My family Memorial Day

Joel, Jonah and Emily in the back of the truck. We were going through the pastures looking for a good spot for Caleb and Danie's wedding and also seeing all the new little baby cows. Me, Jonah and the girls

Joel and Danie

The girls loved riding in teh back of the truck

We played some lively games of badminton. My dad even joined in. We also went into town and played some tennis. It was fun. Thanks for being patient with me Danie!

Bemidji State Park

This weekend Joel's family camped at Bemidji State Park so we spent an evening up there with them. The girls really had a fun and they got to have their first official campfire.

Here is Emily loving the roasted marshmallows

Our family down by the lake

Emily playing in the sand

Abby found a shell

Joel with his cousin Lorie.. They were walking around on these very bouncy stilts


Grandpa and Emily

Baby MacArthur

My friend Sarah just had her 3rd child last Thursday. They named him MacArthur Allen and he was 10 lbs 11 oz. Her other two are Eva and Elijah, my little girls playmates. He is so precious!

Pool Fun

We had a couple days that reached 97 degrees last week so we decided to get the pool out. The girls had a blast and wanted to be in it all day. Abby's little friend Sofia also came to play.

The slide is the best part

Emmy

Emily has such her own unique little personality. She really is our comedian and seems to always be saying something to make us chuckle. This weekend we went up north to visit our families for Memorial Day Weekend and one of the evenings we went out driving with my parents and Jonah and Danie through the pastures. Emily kept going from front seat to back seat over and over. Finally, Joel told her she just has to stay in the back with us. She wanted to come and sit with me then and so he let her and she comes to me and says, "Daddy's mean mom." It was soo stinkin cute!

Thoughts

I got this from a fellow blogger this morning. I thought it was good.

God Said...
If you never felt pain, then how would you know that I’m a Healer?
If you never went through difficulties, how would you know that I’m a Deliverer?
If you never had a trial, how could you call yourself an overcomer?
If you never felt sadness, how would you know that I’m a Comforter?
If you never made a mistake, how would you know that I’m forgiving?
If you knew it all, how would you know that I will answer your questions?
If you never were in trouble, how would you know that I will come toyour rescue?
If you never were broken, then how would you know that I can make you whole?
If you never had a problem, how would you know that I can solve them?
If you never had any suffering, then how would you know what Jesus went through?
If you never went through the fire, then how would you become pure?
If I gave you all things, how would you appreciate them?
If I never corrected you, how would you know that I love you?
If you had all power, then how would you learn to depend on me?
If your life was perfect, then what would you need Me for?
Thank you, God!

Abby's announcement

Abby

Abby has such a good heart. Lately she has been asking everyone if they asked Jesus to be their friend. Yesterday I overheard her asking one of her little friends. Her friend replied, "yes I did." Abby then says, "Oh good, I get to be with you in heaven." How innocent and sweet. It was a little lesson to me. If only I could be so bold, I could enjoy heaven with more people. No wonder Jesus loves the little children. They are so innocent and pure of heart and have no ulterior motives for what they are doing. They just simply want good for others.
She is such a blessing to me and I am sure she delights God's heart too!

Abby's friend party

We had a neighbor/friend party for Abby yesterday. It was a blast. We borrowed this big blow up structure from a friend. The kids loved it!


Joel and the girls playing in the big blow up structure.

Joel and the girls playing
Abby opening gifts

All of us sitting out watching the kids

The slide was also a big hit

Eating cupcakes and drinking lemonade




The kids jumping

New Bed

I told you about the bunk beds we got from Craigslist. Here they are completed! I love them!

1 Peter 3:15-17

"But in your hearts set apart Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect, keeping a clear conscience, so that those who speak maliciously against your good behavior in Christ may be ashamed of their slander.

My parents house

Danie is so sweet. She just arrived back from England lastnight and she came over to my parents bright and early in the morning to help me help my mom. She also made Abby a birthday cake. The girls absolutely love her and we are so glad she is going to be thier auntie.

Abby blowing out her cake

Abby opening her presents from Josh and Paula

Uncle Jonah and Emily

Uncle Jonah reading his birthday present to Abby

Baby Tucker

Josh and Paula had thier baby boy May 7th and named him Tucker James. He was 8lbs 14 oz and 6 days early! He was due on Abby's birthday. He is such a sweetheart. I just fell in love with him. He is such a good baby. It is going to be so nice to have cousins on my side finally!



The girls and Tucker

Emily loved him!

Danie sitting with him in the sun because he is jaundiced.

Me and Tucker


What a cutie!

Josh and Paula with Tucker

Josh and Tucker

The girls and Tucker.

My mom with Tucker and Emily. She fell and hurt her knee the night before he was born so she can't even walk. I was able to bring her over to Josh and Paula's so she could see him a little bit.





Emily and Tucker

Birthday Girl

Happy Birthday to my sweet, sensitive, beautiful 4 year old. Abby is such a ray of sunshine. She always wants to make sure everyone is okay. She is extremely social and loves all her friends. She is our little joy and I am so grateful for her. I can't believe 4 years have passed. God was so good to give her to us!

I love you Abby!

Happy Mother's Day

Happy Mother's Day Mom! You have taught me the value and sacrifice of staying at home to take care of your kids and how great that is. You always help me whenever I am in need. The girls and I know we are loved! Thank you!

I can't believe this is my 4th mothers day. I missed it in 05' by a couple days. Motherhood is everything I always dreamed it would be and much, much more. I didn't count on all the sleepness nights, and the never-ending sickness (or so it seems), or just how attached they are to you. I also never knew how deep my love for them would be, how protective, how scary! It is all more worth it than I ever dreamed.

Thank you Jesus for the wonderful blessing of my children. I pray protection over them and more than anything that they will love you with all they have. Let them be great for you! Help me to train them in Godliness by example, and help me to teach them to hide your word in their hearts that they might not sin against you. You are so good to entrust them to my care. I am forever grateful! ~Hannah