Nathan really likes oreos! He had a few on the trip and didn't want any of it to go to waste, so he does what we all do and licked his fingers. Despite the messy clean up it was pretty cute.
Wednesday, May 24, 2006
Wes starting to crawl?
Here is Wes this weekend deciding that he wanted to try this crawling thing again. He hasn't been able to crawl yet, but he started rocking and scooting himself backwards.
another great trip
This past weekend offered us another great trip up north. The drives went well, with the boys doing great. We had a couple great opporutnities to just hang out with people (a women's banquet, softball games, ice cream social) and some more formal opportunities (Mike preaching, visiting SS classes).
We feel really good about the vote next week, and so does the leadership. We will finally know for "officially" on Sunday afternoon. Please be praying for the vote and for the next step.
We feel really good about the vote next week, and so does the leadership. We will finally know for "officially" on Sunday afternoon. Please be praying for the vote and for the next step.
Friday, May 19, 2006
Happy Anniversary!!!
Today is our 5th anniversary. Happy anniversary babe.
For our anniversary, I thought we could take an 8 hour trip :)
For our anniversary, I thought we could take an 8 hour trip :)
weekend to come
First, the pictures are coming. It's been pretty busy around here this week. Yesterday was Mike's last day at the dentist office and next Wed is his last day at Target. He wanted to have some time off before the move and start of a new job.
This weekend we are heading back up to IL for one last visit. We are excited and a little anxious. Please continue to pray for a safe trip and for the overall trip. We want to be ourselves and get to know a few more people. Thank you for your continued prayers and thoughts. We are thankful for all the support we have received the past 10 months.
Well, gotta get packing. Will post probably on Tuesday.
Have a great weekend.
This weekend we are heading back up to IL for one last visit. We are excited and a little anxious. Please continue to pray for a safe trip and for the overall trip. We want to be ourselves and get to know a few more people. Thank you for your continued prayers and thoughts. We are thankful for all the support we have received the past 10 months.
Well, gotta get packing. Will post probably on Tuesday.
Have a great weekend.
Monday, May 15, 2006
100th post
This is our 100th post!!
(pause for spontaneous celebration and balloons - a streamer or two if you must)
Back to the post...
Well, today was a great day and a long day. Since we are hoping on moving in the middle of June, we decided to go ahead and put our house on the market. We thought it would take around a month or so to sell our house. This would allow us to be able to know for sure what was going on before we would sell the house. Well, let's just say it doesn't seem to be working that way. Today we had 4 people look at the house (with at least 1 more wanting to look tomorrow). Out of the 4 people who looked at the house, we received 4 offers on the house tongiht. How crazy is that - 4 offers in one day.
We will hear back tomorrow on the offer we "accepted" and countered. Now we just have to hear back from the church and see what happens :)
Just wanted to update. We'll post some new pics soon.
(pause for spontaneous celebration and balloons - a streamer or two if you must)
Back to the post...
Well, today was a great day and a long day. Since we are hoping on moving in the middle of June, we decided to go ahead and put our house on the market. We thought it would take around a month or so to sell our house. This would allow us to be able to know for sure what was going on before we would sell the house. Well, let's just say it doesn't seem to be working that way. Today we had 4 people look at the house (with at least 1 more wanting to look tomorrow). Out of the 4 people who looked at the house, we received 4 offers on the house tongiht. How crazy is that - 4 offers in one day.
We will hear back tomorrow on the offer we "accepted" and countered. Now we just have to hear back from the church and see what happens :)
Just wanted to update. We'll post some new pics soon.
Tuesday, May 09, 2006
roller coaster weekend
This weekend was filled with soem great highs and a horrible low. Let's start with the low.
On Thursday night, after work, I (mike) went to the hospital to visit our friend John who was in the ICU. His wife was not there, so I had a chance to talk with one of his sons for a bit. Then when I was getting ready to leave, his son asked if I wanted to go back and see John. I had not thought about doing it, but since I am a minister Josh (the son) said they would let me. I went back to the room and as soon as I saw him I started crying (not just those "end of a sad movie tears" but the real "weeping" I can't believe I am looking at you in this condition tears) and couldn't really control myself. I prayed with him and cried.
Well, on the way up to IL, we got the call we didn't want to get. John passed away on Friday afternoon. It was a tough ride after that point. Because we were out of town, we did not get to go to the viewing or funeral.
But we had some great news this weekend, too.
The weekend went great. We had a chance to get to hang out with some of the youth and coaches/elders/staff on Saturday night. It was a fun time and we felt right at home. We even said it didn't feel like an interview. It was a great feeling to just be "right back at home" even though it was the second time we were there. We stayed with a great couple, we much prefer this over a hotel :)
On Sunday, I was able to teach the jr. high sunday school and the sr. high sunday night classes. It was good to be able to teach in those settings again. We felt like both classes went well and God used the subject matter to reinforce some things that have been taught over the last few months. We still haven't been able to meet all the youth yet :) (they must be scared of my overwhelming personality :))
Anyway, on Sunday afternoon we had a lunch with the search team and elders again. At the afterlunch meeting there wasn't too much discussion about new stuff. It felt like everyone had already made up there mind as to what they thought about me and the open position (probably didn't hurt that everyone loved Amy and the boys). So they decided they would have a meeting right there after we left. They met and decided to ask us back in two weeks to preach and meet the "rest of the congregation" - you know the people who don't have children and those who don't work with youth or are not elders. They want to give every opportunity for the people to get to meet us. We will also be visiting different SS classes during that trip.
I was offered the job and we accepted. This next trip is almost basically about "PR" with the congregation. We are looking forward to it.
Hopefully, we will be able to move and start in about a month or so. Wow that is strange to type. It has been almost a year since we started this process. Throughout the entire time God has been good, no great.
On Thursday night, after work, I (mike) went to the hospital to visit our friend John who was in the ICU. His wife was not there, so I had a chance to talk with one of his sons for a bit. Then when I was getting ready to leave, his son asked if I wanted to go back and see John. I had not thought about doing it, but since I am a minister Josh (the son) said they would let me. I went back to the room and as soon as I saw him I started crying (not just those "end of a sad movie tears" but the real "weeping" I can't believe I am looking at you in this condition tears) and couldn't really control myself. I prayed with him and cried.
Well, on the way up to IL, we got the call we didn't want to get. John passed away on Friday afternoon. It was a tough ride after that point. Because we were out of town, we did not get to go to the viewing or funeral.
But we had some great news this weekend, too.
The weekend went great. We had a chance to get to hang out with some of the youth and coaches/elders/staff on Saturday night. It was a fun time and we felt right at home. We even said it didn't feel like an interview. It was a great feeling to just be "right back at home" even though it was the second time we were there. We stayed with a great couple, we much prefer this over a hotel :)
On Sunday, I was able to teach the jr. high sunday school and the sr. high sunday night classes. It was good to be able to teach in those settings again. We felt like both classes went well and God used the subject matter to reinforce some things that have been taught over the last few months. We still haven't been able to meet all the youth yet :) (they must be scared of my overwhelming personality :))
Anyway, on Sunday afternoon we had a lunch with the search team and elders again. At the afterlunch meeting there wasn't too much discussion about new stuff. It felt like everyone had already made up there mind as to what they thought about me and the open position (probably didn't hurt that everyone loved Amy and the boys). So they decided they would have a meeting right there after we left. They met and decided to ask us back in two weeks to preach and meet the "rest of the congregation" - you know the people who don't have children and those who don't work with youth or are not elders. They want to give every opportunity for the people to get to meet us. We will also be visiting different SS classes during that trip.
I was offered the job and we accepted. This next trip is almost basically about "PR" with the congregation. We are looking forward to it.
Hopefully, we will be able to move and start in about a month or so. Wow that is strange to type. It has been almost a year since we started this process. Throughout the entire time God has been good, no great.
Monday, May 01, 2006
Opening up presents
Nathan got to be in the middle of a circle of people as he opened his presents. It was pretty hot outside and it was supposed to rain, so most of the people stayed inside (and we don't have a huge living room, but we love to have it packed). Nathan opened up his presents with the help of some friends (Isaac and Ella both helped :)
How do you tell a 2 year old that he won't get to see these good friends much longer? We wish we could take them with us, and we know we wouldn't hear any complaints from Nathan.
Anyway, what a day for Nathan. He got some pretty cool clothes, some great outside toys and some really cool indoor toys - oh and about 1 billion gallons of bubbles.
How do you tell a 2 year old that he won't get to see these good friends much longer? We wish we could take them with us, and we know we wouldn't hear any complaints from Nathan.
Anyway, what a day for Nathan. He got some pretty cool clothes, some great outside toys and some really cool indoor toys - oh and about 1 billion gallons of bubbles.
Nathan's garbage truck
Here is Nathan with his new trash truck. He picked this up with some of his birthday money. Its pretty funny, too. He has been looking at it everytime we go to the store, but has always been ok not getting it - then when we were there and told him he had some money to spend he decided he wanted to get it. (He's already learned delayed gratification - I think our work as parents is over) :)
He plays with his trash truck and puts the trash in over and over again. Too bad our trash didn't really fit in a trash can that size.
He plays with his trash truck and puts the trash in over and over again. Too bad our trash didn't really fit in a trash can that size.
Friday, April 28, 2006
Nathan's birthday cake
Here is the cake Nathan had for his birthday. A friend made it for him, she did a great job. Nathan absolutely loved it!
Nathan's future job
For Easter Nathan had been asking for a very unique present--one that I don't think the Easter bunny usually carries. It was a gas can. So, we took him to Lowe's to get one and it seems like he has hardly put it down since. We think that he might have a future at a full service station. It is amazing to see him play pretend, even pulling an imaginary cord on the mower to start it, stopping the car when it runs out of gas to walk to the gas can for a fill-up. He is a very smart little guy.
Sadie
One night Nathan played a game of Sorry with Mike and me--he actually stayed pretty focused for the whole game. Well, I guess Sadie was feeling a little left out and decided to be yellow. She didn't win, but had a good time playing. Anyone who knows Sadie will appreciate the value of this picture :) She is one of a kind!
A big swing set for a big guy
Here is most of Nathan's birthday present--there is now a glider swing that Mike finished putting up since this picture was taken. Thanks to all who gave Nathan cash for his birthday that went towards his backyard park :)
Tuesday, April 25, 2006
a great birthday and more
Well, its been longer than we promised and still no pics from the party up on the site. But no one has complained - which means one of two things: either no one is reading this or you are very forgiving and understanding :) (maybe a third, you don't pay attention to details or words and just look at the pictures)
We had a great day on Saturday, a bunch of people showed up, the rain held off and Nathan had a great day with his friends. We have some pictures we will put up later that show the swingset.
We started some work on the house to try and get it ready to sell (not that we are ready to sell it yet) but we are hopefully a lot closer than ever. A friend came over and helped (by that I mean, he did most of the work) repair some bad wood on the side of the house. Next weekend, we're going to work on some other problem areas.
Still two weeks until we go on our trip. WE are very excited about the trip, but we are ready to get there - this month wait is too long.
on a sad note... please pray for some friends of ours. John had a heart attack on Sunday night or Monday morning and has been in critical condition the last two days. He looked like he was getting better, but it turns out that he is not as good as hoped. Its been really hard, they are part of our adopted family and they are very special to us.
We'll post some pictures soon.
We had a great day on Saturday, a bunch of people showed up, the rain held off and Nathan had a great day with his friends. We have some pictures we will put up later that show the swingset.
We started some work on the house to try and get it ready to sell (not that we are ready to sell it yet) but we are hopefully a lot closer than ever. A friend came over and helped (by that I mean, he did most of the work) repair some bad wood on the side of the house. Next weekend, we're going to work on some other problem areas.
Still two weeks until we go on our trip. WE are very excited about the trip, but we are ready to get there - this month wait is too long.
on a sad note... please pray for some friends of ours. John had a heart attack on Sunday night or Monday morning and has been in critical condition the last two days. He looked like he was getting better, but it turns out that he is not as good as hoped. Its been really hard, they are part of our adopted family and they are very special to us.
We'll post some pictures soon.
Friday, April 21, 2006
Nathan turns 2!!!!
Can you believe that Nathan will be 2 on Sunday? I can't!
It doesn't seem like it was that long ago that we were celebrating his first birthday. Man, how things have changed over this past year. I have lost one job, gotten two more and looking for another ministry. We have 1/2 our house packed up and in one room. We have a second wonderful little boy. and so much more
We are getting ready for the big party tomorrow. Picking up some tables/chairs, getting the food ready, cleaning up the house, hoping that it doesn't rain. I am also going to try to finish putting together Nathan's big present - a new swing set. He helped Jamie and I put the frame together on Tuesday and can't wait to get on the swings and slide.
We'll post some pics after the party tomorrow
It doesn't seem like it was that long ago that we were celebrating his first birthday. Man, how things have changed over this past year. I have lost one job, gotten two more and looking for another ministry. We have 1/2 our house packed up and in one room. We have a second wonderful little boy. and so much more
We are getting ready for the big party tomorrow. Picking up some tables/chairs, getting the food ready, cleaning up the house, hoping that it doesn't rain. I am also going to try to finish putting together Nathan's big present - a new swing set. He helped Jamie and I put the frame together on Tuesday and can't wait to get on the swings and slide.
We'll post some pics after the party tomorrow
Sunday, April 16, 2006
Papa, meme and Allison visit
We wanted to post a picture of everyone from the great family visit we had during spring break. It is a great blessing to have some family down here. It was a boost from all the waiting and "interviewing" we've been doing. Nathan and Wes really seemed to enjoy having some new people around the house, too. :)
We know that we are looking forward to the possibility of moving closer to everyone so these visits don't just happen once a year. The next time we see dad and mom we will hopefully be using them to help us move.
We know that we are looking forward to the possibility of moving closer to everyone so these visits don't just happen once a year. The next time we see dad and mom we will hopefully be using them to help us move.
daddy's mistake
Here is a picture of my little mistake the other day. I was playing with the hulla hoop with Nathan (notice it in the left side of the picture) and I sorta threw it too high and got it stuck. Then I decited that Nathan's plastic rake would work to get it down. Not only did I end up braking 3 pieces off I got it stuck in the tree, too. I did get them down, but only after there was much laughter. needless to say Nathan got a new rake and Amy had a really really good laugh.
I don't think I'll try using a lightweight plastic kids toy to get another lightweight plastic kids toy out of the tree again.
I don't think I'll try using a lightweight plastic kids toy to get another lightweight plastic kids toy out of the tree again.
Saturday, April 08, 2006
In the reading room
Here is Nathan at the new library. They have little reading rooms/cubbies that kids can go in. Amy says it is a really nice library. So I'm sure we'll be there a few more times before we move.
Wes
This is Amy's favorite photo of Wes. If anyone wants a copy of this, just let us know what size you would like.
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