Finally, a family picture

My parents took this picture of us this weekend. Our missionary friend is sharing the camera, but I thought I'd post it anyway so you could get a good look at us together! For more info. on our friend you may stop by my folk's blog

This week our Crew is learning to write using the Student Intensive Writing Course.

I am facilitating Level A. We have 15 students this year! Bret is privileged to be one of my students (ha, ha!) Thankfully, the Lord has blessed me with many helpful parents! I'm enjoying this time. It's so much fun interacting with the children. Rachel is challenging herself with Level C. This is probably high school level. She's sensing that, but still giving it her all!

We're also battling sore throats here. Both boys now have sore throats and headaches! Please pray for them!

May God bless the rest of your week.

Happy Birthday Grandma Ruth

In My Father's house are many mansions; if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and receive you to Myself; that where I am, there you may be also. John 14:2-3 I have no doubt that my mother-in-law is celebrating today. Not because it's her earthly birthday, but because she is in heaven with her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.
Ruth loved Jesus with her whole heart. She served Him joyfully and faithfully to the end. In this picture she is encouraging me to do the same. She of course knew my grumbly heart:(! I'm still working on it!! Thank you for the reminder!

Ruth, Cindy, Wade and families.

Today would also have been my grandfather's birthday. I guess August 25th is a pretty special day!

We ain't pickin' it for ya!

Our farmer friends and neighbors offered us corn. The only criteria was we pick it ourselves! Yum! Fresh corn, and I think it tastes better when you pick it yourself! Here's the picking Crew (pun intended)!


Garret and Lilly thought it was great fun to shuck corn!

Our Week

Our week was incredibly busy! Following are some highlights! Monday was an unusual day for our family as we almost all went separate ways! The boys were invited to a birthday party, Rachel to a friends house, hummm!! I saw an opportunity and took it! I made a phone call and soon had arrangements for Lilly to play at a friend's house too! After I dropped off each child, I hit the road for Pleasanton. I enjoyed a nice visit with my friend Aparna, and a nice lunch date with our husbands! After visiting their office we did a little shopping and then had to call it an afternoon. The C. family gave the boys a science set. Bret spent two days building different things and getting the motors to work. He is definitely his father's son!
Can you say fried? My computer died this week! Wade replaced the video card and it's running for now. He bought me a new computer, which I apparently approved in my sleep! I have no memory of him telling me he was buying the computer, or me telling him which credit card to use! Apparently both happened! So, who is more clever? Me, for coherently communicating in my sleep - or Wade getting me to approve this $$$ purchase without my knowledge!!
Rachel is now a Safe Sitter! She spent two days learning the ins and outs of babysitting! I wish I would have had a class like this! She learned how to communicate with parents, how to discipline children, what to do in an emergency, etc.
As with most things in our small town, there were many familiar faces. This made the class more enjoyable and comfortable for Rachel.
The volunteer staff.
Rachel, receiving her kit!
Ouch! Bret was helping dad kill wasps on Thursday! He only got bit, not stung - so no worries! Living out here will make a man of him!

Miss Lilly, all ready for her doctor appointment. Today was her Kindergarten physical. She really enjoyed all the attention, and did great with the shots! Afterward, we celebrated with lunch at In and Out Burger and a trip to the mall. We browsed a few stores, visited her cousin who works at Roger's, and finally purchased a new pair of tennis shoes! Looks like she needed them!!

Family Reunion

A GOOD name is to be more desired than great riches, Proverbs 22:1 Every other year the descendants of Walter and Sadie gather together for a special Father's Day Weekend. In this picture my father-in-law and his twin sit beside their parents.
Our faithful hosts! We will miss this spot.
Wade and his brother.
Cousins!!


An uncle and a sister-in-law!
Rachel enjoying the company of two cool guys!
Lot's of stories!
Good food, and fun conversations!


Night descends, the over-night guests are the only ones left!


During the day we enjoyed several activities.
Lilly enjoyed harassing cousins she doesn't even know!
Garret swimming!
More cousins to swim with!

My boys were very excited when these arrived!
This is Blong Ball - a game for players of all ages.
Tunes from an old juke box!
More Blong Ball

My sister-in-law and I add up our scores!
Here's the crew pouring over maps. They're looking for a new spot for the next reunion. Somewhere by a lake...sounds nice, but I'll miss this place.
My little friend asked me to play Blong Ball. We cheered each other on!
Garret on the trampoline. This place is kid heaven!
The grown ups were having a pretty good time too!

J.C. let Wade ride his bike.
Two brothers and their little cousin. My husband is the baby. Off for a joy ride!
He came back for me! We're back safe and sound.

It was a wonderful weekend full of memories for us and our children. We look forward to seeing everyone again in two years.