Jacob's 16th Birthday

Today we celebrate Jacob turning 16. I cannot tell you how proud I am of him - I look at what a kind, gentle, diligent and handsome young man he is, and I am just so thankful that he is part of our family. He has a special love from all of us - Ryan looks up to him as a big brother and wants to be like him, Hannah looks up to him and has a special bond of friendship with him, Indy seems to favor him, and Danny and I are just so proud we could burst. He is a servant who helps me with a joyful heart, he volunteers to help Danny when he sees a need, and we all appreciate his sense of humor! What an asset he is to this family...

He has recently grown a lot - and he got his hair cut short - he just looks so much older! Not to mention he is driving now... that is always such a milestone and makes them seem older.

I got to make his favorite pumpkin cake for him.

You know your little boy is becoming a man when he asks for weights... sigh...

Happy Birthday Jacob! We all love you so much!!

Final Trip of the Summer

We took an end up of the summer trip up to Deep Creek to have a bit of family time and relaxation before school starts up again.

We literally spent hours playing board games! One game of risk lasted from 3:30 in the afternoon until 1:30 in the morning! And we barely took any breaks! Of course, nobody ever beat Jacob - he is the reigning champion!

We did only a day or two of tubing and boating...

Captain Danny!

The back of Hannah's beautiful head. Notice her hair cut...

Risk champ Jacob getting ready to roll. The rest of the family always scatters whenever a camera comes out...

We took Indy to spend the week with Uncle Ed and Aunt Sue. It was fun for him I'm sure, but we missed our little guy while we were away. We were happy to get him back!!

Ladies Luncheon

This summer we hosted our annual Pastor's College Ladies Welcome Luncheon. I have to say that it would not have been a success without Hannah. I literally turned over to her doing all the decorations, favors and the main desserts. She did a beautiful job!!! She spent hours making the favors and decorating all the butterfly cookies by herself. They were absolutely a hit!

So beautiful and brought in a touch of nature...

Thank you Hannah! So proud of you!

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...