Some more color - but not on the walls!!

After months of saving and pondering and finding just the right artist, Matt purchased a piece of art that he will have with him forever... This one was beautifully done and is an expression of Matt's heritage. Tattoos these days are such an expression of who one is or what something means to them. From that perspective I can truly appreciate a beautiful artistic tattoo - this one was free-handed by an up and coming young artist. After enduring hours of pain, this is the finished product!

Finally some color on the walls!

After two years of looking at creamy white walls, I am so happy that I have some color!!

Danny's birthday cake

Ever since the movie "Kung Fu Panda" Danny has been nicknamed "Po" by the kids.  We have had many a laugh over this, at appropriate moments as Danny cooks one of his famous noodle dishes someone will ask for the secret ingredient, or just out of the blue say "that was a Po moment" - all characteristic for the real Po - but we have affectionately named Danny "Po".   So Hannah decided to suprise him with a Po birthday cake this year.  It was sooooooo very cute!

"Po" holding his "Po"

Last Days of Summer

I cannot fathom that summer is almost over and school starts next week. Meanwhile, I have several things I have wanted to post but the camera software is acting up and I cannot download my pictures to complete the updates! So meanwhile, I guess I will wrap up the kids final swim lesson days, which were actually a few weeks ago.

Mrs. Schickler has taught all three of the younger kids swimming the last two summers, and it was a highlight of their summer each time. She liked to once in a while throw in an exercise where the kids have to "help" each other by grabbing the other's head and guiding them... ah, yes, a perfect recipe for mischief. Especially for Jacob.


Our final day of lessons. Always a sad day as I know that now summer really is almost over...

Deep Creek in pictures

Deep Creek Lake, Maryland

We spent 3 days there last week with some of Danny's family - the kids had a blast on the water.

My three kids along with Jeremy, a friend of Jacob's

Danny's parents - the gracious owners of the family home at Deep Creek

Hannah fell off, but she isn't sure she wants Jacob to help her get back up...

Hannah after her first fall!

Ryan as captain of the boat!

An action shot - enough to make this mother nervous as the kids go flying around the lake at 30mph... I can tell you that it is NOT easy for me to watch. Yep, I'm a wimp.

Tickle tickle!!!!

Floating around, waiting for some action

Here is the action!!!

Happy 20th Matt

Happy Birthday Matt!!! I can't believe that you are turning 20 today!! (I think your birthday makes me feel older than my own!!) I am priviliged to have been your mother these past 20 years - you have been such a blessing to me.

You have grown into a very fine young man. You work hard at what you set your mind to, and you have determination to reach your goals.

You are so kind to all who meet you - you have a love and passion for people that is rare. I know that God is going to use that in your life.

You have gone cheerfully (mostly haha) to a job this summer that isn't your preference, and made the best of it.

It is sweet to see the way you serve Sherry - I am proud of the man that you are growing into in this area.

And thank you so much for ALWAYS making me laugh!! You are the funniest person in the world!! I really think you are an intelligent, handsome, funny and kind person. I am so glad that you are my son...

Love ya!!!

Lazy Days of Summer

I just cannot believe how quickly the summer is flying by. Yes, we have had some "lazy days" and we have also had some crazy days! We had company for a week after returning from vacation - my sister and her family and my parents drove out from Minnesota. We had a packed and full time with them, and now the house seems so quiet and empty.

I am going to give updates on all the kids and what they have been doing lest we forget what we have accomplished and enjoyed this summer!

Matt

Matt has been working full time at Dustin Construction as an intern. He took a summer class and is preparing for his fall semester. He got all four wisdom teeth pulled out last week, and was in a lot of pain for more than a week! He has some concerts to go to coming up, and next week turns 20! YIKES! He has also spent a lot of time with his lovely girlfriend Sherry.

Jacob

Jacob has been doing a lot of grass mowing this summer and has spent time sleeping in and playing some video games as well. He has done swim lessons, and spent several days in West Virginia with a friend. He has spent time reading - a Ted Dekker trilogy has most recently captivated him until wee hours of the morning!

Hannah

Hannah has grown some flowers, swam, and spent a lot of time practicing piano. She loves to play, and I thoroughly enjoy listening to her. She has really improved over the summer. She spends a lot of time with her bunnies, and making her mother laugh!!! She also draws during free time.

Ryan

Ryan has been busy with swimming lessons, enjoying vacation and his three boy cousins who visited, and taking lots of pictures. He has a real knack for photography. He pursues his older brother Jacob relentlessly, and they spend a lot of time together shooting airsoft guns.

Danny

Danny's work has slowed down a bit and the stress has lessened slightly. He is still adjusting to having a commute, and I am adjusting to seeing less of him. He has spent time this summer wrapping up projects around the house and helping me move our school set-up to the basement for the upcoming year. He continues to be the worlds most kind, loving husband ever.

Mom

Well, I have been busy with homeschool planning and trying to get the entire house painted this summer. I just have a harder time than some picking those colors!! I will post some pictures after the job is done. I am trying to enjoy my children as well, and spend time with them each day. I wish we had done more things this summer, but, I also have grander plans than I have time or energy to carry out. I have spent time this summer studying the sovereignty of God - my soul has been fed.

Well, we have one month left, and let's hope and pray that by the end we are ready for school, and that we have meanwhile made some sweet family memories!!