Brooke's Baptism

Brooke was baptized a couple of weeks ago.  She was so excited...she's been waiting.  Kyle baptized her...as his daughter and his sister in Christ.  He shared what Brooke had worked on at school earlier that week.  It was a turkey and on the turkey's feathers the students were to write things they were thankful for and why...one of her feathers said her blanket, one was her dad, one was me, one was her bible...it read, 'I'm thankful for my bible because when there's nothing to do, you can read it.'  Another feather read, 'I'm thankful for my Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.  He saved me and He loves me and has power over all of our lives.'

Brooke,

We're so thankful and pleased with your decision to follow Jesus.  We hear your interest in Him, your questions, a desire to know Him more and it fills our hearts with joy.  You're hilarious.  God made you that way!  A little boy in your class this year asked you, the week of Halloween, if you believed in ghosts.  You said, 'I only believe in one ghost and He's the Holy Ghost!'  We laughed!  We are so thankful for the work God is doing in you and your gift in sharing it with others.  You are so deeply loyal...God made you that way too...so our prayer is the same that we pray for ourselves and your sisters...

Colossians 1:9-14

And so, from the day we heard, we have not ceased to pray for you, asking that you may be filled with the knowledge of His will in all spiritual wisdom and understanding, so as to walk in a manner worthy of the Lord, fully pleasing to Him, bearing fruit in every good work and increasing in the knowledge of God.  May you be strengthened with all power, according to His glorious might, for all endurance and patience with joy, giving thanks to the Father, who has qualified  you to share in the inheritance of the saints in light.  He has delivered us front he domain of darkness and transferred us to the kingdom of His beloved Son, in who we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins.

Brooke, may you know joy is found in Him...His presence is His provision...no matter what, He will always be enough, all you need...a Treasure worth living for...may you bring Him glory by enjoying Him now and forever.

I love you,
Mom

Fall 2013

Erin is adjusting to third grade...expectations are much higher and she feels the pressure.   She is learning to trust God.  Kyle and I are enjoying this last year with Kam in Pre-K...she's an awesome wingman...Rachel and I ran another half in New Orleans...it was a training half for the marathon in January...our first...so much more running...so much more required, physically and mentally...Erin and Brooke are still taking piano and they had a recital this Fall...they did well :)  Out of all the activities they participate in, this brings me the most joy to watch....

New Orleans half...

Book Parade...Lion, Witch and the Wardrobe...Lucy and Susan :)

Fall piano recital...Erin played and she sang :)

Brooke...

Best Summer Ever!!

Summer 2013 has been our favorite summer...a collection of pics tell the story :) We started off with swim team, an annual cousin trip to Pennsylvania which included Niagara Falls, a quick trip for Kyle and I to Puerto Villarta, and by far the best family vacation we've ever had...Kanakuk's Kamp Kauai. Kamp was so satisfying on all levels...emotionally, spiritually, mentally, and physically.  Rachel and I are still training for a marathon in January, so of course I needed to run while there...on the last day, I had to run on the track...36 laps to get 9 miles in :) But it was so nice because it's right beside Lake Tanakomo...the lake is 48 degrees so it made the track cooler :)  The most powerful part of the summer comes from Psalm 127 shared by our Kamp Pastor, Matt Chandler (my favorite)!

Psalm 127:1 Unless the Lord builds the house, those who build it labor in vain. Unless the Lord watches over the city, the watchman stays awake in vain. It is in vain that you rise up early and go late to rest, eating the bread of anxious toil; for He gives to his beloved sleep.

There is no magic formula to have children who will grow up to love the Lord...He must save...He must build the house.  All I can do is pray God will save Erin, Brooke, and Kameron.  He is the author and the finisher of our faith.

Oh yeah, Brooke and her game face.

Erin backstroking :)

Kyle and I resting in our new hammock out back.

After our plane landed, we found a nice little place to eat on a river in Pittsburgh...

Mom and Dad got 5 bunnies, for the 5 grandkids...they soon became rabbits if you know what I mean.

Take me out to the ballpark, take me out to the game!

Yep, getting Kam to wear her seatbelt is still an issue.

How we kill time in a lobby...

O Niagra Falls!

Dad bought us all cute umbrellas!

Fireworks at the Kulp Farm.

Our view in Mexico...

A lot of relaxing, but man, I'm looking old :(  Tis life.

Cha Cha sent us this pic of the girls while we were in Mexico.

Kamp bunk beds!

Kamp view from our cabin...

Ropes course!  Erin and Brooke were brave and did the whole thing!

Kyle and Erin...

Mom and Brooke...

All meals family style...and so much fun...lots of chanting! 

Water day!

Girls LOVED tubing!!

They found a friend who really fell in love with them...I hope we get to see Kamry next year!!

Kameron is FIVE!!

She is awesome.

'Look Mom!  I have one tooth'. 

Then they both fell out :)

End of the summer slumber party!

Back to school!  Erin in 3rd and Brooke in 2nd!

Dance Girls