Camp

YOUNGLIFE

YoungLife has become a ministry near and dear to my heart over the last 10 years. I was introduced to YL by just jumping in to winter camp in January 2002 only 6 weeks after getting married. I can't really say I was all smiles and happy to be hanging out with high school students in our spare time. But over time, God changed my heart and I fell in love with the hearts of high school kids and the ministry of YL. It has taught me many things over the past 10 years. The biggest would be God's grace and mercy and how they apply to my life.

I started in YL as a volunteer leader with Matt. We ministered to kids for around 5 years and have had the privilege of watching God work in their hearts. When Isabella was born, we moved to the committee because we wanted to stay involved. That is where we have served for the past 5 years.

Sarah and I went to the committee weekend held up at Sharptop Cove this past weekend. It was a great weekend seeing some familiar faces and getting more direction on where our committee should be headed. We both went into the weekend feeling overwhelmed and left feeling energized and knowing that God has some plans for us.

Prayer was a BIG feature of the weekend. We both left realizing how much we need to be praying for everything. I think we prayed more together this weekend than we have over the past 7 years knowing each other.

Please join us in praying for YL. Also, is you are interested in YL as a ministry opportunity we would love to talk to you.

The last time I spent the night at camp I was pregnant with Isabella. Now, Sarah is pregnant with baby boy number 3 or "Jackson" as I refer to him. Ha ha!

Ballerina

Isabella started dance classes this year. She is taking a level II tap/ballet class. These pictures crack me up. I just wanted her to smile before her first class and this is what we got.

Family Jewels

You probably thought that this was going to be a funny post with the title but it really is about family jewels being pasted down.

When Matt and his older brother were little boys. They gave Kappy small pearls over the years as gifts for birthdays/holidays that were added to a necklace and over time grew into a beautiful pearl necklace. Eventually the chain broke and the jewelers were unable to find a chain small enough to replace it. Kappy ended up splinting the pearls between her 2 grand daughters and had them restrung into a beautiful heirloom for them.

Kappy & Bella

What a beautiful treasure to pass down!

Grass!

So this is what our backyard looked like after we took the hideous pergola down and took up the stones that lead to the steps. Before I put my dad to work when they came to visit this weekend.

This is what my van looked like with the pallets of grass for Ace Hardware.

This is what it looked like when we where halfway done.

Getting closer!

Almost there!

Some extra assistance from Bella.

Our tools, the red wagon and scissors.

All finished...

with red faces

I really like the way it turned out. Thank you for your help Daddy!

New Phases- Big School

As of August 1, 2011

We officially have a kindergartner in our family.

I think I have secretly dreaded this new time in our lives for awhile. While I am excited as Isabella grows and matures and reaches new phases that continue to remind me she isn't our little baby girl anymore I have truly dreaded this new phase. I think because it is so different from other new phases. Entering kindergarten signifies uncharted territory. It is the beginning of the next 13 years of school life. Homework, projects, studying and being exposed to things I can't control. And there is no going back.

I am not ready even though she is.

Matt is not ready even though she is.

She has been excited about big school since kindergarten roundup back in May and can't wait to ride the bus. We decided to try the uniform route this year and see what we think. Hoping it would be a little easier not having to fuss over what she should wear. I tried to get/make some cute accessories to make it a little more fun. Below are pictures from the first day.

Bella after getting dressed in her little uniform

Pictures outside.

I tried to get her to wear her hair down but she wanted it in a ponytail with her cute bow.

All smiles

The sign she made for her first day.

Our babies

Bella with Daddy

Bella with me

Out side her room at school with her backpack

Sitting to do her morning work

I do have to admit I teared up several times at open house and the morning of the first day. It is just overwhelming for your first to be in school.

A couple of friends of mine said I am the strong one and wondered what they would be like when it is their turn. My advice it to really enjoy the early years, the really do fly by.