Iowa

We hung out with Nik, Nori and Nadya like old times. This time Nik's fiance, Kristi, got to join us. We had fun getting to know her.

We saw the Nikkels but again I did not get many pictures of them. So, here's Jess, Cooper and Tucker (sorry Matt). They helped us with Bible school all week then we went on a short get away to Clear Lake. It was great to spend time with them.

Nadya helped me out a lot!

Jonathan got to swim and play at the park with Cooper. Sadly I did not get a good picture of the two of them. Can you find Cooper and Jonathan on the merry-go-round.

We also saw my good friend Deb and her son Ben

We saw Jonathan and Katelyn's Great Aunt Paula and cousin Angie

Eating sweet corn for the first time.

Jonathan on the mower with Grandpa Jeff. He loves mowers!

We headed off to Iowa for the second time this summer. This time we went so I could run a Bible School for the Cedar Falls Bible conference. While we loaded up the van Jonathan got soaked in the rain. He had a great time, too bad all his dry clothes were packed up. We saw lots of family and friends while we were there. It was a fun trip!

Fourth of July

We tried to take a picture of everyone in their red,white, and blue but it was difficult to have them all looking at the same time. The poor babies aren't so sure about it all.

We did go to Southern the little boys swam and the big boys played basketball.

Over the Fourth of July Sarah, Eric, Josiah and Jack came to visit. We were pretty busy chasing our kids around and didn't take too many pictures. We taught Jack to play settlers. He's ready to take on Aunt Anita. It was a rainy weekend so we spent a lot of time inside.

Katelyn's Photo Shoot Part 2 (Plus Jonny)

Katelyn's Photo Shoot

I have a friend that likes photography. She had a new lens for her camera and tried it out on Katelyn. I was so excited! We got some great pictures. Here are just a few. It was hard to pick. I might have to add some more later.

Our New Home

The whole kitchen

One corner of the kitchen

The dining room.

The living room (we're still working on it)

The kids' closet.

Here is the kids' room. It was clean but Jonathan likes to mess it up as fast as I pick it up.

This is the view when you walk in the front door. To the right is a bathroom and to the left is the kids' room.

We decided we needed to move in order to save a little money. At the beginning of this adventure I thought we were going to have to go to a smaller, not so nice apartment in order for it to be cheaper but God had other plans for us. Although the process of apartment hunting and moving hasn't been real fun it has been fun to watch God provide for us in MANY ways. We are now in a cheaper, BIGGER, nice apartment close to many friends, school, and our church. This home is a blessing to us. Here is a little tour. I am missing the bathrooms and the downstairs. They will be soon to come.

32!!!

And here I am at age 32! I don't feel 32 but I am blessed to be another year older. May I glorify God with each day I am given.

Megan and Anna came to help me celebrate (their husbands came too but we didn't take their pictures).

Family picture with my beautiful cake made by my dear friend, Anna. Isn't it pretty (it tasted great too!)

The ice cream truck just happened to come to the park. Chaun can't resist ice cream, they got a little treat in honor of my birthday.

Ready, Set, GO!!! Always a ball nearby.

Just wanted everyone to know Kate enjoyed the day with us too. She didn't make too many of the pictures but we didn't leave her out.

We also went to the park. Jonathan is trying to push the big stroller. It was hard work and he needed a little help from me (notice that Vanilla Coke in my hand, that was a present from Chaun-YUM!!)

Chaun took us all out to eat. We even got to eat outside, which is my favorite! Here's Jonny and I enjoying our lunch.

Another birthday has come and gone. I always enjoy my birthday but I don't really like getting older. Many times I wish time could freeze and people didn't have to age. This year though Chaun helped me look at aging a little different. Instead of thinking of each year as getting older and older and approaching death we should look at it as one year closer to seeing Jesus and being with our Heavenly Father forever. I know I don't live in light of eternity very often, but I am working on that. This year I am excited to be another year closer to seeing Jesus! Being 32 is a blessing and I had a great day with my family and friends.

Fathers Day

Jonathan got new pajamas in honor of fathers day. I don't know if you can read them but it sums up Jonathan's thoughts of his dad:
"My dad ROCKS!"

We tried to make Chaun's day special by cooking all of his favorite treats, coffee cake, breakfast pizza and a giant cookie. I have a long ways to go in my decorating skills but it tasted delicious!

This is the only picture of my dad and I that I could find. Although I think it is a good one I need to take more pictures with him!

This Fathers Day I was grateful for three fathers. First I am grateful for my heavenly father. I am humbled at that fact that He chose me to be one of His children. He continues to teach me and bless me and I am thankful that His mercies are new every morning.

Second I am grateful for my earthly father. I am thankful that God blessed me with a dad who chose to serve God with his life. He has been a great example to me of what it means to have a personal relationship with Jesus. Thank you Dad for your example and life of service to our Heavenly Father.

Third I am thankful for the father my husband is to my children. I love to watch him play with our kids and make them laugh. But more importantly I am thankful that he is teaching them God's truths as well.

I am so blessed and I love all three of these fathers!