Youth Retreat 2011

Jacob and Danny went to the youth retreat this year at the end of August for 4 nights/5 days. They had a blast! This picture of Jacob says it all!! (yes, they had a paint battle!!) I am sooooo glad that I wasn't there and participating...

There were group games every afternoon, and messages and worship each morning and evening. I think they both got a lot out of it, and said the worst part of it all was the food!

Even Danny got in on the action. I cannot believe what he did... Jacob caught it on video with his phone...

Earthquake and Misc.

Yes, we couldn't believe it either. An earthquake in Maryland! Danny and I were in Frederick and only felt the floor moving a little, but the kids at home felt the whole house shaking for 30 to 45 seconds and heard a roaring noise. I was so disappointed to have missed it. When we got home, there were crooked pictures, and some things had fallen off shelves. Not too bad at all.

Ryan's wand fell off a shelf and broke...

And this was our crooked picture... so bad huh? haha

We had a WONDERFUL surprise visit from our dear friend Chris! He ended staying for a couple days as he was here for a conference. It is always such a treat to have Chris!!

Ryan and I went to Richmond for a week this summer for an educational program and we had so much fun! Every night we would get on the video chat and talk to the rest of the family at home... We made some very special memories, me and my little guy...

The Summer of Indy

Now that school is about to start, I figure I better catch up on all my summer posts!! Overwhelming 'cause I got so behind...

Anyway - this summer has been filled with our new puppy Indy. Most of the time you will see him cuddling up to someone or in someone's arms. The perfect breed for us... and oh so hard to resist, even when he's been naughty, like today when he chewed up Ryan's wallet...

Isn't she wonderful?

I came home today and found the post below this one on my blog... I was so blessed. I cannot thank God enough for my wonderful daughter. Thank you Hannah... you are too kind...

Update From Hannah

Hello! This is Hannah, the main blogger's daughter! Mom is extremely busy right now, and since I'm in bed from surgery, I thought I could catch her up!I know there are a few things that she would like to remain a separate post, so I won't touch those. I guess all I'm going to say is that mom has absolutely no time for blogging... She still has massive loads of homeschool planning, cleaning the house, doctors appointments, blood-draws, dentists, orthodontists, vet visits, Anniversary planning, organizing the entire house, and on top of all this, cooking three meals a day along with all her other mommy duties! I just don't get how she handles all this stress so well! Our life is so busy right now... Poor mom, she just doesn't have any free time! During all this, she has not said a word of complaint, and has remained an inspiring, outstanding servant of God. She is truly an amazing woman!

Update - July

Wow. I haven't posted anything in weeks! I don't think I can even begin to explain just how busy these weeks have been. We have had a convention, a short trip to Deep Creek, meetings at church, homeschool planning, a birthday, orthodontist visits (Ryan got his braces off!), art classes, and the real topper is that we got a puppy! (which entails hourly trips out to potty train, vet visits, training, loss of sleep, etc.). But this little guy has stolen our hearts - he is so adorable, and I must admit it is nice to have a sweet dog in the house again.

Last week I had a very special time with my two teenagers - it really was a blast - we went to the midnight showing of Harry Potter, which meant getting there at ten and waiting. People were in costumes - including Hannah! I love any opportunity to make memories with my kids...

Awesome movie, awesome time with my AWESOME kids.

Farewell, California...

Well, our trip is over. It was an amazing trip beyond words. We made so many memories together as a family, and saw and experienced some wonderful things. I believe we will all remember this trip forever, and it will stand out in the memories of our kids as they ponder their childhood.

I am so grateful to my husband for his planning, hard work and generosity. He spared no expense and made sure we all had a wonderful time and souvenirs to remember it. My whole life I have longed to travel, and he is making my dreams come true. In more ways than one.

I had to throw in this last picture - the faithful suburban that carried us hundreds of miles over desserts and mountains and oceans and bridges. The license plate happened to have "Mr. Po" in it... our affectionate nickname for Danny. How appropriate it was. Thanks, Mr. Po, for giving us all the vacation of a lifetime. We love you.