"Remember ye not the former things, neither consider the things of old. Behold, I will do a new thing; now it shall spring forth; shall ye not know it? I will even make a way in the wilderness, and rivers in the desert...Thus saith the Lord the King of Israel, and his redeemer the Lord of hosts; I am the first, and I am the last; and beside me there is no God."

Boys, Mud, and Machines...and Mischief!

Simplicity

Life can be humdrum...but that's what makes life, life! It's enjoying the little moments as a family. It's enjoying the outdoors: the sights, sounds, and smells...media free. It's actually a simple life, free of constant chatter and flashing images. Somewhat slower paced, but refreshing!

We want Samuel to grow up to enjoy the simple things in life...especially God's creation. We desire for him to grow up working along side us--Dad and Mom. So that's what we were doing together yesterday. Justin was working on our yard enlargement project. We've actually double the size of our yard by taking out an unused pasture behind our house. Soon we are going to move the garden and swing set back farther. I can just imagine how much fun the kids will have playing outside! Justin snapped a few pictures of Samuel helping me in the kitchen. It's becoming a pattern everyday for Samuel to "help" with the dishes. Maybe before long I'll have a full-time dishwasher named Samuel!

My Helper Boy

Samuel enjoys "talking" on the "Lallo" to "Papa"

He loves helping Mommy. Here we were baking cookies. His favorite things were smelling the vanilla and eating the chocolate chips!

Total fake smile stage!

A boy and his books--loves them!

Who needs toys when you can help Mommy?? There's bubbles, and water, and splashing! Who could resist this helper???

Project 101!

Samuel and Mommy's latest project is potty training. So far, all we've done is sit on the potty and read books. He's using a 50 year old potty chair...my Dad's when he was little. It's really cute and I like the tray for treats! It's one of those items that's cute as a decoration...just because it's old and unusual...thanks Grandma, for being a saver all these years! :) I'm hoping to have only 1 baby in diapers in a few months, but we'll see how this goes. Break out the M & M's!

Springtime!

I love this time of year...the one word that describes spring best is hope! The flowers are starting to bloom and the grass is very green. I like the sounds of the birds chirping, having the windows open 24 hours a day, and enjoying the fresh air... I love playing outside with Samuel without a coat on! He is enjoying riding his bike and blowing bubbles! Here are a few pictures from this weekend...

New Nephew

Owen John was born to Justin's sister, Carrie, and her husband, Eric this past week. We were able to visit them on Saturday and meet the little guy. Owen weighed 7 lbs. 7 oz. and was 20 3/4 inches long. He's adorable and Connor is now the big bro! Congratulations Eric and Carrie!

Samuel enjoying Connor's trucks.

Learning to be gentle~~

Brothers!

Latest Happenings...

Gracious hospitality!!!

Adoption has been interesting to Justin and I...and maybe one day we'll pursue it. The Reynolds family has biological twins and 7 adopted children. (6 children from Russia and 1 daughter from the U.S.) All of their children were delightful! Adoption is such a picture to us of how Christ has adopted us into his family and called us sons and daughters!

We had the privilege of travelling to share our music and testimony a few weeks ago. It was such a blessing for us to meet the Reynolds Family. Here are just a few pictures of our trip. The Lord abundantly undertook, despite much warfare and a few sick ones!