Ethan is 13!

I honestly cannot even believe that Ethan is 13 today! Two teenagers in our home! I still remember so clearly when Ethan was born, and how I always called him my "angel baby" because he was such an amazingly good baby with such a sweet disposition. And, although he's certainly grown up a lot since those days, Ethan is still such a sweet blessing to our family. He has the most kind and generous heart.

These last few months, as Ethan's new business has grown beyond what we could have ever imaged it would, we have watched him grow in confidence, and that has been wonderful to see. But, thankfully, he has still kept his sweet, humble attitude through it all.

We are so very proud of Ethan, and are so thankful that God has blessed our family with him! I can't wait to see how he continues to grow into an amazing young man of God this next year.

Easter Eggs

B.A.M.

Ethan is starting his own business! Go to his website and buy a t-shirt (or 2 or 3 or ...) to help him earn funds for his start-up costs!

More Snow

Well, we definitely got some more snow!
And then we definitely got some ice!

Snow!

Finally, our first snow of the season! Yes, the kids were very excited! Yes, we built this huge snowman without Mark or Noah! Yes, the snowman is leaning considerably to the right. Yes, I did grow up in North Dakota and should know how to make a structurally sound snowman. Yes, I have been gone from North Dakota for 20 years now, and apparently have gotten somewhat rusty in my snowman-building skills. Yes, he did fall down and break into a million pieces. Yes, there were a few tears. Yes, I'm praying for more snow so we can try again!

Christmas Eve 2011

Fall 2011

Saying Goodbye to Summer

We'll miss you, Summer ... but we're excited for the blessing of Fall ...

1st Day

First day of 8th grade for Noah, and 7th grade for Ethan.

Morning instructions:
Take a copy of your schedule so you know where you're going.
Go to the cafeteria and get your job.
Put your cell phone on vibrate.
Don't lose your cell phone.
Don't lose your $100 calculator.
Lock up your bikes.
Lock your bike helmet to your bike.
Stay together when you ride to school.
Stay together when you ride home from school.
Look for new kids and kids with no friends and be their friend.
Put your name on your paper.
Be respectful.
Do your best.
And, most importantly, be an example of God's love and grace.

My Family 2011

Some of the amazing, wonderful memories made this family vacation.

My parents, brother Greg, brother Garey and his family, and us.
We haven't all been together since 2005.
Hopefully it won't be another 6 years before we are all together again.

Ethan is Awesome!

Ethan just received an Outstanding Student award from his middle school! His award was for always having a positive attitude (a glass half full kind of kid), and for academic improvement.

Ethan has always been the most positive kid. He truly does always see the good in everything (and everyone). He is a genuinely kind and loving young man. He loves people the way Jesus wants us all to love people. He is an inspiration to me.

Ethan has also improved and matured academically this year. Although his report cards have never had lower than a B+, and mostly As, he is taking more responsibility for his own learning, and that has been great to see as well.

So, in case you didn't already know, here is further proof that Ethan is awesome!

Easter 2011

Happy Birthday Ethan & Abby!

Thanks to all of our family and friends who helped make Ethan and Abby's birthday celebration such a wonderful, memorable occasion!

The Fabulous Four

MLK Jr Haiku By Ethan

Martin Luther King

why do they call you Martin

you were born Michael

Trip to Germany

dad changed Michaels to Martins

different but the same

Baptist minister

a civil rights activist

equal rights for all

Only judged by the

content of their character

his dream for us all

He was a dreamer

ideas that changed the world

black and white not seen

His dream does live on

a life cut short by hatred

he was a hero

Doctor King Junior

may your dream be realized

through people like me

Joy

Merry Christmas

Halloween 2010

Fall 2010