Yesterday afternoon we headed outdoors for a nature study on the trails at Apple Canyon State Park.  There is a trail with a one-mile loop that is pretty kid friendly, and the little ones were sure excited!  We found all sorts of cool things to look up when we got home.  Best of all, we got our hands dirty and touched God's world.  As always, it touched us back.  I always feel restored after spending time outside (ok, maybe not in -20 degree weather...) … [Read more...]

Becca asked to start her special day with cinnamon rolls which started rising at 2am. Anything for Becca Boo! I am not sure who loved them more....Becca or Ryan!!!Her party started in the afternoon.  The theme was Circus and she had such a ball playing with her friends in the bounce house, getting their faces painted, playing on the jungle gym, firing rockets, and playing pin-the-nose on the clown.  Such great friends and family to share her special day with!  I can't believe … [Read more...]

Preparations for Becca's birthday took place on Friday after school work was done.  As you can see, Gabe was very glad to "help" me with the cake! … [Read more...]

I awaken at three in the morning, a cracking thunder overhead and nothing between the impending rain and I but a tent.  The four little ones slumber quietly even while the world around them shakes.  Wind blows the tent shuddering from the pressure, the showering rain so loud it's hard to think.  The phone rings - a friend snug and safe in thier camper a few sites over.  "Are you guys doing ok?" she asks.  I tell her the tent is bearing the storm well, and the kids are … [Read more...]

I ponder long, racking my brain for what words I might pen to this one-line statement.  How do I summarize a life?  We spend our lives with words - speaking who we are out loud to others, but also the conversations in the deep inner parts.  Those words that bring worry or regret, rejoicing or peace.  We turn words over, repeating them.  They have the power to encite, to stirr up anger and wrath or to calm - a peaceful hymn murmered when things are turning sour and you … [Read more...]