Girl Time

Las Vegas is a neat place to visit! It is hot and sunny with plenty to keep us busy! We had a blast with Mrs. Tammy Postma and her girls! We are so thankful for such good friends! We enjoyed the opportunity to visit a place we had never been before! We did all kinds of things and enjoyed all kinds of sights. The strip, though glamorous, is a place filled with emptiness. You see the facade all around. The vanity is all there to fill a void, you can see it in the peoples' eyes. A sad state of being, they truly need the gospel! We praise the Lord for faithful servants who are willing to break through the facade and give true hope that will fill the empty void.

Having lunch with our friend, "Mosa"!

Here are some pictures of some of our fun adventures, enjoy!

Being silly, having a picnic

Pretty impressive, behind the trees is a huge fountain that is choreographed to music!

A trip down the "strip"

Dinner anyone?

A little shopping......

Cooling off with some water.......refreshing!

Cooling off with frozen yogurt!

Beautiful Ladies!

Friends

Our Trip Toward the Sun!!!!

Michael caught a fish and got to keep it!

We travelled down to Las Vegas, Nevada on June 12th. There, my husband and boys (yes, all the boys, even Zeke!) went to men and boys camp. Craig preached four times while there. They drove up through Zion National Park to get to their destination. I was surprised that Zeke was wanting to go as this was a three hour trip after our 24 hour non stop drive we had just finished! But he was excited about going camping with the boys! He couldn't wait to sleep in the tent, have a campfire, and go fishing and wading! The weather was absolutely perfect! Here are a few pictures of the boys' adventure...............

A few unexpected visitors!

A place to study and prepare for preaching

A beautiful location

Camp!

Beautiful scenery!

On the road!

Zeke is fishing!

Daniel caught a fish, but it was too big and had to be put back

While the boys were at camp, the girls had some fun too! Check out the pictures from our girl fun tomorrow! Until tomorrow then, blessings to you all!

Once Upon a Time........................

Still in love!

Our wedding day

Cutting our cake

The wedding party

Joyful times

Our crew today

Date night!

Time together

Where it all began!!!!!

Once upon a time, 20 years ago to be exact, a young man started talking to a young lady. It started with simple questions and then, on Mother's day (a bit prophetic maybe?) the young "couple" went to dinner. Things progressed in a traditional world view sort of way, the typical story of boy meets girl. Two years later, they were wed.........and then our world changed and it's never been the same since! The odds were stacked against us and many said we would never make it.  Today we celebrate 18 years of marriage. An institution ordained and blessed by God. I am so thankful for this path we've been down and are continuing on. The bumps in the road have been opportunity for growth and the smooth times have been pure pleasure. We have been blessed to add 11 children to this world of ours, making for some very exciting and busy times! It has and still is important to us to make special time to be together, alone, as we know that our life will not always include children in our home for they are growing up all too quickly and we want a strong relationship to the end. I am blessed to be married to my best friend. I am thankful for his work ethic that has allowed me to stay home and raise our children for God's glory, and for his love of God and people that has been so evident as we have served together in the ministry for over 14 of these 18 years. I look forward to continuing on this journey for as long as the Lord will allow, till death do we part!  HAPPY ANNIVERSARY to my Beloved!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

And....We're back!

The last few weeks have been a bit of a blur, I haven't been on my computer at all until today.  I am so behind, but, I promise to post more frequently! Now, to go back in time just a bit...........

A beautiful young lady!

Dessert

A partial view of the room

The full hope chest

Waiting to open a gift, listening to words of wisdom

A few words from daddy

Friends!

Great gift idea......I think? :-)

A bit of Paris

June 11 we celebrated Anna's 16th birthday with a dinner in her honor. We invited several couples to come and encourage her as she comes so close to the "adult" world. We presented Anna with her hope chest, made by a very dear man, Henry Mandery. It is beautiful! Folks filled it with gifts and spoke words of wisdom for her to store in her heart. We enjoyed Asian cuisine and the room was decorated as an evening in Paris! Naomi did a great job of organizing the event, and several ladies along with my mom and dad helped in the decorating. While the place was being transformed, I took Anna to get her hair done. She had already had the fun of getting her make up done at ladies retreat, so I thought it would be fun to have a fancy hair do for the occasion. A special thanks to Jeannifer G. for her participation in this- she did a great job! It was a beautiful evening.....and a beautiful girl!

Our Newest Boyscout!

Ready to go!

The crew!

Michael is officially a Boyscout! He goes to his first meeting tonight! He is quite excited. I am so thankful that we happened to have some outgrown uniforms!

Selah Joy

Happy girl- headed to the doctor's!

standing!

     Selah is nine months old and had her well baby check up today! She is 20 pounds- 80%, 28 1/2"- 80%, and her head circumference is 96%! She did a great job at the doctor's office! Of course, I'm sure it helped that she was doted over by everyone the moment we arrived! Our doctor's wife carried her around and showed her off. She only fussed a little bit when she got her finger poked, and then just watched with curiosity as they squeezed blood from it! Selah is crawling and climbing on everything. She pulls herself up to stand and is starting to walk around furniture. She has four teeth and is enjoying a vast array of flavors in her baby food! This little darling is full of joy and is a delight to all of us! We love our Selah girl!

great store!

Mom has the camera, I'd better go and attack!

     On our way home from ladies' retreat, we found a little gift shop that had the neatest name.........

Beautiful Baby.........

Nice hat!

Here are some shots of the most beautiful baby girl in the World!!!! (ok, I am a bit biased!)