Block Island

Darryl sent me some pics this morning of the guys taking the ferry over to Block Island. They rented some bikes there, and went to the beach to go swimming. They had a really nice day.

Talking to me and Kyle.

Do you see what I see?!

When I went out to water the seeds last night, I discovered a touch of green throughout the "yard." I had to blink a few times to be sure I wasn't seeing things!

I mean, it's been 4 years! Could this really be a sign that one day my little feet will be able to feel the lush texture of green grass as I stroll around behind our house? Dare I think such thoughts as these?
Darryl and Ryan are away this week at a misson's trip in Rhode Island. They don't have a clue that the grass is growing. Don't tell them because I want it to be a surprise!

Also, here is another smilie that Kyle just made. He does a great job!

What dirt?

The topsoil was delivered a day early. I parked the van in front of it. Do you think it was noticeable from the road? DJ decided to knock it down and spread it out a bit just in case.
There was another pile in the front yard. Now you see it....
now you don't....

Here's a momma deer and her babies. I sincerely hope they do not find my tomato plants.

Kids' videos :)

How Great Is Our God/How Great Thou Art


Grace Like Rain


Blessed Be Your Name


Kyle and Ryan having fun.


An impromptu yo-yo show.


Second Chances

This is a new song by Ryan. Here are the words.

Second Chances

So many times, I slip up,
Whether the fault is large or small
Doubt seeps in and causes me to fear
And all too often I give in

But God in mercy stretches out His hand to me
And in His grace, He picks me up and sets me free,
Gives me another chance to be what He’s called me to be
- A humble servant serving in the likeness of Christ

Chorus:

I thank the Lord for second chances!
I thank God for forgiveness
Oh how wonderful is grace,
Oh how sweet is mercy!
Oh how I love… second chances!

Sometimes it’d be so great to freeze time for just a little while
To give my mind a chance to think
But I know that God is faithful!
He won’t let us be tempted above what we’re able.
He’ll provide a way to escape.

So, by His grace I’ll trust His Word and cast aside my evil thoughts
Of doubt and worry and fear
Yet still in those times where I shy away from where I should be…

(Chorus)

The backyard saga continues....

Two truckloads of topsoil were delivered before it rained...
Almost everybody helped rake it out... with the added benefit of a mud foot massage...
After a downpour, and replacing a leaking hydraulic hose, the seed was spread, and raked in...
Uncle Eric gave his support by cheering them on...

I gave my support by feeding them...

After supper everyone enjoyed a treat from Cold Stone.

All that's left now are the 2 side yards.... more dirt is coming Friday!

More fun times...

We all had a really nice visit. At breakfast.

Playing Wii
Men playing with toys.

Not sure what Mike was doing.

Just being silly.

Practicing their songs.

Pool shots

The water wasn't very warm, it was "refreshing," but we had a fun time together playing in the pool. My kids are going to miss their cousins.

Singing at Senior High

This is from church.

The cousins visit

Jon, Michael, Ryan and Kyle looking at his new 2% Milk yo-yo.

Eric and Michele
We all had a great time in the pool even though it was a bit chilly.

Alysha took a picture of me taking a picture of her.

Hanging out on the deck.
Eric helped DJ with a couple of projects.

They installed a new ceiling fan in the kitchen.And worked on the van.
Mike and Ryan at church.
The Christian Cousins, Next Generation
They sang some songs for the senior high class. It is always wonderful to hear them sing when they get together. The keyboard didn't work, so Alysha signed.

Dana, Ricky and Karli

Here is a nice picture of my sweet daughter, Dana and her boyfriend, Ricky. Cute couple. :) She just had her big 30th birthday yesterday. Wow... I can't believe it was that long ago.
Thanks for reminding me how old I am, Dana!!
This is Ricky's precious little girl, Karli. aww... isn't she adorable?
Oh, and here's a current pic of me...

Dad's Day

We had a really quiet Father's Day, but at least DJ got what he wanted.

A nice looooong nap.

This father is greatly blessed by two wonderful sons...

Sons are a heritage from the LORD, children a reward from him.
Like arrows in the hands of a warrior are sons born in one's youth.

Psalm 127:3-4
And you know what they say.... "behind every great man is a great woman."
hahaha!! It's true!!

Ok, not really, but it sounded good. The only way to be a great man is to be humble, to fear the Lord and serve Him. No man or woman is anything without THE Father, the Creator of all there is, and the One who gives us life and breath. To HIM be all the glory!