Our Life

Maryland Friends

2009-09-13T16:29:00.010-04:00

One of the best things from last year if not the best are the people that God brought into my life. I moved to Maryland not knowing what to expect about anything and all I can say is that I experienced God's blessing more abundantly than I ever could have asked or imagined through these dear friends.

The day we moved into our town house Helen Lowe came over with a loaf of friendship bread. My head was in the clouds at the time and I was utterly exhausted so I don't remember much of our first interaction other than her kindness and how cute she was: short, blond and six months pregnant. My second memory of Helen was on a Sunday afternoon and we were sitting outside while the kids and husbands were playing something. That was when I first learned of Matt's brain tumor and first experienced Helen's incredible faith in God. I was amazed at her acceptance of whatever the Lord had for her and her family. Matt and Helen had moved from Michigan a few years prior. They had left a beautiful home, their life, family and friends to be apart of Covenant Life Church. At the present time Matt had already undergone two brain surgeries and sometimes frequent, sudden seizures. Matt and Helen have six, wonderful, vivacious, creative and loving children (she was preg. w/ the sixth when I met her). During that Sunday afternoon conversation with Helen my heart was immediately knit to hers. I told Eric that I didn't think I'd be able to move away from Maryland in June and leave her and this was only one week after being there. In my journal I wrote that I had wondered if the real reason God had us in Maryland was because of the Lowes. It was a highlight of the year to help Helen and Matt and to have the oppurtunity to know and love their family. I miss her so much. I miss making a pot of coffee in the afternoon and taking it over to her house only to be continually interrupted by Ollie. I miss encouraging each other on South Beach and talking about how much weight we were going to loose. I miss watching her kids and listening to the boys talk about "Clone Wars" or building Legos together. I miss Emma coming over for a very short lived math class but always apologizing for being too early or too late. I miss Ollie always wanting to give Annie a treat and Dalton being Dalton. I miss our double dates, hanging out on Sunday nights as couples, coming over for a glass of wine after a long day, Matt's friendship with Eric and just living life together as neighbors.
Betsy Ricucci is one the most encouraging people I have ever met. What's truly special about her encouragement is that it is entirely and completely built on a solid understanding and genuine belief in the gospel. She truly is amazing the way she builds others up. If you were to share in a ladies meeting something your were struggling with - her focus wouldn't be on your sin but on the reality that God is at work in you, showing you your sin, bringing conviction and that it is the same spirit and power that is showing you that is going to help you. She'd be so excited and rejoicing with you at God's work in your life and heart. She's the ultimate cheerleader in faith, hope and godliness. The first time I met Betsy was at a lunch for the wives. She stood at the door with a big grin, a hug, communicated gratefulness to all of us for our sacrifice to come and then she said "I so look forward to learning from you" What? Well at the end of the year Betsy and Gary had a list of all the things that they had learned from each of us. I was awed by their humility and belief that because God was at work in each of us that there were real ways to encourage us. Betsy is, as someone said last year, one of the most quotable people you want to write down. If I wasn't in a conversation with her then I wanted to listen to her in a conversation with someone else. I'd be encouraged, faith and hope would be built because she was always sharing victorious truths of the gospel. I had met Julie Purswel years ago but didn't really know her. I am so grateful for the oppurtunity to become friends with her. Julie, like Betsy, is also very kind, encourgaing and gracious. The first week at Pastors' College I received a birthday card and journal from her. That was the first of notes, offers to pray and encouragement that I would receive. Watching Julie up close was a treat. Her love for her husband, Jeff and her two boys was joyful and lively. She was an encouragment how she served her family and especially how she released Jeff to serve the College, Covenant Life Church and Sovereign Grace Ministries. Again, her life and actions were because of a deep love for her Saviour, to bring him pleasure with her life and a love for others which was manifested in the many ways she sacrifices of herself for those whom Christ shed his blood. I don't even think she considers her life a sacrifice but rather a joy and priviledge to serve.
Jen Lockhart (Good Friends post) was another PC wife and neighbor. I really, really miss Jen so much and if I think about if for more than a nano-second I get all weepy. Jen, like Helen, was one of those people you could just hang with. I loved finishing up school, letting the kids loose and getting to visit with Jen. She is so humble and laid back. Jen would always be asking questions about stuff and my favorite that she would regular ask was just "what are you having for dinner tonight". Everyday, Sarah would want to go over to Jen's to play with Ezra and Ella and most days she did go over. When we left Maryland it was so hard for us to say goodbye to the Lockhart family. Sarah cried for weeks and had set up what Rachel and I called the "Lockhart altar" with their family picture. She's doing better......on most days.
Amanda Jordan and Tiffany Hansen were in my fellowship group last year. I am so grateful that the three of us were put together. I was encouraged and provoked all year by these ladies humility, faith and wisdom. Though our times to get together were sporadic I really, really miss it and them. Unfortunately, they both happen to live very far - Texas and Arizona so I won't be able to catch up with them any time soon. Missing all the dear friends that God blessed me with last year makes me long for Heaven when we'll all be "home" together.

First Week of School

2009-09-12T17:55:00.004-04:00

I can hardly believe that the long awaited summer and move back to Chesapeake is over and that school has started. What's even crazier is how the weather has dramatically turned and feels like fall. School started for us on Tuesday which was a bit hard to do since we just got back from vacation last Sunday and had Matthew's birthday on Monday. I have a real love/hate thing with school (homeschooling actually) but I always seem to find myself full of faith and motivation in the beginning of the year. I am especially looking forward to this year so far because Rachel and Ryan are taking classes at our church's homeschool enrichment program. Rachel is taking pre-algebra, a painting class and a second year classical literature class in which she'll be reading Augustines Confessions, Beowulf, The Inferno, Le Morte D'Arthur, Utopia, The Faerie Queen,The Once and Future King, Gawain and the Green Knight, Shakespeare and others. The other three kids are doing a similar literature class with the same teacher but for younger kids. Ryan is taking a math class and drawing 2. Both Rachel and Ryan's art classes are taught by a wonderful teacher who really does well in bringing out talent and creativity in her students. She also teaches art history/appreciation from a God glorifying perspective. The two of them are also taking an online writing course, write@home. Rachel is also in a science class at a friends house that thankfully I don't have to do a thing for. My friend, Melanie and I will be teaching Ryan and her daughter General Science but thankfully Ryan really likes science so he learns a lot on his own with help from Animal Planet and the Discovery Channel. Sarah and Matthew are in a science co-op. We use Real Science 4 Kids and I love it!! They will be studying Chemistry, Physics and Biology. At home Sarah and Matthew are doing Saxon math grades four and five. I also do Bob Jones grammar with the kids - Rachel and Ryan together and Sarah and Matthew together. This has worked so well for us last year to do it two and two instead of four different grades - the kids finally learned something. A new subject for Sarah and Matthew this year is writing. I just havn't made a big deal about it when there's been so much else to do but I bought Susan Wise Bauer's writing book and I love how simple it is and everything is in the book : excerpts from books, dictation, copy work sentences and questions. Then there's Latin in which they watch a dvd and make fun of the instructors huge southern accent. Lastly, is our family favorite - History!!!! We are back in year one studying creation through Rome. The kids just love ancient Egypt, Greek myths and learning about the Romans. This will be our fourth time going this but the first time really (hopefully) doing more hands on projects and crafts. I never had the energy when the kids were younger to make pyramids and such but now that the kids are older it's way easier.

So this past week was really busy with lots of school, Rachel's swim practices and the boys football practices but there was much grace. That's not to say I wasn't tired by ten in the morning, didn't take a couple of naps, went to bed early, got frustrated with the kids when someone wasn't "getting" it or that I wasn't dreaming of next summer to come quickly but that's exactly where I experienced God's grace - when life was it's hardest this week.

Trip to Ohio

2009-05-26T10:50:00.003-04:00

The week after Easter break and having Augie and Heather visit, our family headed to Akron, OH. At the Pastors' College Eric was given two preaching assignments. The first was over Thanksgiving weekend in Brooklyn, NY and the second was at our dear friends' church in Akron. Eric and I have known Jason and Laurie for years. We knew each other before we were all married and we follow a similar time line in marriage, babies and Eric and Jason becoming pastors.

Visiting the Reyes' family and being with their church was a highlight of our year. We were so blessed by the kindness and generousity we received. Laurie is a great host being very hospitable in her home and also took us girls out to a tea room and a local candle/gift shop (can't remember the name of it). Jason and Eric took all the boys to the Football Hall of Fame and need I say more - my guys were in heaven. After church on Sunday we headed about an hour away from their home to a hotel that has a really fun pool. Our kids had such a great time playing with the Reyes' twin boys, Joshua and Caleb, Izzy and Maggie.

DC with the Cousins

2009-05-26T10:36:00.004-04:00

Our family was thrilled to have Augie, Heather and the kids come visit us over Easter weekend. Augie was very generous and used Hilton points to get both families a room right in the center of DC. The last time they had come up was when we moved up to Maryland and we went into DC then too. Both trips were pretty funny. Last August it was so incredibly hot and we were dying of thirst. The kids were so tired from walking, blisters on feet, etc. It was so crazy you just had to laugh. Well this visit was pretty funny too. Instead of it being hot it we had cold rain. Cold rain, a least an hour wait outside to get into the American History Museum, only two umbrellas between eleven of us and not nearly enough warm clothes. This is definitely something I love about Eric and Augie and their brothers is that nothing keeps them from experiencing all that they can out of life!! My camera battery died that morning so I don't have any pictures of that day but I do from the day before which was beautiful and we were very grateful to still be able to see the Cherry Blossoms.

We taught Augie and Heather to play Settlers of Catan - Augie won

Easter Morning

Elise and ....yes, that's Sarah

Cherry blossom at the Jefferson Memorial

Boys are so easily pleased

Sarah and Elise....they spent two days walking around DC like this

Getaway in Williamsburg and Washington DC

2009-05-26T10:06:00.007-04:00

Back in April, Eric and I were able to go to DC for a couple of days. We had a whole list of things we wanted to see and do without the kids so as a "thank you" to me for our move Eric planned a trip. We went to Ford's Theatre and the Peterson House where Lincoln died. We went to the Portrait Gallery, Art Museum and the Holocaust Museum and interspersed was a lot of walking from the Capital to the Washington Monument - from the White House to the Jefferson Memorial.

Room and bed where Lincoln died

Peterson House directly across the street from Ford's Theater

Ford's Theater

Portrait Gallery

Balcony where Lincoln was shot

In March we celebrated our fourteenth anniversary by spending a couple of days in Williamsburg. We've done this for most of our anniversaries but the past couple of years we've gotten a great package deal for the Williamsburg Lodge plus tickets to the colonial stuff and a gift certificate to any of the Colonial Williamsburg restaraunts or shops. Obviously, this was a great deal for our tight budget.

Williamsburg Inn -never stayed there but we did have dinner there when we got engaged

I wonder if all guys want their picture taken at the Magazine(armory)

Williamsburg Lodge directly across the street from the colonial area

Zoe Joy Courtney

2009-05-26T09:47:00.003-04:00

On February 13th Zoe Joy, my sweet little niece, was born. Here she is at one month.

Crazy weather, a wedding and a birthday surprise

2009-03-10T12:05:00.005-04:00

Here are some pictures from our trip to Virginia last weekend. The pictures are a bit out of order but if I try to rearrange them I'll never get this post done.

The weather in Virginia was beautiful!! What a tease... just days before in Maryland we had a good 6 inches of snow and this week it's back to winter temperatures. Even though the spring like weather came and went all our allergies are in full swing.

It was a busy weekend with two birthday parties, a wedding, hanging with friends till late and sleep overs. One of the best parts is staying with Augie & Heather and the kids. We miss them so much!

Elise, Claire and Sarah at the Wallis' home for Taylor's party.

The girls and I with Taylor - the birthday girl.

Laura and me at the wedding. I'm so sad she's moving away.

Matthew with his best friend Thomas. We'll miss him so much!

It was a perfect morning having coffee with Augie and Heather while the kids played baseball in the yard.
Rachel and I made ice cream out of the "clean" snow with condensed milk and vanilla. It was really good and obviously very easy. The boys with Hudson.

Ryan got to spend the night with his good friend Benjamin. Can you guess what they did?

Snow

2009-03-01T19:37:00.006-05:00

This morning we woke up to the snow falling and a scenic view outside our window. This wasn't our first snow but it was a surprise. The first time it snowed back in January was really fun. It had snowed a lot all morning and it was on a Monday so Eric and all the other PC dads were home.The kids have loved playing in the snow, sledding down the hill across the street, snowball fights and making snowmen. It has been somewhat of a shock to them just how wet and cold the snow actually is. They come in after playing outside all red faced and shivering. Today the snow melted pretty quickly this afternoon but not before the kids could make a snow fort. I thought they did a pretty good job. Hopefully it will still be there in the morning and they can continue to work on it. We're supposed to have 7-8 more inches by tomorrow afternoon. Though I am eager for springtime weather the snow has been a real treat for the kids.

Oh yeah, I almost forgot that while the kids were out working on the fort Matthew came in crying and gushing blood everywhere. He had stepped on the shovel and it flung up and hit him in the mouth. He survived with just a fat lip.

Sweetheart Banquet

2009-02-26T21:28:00.003-05:00

   Eric and I with Jeff and Julie Purswell
   Eric and I with Brian and Jen Lockhart
   In the ladies' room
   Eric looking so handsome in his suit and without his beard!
   Amanda and Josh Jordan, me and Eric, Jason and Tiffany Hansen - our fellowship group

Good Friends

2009-02-26T16:15:00.003-05:00

This year in Maryland our family has been very blessed to have good friends that live across the street from us. The first day we moved into our town house we met the Lockharts. Brian and the boys helped move all our stuff in and Jen came over later to help unpack. She didn't stay long...I think all the boxes probably overwhelmed her.

Jen and Brian have five kids Noah 10, Micah 7, Hannah 5, Ezra 3, Gabriella 1, and a sixth child due in June and if you hadn't noticed all the endings of the names have the "ah" sound so my Sarah is hoping if the baby's a girl that they'll name it after her. Anyways, our kids became fast friends with theirs. Ryan and Matthew love playing with Noah and Micah. They play anything from football, capture the flag, riding bikes, skateboards, legos and "Spiderwick". One of Sarah's favorite things is to go over to the Lockharts house to play with Hannah and Ezra and especially help with Ella.

Once a month we take turns watching each others kids for care group. We've also been able to keep the kids overnight a couple times this year for Brian and Jen's anniversary and for a wedding. Nine kids in all....it really was quite comical at times getting meals together and getting ready for church.

We love the Lockharts! Eric and I both admire Brian and Jen's humility, love for life, love for their family and others. Eric has been provoked by Brian's example as a Dad and I have been provoked by Jen's love for others more than tasks and her great heart for hospitality. We will be very sad in June to have to say goodbye and I am hoping and praying that baby #6 comes before we all leave here. Sorry Jen.

Rachel's 13th Birthday

2009-02-22T16:33:00.004-05:00

Monday was Rachel's 13th birthday. I can hardly believe she's a teenager. The years have gone by so very quickly and sadly I realize how quick her teen years will go by too.

Rachel didn't want a party nor did she want to go to VB or NYC, all things Eric and I offered, she just wanted to stay here with the family, play Catan and have dinner at Chevy's (she loves their chips and salsa). So that's what we did. Eric took her to a donut shop for breakfast after getting to sleep in as late as she wanted. The other kids and I put up all the streamers, birthday banners and balloons while she was gone. That's a tradition Eric and I have had since the kids were real little and now they love participating in it for each other. We all played Settlers of Catan (even Matthew) then had chicken salad and cucumber sandwiches, cheetos and sprite - all Rachel's favorites. After dinner at Chevy's we came home for another favorite - strawberry cake and ice cream. Helen and Emma joined us and gave Rachel a really cute hat and big earrings which she absolutely loves. Rachel also got the new Stephen Lawhead book, "Tuck" which completes the trilogy she started at Christmas. Eric and I also gave her a claddagh ring as her promise ring.

I'm so proud of Rachel. This has not been an easy year for her moving away from a place she's known all her life, friends and family that are very dear but she has grown in trusting God. While in the process of moving we meditated as a family on Jeremiah 29:11 "For I know the plans I have for you declares the Lord. Plans to prosper you and not to harm you. Plans to give you a hope and a future." Rachel has embraced and meditated on this verse and the fruit of her attitude and faith in God with all the changes and then many unknowns for the future have amazed me. She has been a joy and a delight around the house, with her siblings and I personally have loved this time here in Maryland to hang out with her more.

CHRISTMAS!!!!!!

2009-01-24T12:52:00.004-05:00

This year we spent christmas in PA with our Grandmom and Poppy

Ry Sarah Matt and our cousin Mikey

Uncle Joey and Aunt Sheena with little Zoey due in Febuary.

The boys with their matching jackets

Sarah and her first lego set.

My present. The second book is called Scarlet.

Yahtzee

The boys building their Imperial Star Destoryer

Christmas eve

Me and Sarahs pajama pants

Even Annie got a Christmas present:)
By Rachel

Mount Vernon (again)

2009-01-24T12:36:00.004-05:00

In December Mount Vernon allows visitors to go up to the third floor of the mansion. Because the stairs going up to the third floor arnt as sturdy as the other stairs in the mansion, the owners only let visitors up during the month of December.

The tour guide said that every christmas George Washington would rent a camel for his children and grand children. So we got to see a camel.

People making homade chocolate. (yum)

Us in front of the mansion. Yes, we were frezing cold!!!!
Posted by Rachel

Some December Picts

2009-01-24T12:04:00.004-05:00

Mamo and Grandpa always had this statue in their dining room at christmas time. Brings back memories :)
Moms craft
The happy birthday jesus cake
In VA for Sarah, Maddie and Miss Lauras B-Day

Making gingerbread houses. The girls and boys got to do diffrent ones this year.
The boys house.
Matthew always wants a mohawk when we get hair cuts :)
First little bit of snow :)
Annie wants to go outside too :)
Sarah and Emma playing dressups
Boys playing football
Mamo and Grandpa came to visit us......... sooooooo much fun!!!!!!

By Rachel

Sarah's 10th Birthday

2008-12-10T16:36:00.003-05:00

Here's some pictures from Sarah's birthday back in December. Here she's opening the puppy paw blanket that Rachel made for her.
One of our family traditions is decorating the night before with the kids birthday banners and streamers. Well the Rachel, Ryan and Matthew wanted to get into the action this year.
"Sis is 10"
Ryan made a finish line coming down the stairs.
In the morning Eric took Sarah out for her breakfast with Daddy at a local doughnut shop. Her birthday was on a Thursday so we went to "gym day" with the other PC families. Lunch was at home and the kids get to pick their favorite chips and soda to go with their pbj - Sarah picked Cool Ranch Doritos. Then I took her shopping at the Rio. She had made up her mind weeks before that she wanted to do that. I think because the streets were all decorated for xmas. Anyways, we went to Barnes&Noble, Target and Kohl's. It was so much fun hanging. Then it was home for a steak dinner with sweet potatoes, salad and chocolate pie.

The First One

2008-10-31T15:58:00.002-04:00

I just noticed Marie's awesome entry! Here's the first picture of all 4. Sorry it's grainy.

Eric

A Williamsburg Tradition

2008-10-29T16:19:00.014-04:00

Almost every spring and fall for the past eight years or more we've taken a drive up to Williamsburg and taken pictures of the kids. Here's a collection of pictures in front of the Governor's Palace.

Rachel and I got a real kick out of this sequence of pictures from 2003.

Fall 2004

Spring 2005

Spring 2006

Fall 2008

A Week in Virginia and a Family Wedding

2008-10-21T16:37:00.007-04:00

Last Monday the kids and I headed down to Virginia for Eric's cousin's wedding. We stayed at my brother and sister in law's house and spent lots of time with them and the cousins. We were also able to spend time with other friends thru out the week and some various appointments. The weather had been beautiful all week and then unfortunately when all the wedding festivities began a wet and cold front came in. Though the majority of the events were planned for outside we made the best of it and had a great time.

Elise on her new point shoes!

Gordon was so cute. He had made a list of things he wanted to do with the boys like play soccer, ninjas and playmobile then he would cross it off the list.
Eric's cousin Greg and his wife Elka from Arizona stayed at Augie and Heather's too. This is their son Tre. All the kids just loved having a baby around.
Rachel was able to spend a day with Rebekah and Avery.
Heather and I with our girls and Michelle.
Elka, Michelle and Aunt Dianne - Jeff's mom.
Friday evening we all went to the Oceanview Pier for dinner. It was so chilly, wet and windy that night so we couldn't hang outside but it was great to be able to see all the family and the walk up the pier to the restaurant was a blustery adventure. This is Eric's cousin Sean and his wife Katie. They're expecting twins!
Eric's cousin and Sean's brother Joel and his wife Kathleen.
My boys with Jeff's brother, Mark and Eric's youngest brother, Brian.
Jeff and Michelle at the reception. It was beautiful.
Eric with good friends Matt Davis and Maggie Smith.
Gordon with Uncle Rob, another one of Eric's brothers.

Gettysburg

2008-10-11T16:56:00.004-04:00

The kids have been studying the Civil War the past couple of weeks. This part of Maryland has been great for field trips including ones for the Civil War. A couple of weeks ago the kids and I went to Manassas where the Battle of Bull Run was fought. Last Monday we went with Eric to Gettysburg, PA only a little over an hour away. Eric was excited to go since he's read a number a books on the war and about the battle at Gettysburg. It was helpful to have him there. Also, a neighbor lent us the auto tour cd that took us all around the area and explained what happened at the stops along the way. Before the tour we went to the new visitor's center where they had a very well done museum, a short movie and the cyclorama of the Battle of Gettysburg (a circular picture of the battle painted soon after the war). It was well worth it but sadly all the details of the war got lost on me even after watching the movie Gettysburg. Here's some pictures of some of the battle fields. You can see on the right side of this picture a statue. There are statues and memorials all over honoring the different states, men, etc. The battle began west of this barn (McPherson's Barn) on the first of the three day battle.

This is the Eternal Light Peace Memorial where 75 years after the battle 1800 Civil War Veterans gathered to dedicate this monument. The following picture is the view opposite this where a battle took place.

This is the far right flank that began to crumble on the first day. The Union army was forced to retreat through the town.

If you've seen the movie, this is the Lutheran Seminary where Buford looked out over the fighting the first day.

This is the memorial to the "sons of Virginia" and that's Robert E. Lee on top. What's been interesting studying the Civil War is that my kids keep asking "what side where we on". They have come to consider themselves Virginians since we've moved to Maryland. When people ask them where they're from that's what they say not Virginia Beach or Chesapeake. They'll cheer when we cross over the Potomac back into Virginia when we go places, they'll say how much they miss Virginia. They're also really glad that we're moving back to Virginia after PC even though it's not the beach. So there you have it - my kids are self proclaimed Virginians but have had a difficult time with being a Confederate State.

Little Round Top on the left where Chamberlain and his men heroically defended the left flank which would have been devestating for the Union if they had given up that ground. Big Round Top is to the right.

Unrelated to the Battle of Gettysburg the house in the distance along the trees was Pres. Eisenhower's home.

Little Round Top.

A Visit from the Williams

2008-10-09T21:31:00.004-04:00

This past weekend our dear friends, the Williams, came up from Virginia to visit us. It was Thomas' birthday on Sunday and he wanted to spend it with Matthew. We were honored, blessed and thrilled to see our friends. They came Saturday evening and our family was able to show their family our new neighborhood and new friends. We had dinner together and then made smores on the back deck. None of the pictures really turned out from the fire...oh, well.

The girls all stayed in the basement and had a great time playing around.

Matthew and Thomas on his 9th birthday. Aren't they too cute!

After church we went into DC to the Museum of Natural History, played football on the mall, waited in line forever at the National Archives but got to see the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution, power walked with Laura up to the Lincoln Memorial and saw the sights along the way.

The excitement of the museum was too much for the guys.

Alexis and Rachel, the birthday buds.

It was a beautiful day!

I know this looks kind of funny but Alexis and Sarah are so sweet together.

This view was really cool - not my picture but the real view. It was from the back of the Lincoln Memorial and I don't remember if I'd ever gone back there before. The view is the Memorial Bridge over the Potomac and up the road is Arlington Cemetery with the Arlington House above it. And the sun was setting. The opposite view from Arlington Cemetery is really cool too. I'll have to post about that trip when I do a catch up.

Thank you Williams family for coming to visit us. We had a great time with you all and can't wait to see you again next week in Virginia!

Kids in the Neighborhood (by Rachel)

2008-10-03T16:53:00.008-04:00

Gabriella Lockhart. She goes by Ella or Gabby.

I call her Ella.

Micah Lockhart watching the other boys play football.
Hannah and Ezra Lockhart. Their dad is in the PC with my dad. We got to watch all five of the Lockhart kids last weekend. It was crazy with nine kids under one roof.
Dalton Lowe. His family goes to CLC.

(From left to right.) William Wikner, Matthew,

Noah Lockhart, Estabon and Shaheem.

Noah's and William's dads go to the PC.

Ryan, Caleb Briley and Elliot Lowe. The Brileys are in the PC.

My friend Ellie Wikner. She loves to take picts.

Caleb again.
Luke Briley.
Ollie Lowe. The little guy. :)
Hope Wikner.
Noah and Estabon playing football.

Micah, Matthew and Noah with their weapons.
Mattew is holding Ry's bow he carved with his pocket knife.
Sarah and her friend Emma Lowe.

Mount Vernon

2008-09-23T13:19:00.004-04:00

Yesterday, Eric and I took the kids to Mount Vernon the home of George Washington on the Potomac River. We had a great time there. The weather was beautiful, the ride down the George Washington Parkway was pretty, driving thru Alexandria was neat and experiencing Mt. Vernon, learning more about George and Martha Washington was much more enjoyable than I expected. The kids and I read about George Washington last year in history so we were a little informed about him and his home but we definitely learned alot more from our visit.

So here's a lowdown on G.W.

George Washington was born somewhere in the northern neck area of VA to Mary and Augustine Washington. His father owned plantations and died when George was I think eleven. That is also when his education stopped but continued to teach himself with a library that grew into over 800 books. His older stepbrother, Lawrence, inherited Mt. Vernon after their father's death, took care of George and taught him his trade of land surveying. As a land surveyor George Washington was familiar with the land in Virginia and beyond which helped him in his travels and battles against the French and Indians in the Ohio Valley. Though he had helped the British Army tremendously in these battles he was never made apart of the British army. He went back and lived at Mt. Vernon that he now had inherited since Lawrence's death.

At that time Mt. Vernon was only a four room farm house. Over time it had two other expansions out and up making it what it is today. What was amazing about the mansion is although it was big and had quite a few rooms it was in no way overly grand or wasteful. The second floor had five guest rooms and the guide said that in one year they had over 600 guests(or was it 800). Pretty much all the rooms in the house were used and for a variety of purposes too. The estate itself was over 8000 acres, had I think five farms and a distillery. His plantation also had over 300 slaves that worked it for him and helped with household chores. In his will he freed all his slaves and apparently was the only founding father to ever do so.

Then George Washington becomes the general of the continental army, fights thru the Revolutionary War and was a courageous leader. After the war he gives up his position as military leader although people at that time would have made him a king or ruler of some sort but he declines. He goes back to Mt. Vernon to live with Martha only to be unanimously voted as the first president of our country. After serving two terms and again declining to stay in office for longer than one president should (although term limits were not made yet until the 1950's but all but one president since Washington followed his example) he went home to Mt. Vernon. He lived for two years after that, was a healthy man but caught a cold and died less than two days later. Martha Washington could not even attend his funeral because her grief was too much. She locked their bed chamber and spent the rest of her life in a room on the third floor never leaving Mt. Vernon again until her death a few years later.

I feel like I'm one of those kids doing a book report on "Reading Rainbow". What can I say we really liked Mt. Vernon. Aside from the mansion and the grounds there is a new education building that was so cool. It was like a mini version of epcot but all about George Washington. Further proof of how much we liked it - we upgraded our tickets to annual passes. So if you come visit we'll be more than happy to go with you!

The upper garden and the greenhouse

The lower garden
View of Potomac from back porch
Back of the house looking up from river
Kids with view of the Potomac

The poplar tree Washington planted

The National Zoo

2008-09-20T15:14:00.008-04:00

I absolutely love this area. I've been up here in Maryland so many times before for conferences but always in the colder months. I never knew how beautiful the area we are now living in was. One of the things I love so much is all the free stuff we can do so last week the kids and I headed to the National Zoo. It was great! Of course I am an animal lover so obviously I was in heaven but the weather was perfect and the park itself is so pretty. Admission to the zoo is free so you just park and walk in. The parking is expensive so we became official "FONZ" members (friends of the national zoo) so we get free parking. We'll be heading back next week with Eric to check out the bird house and primates. Can you believe my kids didn't want to go see the monkeys? They said that monkeys were "weird and freaky".

The other thing I loved was the drive to the zoo thru Chevy Chase, MD. It's top of my list to visit and walk around with Eric. Along Connecticut Avenue there are all kinds of outdoor cafes, specialty shops and even regular stores but it's so cityish with a trendy yet charming feel. Like maybe the quaintness of Ghent with the real coolness of New York. I don't know why I'm trying so hard to describe this place I've only driven thru especially when this post is supposed to be about our trip to the zoo. I'm getting tired. See why I don't post much!!!

Here's some pics:

Cathing Up

2008-09-20T13:01:00.010-04:00

Well it's been once month since we moved up here to Maryland but it feels like we've been here forever. The Lord has been so kind to our family in allowing this huge uprooting and transition to go so well.

A quick history of how we got here (for Laura Lynn). For the past eleven years Eric has served as an associate pastor and then as executive pastor under Keith Breault but has always wondered if he was gifted and/or called to lead a church in a senior pastor position. So, to keep this brief, the other pastors and men who oversee our church agreed yes and Eric will be most likely planting a church in Charlottesville, VA. Since he never attended Sovereign Grace's pastor's college they also thought that it would be a great opportunity and timing for him to go now. This has all happened very quickly -two months from the time of finding out till moving up here. I cannot be more grateful though for the faith that God has given me and our family. Although this all seemed to come out of nowhere there has been a peace and a definite strong sense that the Lord was leading us to do this. So we put our house up for sale, cried a little, packed up, cried a lot, said goodbye to our dear family, friends and church and here we are.

After being in Maryland for less than a week our family went down to Nags Head for our annual vacation with the Williams and Waskos. It is always great to be together but especially this year. both Laura, Melanie and their families had been away the last week we were in town but the Lord provided special time at the beach house. To see a slide show of our week you can go to Melanie's blog: http://www.waskolife.blogspot.com/

Sarah in the sand

All eleven kids

Ryan skim boardingMatthew on the boogie board
The boys
Taylor and Rachel

Since being back life has been very full. Eric had actually started classes during our vacation so sent back and forth. Once the kids and I were back too we jumped into our new school schedule. It's wonderful!! My husband is a new man and it's all good. Eric now is the one getting up first, making the coffee and overseeing the kids morning "stuff" which includes their quiet time, breakfast and going through First Steps of Faith with Rachel and Ryan. This now gives me time to go walking (which is absolutely beautiful here), have quiet time, shower and get ready for the day. I must confess though that I've been enjoying Eric "lording" over the morning a bit too much and have been sleeping in most days. I'm gonna change all that - tomorrow. Those first couple of weeks I spent getting the house unpacked and set up along with jumping into home schooling. We are pretty much settled now around the house and into the groove of school. Eric has also got into a groove with his school too. Pastors college is way more involved than I think either one of us expected. He has classes Tuesday through Friday from 9 till at least 4. He stays to study until about 6-6:30. We have dinner, spend time with the kids and then studies again after they've gone to bed. On Fridays he stays all evening to study and take his weekly exam. The exam doesn't need to be done until Monday night but he prefers taking it immediately and then using the weekend to do his reading for the upcoming week. That also allows for us to take Monday afternoons as a family day. We have some evening meetings throughout the month and Eric and I are trying to get out on dates to as many ethnic restaurants as possible.

A huge part of our experience here has been our neighborhood. I don't even know how to describe the wonderful experience but I am so amazed at God's kindness in providing for our family. There are five other pastor college families on our street along with other families from the church. There are kids, lots of them, for all my kids to play with. Three o'clock every school day is when playtime begins and they long for it. There is a common area and a little playground behind our house where they play football, or go across the street to the "field" to play, ride skateboards down the bike path or climb trees. When the kids are out the moms are usually hanging out too. I've described the people here as very friendly and very social. It really is hard to believe that most of us have only been here for a month and have grown so close to one another.

Well that's all for now. I do have pictures from our trips into DC and to the zoo that I want to post but I'll do those later. I promise it'll be soon.

Our Life in Maryland

2008-09-16T22:39:00.004-04:00

We are in Maryland! It has been quite a month. After a bunch of very tearful goodbyes we left Virginia on August 18th. We arrived at our new townhouse and had lots of help moving in! Here are a few picts. Marie is planning on blogging and now that we are settled, I'm sure there will be regular updates of our time here in MD. For all who read this - thank you for all of your prayers, your love, care for us, help packing and moving, your kind words and notes, and for the part you have played in our life. We miss all of our friends and family in Virginia more than you know. But, here we are - experience much grace, enjoying the DC area, loving the time together as a family and trying to pass exams! More news to come. (By: Eric)

Last days in Texas

2008-08-08T12:57:00.012-04:00

During the last week in Texas we went to see the Kit movie and
to the American Girl store in Dallas.

Eating cookies and milkshakes at the bistro.

On Thursday us girls went over to Aunt Dianne's house to do flower arrangements

Later that night we went to a restaurant called La Hacienda with the Marshalls.

Riding the horses outside the restaurant. Nash and his root beer bottle.

Posted by Rachel

Lake Texoma

2008-07-17T18:33:00.007-04:00

On Saturday we went up with Samantha to Uncle Tom and Aunt Julie's boat on Lake Texoma. Yes, one side is Texas and the other Oklahoma. We had a great time with the Marshalls celebrating Natalie's 12th birthday. Our kids said it was the best birthday party they'd ever been to. Ryan and Nathan playing a game of cards below deck.
At the end of the day the kids all got a turn to ride the "triple dawg". Here it's Matthew, Nash, Sarah and Ryan.

And then they fell off. The looks on their faces as they watched the boat ride on was so funny. All the kids were very brave though.
Rachel and Samantha.
Ryan, Sarah, Nash and Matthew hanging out on the back deck after their adventure.
Samantha, Rachel, Nadine, Sarah and Natalie at the boat dock.

Sarah
Matthew, Nadine and Sarah.
Aunt Julie's dad was our official boat driver...and Matthew...
...and Ryan.
Naomi in the middle of all the towels used to block the wind so Aunt Julie could light the b-day candles.

Ryan and Matthew on the front deck.
Ryan!
Nash, Nathan and Matthew hanging out on the front.

I didn't get any pictures of when we anchored and got out to swim but it was pretty fun. All the kids wore life jackets and could just jump off the boat, go to shore or just swim in the water. All us adults did the same but could sit in the lifejackets like a diaper to float around. It was nice not having to be afraid of sharks!!

Slumbering Cousins

2008-07-16T23:02:00.004-04:00

I am so glad that we were able to be here at Mamo and Grandpa's with Scott and Katina. The kids had so much fun together swimming and playing. It sure made saying goodbye to them extra hard after such a fun time. Here's a little peek into eight kids strewn about the living room.

Texas Week One

2008-07-16T17:23:00.017-04:00

In an effort to just post something on our trip to Texas before it is actually over here are some pictures. They are in a very random order. We've spent alot of time with the family that lives here in Texas and also with Scott and Katina this past weekend. Aunt Julie, Katina with Travis and me.
Bob, Uncle Tom, Mamo, Aunt Julie and Uncle Dan
Eric, Paul, Sean, Sam, Rachel, Katie and Gracie. The boys at the water park.

Sarah and Travis.
Ryan!!!

Samantha and Rachel.
Katie and Gracie.

Rachel, Nash, Matthew, Natalie, Nathan, Ryan, Nadine, Naomi and Sarah.
The kids at the water park. We went there Friday with Bob, Scott and the kids.
Grandpa with Matthew, Jack and Josh
Table full of cousins.... and a good time!!

The kids at the pool.

Sean and Katie holding Travis

Sarah practicing her flips

Yes, the same picture of the kids because it's too much work to try and delete it.

One of Eric's favorite slides at the water park.

Eric and Sarah on the lazy river.

Sarah and Gracie

Gracie, Naomi and Travis

Eric and the boys

Me and Eric
My silly Matthew taking pictures of himself while I strolled around Hobby Lobby with Aunt Carrol and Mamo.

That's Robyn Marmon and myself at the Cotton Gin in "downtown" Prosper. This is where I saw Dion Sanders who lives down the road.
Aunt Dianne, Mark and Aunt Carrol

It's Good To Be Home

2008-05-25T20:59:00.007-04:00

It's hard to believe it's only been one week since we got home from Florida. It really is good to be back home. The thing we all looked forward to most was seeing Annie (our dog). A good friend, Mimi, kept Annie while we were away. After getting Annie Sunday morning from her we went back to her house for her 40th surprise party. It was lots of fun, yummy food (choc. covered apples dipped in oreo and heath), and lots of kids. And I thought we were the only family that did piniatas. Here's Sarah giving it a try. Matthew attempting to whack it.
And here's Mimi, what a good sport!! Please don't kill me for posting this picture.
You could also say that we're related to Mimi's family. Eric's cousin Joel is married to Mimi's neice, Kathleen. What a cute couple.
The kids were really happy to get back home to their friends and also to their toys. There was a bit of a Lego frenzy happening this past week due to their absence and also inspired by Prince Caspian.

We met the Browns and Williams to go strawberry picking. Here is Alexis and Sarah.

Rachel and Alexis. Here's the boys taking a break from throwing the strawberries at one another and actually picking them.

Ryan....... ......all the kids.......
......and all the strawberries. For dinner we had strawberry shortcake. I used a new recipe that Heather posted on her blog and it was delicious.

Rachel is a mommy's helper to Rebekah. This week we got to watch Avery at our house while Rebekah went shopping. Avery just learned to sit up. Isn't she so cute!
Friday morning was the Homeschool Enrichment's end of the year program. Rachel had been in drawing two and Ryan was in drawing two. They both did a great job.

Friday night babysitting/dance party.

And this is just what I have pictures of. Yes, it's been a full week trying to unpack, laundry, catch up on things from being gone and try to get ready for the next thing but I've enjoyed being back home in our house. I'm enjoying the weather, my front porch, gardening,being done with school, the kids being able to ride their bikes and play with friends, and looking forward to the summer ahead.

Florida II

2008-05-25T16:56:00.007-04:00

Here's the last bit of our Florida pictures. Aren't they cute! One thing I love about our family vacation is the time our kids get to spend with each other without any distractions or any other friends - just them. They played games in the pool, on the beach and even all slept in the same room together.
Sarah would ask me to go out in the water with her but as much as I love the water I also have shark phobia so I usually didn't go out unless Eric went too. Here she is with her daddy.

Sarah trying to swim with the ducks. There were actually alot of pelicans. We would sit on the beach and watch them dive in for fish.

I called Matthew my "wave runner". He would go out and swim and then try to run in as fast as he could to beat the wave. So cute! Hours and hours in the sand.

Our vacation reading. Rachel read Eragon for the fourth time and then she found the Lord of the Rings trilogy at the thrift store. Eric finished This Mighty Scourge, a book about the civil war, and then read Leif Enger's new book, So Brave, Young and Handsome and is still reading Flyboys. I finished An Unsuitable Job For a Woman by P.D. James then splurged and bought the latest No. 1 Ladies Detective Agency book and am onto yet another mystery by Dorothy Sayers, The Nine Tailors.

Peacocks on Longboat Key. These peacocks just run free around a neighborhood. Kind of random.

So we've seen peacocks, pelicans, herrings and alligators all in the wild then at Animal Kingdom we've seen elephants, lions, hippos, rhinos, flamingos, gazelles, giraffes, etc but the thing my kids are really into are all the little lizards around the condo. Every time we went down the driveway the kids were counting how many they could find on the walls 7, 8, 9, 10,.....

I suppose our kids played chess while we were there - I really don't remember but we did play the CSI game that Eric got from the thrift store. We played almost every night and now the kids are intrigued by the CSI characters and their jobs.

We spent the last day at the beach all day so yes, we are sunburned in these last pictures. Eric took us all to the Columbia for our last dinner and then we went to see Prince Caspian.

Johnny Cash

2008-05-25T16:32:00.002-04:00

Okay, I just finished posting on Disney which just took me forever and my brain is becoming mush. While I've been trying to post pics in the right order, remember what we did, write it somewhat intelligently and thank God for spell check, I've been listening to some Johnny Cash. I know that sounds pretty random and odd but after Eric and I saw Walk the Line on tv a few weeks ago I downloaded some songs. Some are from the movie 'cause I actually like Reese Witherspoon and Joaquin Phoenix version a little better like Jackson, It Ain't Me Babe and Wildwood Flower. But there's no replacement for Mr. Cash himself singing Folsom Prison Blues, I Walk the Line and A Boy Named Sue (a very funny song). I don't know how to put a song on the blog from itunes or I'd share.

Disney World

2008-05-25T14:51:00.008-04:00

We took two days from our time at the beach and went to Disney World for the kids' first visit. It was a wonderful jammed pack couple of days. Here are some pics from our "magical" experience before the camera battery went dead on the safari in Animal Kingdom...oh well.

This was the boat ride over from the parking lot to Magic Kingdom. There's Cinderella's castle in the distance and I must say from the outset that I was on the verge of "magical" tears all day.
After entering into the park, Eric told the kids that there are surprises around every corner - and there was grandpa!! The kids and I were very surprised - and I cried.

Riding the fire truck up to Cinderella's castle.

At one point we looked up in the sky to see an airplane begin to write something. JESUS. I teared up again listening to the crowd muffle the name of Jesus.
This picture was on the Swiss Family Robinson's tree house. A personal favorite of mine. It was the first Disney movie I saw in the theater when I was four or five.

One of the family favorites of course was the Pirates of the Caribbean.

The parade.

Another family favorite was the Buzz Lightyear ride. There was a bit of a competition to get the highest score.

Not only were we happy to go to dinner and eat, sit down and sit in air conditioning but we also got to see Goofy, Pluto, Minny, Chip and Dale.

An outstanding fireworks show disney style - very magical.

Our family was blessed with park hopper tickets for another day at Disney so we started the day at Animal Kingdom in the morning then over to Epcot. This is the Mt. Everest ride.

The tree of life. It's hard to see in the picture but there are animal carvings all over. Really cool!

The Lion King show was a favorite - at least for Eric, Bob and myself.

Safari ride.... and then the camera went dead.

Eric was able to get one last picture at Epcot. The kids liked the ride in the golf ball looking thing - Spaceship Earth. Eric and Bob rode the Test Track and Matthew joined them for Soarin' (makes Rachel and I sick). We had dinner in Mexico and enjoyed seeing the 360 movies in China and Canada. A favorite was the movie in France - such beautiful countryside and villages. Then the day ended with a firework/laser show over the lake. And as if we didn't have enough adventure our van broke down on the way back to the hotel but thankfully Eric was able to cruise it into the parking lot. I am actually very grateful that the van died there and we were able to go to bed and then have it towed the next morning while we hung out at the pool. Not only was it an easy trial it was somewhat the icing on the cake for a great couple of days. Eric rode with the tow truck driver who was from Costa Rica and was able to share the gospel with him and attempt to answer a bunch of thoughtful questions the man had and about a brother who had been recently killed. John Piper has a saying "the answer is already on it's way". Eric and I thought the answer coming would be for us (and maybe a new van) but we were able to see that God used our broken down van for Eric to be a minister of the gospel. What a way to end our time!!

Golf on the Beach

2008-05-20T19:10:00.000-04:00

By Eric: Ryan, Matthew and I had a great time with the girls - swimming, shelling, playing games, playing in the sand and in the water. But one thing we did as boys was play golf on the beach. Every day, at low tide, we would have lots of beach to work with. So, we would dig a hole and with our golf clubs try to make a par (3) with plastic golf balls. On the last day Matthew wanted to "design a golf course". He drew his design in the sand, went over the plans with me and we got to work. He wanted it to be a combination of a sand castle and and real golf hole, so we dug the hole and he put the castle mounds and walls together while I worked on the "out of bounds" wall. This hole was also a par three. Below is a picture of Matthew playing his hole and a video of Ryan getting his par on Matthew's first golf course design. (By the way, the water isn't out of bounds and no strokes were assesed if the waves moved the ball!)

Myakka River State Park

2008-05-12T13:56:00.000-04:00

On Friday, we went to Myakka River State Park. It is one of the largest and oldest state parks in Florida. We took a tour on a airboat across the Myakka River. We saw alligators, egrits and turkey vultures.

This aligator was hanging arround the boat before we
started the tour.

the pilot took us to the "Alligator Nursery" where the

alligators lay their eggs. This alligator is laying in the

"Alligator Nursery".

By Rachel Hughes

Florida

2008-05-08T09:44:00.000-04:00

We arrived in Florida Monday afternoon. The trip went well and seemed to go by quickly. We didn't leave until almost three Sunday afternoon and made it just past Jacksonville to a hotel by midnight. The kids watched a movie on Eric's laptop but we mostly listened to Taliesin by Stephen Lawhead.

After such a long drive the adreneline kicks in as soon as we go over the bridge to Lido Key. Here's a pic from the car of Sarasota Bay. It's not the best shot but going over that bridge brings a feeling of being transported into paradise.

After driving down John Ringling Blvd. and going around St. Armand's Circle we head down the road that runs along the gulf to the condo.

Here's the kids playing games. They've been playing everything from checkers, chess, Clue, Jenga and today we all played the CSI game Eric found at the thrift store (eric and I always visit local thrift stores when we travel).

A view from the pool deck looking south at Siesta Key.

The view looking north.

Turn a 180 and there's the pool - and the kids.

The condo up on the fourth floor. We get a great view of the water - I'll try to post a pic of that too.

After getting here Eric took the kids to the beach and I did the usual immediate trip to the grocery store. If I don't go right away I won't want to go at all. Then we went up to the circle for pizza. While walking around Eric saw Dick Vitale eatting dinner with his wife at the Columbia. He went over with the boys to say hello. I had no idea who he was and if you don't either he is an ESPN sports announcer.

So the past few days we've been going to the beach, pool, shelling, long walks and just enjoying being on vacation. Yesterday, Rachel, Sarah and I went up to the circle for our traditional lunch at the Columbia. Rachel and and both had the 1905 salad and black bean soup - it's soooo good. Sarah just had chicken tenders - I guess black beans at home once a week is enough for her.

St. Armand's Circle is such a pretty place - very tropical with palms and hibiscus and lots of other foliage all over. There are a number of restaurants that all have outside eatting and there are lots of other upscale stores to window shop. John Ringling (yes the circus guy) was very influential in the development of this area and designing "the circle". He was also really into art and statues. On his estate down the road on Sarasota Bay he even had his own art museum. Thus the statues all around the circle. These are the only ones Rachel wanted to take a picture of - the rest were nudes.

Yesterday afternoon we stayed at the beach until sunset.

Hopefully I'll post more pics soon. My goal was to post everyday but posting for me is like a chore and well...I'm on vacation.

Intelligent Design vs. Darwinism

2008-04-19T10:28:00.000-04:00

No, this post isn't about my thoughts on such a controversial topic - I just want to send you to another blog by Carolyn McCulley- solofemininity.blog.com. Her post today is about the new documentary "Expelled:No Intelligence Allowed" narrated by Ben Stein. I had no idea that this was out in theaters and am grateful for the news and also the trailer clips and interviews on her blog. I am eager to go see this movie and would urge anyone else to see it and be informed. Yes, as a Christian we undoubtedly believe that God is the creator of all but I know for myself I can then be ignorant of anything else that wouldn't be truth and seems idiotic but anti-God is huge and very sad. I know I said this post wasn't on my thoughts and intellectually I have no place to stand up on a soap box but after watching the trailer of the really, really smart men share their beliefs on science, religion and God I was very grateful to be able to teach my kids science that has God at that center of it all (a little plug for Apologia science curriculum).

Our new friends.

2008-04-01T16:29:00.000-04:00

Every day we feed two ducks which I named Violet and Millard. They are
so cute when we see them waddling across the street back to the
lake.
They come to our house every day for bread. Violet is very greedy. She used to snatch all of the bread before Millard could get any. Now only Violet comes to our house. Yesterday, Violet came into our backyard by sliding under our

picket fence. She came very close to me and Matthew. We hope

she has her ducklings in our yard.
By Sarah Hughes

Rachel turns 12!

2008-02-25T13:48:00.000-05:00

Last weekend Rachel turned 12 and I can hardly believe it. I really need to do a better job taking pictures but here's what we have of her birthday celebration.

Rachel and friends and cousins at Glazenfyre painting ceramics.

Rachel with friends, Helena and Kara, showing off their creations.

The family dinner with her good friend Taylor. And yes, strawberry cake!

Rachel just wanted money for her birthday so she could go shopping and that's what we did Sunday and Monday. We went to all her favorites and sometimes more than once - Michael's, Target, Kohl's, Old Navy and more. And after all that shopping the only place she bought anything was at Michael's. Rachel has learned to make flower arrangements so she bought some supplies and stuff.

Dinner at Jason's Deli - free ice cream.

To top it all off Rachel and I spent the night at Founder's Inn. She just loves it there. Our room was so cozy. "Pride and Prejudice", lots of yummy snacks and breakfast in bed - it was great!!

Happy Valentine's Day

2008-02-14T14:20:00.000-05:00

Last week Melanie took this picture of the kids for me to give to Eric. I am so pleased with how it turned out. I also can't believe how much older the kids are looking. Today we're having a Valentine's party with our science group. Rachel has made cupcakes, brownies and cookies-yum!

Some interesting facts about St. Valentine that the kids and I read yesterday - he lived in Rome around 250 AD, he was a physician and a christian. Gene Veith also says in his blog today that Valentine was a priest. He apparently was the physician of a blind girl who he gave a note to after being imprisoned that was signed "from your Valentine". Valentine was imprisoned for his faith and again according to Mr. Veith was severely beat and beheaded on February 14th. Kind of a depressing thought on such a light hearted day. The anniversary of his death and a Roman holiday was combined later. I'm not a historian so my info. may not be exactly accurate but I am always interested in the origins of such holidays and in the faith of men like St. Valentine and St. Patrick. I love celebrating this day of love with my kids - a day that is rooted in the Gospel of Christ.

"Beloved, let us love one another, for love is from god, and whoever loves has been born of God and knows God. Anyone who does not love does not know God, because God is love. In this the love of God was made manifest among us, that God sent his only son into the world, so that we might live through him. In this is love, not that we have loved God but that he loved us and sent his Son to be the propitiation for our sins. Beloved, if God so loved us, we also ought to love one another." I John 4:7-11

Christmas Break

2008-01-01T15:55:00.000-05:00

Well Christmas break has come to an end and though I never got to stay in my jammies all day, read "Mitford at Home" or hit any of the after christmas sales I couldn't have planned a better more fun time for my kids. Everyday at least one of my kids where having sleep overs at our house or someone elses. We had most of Eric's family over through out the week including his cousin Sean and Katie who visited from Texas. Last night for New Year's we had over the Williams and Wasko families along with our dear friends Jim and Barbara Reynolds.

Rachel and Sarah had a tea party on Saturday with Elise and Claire. The boys were invited to join for some hot chocolate if they behaved. They did.

Scott playing guitar hero.

Our friend Michelle gave Ryan the 2007 Guiness World Records book. Ryan was motivated to try and build a big domino thing.

Sarah on dance, dance revolution.

Rachel on guitar hero.

Eric's cousin Sean with expectant wife Katie. Yeah!!

The family hanging out.

My nephew Jack.

Sarah with the "little girls".

Matthew with my nephew Josh and his new air soft gun.

More Wii.

Christmas Day

2008-01-01T15:17:00.000-05:00

Christmas day was very relaxing and laid back since it was just Eric and I and the kids. It also felt a bit strange - our first Christmas morning without family or friends in a very long time. We did our usual reading of the christmas story, opened presents, did the stockings, had breakfast and then chilled until we went to Augie & Heather's for dinner. Dinner was delicious, simple and a bit unorthodox. Augie made delicious fajitas and we had a spread of other mexican appetizers. Yum! Eric's cousin Joel and his wife Kathleen came over later and we played a game. Also, the kids all put on a christmas play that they had worked on with their cousins and even had rehearsals the week prior. It was a great day being able to hang out with family. I am very grateful for the family we were able to be with and missed very much those who weren't there.

Rachel, Sarah and I made fleece blankets for Ryan, Matthew and Eric. Go Broncos!

Rachel was so sweet and gave Sarah her old and favorite jean jacket.

New fleece vests from Grandmom and Poppy.

The big surprise - a Wii. The kids had no idea they were getting one and it has been so much fun.

Claire is the angel and Sarah is a shepherd.
The heavenly hosts singing "glory to god in the highest"
Sarah and Matthew as shepherds.
Rachel narrating the story, shepherds worshipping Jesus.

Eric's Birthday

2007-12-27T09:33:00.000-05:00

San Diego last January

As I was thinking earlier of all the great things I wanted to share about Eric on the blog and get away with since it's his birthday and he has no say, I began thinking of how grateful I am for all of God's work in his life to make him the wonderful husband and father he is today along with all the family and friends who have been such an important part of his life.

Mamo, for all the years of praying for him and all her children, grandchildren and great grandchildren. While meek and gentle she is the spiritual pillar of her family. A true prayer intercessor and encourager.

Bob and Sharron for obviously being Eric's parents but especially for Sharron's love and hard work to raise her boys as a single mom and then for Bob to come along and love Eric and his brothers as his own sons. Bob is the one who introduced Eric to the piano and then playing for the worship team at church. He has been Eric's greatest influence as a worship leader and musician. I am very grateful for how Bob and Sharron instilled a love for Christ and His church, and a love to serve others. Their examples of seeking God, living for Him, their generosity and so on have had their role in making Eric who he is.

I am so grateful for Aunt Dianne and Aunt Carrol for the love and care they gave to Sharron and the boys. Eric has such fond memories of all them being together. The love and family camaraderie have been a huge shaping influence on him along with their joy and love for life which also includes Eric's Uncle Tom. Uncle Tom was the cool uncle who Eric and his brothers loved to be with and if you've ever wondered why Eric's a Denver Broncos fan well it's all because of Uncle Tom.

Augie and Scott are more than brothers, they are Eric's close friends.

Lastly, I am grateful for the friends that God has blessed Eric with: Brian Wasko a friend for almost twenty years who was also in our wedding, Keith, Brett and the other pastors who Eric not only works with but is good friends with, Clay and Jordan for their pursuit of Eric's friendship and kindness they've shown him, Stephen Williams, Jim Benson, Dean Ademak and others. All of these are Godly men who love and encourage Eric, my dear husband and I thank God for all of you.

Advent

2007-12-25T14:31:00.000-05:00

I love the advent season. I love all the special things we do as a family to prepare for Christmas. I love teaching my kids that the Christmas season is a special time to serve and love others. I especially love celebrating advent by focusing on Jesus. We've used different books and have done it different year to year but the past two years we've used a book called Jesus - The Promised One. It has a devotional for every day of the month of December and a little book, gold pen and stickers for the kids. I was most effected the other day when it said "We would probably not celebrate Jesus' birth unless God accepted His death as a substitute for our death." Focusing on the gospel, Jesus birth, life, death and resurrection, is what makes the Christmas season truly special. It conjures up in me genuine feelings of joy, hope, peace and thankfulness.

This past month has also been incredibly busy with school, basketball, a variety of christmas banquets, parties, decorating, baking, a birthday, shopping, choir practices, seeing the big train display, going to see "A Christmas Carol" at the Wells Theater and "It's a Wonderful Life" at the Naro. Here are some pics of the last month.

Our "Happy Birthday Jesus Cake" for our get together with the Williams and Waskos.
Brian asking some questions about Christmas.
Pulling out the decorations.
Making ornaments for the kid's tree upstairs.
Ryan's work of art.
The kids even decorated Annie.
The christmas tree decorated mostly by the kids with all their ornaments given to them over the years.

The kids all worked on this together thanks to the Napiers.

Christmas goodies for the neighbors including dog treats made by Sarah.
Advent time with daddy strumming a little background carol.

On Christmas Eve all the other pastors and their families came over for dinner before church which included twenty-one children. They are all looking at their christmas sticker books.

Happy Birthday Sarah

2007-12-25T13:32:00.000-05:00

Sarah turned nine years old on December 11th. It was a really fun day. Eric took her to Panera for breakfast as he usually does with all the kids. For lunch we went over to the Wasko's to celebrate with them and the Williams, Madison and Laura are her birthday buddies (share the same b-day). After lunch we went to see Enchanted. The kids and I loved it. Aunt Michelle stopped by to give Sarah her card and in keeping with tradition had a variety of options for what they could do together to celebrate. Then Elise, Sarah's cousin, came down to play and have dinner with us. It was a perfect "Sarah" day spending it with her family and good friends, enjoying the simple pleasures of life, happy and grateful for it all. Oh yes, and she did receive what she asked for: brown pants and a ceiling fan for her bedroom.

Sarah's animal pictures from Williamsburg

2007-12-01T13:14:00.000-05:00

When I went to Williamsburg with my family I saw lots of animals. First, I saw two horses with a carriage. Then I saw two oxen in the middle of the street. After that I saw a really pretty carriage with some more horses. Then I walked over to see the sheep. Sometimes there are baby lambs. As I was leaving I saw a dog and cat in a yard of a colonial house. The most surprising animals I saw were the four monkeys in a tree!

four monkeys in a tree

Catching up on Fall

2007-11-28T13:16:00.000-05:00

The following are random pictures from this fall as I attempt to quickly try to catch up. Hopefully, I'll begin doing a better job taking, downloading and posting our pics.

These two are from soccer. All the kids played this year. Matthew and Sarah were on an undefeated team and Ryan and Rachel were on an older team. We love the soccer season!!

This is our annual fall visit to Williamsburg which is less than an hour away. Usually the trees have already changed colors but it seems like it's taking forever this year.

The boys played flag football with Eric on Sundays after church. Matthew and Ryan love playing football. Ryan had six touchdowns this year and Matthew had alot of great flag capturing or whatever it's called.

The dads take turns being quarterback.
Our new thanksgiving banner that Rachel and I made. Inspiration came from an old Pottery Barn catalog and my sister in law, Heather, who is great at seeing things and recreating them.
While watching Augie and Heather's kids last week........
The candy store in Williamsburg - always our last stop!
I love this picture of my kids, of course, but what a beatiful live oak.

It's hard to believe that fall is wrapping up and the Christmas season is beginning. The past few months have been very full and fun. This really is a great season with the kids. I'm so grateful for each one of them and for Eric - my great husband and best friend!

Our "Dream House"

2007-11-01T13:33:00.000-04:00

We moved eight months ago but not all of you have been able to see our new home. While we were waiting for our old house to sell Sarah had named our new house "dream house". The wait for our house to sell seemed like forever and we all waited in great anticipation to move. Even only eight months later I can forget how eager I was to live here and become complacent in my gratefulness and joy at moving to a bigger house for our family, a neighborhood where the kids could play outside and with friends and family only houses away. I am very grateful for this house that the Lord provided for us. I am grateful to our wonderful friends who helped us paint, paint and paint.

This is the front foyer. Eric laid the hardwood floor in here and the dining room.

The living room to the left of the foyer.

Eric widened this doorway into the kitchen about a foot. Great Job!

The family room along with the whole downstairs trim was painted white. Fireplace too.

Our new kitchen

The dining room where we also do school

I really love our downstairs bathroom - I know that sounds weird but it has a shower. It's nice for the boys to have a seperate bathroom. These are lighthouse pictures that my friend Melanie took on one of our vacations to the outter banks.

Screened porch out back

We vacationed at home this past June. The kids named all the rooms. This is the master bedroom

Sarah's room though she sleeps with Rachel every night

Rachel's big girl room that also becomes our guest room

The boys have the biggest room which they love. One side has their stuff and the rest is just the playroom.

Cake Decorating

2007-10-28T20:23:00.000-04:00

Last Friday night I(Rachel) started with the new cake decorating kit that my mom got for me and Sarah but I think I'll just use it.It was lots of fun. A bit messy too.

Making icing is messy!

Squeeze and guide,oops! Up and down, oops!

We love Friday nights

Me and my work of art

YUM!

Family Dinner at Bravos

2007-10-28T13:37:00.001-04:00

Eric's dad, Bob, was in town for our church's 20th anniversary weekend and whenever he comes into town we usually all get together for dinner at an italian restaurant called Bravos. The kids absolutely love it! All the cousins love to be together and my boys love the chicken tenders.

Heather, Augie and Bob

Scott,Katina and baby no. 5(it's a boy!)

Claire, Elise and Sarah

Jack, Matthew, Josh, Ryan and Gordon making silly faces

Ryan and Gordon

Jack, Matthew and Josh

Samantha, Rachel and Grace

Trip to Philadelphia

2007-10-26T20:46:00.000-04:00

I just got a new card reader and have a bunch of new pictures so I'll try to catch up. First, are the pictures Eric and I took while we were in Philadelphia for my grandfather's memorial service. It was so good to see my grandmother and lots of other relatives that I havn't seen for a while. I was reminded while I was there how much of an infuence my family has had on me even though we weren't very close. My grandmother is an amazing woman. She had five children and spent her life caring and serving them and my grandfather. She's my role model. My Aunt Donna is also a very caring person who I admire very much for her love and sacrafice for her family. She has three beautiful children and her youngest, my cousin Katelyn, is severly handicapped. Aunt Donna has cared for her and fought for her so many years beyond what Katelyn's life expectancy was. My Aunt Bonnie is the picture of grace and social poise. She is also a wonderful mother and now a grandmother. I can remember being with her when I was a little girl and admiring her zeal and laughter. At many points in my young girlhood days I thought how I wanted to be like them when

The other really crazy thing was how much older everyone was. Including myself though I didn't realize it at first. Not only were my cousins and younger cousins grown and married and had kids but we've all aged. I was not prepared for that.

The one in my mind who never ages though is my grandmother. After my grandfather retired and they spent some years going down to FL for the winter they moved down there. She spent so many years caring for her children, mother, grandchildren, etc. and then finally started a new life spent golfing and socializing with all her new friends. I can't wait to see her again at Thanksgiving!

Here's some pictures from the trip.

The street I grew up on 4135 Stirling St. I can still remember my phone no. 338-4483

Independence Hall and the Liberty Bell

Sheena(my brother's wife),my sister Val and myself

Joey and Sheena

Where I went to grade school- Redeemer Lutheran Church

St. Matthew's where the memorial service was and where my dad went to school

Our last stop out of town was to this place for a cheese steak. We also came home with about 10 bags of philly style rolls. YUM!!!

Poppy

2007-10-13T14:42:00.000-04:00

Friday afternoon my mom called to let me know that my grandfather aka "poppy" had passed away in the morning. He had been diagnosed with an agressive form of liver cancer a couple of weeks ago and his health deteriorated quickly. When I spoke to my dad ,who had been down in Florida with my grandparents along with his brothers and sisters, he said that the family was glad that my grandfather was out of pain but that it's hard to believe he's really gone. I'm glad he wasn't alone when he passed away and am so very glad that my grandmother has such wonderful children to care and comfort her.

After I talked to my mom I picked up a deck of cards that I had left in the kitchen. Rachel and I were going to play but then she went to a friends house so I just started playing solataire. I can't remember the last time I've played. Then I remembered that it was my grandfather who had taught me to play solataire. I can remember him playing cards at the kitchen table often.

My grandfather was someone I looked up to from a distance. I never had many conversations with him growing up and probably because I was incredibly shy but even though there weren't many words shared I admired and respected him greatly. He worked hard to provide for his family, a wife and five children. Mostly though I think I admire his love and devotion to my grandmother. He will be greatly missed.

On Sunday Eric and I will head up to Philadelphia for the memorial service. Please pray for us if you think of it that we can somehow be a blessing to my dad's family and share the love of Jesus with them.

Books

2007-10-09T14:51:00.000-04:00

I know another boring post with no pictures. My camera battery is charging right now so I can down load some pictures from this weekend. Katy Van told me how to add lists on the side of the blog so I gave it a try. If you havn't noticed it's the list of books.

Most of the books read towards the bottom of the list were from a book club I was in up until a few months ago. I was in the book club for a few years and really enjoyed for the most part all the different kinds of books we read. But this summer I just couldn't keep up anymore with the reading for book club, other things I wanted to read and books I want to read with the kids. It was fun while it lasted. I really enjoyed The Good Earth and found The Bookseller of Kabul very interesting and without hesitation I HATED The Memory Keeper's Daughter. Unfortunately, that was the book I had picked and needed to a lead discussion on but I couln't even really tell you why I disliked it so much - I just did - alot!

If you've ever seen the movie Hotel Rwanda then you'd be familiar with Paul Rusesabagina (who?). He's the man who ran the hotel during the genocide in his country and saved many lives. I have had a fascination with Rwanda since I saw the movie and thought "where was I in 1994 when all the killings happened". I then realized that our compassion child we sponsor, Ihirwe, is from Rwanda.

Growing up I read Agatha Christie mysteries all the time. I am happy to say that I have bore fellow Christie junkies. The kids and I have rented from the library this summer all the Miss Marple movies we can find. My latest favorite mystery author is P.D. James. I first remember watching her first mystery story, Cover Her Face, on PBS with my mom when I was probably Rachel's age or younger. My goal is to go back to the beginning and read the rest of her books in order.

The other series I have really, really enjoyed has been the No. 1 Ladies Detective Agency. I find the characters and the whole setting of these books endearing and enjoyable. The latest one, The Good Husband of Zebra Drive, just came out this spring so I snatched it from the library and now I'm back to waiting for another.

Years ago a very Godly woman I respect very much had said in passing that she tries to always be reading a book that helps or encourages her in her role as wife, mother, homemaker, etc. I have tried over the years to glean from her wisdom by reading more like a book a year. Shopping for Time was a quick read and a good reminder to be more proactive in my planning of areas that I am responsible to manage. Heaven at Home was the first Ginger Plowman book I've read. I just loved her perspective and "say it like it is" but with grace ability to commucicate.

Regarding books I'm currently reading is a little of a joke. I had hoped to get through the whole Mitford Series while on vacation to Nags Head and then in Texas. I've only read chapter one of book one so far. Hints on Child Training is a reread. I absolutely love this book and will even go so far to say that every parent should read this book while their kids are young. He covers topics such as training a child's faith, to self control, their appetite to "dealing tenderly with a child's fear", a child's imagination all the way to fun incite and encouragement regarding Christmas and a very wise chapter called "Goodnight Words". I have been provoked to love my children more from this book than any others I have read.

Perspective

2007-10-02T16:29:00.000-04:00

Okay, when I set up this blog it was for the sole purpose of sending pics of the kids and writing about our life, etc. for our family and whoever else might be interested. I had no desire or plan to post my thoughts about things because.....I just didn't want to. Eric has convinced me otherwise and now I only wish I had a picture to illustrate my story.

Well, last week while sitting at a stop light I noticed a bumper sticker on the car ahead of me. It said "sometimes I wish I were a missing person". Some of my immediate thoughts ran to the tv show "missing persons" where the people have been abducted or killed. I thought "that person has no idea what they're wishing for - what a stupid thing to say". Then, even while that thought is in my mind my thoughts begin to transfer down another path and I think to myself "but, I kind of know what she means(I'm assuming it was a woman). Who doesn't want to just dissappear from life for a little while to get a break. " Just then I noticed the bumper sticker on the car to my front left and it said:

" 9/11........(two thousand something) people killed or missing"

Texas

2007-09-25T20:46:00.000-04:00

Rachel working on her quilt

Matthew's 7th b-day in downtown Prosper

Well we've been back from our trip to Texas for a couple weeks now but life has been sooooo busy since we got home with school and stuff that I havn't had time to work on the blog. We all had a really good time especially the kids starting with the plane ride. Our time in Texas was spent at Eric's parents house with his mom and dad. Fortunately, Eric's mom was feeling well and we were able to hang out with her the whole time. The kids did a lot of swimming in the pool, practiced their dives and learned flips. Eric's Uncle Tom came over on the weekend with his kids(Natalie, Nadine, Nathan, Nash and Naomi) who are Eric's cousins but our kids age. It was a lot of fun to see them and our kids love to be with them. Aunt Carrol and Mamo came over most days and hung out with us. Mamo taught Rachel how to make a quilt. A definite highlight and special memory! The other huge fun thing we did was go horseback riding - all of us! It was a lot of fun - a little crazy and stressfull watching Matthew and the others up on such big horses but they did great. It's getting late and my mind is turning to mush. Hope the pictures can fill you in a little more.

Last week in Nags Head

2007-09-06T19:34:00.000-04:00

Last week we spent the week in Nags Head with our friends the Waskos and Williams. We had a blast! Each day we spent hours at the beach. Each night was filled with different fun activities including three different scenes of MacBeth (all the kids played the characters, memorized their lines and improvised costumes!), games, US Open tennis, and putt-putt. We love this trip with our friends. Here are some pictures:

The Beginning

2007-08-27T21:34:00.001-04:00

Well this is my first time blogging and the beginning of an attempt to try to keep in touch with my family. My parents and sister are in Pennsylvania and so are some of my aunts, uncles and cousins. Eric's parents, grandmother, aunts, uncles, cousins and a brother live in Texas. My grandparents live in Florida. There's an aunt and her family who live in Georgia, my brother and his wife are in New York and an aunt and lots of cousins live in Massachusetts. This blog is especially for all of you.