From Dream to Done

When we purchased this home, the basement was listed as unfinished. However, there was enough done to that level for us to make a functional office and bedroom on that floor which were instantly put to use. At the end of the hallway, there was a big black void. Just a space with wall studs in place and a concrete floor--literally a blank canvas. Though that space has been used to house many a storage pieces over the years that we've been here, the vision was to make that hole a functioning bathroom.

We knew that the task would be monumental, but we also knew that it would be well worth doing. It took us a L O N G time, but we can gleefully say that we have a bathroom! Nikolas practiced his plumbing skills, Jozsef exercised his drywall and painting skills, and John filled in all of the other gaps. From coring a can for the toilet and installing an ejector pump, to full out plumbing, making walls, making doorways, creating a ceiling, wiring for lights and outlets, installing fixtures--every little detail--the guys did it all! Ok, we had help with the coring, ejector pump, and some of the wiring--thank you Grassroots and Denver! But overall, the project was by and large an in-house project.

The boys are thrilled--as are the rest of us. This is a B I G deal! I'm so happy for the willing hands to put in the numerous hours in making this dream become a reality. Great Work Guys! and THANK YOU!

Contract to Covenant

Once upon a time, the church was the center of a community. People met there, they worshipped and fellowshipped there, creating bonds. People were married at the church and when thier babies were born, the babies were baptized there. At the end of life, funerals were held at the church and people were buried at the church cemetary. All the records were simple. The Pastor and the people wrote the name of the event and the date of the event in thier Bibles. Every sacred event was between the Pastor, the people, and God--because these were God given rights of passage. This was the way life was recorded for generations--until the government got involved and found a way to take charge of records and attach financial gain to them. This is where covenant was changed to contract. A contract, by definition, is an agreement between two or more parites that creates mutual obligations that are enforceable by law. In regards to marriage, that sounds super romantic, doesn't it. In contrast, a covenant is defined as a promise, agreement, or contract between two or more oarties, often accompanied by oaths, signs, and ceremonies. It is a relationship bwtween two partners who make binding promises to otherand work together to reach a common goal. Covenants define obligations and commitments but they are different from a contract because they are relational and personal. Biblically, a covenant marriage is a solemn and binding relationship between a man and a woman that is meant to last a lifetime. The purpose of a covenant marriage is to reflect the love and relationship between Christ and His church, and it is meant to be a unique display of God's covenant grace because, unlike all other human relaitonships, the husband and wife are bound by covenant into the closest possible relationship for a lfetime.

When John and I first were married, we were not Christ followers, and though we included Biblical verses and mentioned God in our ceremony, we definitely entered into a contract. Over the years, after trial and triumph with resulting growth, and yes, becoming Christ followers, we decided that we would rather be in covenant than in contract. It took us quite some time to reach the point of ability to make the switch, but we finally got all of our pieces together and recently made the switch. In a lake side gazebo, witnessed by the children and Bethany, John and I made a covenant vow. We didn't just mention God, we made God the cornerstone of our lives together.

It was simple, sweet, special, and significant. We topped off the night with a celebratory dinner and a delicious apple butter cake.

We made a marked moment. Praise God! ;-)

Giving Thanks

November is a great month. Not only does it cool down and we can open windows, but the foliage turns brilliant colors and we are surrounded by beauty. In the midst of it all, we have an entire month to really focus on counting our blessings and giving thanks culminating in a day of thanks and a feast. How wonderful is that?! We worked our way through the alphabet identiflying the blessings we have which is always a treat to see other people's perspectives. Thanksgiving day was filled with games, puzzles, good food, and time together.

I didn't get much in the way of photos, but that's because we were too involved in enjoying our time--and I'll take that. :-)

Family, Autumn, and a Park

This year, we were blessed by a friend who gifted us his time and talents for a family photo shoot in the park. We had a great time while we captured a few moments in time. We are thankful for our friend's generous gift. Many thanks to you, ZachRicky! (there's a story behind that nickname--a story for another time, maybe). :-) Thank you MUCH Zach!

Teen Time

We have a new teen in the house! Riley recently had a birthday.

We celebrated him with a day at the range, a special homemade sushi dinner, and an evening of cake and gifts. Riley had a great time with the guys at the range and we learned that he's a pretty good shot!

Riley chose a pretty specific cake--yellow heath toffee cake with fall sprinkles and the traditional candy corn. The cake hit all the high points that Riley was looking forward to and the sushi dinner was a wonderful treat. :-)

We had a great time celebrating Riley and welcoming him into the teen time of his life. Happy Birthday, Riley! We love you!

October Beauty

This month has had so many beautiful weather days to enjoy. Here are just a few of the scenes we've encountered. The church property has these beautiful red trees on the property, and with thier vantage point, they have wonderful sunset views.

We've spent a few nights out on the porch with great weather and no bugs to bother us. Such a pleasure!

We even had a couple of days where the day was perfect for hot air balloon rides and we were able to watch them float over our neighborhood.

The combination of trees in autumn colors and the lake never disappoints!

I'm so thankful we have so much to enjoy surrounding us. Praise God for His creations! :-)

Come in Character

The youth group hosted a game night and asked all of the participants to show up as a game character or a game host. I challenged the children and told them that I was not going to put any money into thier costumes but that they could be resourceful and creative--and they were! Hannah chose to be Miss Scarlett from the game Clue,

Sonja went a bit retro and was an Oregon Trail Pioneer,

while Riley and Connor represented two different characters from the game Polytopia.

They did an excellent job! I was really impressed--especially by the boys' effort. Way to go, gang!

Kind of a Preview

A sweet friend of ours gave us some of his time and talents yesterday so that we could get a few snapshots of our family. The day was threatening rain all day and we were aiming for the golden hour to meet up with him at a local park. We prepped and prayed and the Lord gifted us with no rain, winds that had calmed, beautiful lighting, a joyful photographer and memories made. We chatted and played, Sonja and Riley even danced, while we waited and posed for our photos. Collectively we took candids and came up with some great shots.

I'm excited to see what our friend Ricky has for us after editing. Thank God for memories made and moments captured as well as dear friends to share them with.