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!

Cole's 1st Basketball Game of the Season

Cole was a machine. He definitely does not get his athletic ability from his mother (which is a very, very good thing for him). His team won 24-23. Cole passed, rebounded, shot, and had tons of fun. And scored 14 points.

Christmas Eve 2011

Fall 2011

Happy 8th Birthday, Cole!

You gotta admit, this kid has the gift-opening surprised face down to a science!

Happy 8th Birthday, Cole Henry!
You bring so much joy and energy to our family!
There is never a dull moment with you around, and we wouldn't want it any other way.
The Lord blessed us in such an amazing way when He gave us you!

Abby

Have I mentioned lately how amazingly proud I am of this beautiful girl? There are so many things about Abby that make me proud. She is beautiful, intelligent, a loyal friend, a hard worker, has the most tender heart for the needy, and so much more. She worked so hard and practiced so much for this year's cheer competition. And it showed. Her hard work and dedication paid off. She did an amazing job! And while the outcome was not what she had hoped for (no medal this year), I could tell she was praying with all of her heart for God to give her contentment despite the situation. And He did. And she glorified Him. And that is what makes me the most proud of Abby. She glorifies Him ... and that is the thing she was created to do.

Saying Goodbye to Summer

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

1st Day Part 2

First day of 2nd grade for Cole.

Wait, what did I just say? Second grade for my baby!?! How did that happen?

Morning Instructions:
Be good.
Try to sit still.
Listen to your teacher.
Don't get your sweet friend Brandon in trouble.
Don't be crazy.
Don't lose your lunch box.
Don't get your backpack mixed up with that kid sitting next to you
who has the same backpack.
And, most importantly, be an example of God's love and grace.

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.