Happy Anniversary, Again!

We just said "Happy Anniversary" to my parents, now it's time to say it to Mark's mom and dad. They just celebrated 41 years together yesterday, July 29. I think it's sweet that both of our parents chose July to get married and they both have been married just over 40 years. I'm so thankful we both come from Christian families with a high regard for marriage and a lifetime of committment. I'm most thankful to my in-laws for giving me their son and I can't wait to celebrate 40 years with him one day! Happy Anniversary, Tom and Judy! We love you both!

Welcome Home!

It's Friday!---FINALLY!! I never thought this week would end! Mark and the boys have been gone to Centri-Kid Camp all week about 5 hours away so Lydia and I have been lost without them. The house has been so quiet and stayed so clean with them gone. Imagine that! It's been a rough week here as we're dealing with a sad family situation and then my air conditioner went out for a couple days. It never fails, when Daddy's gone something always breaks! But the Lord has been faithful and taken good care of us through the week. The boys had a great week at camp! I hear Caleb was voted "Best Dressed" by his counselor and had a group of girls following him. And Levi was voted "Most Enthusiastic" and loved every minute of everything he did all week! Lydia has made her little welcome home sign to take to church as we wait for their bus to arrive! And we're off now to the bakery to find a welcome home cake for later. I'm ready for life to return to normal and to tuck everyone into their own beds tonight!

Happy Anniversary Mom & Dad

43 years ago today my parents were married. Wow! That's a really long time! My dad left home at 4:00 a.m. yesterday, drove 4 hours to work in Arkansas, then drove home 4 more hours last night, arriving at 10:00 p.m. so he could be here today to celebrate with Mom. That's not easy to do when you're 60-something! But that's just proof of the kind of love they've shared for so long. What an incredible example of a Christian marriage they have shown all of us kids and so many young couples through the years. Thanks, Mom and Dad and Happy Anniversary! We love you!

A Huge Thank You!

Our family is sending a huge thank you to the one who gave up his Sunday afternoon to come mow our "knee-high" grass in the hot summer sun! Mark's schedule has been so crazy between work, travel and church that there's been no time to mow over the past two weeks! Our sweet Life group teacher was aware of this and just showed up to bless our family. We wanted you to know Mark was able to take the kids on a bike ride last night rather than stay home and mow! We are so thankful for Christian friends who help take care of us and we are praying a huge blessing on you for helping us! This was a great lesson for my kids to see how God always provides for our needs even the cutting of the grass! Thanks again!

4th of July at Lake of the Ozarks

Most of the great-grandkids on Grandma Brown's merry-go-round in her yard.
Singing "You're a Grand Ole Flag" with Grandma Brown!
My 34-year-old brother Kip trying to pop a wheelie while riding a bike with sparklers on the wheels! As you can see, he's about to wipe out! Our party was hard up for entertainment, huh?
Sadly, my Grandma J spent the 4th in the hospital so we stopped by to cheer her up! These are my brother Kevin's newly adopted girls Shayla, Kayla and Layla. Kip's oldest daughter Ellie is right beside Grandma J. Feel better soon, Grandma!

Happy 4th Birthday Lydia!

Lydia turned 4 on June 22 and wanted an ice cream cone party at the gymnastics place with all her friends. So, whatever the princess wants she usually gets, especially if Daddy is involved! Here's a few pics of the birthday fun!

Holiday World Trip for Mark's Birthday/Father's Day

Lydia and Mark on the Turkey Whirl--she was much more brave than her "chicken" mommy!
Liddy's favorite ride of all time--the carousel! This is the kiddie one but she likes the big one better!
Lydia kept spinning in circles--she looks a little dizzy!
We spent the night with Santa at Santa's Lodge before going to the water park all day!
Mark's birthday funnel cake-yummy!