they only have a few actual stores and those are as fun as visiting a good museum.
We decided to take a short travel break and go window shopping.
Our wildest dreams could not have imagined such a store. They carry everything you can imagine for camping, fishing, hunting, etc, but we did not realize there was so much to see. There are huge displays all over the store of wild animals, stuffed and posed as if in a natural history museum. There were even Canadian geese "flying" over our heads. The adventure continued with a shooting gallery, an aquarium and a restaurant that served delicacies such as smoked elk or smoked buffalo.
Our brief stop turned in to a three hour stay. Oh well, we'll be arriving late again! Enjoy the pictures.
We decided to take a short travel break and go window shopping.
Our wildest dreams could not have imagined such a store. They carry everything you can imagine for camping, fishing, hunting, etc, but we did not realize there was so much to see. There are huge displays all over the store of wild animals, stuffed and posed as if in a natural history museum. There were even Canadian geese "flying" over our heads. The adventure continued with a shooting gallery, an aquarium and a restaurant that served delicacies such as smoked elk or smoked buffalo.
Our brief stop turned in to a three hour stay. Oh well, we'll be arriving late again! Enjoy the pictures.
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Friday, June 12, 2009
Meet me in St Louis!
Well, we made it that day through Oklahoma and Missouri, despite my near collision with the divider. We stayed just south of St. Louis. We pulled in about 9:30pm and just had one whole day and another night to rest. Lilly and I took a long walk early the next morning and boy was it humid. However, humid usually means green. The vegetation was beautiful. Our campground had a pond and was by a little church with a cemetery. We passed vines of wild honeysuckle and giant oak trees. We got back in time to wake the kids and do some laundry. We decided, rather than just hang out at the campground we could go site see if something was really close. We were within 10 miles of three different caves, so I went to the office to see which one they recommended. After a long chat where I discovered the owner's mom lives in Oakhurst and one of the ladies who works here has family in Madera (small world) we decided to tour Onandaga State park and cave. What a great experience. the hike down in the cave only takes an hour and 45 minutes, but we saw amazing formations. The kids were a little unsure at first, but really enjoyed themselves. I will be attaching pictures, but be forewarned, as it was soooo dark, it was really hard to get good pictures. Many of the formations were far enough from me that the flash didn't reach. We also discovered when I tried to get the kids in a picture, the flash would just pick them up and make whatever was behind them (usually a fantastic formation) just black.
It was a cool 56 degrees, 200 feet below the earth and a very wet, slippery climb, but I would highly recommend it!
When we were talking to the KOA folks, Micah picked up a pamphlet with a Clydesdale on the front and animals inside and asked if we could go. It happened to be Grant's Farm in St. Louis. The property was once owned by Ulysses S Grant and was purchased in the early 1900's by Anheuser-Busch. It is an operating farm, where you can tour and still see the old Grant homestead. The grounds are beautiful. I couldn't imagine having all that lush green park like land as my home. Anyway, we normally don't take a lot of detours on driving days, but it is hard to turn down that cute little guy. So, on our way out of Missouri, we spent a few hours touring the farm. You only have to pay for parking and the tram and tour are all free. I hope you enjoy the pictures. It was hilarious seeing the children try to feed baby goats from bottles. Micah had the time of his life, and they all loved seeing the Clydesdales. There is a picture of a fence included in the bundle. It wasn't a fence Grant put up, but Anheuser. I put that in just for you, Ken. The fence was fashioned out of civil war gun barrels. Pretty neat.
You'll notice a conspicuous absence of the St. Louis arch--The Gateway to the West. My kids had been looking forward to seeing this since Needles. Unfortunately, the detour we took to Grants farm took us around the city. So we didn't get to see the arch. We'll have to catch it on the way back.
It was a cool 56 degrees, 200 feet below the earth and a very wet, slippery climb, but I would highly recommend it!
When we were talking to the KOA folks, Micah picked up a pamphlet with a Clydesdale on the front and animals inside and asked if we could go. It happened to be Grant's Farm in St. Louis. The property was once owned by Ulysses S Grant and was purchased in the early 1900's by Anheuser-Busch. It is an operating farm, where you can tour and still see the old Grant homestead. The grounds are beautiful. I couldn't imagine having all that lush green park like land as my home. Anyway, we normally don't take a lot of detours on driving days, but it is hard to turn down that cute little guy. So, on our way out of Missouri, we spent a few hours touring the farm. You only have to pay for parking and the tram and tour are all free. I hope you enjoy the pictures. It was hilarious seeing the children try to feed baby goats from bottles. Micah had the time of his life, and they all loved seeing the Clydesdales. There is a picture of a fence included in the bundle. It wasn't a fence Grant put up, but Anheuser. I put that in just for you, Ken. The fence was fashioned out of civil war gun barrels. Pretty neat.
You'll notice a conspicuous absence of the St. Louis arch--The Gateway to the West. My kids had been looking forward to seeing this since Needles. Unfortunately, the detour we took to Grants farm took us around the city. So we didn't get to see the arch. We'll have to catch it on the way back.
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Thursday, June 11, 2009
Reflections on Route 66
The following post was written last week to go with the route 66 slide show (Mark named it "Land of the Jackalope"). I've been without internet since Ohio:
I will write more in detail about some of the fun things we've done the last few days, but I thought I would attach a slide show of just the whole route 66 trip. It has been quite an experience traveling this route. I traveled it many times with my family when I was a child (never the actual route 66, but route 40). Nathaniel and Aaron got very good at spotting the old route 66 alongside our highway. It would disappear for awhile and then pop up again.
So far, everyone is a good traveler except me. They do ask how much longer, but for the most part traveling attitudes have been good.
An interesting story I thought I would share. I had one bad headache day. Thankfully, it wasn't on a driving day. It was the worst headache I've had in years. Bad enough to consider having Mark fly back to drive with us for a few days. My whole family prayed. Late that night the headache was gone.
The next morning I was quite queasy and very worn out. We were supposed to travel from West of Oklahoma City all the way to Stanton , Missouri. I was just so thankful to be headache free I kept thanking God for his mercy and healing. Then, I asked a very foolish request. I knew I was doing this trip on God's strength. But I knew I would only make it through that day's driving by God's grace. so I asked Him to reveal to us some of the ways He was watching out for us that day.
Well, by noon, I had been pulled over in Oklahoma. Ten miles too fast in a construction zone. The speed limit was 75 and then slowed down to 65, then 55. Apparently it slowed down again to 45, or so the officer informed me. When I explained to the officer that I managed to see all of those signs, but I was in the middle of a Latin lesson with the kids, so I must have missed that last sign, he actually laughed out loud. We taught him a few Latin phrases (not sure where he'll use them) and he sent us on our way with another laugh and just a warning. Thank you, Lord!
A few hours later, I turned on the praise CD I had made. I was slapping my face to keep awake, so I decided it was time to sing. In the middle of a Jana Alayra song, I heard that loud buzzing sound from the grooves on the side of the road. I opened my eyes to see that we were in the passing lane (I had been in the right hand lane) and heading for the concrete divider. God was definitely driving for me. That shook me up pretty badly, but let me tell you, we were all singing praises then!
We pulled off for a long rest and a soda with some caffeine to get us to our next stop. Lord, I know you are keeping me going everyday, but maybe I don't need to know all the horrible things you hold back for me.
We were hoping to meet and share with a lot of folks on this trip and God has made a new acquaintance for us at each campground. Destiny and her mom at the KOA in Oklahoma. Dee and her family in Missouri, who brought us homemade popcorn our last night there. Eleanor, a pharmacist and her Mom, Bridgette and her two children Colin and Reagan in Ohio. We made several friends in Williams, AZ. The only place we met no one was Albuquerque. That place was a little scary and we didn't stay long.
For the most part, people are friendly. If they think we're weird because we are Christians or because we home school, they don't say anything. The only fellow believers we've met were in Williams. but, there is a lot more traveling left to do!
Anyway, enjoy the slide show!
I will write more in detail about some of the fun things we've done the last few days, but I thought I would attach a slide show of just the whole route 66 trip. It has been quite an experience traveling this route. I traveled it many times with my family when I was a child (never the actual route 66, but route 40). Nathaniel and Aaron got very good at spotting the old route 66 alongside our highway. It would disappear for awhile and then pop up again.
So far, everyone is a good traveler except me. They do ask how much longer, but for the most part traveling attitudes have been good.
An interesting story I thought I would share. I had one bad headache day. Thankfully, it wasn't on a driving day. It was the worst headache I've had in years. Bad enough to consider having Mark fly back to drive with us for a few days. My whole family prayed. Late that night the headache was gone.
The next morning I was quite queasy and very worn out. We were supposed to travel from West of Oklahoma City all the way to Stanton , Missouri. I was just so thankful to be headache free I kept thanking God for his mercy and healing. Then, I asked a very foolish request. I knew I was doing this trip on God's strength. But I knew I would only make it through that day's driving by God's grace. so I asked Him to reveal to us some of the ways He was watching out for us that day.
Well, by noon, I had been pulled over in Oklahoma. Ten miles too fast in a construction zone. The speed limit was 75 and then slowed down to 65, then 55. Apparently it slowed down again to 45, or so the officer informed me. When I explained to the officer that I managed to see all of those signs, but I was in the middle of a Latin lesson with the kids, so I must have missed that last sign, he actually laughed out loud. We taught him a few Latin phrases (not sure where he'll use them) and he sent us on our way with another laugh and just a warning. Thank you, Lord!
A few hours later, I turned on the praise CD I had made. I was slapping my face to keep awake, so I decided it was time to sing. In the middle of a Jana Alayra song, I heard that loud buzzing sound from the grooves on the side of the road. I opened my eyes to see that we were in the passing lane (I had been in the right hand lane) and heading for the concrete divider. God was definitely driving for me. That shook me up pretty badly, but let me tell you, we were all singing praises then!
We pulled off for a long rest and a soda with some caffeine to get us to our next stop. Lord, I know you are keeping me going everyday, but maybe I don't need to know all the horrible things you hold back for me.
We were hoping to meet and share with a lot of folks on this trip and God has made a new acquaintance for us at each campground. Destiny and her mom at the KOA in Oklahoma. Dee and her family in Missouri, who brought us homemade popcorn our last night there. Eleanor, a pharmacist and her Mom, Bridgette and her two children Colin and Reagan in Ohio. We made several friends in Williams, AZ. The only place we met no one was Albuquerque. That place was a little scary and we didn't stay long.
For the most part, people are friendly. If they think we're weird because we are Christians or because we home school, they don't say anything. The only fellow believers we've met were in Williams. but, there is a lot more traveling left to do!
Anyway, enjoy the slide show!
Wednesday, June 10, 2009
Wednesday, June 3, 2009
The Grand Grand Canyon
I've never heard Nathaniel say "Wow!" so much! That boy is getting harder to impress, yet he was very impressed the two days we spent exploring different sights of the Grand Canyon. Mark and I hadn't been there since our honeymoon and the kids had never been.
We worshiped Sunday in a small church in Williams, then headed up Hwy 64 for the afternoon. We went to all the popular spots in the main area, like Mather's Point and Yavapai. We hiked out to Yaki Point rather than take the shuttle and saw just amazing views. The weather was cool and we got to see the canyon at the best time--sunset.
We ventured down the mule trail that goes to the bottom of the canyon just for a few twists and turns, but our two middle boys were a little too adventurous for our peace of mind and none of the kids had really great shoes. The little pebbles on the path make for a slippery, but quick way down!
On Monday, we drove out toward Desert view (not dessert!-previous post). We really enjoyed the ruins at Tusayan point and hiked the short nature trail. We then went to Desert View and climbed the Watchtower. This is the view of the Canyon that allows you to see the Colorado River down at the bottom. As you can see from the pictures, we were there in the middle of the day, so the colors look a little washed out, but it was still an amazing view.
We of course, had to top off such a great day with our second trip to "Twisters", the Route 66 soda fountain and ice cream shop. What an amazing way to experience the wonder of God's creation and a great lesson for the kids on the catastrophic proportions of the flood.
Well, its late and I am tired from all that hiking. Hope the pictures load better this time!
Tuesday, June 2, 2009
Monday, June 1, 2009
Get your kicks on Route 66!
Doesn't this look like Luigi's tire shop? Just below we have a diner, below that is a real manuscript page by Charles Dickens. This was on the train for "A Christmas Carol" . Finally, Nathaniel is a fan of old gas stations and Hannah, Mark and Micah pose in front of a Williams shop built in the 1800's.
Well, after not getting off on Thursday until 3:30 in the afternoon, we thought we were off to a rocky start. We arrived at our first destination in Needles, CA at 11:30 pm and didn't get tucked in until close to 1:30 am!
The kids weren't sure what to expect in this dessert town. They couldn't see anything when we pulled in. But I have to say, when I was walking Lilly at 6 am the next morning and it was already well into the 90's I figured I should go back and wake everyone to get out while we still could!
I restrained myself. Everyone was so tired and we didn't have far to go that day. So we all took a swim to cool off and before leaving town ate breakfast at a route 66 diner. The kids enjoyed the Route 66 memorabilia and were beginning to feel like the town was a little familiar. As a matter of fact, some of the signs and buildings looked very much like the drawings in the movie, "Cars".
When we left at noon, the temp had reached 107 degrees! In May! The people are pretty friendly, but I don't think I would go back unless it was winter.
Within two hours of leaving Needles, the landscape changed drastically. We went from dry, barren, cactus ridden territory to lush green meadows and scrub pines. In another hour, we were in the town of Williams, surrounded by tall ponderosa pines, pinyon pines and green, green grass everywhere. The temperature had dropped to 70 as we gained over 6000 feet in elevation.
We spent the rest of that day and the next just relaxing and exploring Williams, AZ. Riding bikes, taking long walks and playing tourist was as exciting as we wanted to get. On Saturday afternoon we decided to tour the historic Route 66 town. It is filled with buildings that are over 100 years old. It is a mix of Old West and 1950's era shops and attractions. We shopped and talked and bargain hunted. Our first real stop on this cross country trip and Hannah already had her moccasins, and the boys had their wooden rubber band guns they were hoping to find.
We were also able to tour the Grand Canyon rail station, with a special train promoting the Disney movie "A Christmas Carol". We saw great graphics, beautiful Dickens era art and real manuscript pages written by Charles Dickens.
And we thought Needles had scenes from the movie cars! We saw an actual tire shop that looked like a drawing of Luigi's tire shop. Another building looked like Doc hudson's garage. I think we know where the animators did their traveling for inspiration.
We topped the day off with a trip to a real old fashioned soda fountain. The kids actually tried real ice cream sodas. (I never really knew what they were) We were rested and ready for our adventure at the Grand Canyon...
Sunday, May 24, 2009
May 24
Happy Birthday David! Boy what a day. You would think after sixteen years we wouldn't think so much about this day. But as every parent knows, your child, whether living or gone home to heaven is a part of you. You might as well cut off your arm and never think about it anymore. While my heart feels somewhat sad and heavy, primarily I feel thankful. I am thankful for all my children, no matter how short their lives are, because they are eternal. I am so thankful that Jesus died to bear the punishment for our sins, so that not only can we experience eternity with Him, but our children can also.
I am thankful that, as my children have all professed Jesus as their Savior, we will spend eternity together! I am also profoundly thankful for all the blessings God lavishes on us so that we can experience His love and strength while muddling (is that a word?) through this world.
Yesterday I had the worst attitude. David's birthday is always a good day, but a hard day for our family. But it is good because we plan for it. However, it never fails, the days leading up to it are not so hot. I have to confess, I had a bad day on Friday and yesterday was looking even worse. By the time I got home from a morning errand, I was in a rotten mood. To top it off, because of Memorial Day traffic, we were now going to be late for my brother's surprise birthday bash! But as I pulled in the driveway, Mark and Nathaniel literally ran to the car and started unloading Costco purchases (by the way, I don't recommend going to Costco on Mem. Day weekend). Within a few minutes Mark and all the children had taken care of everything. Hannah rushed around asking me what she could do to help. Everyone was ready within minutes. They didn't even say a word about all the growling and grumping I was doing. They just helped. Boy does that deflate a bad attitude.
Later, at the party, I was able to visit with almost my entire family. It was a really nice afternoon. I got to hold my niece, Elizabeth who is six months old and looks like a porcelain doll. She weighs a whopping 14lbs. I am so thankful that in the midst of my pity parties and bad attitudes God still finds ways to remind me He loves me.
As we drove away in the evening, I opened a gift my Mom had given me earlier. She had just told me to stick the bags in the car for later. One bag was a gift set for soaking in the tub, (how does she always know ?) in the other was a beautiful candle and a card for all of us that said she was remembering David on this special day and praying for all of us. Bad attitude definitely gone. Thankfulness is overwhelming.
As I look at the time and realize I have to get ready for church, I feel so thankful. Remember to thank God for every good gift today. It really chases away the bad attitudes.
I am thankful that, as my children have all professed Jesus as their Savior, we will spend eternity together! I am also profoundly thankful for all the blessings God lavishes on us so that we can experience His love and strength while muddling (is that a word?) through this world.
Yesterday I had the worst attitude. David's birthday is always a good day, but a hard day for our family. But it is good because we plan for it. However, it never fails, the days leading up to it are not so hot. I have to confess, I had a bad day on Friday and yesterday was looking even worse. By the time I got home from a morning errand, I was in a rotten mood. To top it off, because of Memorial Day traffic, we were now going to be late for my brother's surprise birthday bash! But as I pulled in the driveway, Mark and Nathaniel literally ran to the car and started unloading Costco purchases (by the way, I don't recommend going to Costco on Mem. Day weekend). Within a few minutes Mark and all the children had taken care of everything. Hannah rushed around asking me what she could do to help. Everyone was ready within minutes. They didn't even say a word about all the growling and grumping I was doing. They just helped. Boy does that deflate a bad attitude.
Later, at the party, I was able to visit with almost my entire family. It was a really nice afternoon. I got to hold my niece, Elizabeth who is six months old and looks like a porcelain doll. She weighs a whopping 14lbs. I am so thankful that in the midst of my pity parties and bad attitudes God still finds ways to remind me He loves me.
As we drove away in the evening, I opened a gift my Mom had given me earlier. She had just told me to stick the bags in the car for later. One bag was a gift set for soaking in the tub, (how does she always know ?) in the other was a beautiful candle and a card for all of us that said she was remembering David on this special day and praying for all of us. Bad attitude definitely gone. Thankfulness is overwhelming.
As I look at the time and realize I have to get ready for church, I feel so thankful. Remember to thank God for every good gift today. It really chases away the bad attitudes.
Tuesday, May 19, 2009
Nine Days and counting
In nine days, we will be leaving on our cross country trip. I thought I would be more excited at this point than I really am. While we will continue schooling for part of the trip, there will be no more housework (except in a 30 x 8 ft trailer), no more weeding, no more projects to get done, no more appointments and driving all over the place. Wait a minute, strike that last one. Why am I not more excited?
Maybe it is the constant comments from friends like, "Wow, you're brave", that have me wondering if I am a little crazy to do this trip. Maybe it is the four different lists that cover notebook paper of things that have to be accomplished before I go. Maybe, it is the prospect of being away from Mark so long and home for even longer. (Mark is coming with us part way and meeting us later, too!)
I always used to love adventure. Parenting has grounded me a lot more. Isn't parenting enough of an adventure in itself? In January, the prospect of this adventure sounded exciting. In April, it seemed a little too close. Now in May, it is positively frightening.
We have prayed a lot about this trip. I am fairly certain we have God's blessing and will also have His protection. I am completely certain that this trip will cause some growth and stretching in my relationship with my heavenly Father. Could that be what I'm afraid of? Our goal with this trip was for our children to experience God in a way they hadn't before. We truly felt some time at this camp, "Summer's Best Two Weeks" would help them do that. Then of course, the trip cross country will be amazingly educational. But, I wasn't thinking about my own growth. Being away for half the summer with four kids and no husband much of the time will definitely stretch my patience, my grace and certainly my strength. I like growing closer to Jesus by experiencing nice things--long walks, beautiful scenery, rest and relaxation and being able to enjoy God's blessing. That is what I planned on with this trip. yet as it draws closer I am thinking more of the days of driving, setting up camp, preparing dinner, teaching four children in the car while we drive and falling in to bed in exhaustion each night, or worse--not being able to sleep because I am nervous about where we are staying. Yes, I believe I will be the one to grow this summer. I pray that I am easily taught. Please pray with me and for all of us.
Maybe it is the constant comments from friends like, "Wow, you're brave", that have me wondering if I am a little crazy to do this trip. Maybe it is the four different lists that cover notebook paper of things that have to be accomplished before I go. Maybe, it is the prospect of being away from Mark so long and home for even longer. (Mark is coming with us part way and meeting us later, too!)
I always used to love adventure. Parenting has grounded me a lot more. Isn't parenting enough of an adventure in itself? In January, the prospect of this adventure sounded exciting. In April, it seemed a little too close. Now in May, it is positively frightening.
We have prayed a lot about this trip. I am fairly certain we have God's blessing and will also have His protection. I am completely certain that this trip will cause some growth and stretching in my relationship with my heavenly Father. Could that be what I'm afraid of? Our goal with this trip was for our children to experience God in a way they hadn't before. We truly felt some time at this camp, "Summer's Best Two Weeks" would help them do that. Then of course, the trip cross country will be amazingly educational. But, I wasn't thinking about my own growth. Being away for half the summer with four kids and no husband much of the time will definitely stretch my patience, my grace and certainly my strength. I like growing closer to Jesus by experiencing nice things--long walks, beautiful scenery, rest and relaxation and being able to enjoy God's blessing. That is what I planned on with this trip. yet as it draws closer I am thinking more of the days of driving, setting up camp, preparing dinner, teaching four children in the car while we drive and falling in to bed in exhaustion each night, or worse--not being able to sleep because I am nervous about where we are staying. Yes, I believe I will be the one to grow this summer. I pray that I am easily taught. Please pray with me and for all of us.
Sunday, March 8, 2009
Welcome
This is my first official post on our first official blog. This blog is for the LLOYD family. I have gone through two Christmases having written a letter to send out to friends and family that have never actually gotten sent. Christmas cards didn't even go out. With this serious lack of communication with loved ones, I decided it was time to do something.
It is so hard to keep in touch with family and friends that I decided this might be a good way to do that. Please be patient with me as I am just learning. I am not the most computer literate person.
I believe I will start with our last two Christmas/New year letters, if I can figure out how to cut and paste them on.
I may only be able to post every couple of weeks, but I am gearing up for summer and our cross country trip. That is when this blog will really get interesting. In the meantime, know that you can check back periodically to see what is going on with our family.
God Bless you on this, the Lord's day.
Stephanie
It is so hard to keep in touch with family and friends that I decided this might be a good way to do that. Please be patient with me as I am just learning. I am not the most computer literate person.
I believe I will start with our last two Christmas/New year letters, if I can figure out how to cut and paste them on.
I may only be able to post every couple of weeks, but I am gearing up for summer and our cross country trip. That is when this blog will really get interesting. In the meantime, know that you can check back periodically to see what is going on with our family.
God Bless you on this, the Lord's day.
Stephanie
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