Life with my sister

              Sunday morning right before church started I received a text from Stephen that said                                                     ...no bruises, no blood I'm fine... That was not the best way to begin worship! I gathered up the kids and we headed to Stephen. It turns out a young man ran a stop sign and hit Stephen. The truck is totalled. I wish you knew the love Stephen has for his truck. If you'll remember, when I was pregnant with Samuel I had a wreck and totalled his first truck love. This truck had replaced his first one in his heart. It had gone on many trips, it could hold all six of us and the best part...it was paid off!!! I am so thankful S...

We started our 8 day excursion through Minnesota in our rental car. Can I just say we loved that Malibu?! We both drive trucks and it was so nice to be in a car again and whip in and out of parking spaces. It was loaded inside and super comfy. If you are looking for a car, I would look into this one. I wish Chevy could pay me for this little commercial! Paul Bunyan welcomed us to his state in a big way. We found him at a rest area as we entered into Brainerd.  Randall rested his hand on Paul's inner thigh and wanted to make sure I noticed. I did...and you must notice it too! I love my Randall and my son is cracking me up in both of the pictures will big Paul. We arrived at the Grand View Lodge in Nisswa. Randall and I have gone to this retreat with his work the past 2 years but this was Henry's first visit. He spent some time soaking it all in and I enjoyed watching him. He found a rocking horse in the main lodge area and took to riding it every time we wa...

This land is your land This land is my land From California to the New York island; From the red wood forest to the Gulf Stream waters This land was made for you and Me. As I was walking that ribbon of highway, I saw above me that endless skyway: I saw below me that golden valley: This land was made for you and me. I've roamed and rambled and I followed my footsteps To the sparkling sands of her diamond deserts; And all around me a voice was sounding: This land was made for you and me. When the sun came shining, and I was strolling, And the wheat fields waving and the dust clouds rolling, As the fog was lifting a voice was chanting: This land was made for you and me. As I went walking I saw a sign there And on the sign it said "No Trespassing." But on the other side it didn't say nothing, That side was made for you and me. In the shadow of the steeple I saw my people, By the relief office I seen my people; As they stood there h...

 Henry took his first flight with Randall and me last week. It was exciting times in our house preparing for the big event. Henry was unsure about it all, but excited at the same time. Having VBS the week prior to our trip and the theme being about air travel helped a lot. Before VBS the mention of flying made him scream. So neat how God works things out in such a fun way. He wanted to fly, fly, fly after VBS! We arrived at our gate and he spotted the plane. Randall and Henry watched a few planes take off and land from the window. Henry loved watching it all and telling everyone at our gate he was going to ride on an airplane. We got lots of collective grins and laughter.  And this is when he turned back and yelled at the gate attendant, "I ride airplane to Minnesota!" and ran onto the plane. He could not contain his excitement!! Precious.  He got in his window seat and sat still while looking out the window and constantly telling us...

We are celebrating our beautiful grandmother today. Please sing the Happy Birthday song with us!

Outside my window...sunny, hot, hot, hot I am thinking...about the pool! I am thankful for...a breeze From the learning rooms...it's summer, nothing is going on in there From the kitchen...it's find what you can night. It's too hot to cook. I am wearing...a swimsuit I am creating...a tan, except on the underside of my arms, they won't tan. I am going...to take a nap when I get home I am hearing...kids splashing, squealing and having a good time Around the house...not much is going on, just the basics. One of my favorite things...the pool A few plans for the rest of the week...a trip to see my mom. I can't wait to see her face and to see her walk on her own. Julie

My friend Emily captured this photo of our boys splashing their feet in the pool the other night. A fun and simple night swimming as the sun set. Each simple little thing is a blessing, like swimming with a friend on a week night. I tell myself on a daily basis to not forget who gives us these little blessings and to not take them forgranted. The smiles, laughter, "Watch this, Mama" moments and the crocodile tears because it is time to go home and go to bed, are all gifts from above. I adore this Matt Redman song. I think my vehicle must come off the ground when it plays on the radio. Henry and I sing it at the top of our lungs. What a delight to sing praises with my baby boy as we go about our daily routine. Planting a song in his heart early! Turn up your volume and get ready to belt it out. How do people do life without Jesus??!! Abby