Cousins Camp

David & Lily came home to the States and we all gathered up with Papa Joe for 3 days of camping. We did so many fun things together. One of the best was the fort that Papa Joe helped us build.

David has grown up so much. He quickly became a favorite to all of the kids.
Of course, we added a little swimming to our time together.



Papa Joe & Mama T treated the kids to a trip to the carnival. We rode rides and played games. It was the end to a really fun day!

Celebrating Her 65th Birthday!

Last weekend, I traveled to Michigan to celebrate my Mom's 65th birthday. It was a really fun day. I went by myself which was a much needed break, but also allowed me to truly enjoy spending time with my 3 sisters and mom. We took Mom out for little makeover and lunch.

The party was that evening. It was so much fun to see Mom's friends and family surround her and celebrate her birthday.

Happy Birthday Mom! I love you.

For the Love of the Game

Spring is one of our favorite times of the year as a family. Lynnea begins her season of softball and Joseph and Benjamin start back up with Pee Wee Baseball. It is so much fun to spend our evenings at the ball park seeing our friends and playing a game we love!

Jason really gets into the season!

Memorial Day Weekend

We loaded up and headed to Papa Joe's house for Memorial Day camping. It was a great time to be outside and enjoy some baseball, cooking over the campfire and lots of good family time. I didn't take many pictures, but here are a few...

Joseph requested that Papa Joe teach him how to play the guitar for when "he and Evan start their band". Papa Joe was very patient.

Of course, Lynnea wanted some help strumming out to "You Aint Nothing but a Hound Dog"

We visited a Memorial Day service. It was so good to be reminded of the price paid for freedom in our country. It was a blessing to share this with our children.

Doing Life Together

The longer we are married, Jason and I become more convinced about the importance of friends walking alongside each other to sharpen, encourage and enjoy one another. One of our favorites is the Gates family. We met them several years ago in a church small group. Our values are so much the same and we live life very similar. The Gates have 6 boys, 5 that are the same age as our boys. We understand the challenges of having a larger family together and celebrate the joys of marriage, parenting and even greater, our walks with Christ. It's always a blessing to spend time together! (One of their boys and Lynnea were gone on this night together.)

Joseph and Jake have been the best of friends. They are so much fun to enjoy!

Their twins are #4 & #5 too and are the same age as Isaac.

Caleb & Benjamin are the oldest and we always compare to see who has gotten taller.

Growing Up

Our Sunday School class has been working through "Growing Kids God's Way" by Gary and Anne Ezzo. It has been such a great reminder to me of the time it takes to truly raise great kids that love God and have a heart for those around them. I began praying that God would help me slow down and take the time to "train" my children, not just throw out empty threats and miss great teachable moments. God has been so faithful in answering my prayer. I am so thankful to see changes in their hearts and the ways we relate to one another. I still have my moments, but they are fewer and farther between. Working through the concepts from GKGW has renewed my excitement to be a part of my children growing up.

Frosty the Snowman

Snow came to our world back in December and the kids took to the snowsuits and snow everyday. They worked really hard to make their snowman. Brittany is a friend from church who the kids adore. She helped out on this particular day and they loved it. I just love the intensity of putting together the final touches.

Boys Will Be Boys!

For some time, I have wanted to find a play kitchen for my boys. We used to have one for Lynnea that was in pretty bad shape. I got rid of it thinking that the boys would have other interests. However, they love to play with "food" and play with other children's kitchens when they have them. Over the weekend, God gave us a kitchen! It is so much fun! The kids have set up several times, cook food and prepare for each other.

This is what I wasn't expecting, but should have known it was coming....You gotta love it!

Can they really be "4"???

I took these pictures last fall and forgot all about posting them. It was so much fun. Noah and Samuel loved being on a "photo shoot" all by themselves.

Noah's pretty smileSamuel flashes his pearly white teeth tooI love watching them laugh (especially at each other).

I will try and put out some pics of the big party next time!