Monday, April 27, 2009

Transitions

Yesterday was our last Sunday at Centralia Community Church of God. A reception was held for us after both services to say our good-byes. What a blessing it has been to be a part of this wonderful congregation! Our 6 1/2 years in Centralia have taught us so much....about ministry, our marriage and family. We do not know what the future holds and would appreciate your prayers for God's direction. Sunday was very emotional for BJ and me. After dinner we finally had time to reflect on the day and read through the cards given. We felt so loved. It is hard to leave and I am very thankful for the years we had here.

Wednesday, April 22, 2009

Jared and J.R.


Let brotherly love continue.
Hebrews 13:1

Tuesday, April 21, 2009

The Ford

Last night, we were blessed to be visited by Mr. Freeman, a dear friend and sort of relative. :) He brought one of his cool cars. During the visit, Jared whispered to me, "do you think he will let us look inside?" Better yet, Mr. Freeman took them for a spin. Every boy, including the big one, had a big grin on his face when they returned!

Uncle Isaac must have had such a fun childhood! :)

Wednesday, April 15, 2009

Usually when we stay at my in-laws, we have a list of a million stores to go to while we are in the "big city". This time, however, we did not have a to-do list. We thought this was a perfect opportunity to take our boys on a scenic drive to Crown Point and Multnomah Falls...a place BJ and I have been to many times, but have never really taken the boys to. It hailed and rained on us, but we had a great time. (The weather really cuts down on the amount of tourists!)



Easter Highlights

We drove down to Gresham on Easter Sunday after church.....always lots of good food and fellowship with family!

Our niece, Kami, is getting so old. She is now taller than me.
Justin with cousin Sheila.
Sally had everyone bring their "bluegrass" instruments. That was interesting! :)


Tuesday, April 14, 2009

Happy Easter!

I hope you all had a wonderful Easter! He is risen indeed!


Thursday, April 9, 2009

Papa...this one's for you!

A few months ago, our boys had a lot of fun in the youth room. Beege and I get a kick out of watching part of our future quartet perform! Papa, I hope you enjoy this! :)

Wednesday, April 8, 2009

A few of my favorite things...

When the weather warms up, our family loves to take walks. We have the perfect loop to walk that is just beautiful...and fairly car-free. It is so relaxing to walk, talk, and let the boys expend some energy. Although tonite was still a little chilly, walking season is finally here!



Tiiimmmberrrr....


Sunday was a beautiful day. After church, BJ decided to cut down a tree! I was really sad because this was our tire swing tree, but BJ had about a million reasons why this one had to go. The boys couldn't wait to start "axing" away at all the limbs...and I was impressed that BJ dropped it without damaging anything or anyone! :) Since our orange truck finally bit the dust, we borrowed our dear friend's (the Duncans) truck. After a few hours, Chip called needing the truck to pick up a riding lawn mower he was buying near our home. So, Jenni and the boys got to hang with us...and help chop at the tree. Our neighbors, the Plazas even joined in the fun and helped. The big boys worked really hard and the little boys played. We ended our evening with pizza. I am so glad we were able to finally get together...even if it wasn't planned!





Wednesday, April 1, 2009

Chores

We finally have a system that works for our boys' chores! Two years ago, I ordered the Maxwell's book, Managers of their Chores. (You can check out their site here.) I read it and wanted to implement their ideas, but never got around to it. My goal was to get it going with the new year. I didn't make it by January 1st, but I think we started the beginning of February. :) Boy, why didn't I do this earlier? BJ and I have found that for our family, following a morning routine and accomplishing certain jobs really make a difference in school and the aroma of our day. Unfortunately, we had trouble constantly keeping on the boys about what they needed to do, or some mornings, BJ and I weren't not as disciplined as we needed to be. Every morning now, the boys wake up, clip on their chore packs and get to work. There have been a few mornings that I am still lying in bed and I'll hear Jesse unloading the dishwasher! (This morning he woke up at 5am to get an early start. Then fell asleep on the couch until 8am!) Having the chores listed out really gives Jared and Jesse the incentive to get them done...and the sooner the better! We do have to help Justin go through his cards and see to it that he does his jobs. Hopefully he will improve. :)

I believe in teaching my children to work...and be hard, good workers. Work is a reality of life. Someday they will have their own families to support and homes to maintain. Learning these qualities now will hopefully help them later in life. I am very thankful for the hard working husband I have....always willing (sometimes not excited about it) to do the jobs that need to be done.