WHY I DON'T LIKE TUBING

These videos say it all. The first one is Hannah taking a spill and the second is Jacob... as a "wimpy" mom, this kind of stuff makes me weak in the knees...

Deep Creek Lake 2010

This year we rented a very lovely home right on the waterfront, giving us beautiful, peaceful views. So far we have had a lot of rain - but the rest of the week is looking up! The kids have already done some tubing!

The first day here we saw this sweet little family of geese. But with geese come little gifts that aren't so sweet... so Jacob decided that he needed to "persuade" them to move on to another part of the lake. Let's just say that geese don't like green laser lights!

Even Matt and Sherry got in on the action!

After driving the boat all afternoon Dad thought it was time to do a little something for himself... aaahhhh

With all the rain we have had so far, finding a corner to read has been a favorite of the adult population. Well, most of us...

More to come later in the week!!! Thank you Hannah for being our family photographer! Keep up the good work sweetie! I look forward to some more great shots!

Hannah...

Hannah's latest artwork - such a beautiful, water-color butterfly.

This spring has been so challenging for my sweet girl. After a year or more of symptoms that have grown to be somewhat debilitating and definitely life-changing, Hannah has finally been diagnosed with a co-infection of Lyme disease and Bartonella, both from a tick bite from who knows when. She has constant, and at times extreme, back pain along with complete exhaustion. She has developed some of the other side effects of Lymes as well, and all in all has not felt well for a long time. She has had to quit piano as she cannot sit at the bench without pain. She carries around a special pad for back support wherever we go. She has had to miss many things due to overwhelming fatigue.

BUT...

God is at work in this young lady. She has maintained her cheerfulness and humor, and is trying to trust that God has this trial for her for some reason. She remains selfless and doesn't like to ask us for help when she needs it. She still does her photography and bunnies and drawing and I am grateful that she can. She has had challenging days which make her appreciate the really good days! She has seen God's hand at work in directing us to a wonderful doctor who is overseeing her care, and is committed to working with her until she is completely well.

We understand this could take a while, but we trust that God did indeed know this day from the beginning of time, and WILL deliver her from this trouble. He promises to be faithful to her and to strengthen and comfort her.

We would most definitely count any prayers for Hannah as precious gifts...

Happy Birthday Stargate Warrior!!

Ryan recently had his 10th birthday - and what fun it was! He is a HUGE fan of Stargate -the SciFi tv series - and by that I mean that he collects cards, props, autographs, anything he can get his hands on. He watches the show whenever he gets a chance. We own all ten seasons... he is totally into all aspects of Stargate. He has everything from posters to coasters... need I say more. But the ONE THING he REALLY wanted more than anything else was a Jaffa staff weapon. He always gets outbid on e-bay. They don't make them anymore. It seemed impossible that he would ever get one.

And of course, we had a Stargate cake!!

Here is Ryan with his only Stargate weapon to date - a zat gun.

Until his birthday, when his parents sent him on a scavenger hunt, with clues all over town. Literally. He went to a friend's house, the back yard, 7-11, Safeway...

even to our favorite Greek restaurant where a clue was handed to him by the owner.

The final clue led him to Danny's office, where lo and behold, the prize of the scavenger hunt was a STAFF WEAPON!!

I shall NEVER forget the look of surprise and joy on my boy's face as he discovered his treasure! It is so rewarding as a parent to give your child the desire of his heart...

It was such a reminder to us of the delight that our Heavenly Father feels when He gives us good gifts! How He longs to give us the desires of our hearts!

If you, then, though you are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give good gifts to those who ask him! (Matthew 7:11)

Here is my warrior with his weapon! Happy Birthday Ryan!

Ryan's First Painting

Today Ryan came home with this painting - and I was blown away! He painted a picture of Caramel, his bunny who died a couple months ago. I think that we may have another budding artist in the family!!

Words of Wisdom

We may expect between this place and heaven a fair share of trouble. If we write down for ourselves pleasant things, it may probably happen that we have written other than the book of the divine purpose. Many trials will befall us between this and the fair haven; but there is no killing one in them all, for the just shall live through them all by his faith.

Celebrating Jacob's "A" in science!!!

Jacob took his first two high school level classes this year (as an 8th grader) and has done amazing! He took his final exam on Tuesday in Physical Science which covered material from the entire year - and he got 104% on it!! I was so proud of him! He seems to have a natural knack for science... hmmm.... do we see a scientist in the future?!?

So we celebrated with hot fudge, toasted coconut sundaes!!