Kayla's Turn

We tried some shots of Kayla this morning. Unfortunately, she is still plagued with giant mosquito bites and suffering terribly from allergies. However, she wanted a turn with the camera and I didn't mind trying out this new program again. So, for what it's worth...a few more shots!

The Boys' Photo Shoot

Today I took the boys out for a photo shoot with their new haircuts. This time I actually captured some smiles! I was especially excited to take these shots as my friend, Martie just told me of a site where I could try out all kinds of different settings with their pictures. Well, I am hooked now. So beware...I am sure these are the first of many more photo shoots these kids will endure just so mommy can play with the shots. Anyway, I thought the boys looked pretty handsome in these pictures...even with their "homemade" haircuts! :)

Desperate Times Call for Desperate Measures

The boys went for haircuts today...in our kitchen. And, "who, you may ask, cut their hair?" "Drumroll Please!"....ME!! I know what you are thinking, mom and dad. I know you are saying to yourselves..."not our child who flunked cutting in kindergarten!" Well, with the cost of haircuts jumping way up recently and now that we have two boys needing monthly cuts, I decided it was time to learn how to cut hair. I visited the local WalMart, found what looked like a good deal on a razor kit and headed home eager to get started. I know the looks on their faces indicates that they just went through sheer torture, but really they both did great! And better yet, they didn't come out looking half bad for the first time. I learned some things to do different next go around. But, the razor itself cost less than it does to go get both of them one haircut! Anyway, Rick was actually very pleased with my ambition and the end result. After all, they are little boys who could not care less how their hair looks, so as long as that keeps up I have time to keep perfecting my techniques. (P.S. - I'll take pictures tomorrow of them SMILING with their new haircuts! :)

Nine Years Ago...

June 26, 1999

Happy Anniversary!!!

Little did we know nine years ago all that would come by saying, 'I do'. The past nine years have brought many happy memories as well as many difficult times. Yet, through it all we have seen God mold and refine us. I'm so glad He brought you into my life to share these past nine years. God has blessed us in so many ways. He's entrusted us with three wonderful children that have made our family complete. And now as we face uncertain times ahead, I know our commitment to 'I do' will continue to get us through whatever God has in store. Thank you for your steadfast devotion to the Lord, to me and to our family. My love for you grows deeper with each passing year. Happy Anniversary to the Love of my Life!!!

At the Crossroads

As I mentioned MANY posts ago, we have put our home on the market in an attempt to move closer to the Appleton area in time for the school year. Little did we know just how much our faith would have to be stretched in order to see this through. While these pictures are posed, this pose has become very candid with our family. The market in Wrightstown is "dead". Houses just are not selling here with everyone wanting to move closer to town. While the situation seems bleak in human terms we know God is not bound by the market or by time. It is for that reason we continue to pray fervently for God to work. Our children have been a sobering reminder of our need for "childlike faith". I don't think a day has gone by since we started praying that they haven't prayed for an offer on our house. While we have grown discouraged and doubful at times, they just keep saying, " We just got to keep praying!" So as we near the end of June desiring to know God's will and needing an open door if Hunter is meant to start the summer session, we covet your prayers. For it is at the crossroads we find ourselves...trusting the Lord to show us the way.

The Blessing of Friendship

Kelley and the Kids

Last week our dear friends Steve, Kelley and Jude came for a visit. They moved to South Carolina a few years ago and we have missed them ever since. We met Steve and Kelley when we were just newlyweds. We have seen each other through some very difficult times. We have spent alot of time laughing AND crying together. We share memories that are both joyful and sorrowful. Through it all our friendship has grown deeper. Now when we see each other we realize how distance never separates our friendship. There is not a moment of silence as we catch up on all the events of the past year. It is for that reason I do not have more pictures of our visit. I spent too much time chatting that I forgot to take more pictures!! I guess we'll have to wait until next time (we can't wait for January!!) Anyway, I say all that to really say, "We love you guys!" and we are so thankful for your friendship. We miss you already!!

Gone Fishin'

Hudson

Fisherman in Training

Group Shot

The Cousins and "Bumpa"

Daddy and the Boys

Daddy and his Little Fishergirl
(princess pole and all)

Zips and Daddy with the lone catch of the day

(I think it measured about 4 inches!!)


After church on Sunday we headed to Oshkosh to do some fishing off of "Bumpa's" dock for Father's Day. While the fish were not biting and Hunter was not too excited about the idea of sitting quietly waiting for a fish to come along, they still had a great time and daddy especially enjoyed spending his Father's Day fishing with his kids. I am so thankful for Rick and for his desire to do what is right and lead our family according to God's Word. He has become a wonderful husband and father. He will not soon forget this Father's Day...a day spent first around God's Word and then enjoying time spent with family. Simple memories that last a lifetime. Happy Father's Day!!