Jared's recital

Last Monday was Aunt Linda's spring piano recital. Jared played "Olympic Ceremony" by Olson. He did an excellent job...and we couldn't have been more proud.

Grandma Connie's visit

We all enjoyed Grandma's visit a few weeks back. Usually visits from family are centered around a big activity. Not this time! My mom got to hang with us as we lived a normal week....and we loved letting her in on our life. :)

This guy keeps us smiling....

John Russel is such a fun boy! He keeps us on our toes and amazes us with his spunky personality. As you can tell, he comes up with his own dress up outfits! :)

4-H

Our first 4-H experience went well. Last month Jared and Jesse entered their rabbits in the spring youth fair. It has always been a dream for BJ and I to get our boys involved in 4-H...and we thought rabbits would be a good place to start. Being raised in the city, the trappings of small town/country life are something of a novelty to us. :) What fun! I will say though, after being at the fair for 2 1/2 days, a whole week of this would seem a little long! We had a great time...and learned a ton. :)

There were quite a few serious rabbit people there. Our rabbits were entered in the pet category because their markings disqualify them for the Dutch category. We did learn, however, that Oliver has a very desirable hairline! :)
Our boys enjoyed an hour of herdsmanship.

This is the written test...trying to decide which feeder would be the best among other rabbit questions.

I loved seeing our boys in their white shirts and jeans. (They are supposed to wear this when showing their animals.) I even wore my romeos to be more 4H-y. :)

Jesse was awarded champion for his age group and Jared reserve champion. We were proud of the way our boys carried themselves...especially since Jesse and I were so nervous going into this and Oliver can be a little naughty!
Pretty exciting, huh?

Homeschool Conference 2010

A few weekends back, BJ and I (and Jud) were able to attend the Christian Heritage Homeschool Conference. It was great! Not only did I enjoy an all day date with BJ, but we were both so encouraged by being around such wonderful families. If you have never been, you will be amazed at how many 15 passenger vans are in the parking lot! :) One of the keynote speakers this year was Kevin Swanson. And although we didn't go to the sessions (we heard him speak in Oregon last summer), my husband was thrilled to be in the same building as him. Probably BJ's highlight was running into him in the vendor hall. After they chatted, Kevin prayed for our family and future. This guy is passionate about the Lord, raising Godly children, and speaking the truth. Plus, he is very entertaining.....listen to his radio broadcast and you will understand why. :) We bought some great books for the next school year...and felt encouraged to keep plugging away.
(A big thank you to the Duncans for watching our boys. )

Big Justin = Fun!

It was neat to watch my cousin show the boys new ways to dig in the dirt and play. Jared, Jesse, and Justin were thrilled to have him here. Thank you, Justin, for investing in my boys. :)

It's been a year.....

Today is our one year mark of being out of ministry. It is hard to believe that a whole year has gone by already. This time in our life has been longer than expected, but looking back on it, we have learned.......

....the art of asphalt seal coating :) and all the ins and outs of setting up your own business.

....lots of construction stuff (I even learned a few things by visiting the job site so often!)

....the value of a father's home time. It has been hard to be as involved as we were when attending every church function was part of BJ's job. Family time in the evenings and on Saturdays goes by so quickly. When back in ministry, we don't want to waste our congregation's time....having activities for the sake of having them or the expectation that everyone should be there supporting it.

....a greater appreciation for a pastor's day off. I miss having BJ home on Mondays.

....how other churches do things. It has been fun to visit different churches when BJ was asked to fill in.

....that daddy still ministers to others - even when he isn't paid to do it.

....God provides.

....how to wake up earlier in the mornings. :) (Especially BJ starting work at 6am.)

....or re-learned the blessings of a new baby...and the time and energy required. :)

....all about rabbits and 4-H. (FYI- they reproduce very quickly!)

....that we are loved. We appreciate so much the love, support, and encouragement we have received. Thank you. :)

"Many things about tomorrow

I don't seem to understand

But I know who holds tomorrow

And I know who holds my hand"