A "Grimm Great Adventure"

Finally getting some photos posted from our Oregon trip.  Had a great time being together as a family, renewing and strengthening some Christian friendships, and enjoying God's amazing creation.

Travel woes.....

This is what happens when a young family fights unbelievable 4th of July weekend traffic for 9 hours in a minivan.

10 years

10 years, 4 kids, and a mortgage later. Here we are babe!

I love you with all my heart!

Mike

What Buzz always dreamed of...

During summer break Amber has the boys do misc activities to keep them busy. Last week they had to write a story about a "magical place". The following is Andrew's account:

"Once upon a time, I woke up into a magical world.  It had everything I ever dreamed of....... It had a dog."

Since my guilt from hearing this couldn't overcome my dislike for pets, we wondered what to do.  Then Andrew was given "Jingle" and now all is well. 

Thanks Mary Wettstein for fulfilling his dreams!  :)

God's amazing grace

What an awesome evening witnessing the testimony and baptism of a 95 year old man. The power of the Holy Spirit is amazing!  May God's richest blessings be with you Cecil Nohl and family!

"Awful" mom and dad

At times, we have the kids say out loud prayers before bed.  Jayden often thanks God for giving him an "awfully nice mom and dad".

A few weeks ago, Macy was saying her prayers.  In a very sincere voice she says "God, thanks for an awful    mom and dad".

Tips for taking your family to Church

I saw this post on Facebook, and thought it was great advice to pass along.

Mike.

10 tips on going to Church with your family.

Hello baby red fox!

Thanks to Jacob Wiegand for letting us come see the baby red fox he found. Kids loved it although Mariah was not so sure...

Buzz Mr lucky!

Three straight turns, three straight Yahtzee's, over 420 total points. Every family has their lucky one. Buzz is ours....

Church father and son deer fry

Last night we had a Church father and son dear fry. What a great time of food fellowship and singing. Thanks to all who helped to make it a success. Glory be to our great God!

One of a kind.

At lunch today the boys asked what "one of a kind" means. I told them that it means "you're very special". Upon hearing that, Andrew blurts out "then that means mom is a one of a kind!"

I had to agree....... :)

Mike

Sledding

One last day of sledding. Great times with the family.

Winter boredom

Winter must be getting too long for the girls. Caught them watching the album artwork on Pandora's children radio station. Hilarious!

Freckles

Last week Amber and the girls brought me lunch. While we were eating, Macy looked at my bun and exclaimed "mom look! daddy's sandwich has freckles on it!"

Google earth anyone?

Tonight I watched as the boys cruised the world on Google Earth. I had to think how things have changed since I was that age. Back in '88 I had to make 50 different phone calls and wait weeks just to get a paper map of each state...... :)

Jayden and $1000

So last night as I was saying good night to the kids, Jayden pleaded that I stay home today since it was a day off of school. I explained to him that if I don't work, we cannot live in this house and won't have food, clothing, shelter, etc. Thinking it was a good time to have a heart to heart with my son, I talked a little about money management, cost of living, being responsible with what God gave us, etc.

In a very serious, 7 year old way, he asks me "dad, have we ever had $1,000??"

Oh the innocence of children.....

Smoothest pond ice ever!

Who says Illinois can't have good ice! I have never seen smoother pond ice in my life. Enjoy it while it lasts!

Time of reflection

Reflecting on the events in CT, I am reminded to ponder the following:

1. Do I treasure each moment that God gives me with my family?
2. How much do I set my affections on things of this earth where sin and satan abound, and where unrighteousness keeps getting worse and worse. 
3. Do I pray for others enough?
4. Do I trust God with my whole heart or am I holding something back?
5. Do bad events strengthen my faith or cause me to doubt?

May God be with everyone involved with this terrible tragedy. May our nation return to its roots and put God back in the public arena, and may we all be brought closer to Him.

Mike

Allergic!

Today on the way home from a family reunion that had lots of "adult food", Andrew blurted out "dad, I think I am allergic to everything I don't like!"

Well said, Buzz.  Well said.

Buzz MN trip comment

We had a fun trip to visit the Joos family in MN. On the way, Buzz was asking every 30 minutes how much longer it will be until we get there. Finally I had enough and said "Andrew don't ask again until it is dark outside. We won't get there until night, so quit asking until you see that it is dark."

20 minutes later he blurts out "dad, when will it get dark outside??

Hilarious.

Andrew's 6th Birthday!

Andrew was super excited for his birthday!  He would tell anyone who would listen that his birthday was coming up, and it was his GOLDEN birthday!  Wow!  So fun for him!  :)

We started the day with a candle in his pancake

 Sharing birthday treats at school

 Andrew's cake:  I wanted to do something for his golden birthday, so it became pirate themed with a treasure chest cake.  Notice the gold coins?

 And here are the troops!  We invited the boys from Andrew's kindergarten class for a party in the evening.  Here they are ready for pizza.

 Playing a balloon popping game

 Tug of war

 Snowman game - aren't they cute?

 It soon turned into this though!  It's snowing!

 Andrew with his presents

 Time for cake!

 Look at those pirate boys!  What dandies!