We're Back!

Just a quick post to let you all know we're back from a five day trip to the hills of Branson! We had a great time with my family just being together and enjoying a break from life. I'll do a Branson post later with a few pictures but there's no time right now. The boys start school in 2 days and we are crazy busy getting their last-minute supplies and going to back-to-school meetings! We're off to Wal-Mart right now!

Baby Names

That title got your attention, didn't it? No, we are not looking for any new baby names and we will not be looking for baby names ever again, right Mark? Today I have been thinking about the names we gave our three kids because of the sermon we heard at church yesterday. Bro. Mark was preaching from Luke about the calling of Levi. I loved this because we have a Levi at our house! When we were naming our kids we always wanted Bible names and we always prayed about which specific name to give them because there are so many great Bible names it's hard to choose. In his sermon, he talked about how when Jesus told Levi to follow him Levi jumped up, dropped everything and ran to him. That's our Levi--he's always ready to drop what he's doing and head off for the next adventure! He doesn't care what he's leaving behind! In the Bible it says then Levi threw a party for Jesus and invited all kinds of different people. And if you know our Levi he's always surrounded by friends from all walks of life and is always ready for the next party! It's amazing how we are already seeing the traits of these Bible characters displayed in our own kids. Our Caleb loves to be a spy and figure things out and is very bold in his words to others. He's also a leader at church, home and school. And little Lydia loves Jesus and the color purple like Lydia in Acts who sold purple cloth! We are praying she'll learn her hospitality traits, too! We can't wait to see how God continues to develop these traits in our kids as they grow over the next few years. I have been reminded today what an honor Mark and I were given to be able to name our children from His word. I pray we never take that for granted.

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!