Homemade...Handmade

We love trying new things.  We also have some wonderful church family who have amazing gifts for making things.  Here are a few little projects we or our friends have enjoyed building or making.

Good old Lincoln logs.  Here is the fort the boys and I made one morning.

Isaac enjoying his new Lego table that Dad built.  There are edges that keep the Legos from falling all over the ground.



A beautiful bouquet that my dear friend, Nancy made.  Such a sweet thing that brightens up the day! 

This was made by a young lady (Jessica H.) in our church.  Since I don't quilt (though someday would like to), I asked her if she would make this for me.  If anyone ever needs some quilt work done...she does great work!

My rag rug, inspired by Bonnie (another dear friend from church).  I have always wanted to try this.  Thanks for the encouragement and inspiration, Bonnie.

Pickles!  Grandma Ernie's dill pickle recipe is the best!  I only do a jar at a time, as that's how many cucumbers are ready at a time...so quick and easy.

A birdhouse, Isaac got a kit for his birthday (thanks to Michael, Jessica, and Elizabeth!).  Grant and Isaac built, stained, and put up this cute birdhouse.

This was a little pond that we converted to a flower/herb garden.

Trying new things and enjoying what we have on hand is so rewarding.

God Moves in Mysterious Ways

photo by Evgeni Dinev

In recent years I've come to love so many hymns...Here is one that brings such peace and hope in life.  Resting in His sovereignty and kindness towards us as believers.

William Cowper (1731–1800)
God Moves in Mysterious Ways

God moves in a mysterious way,
His wonders to perform;
He plants His footsteps in the sea,
And rides upon the storm.

Deep in unfathomable mines
Of never failing skill,
He treasures up His bright designs,
And works His sovereign will.

You fearful saints, fresh courage take,
The clouds you so much dread
are big with mercy, and shall break
In blessings on your head.

Judge not the Lord by feeble sense,
But trust Him for His grace;
Behind a frowning providence,
He hides a smiling face.

His purposes will ripen fast,
Unfolding every hour;
The bud may have a bitter taste,
But sweet will be the flower.

Blind unbelief is sure to err,
And scan His work in vain;
God is His own interpreter,
And He will make it plain.

Amen.

Isaac Jonathan

Isaac Jonathan.  Full of joy, love, and energy! As I have with the other boys around their birthday I wanted to share somethings about Isaac. I remember when Isaac was only a few months old and he had a hard time sitting in my lap.  He would stiffen his body and not allow anybody to fold him down to sit...he wanted to be standing and jumping. (He loved his little "Johnny Jumper")  In fact, he got so good in his jumper that he would bounce for awhile and then spin to a stop...kind of like some Fred Astair move or something. :)  I look back and think of how energetic he was then and still see it today! 

Now, all that energy is great for working (he is a great helper at picking up wood and stacking it!).  He loves to be outside helping Dad or Mom do whatever...

As wonderful (and at times difficult) as that energy is, what stands out even more is his joy and love for things.  He is the one always giving Mom and Dad hugs throughout the day saying "I love you, Dad" or "I love you, Mom".  And even as recent as this week saying it to Zechariah and Michael as well...on his own. He also seems to have a great sensitivity to his concience (thank you, Lord!).  He will frequently come to me and say he's sorry for something he had lied about or something he did that was wrong. (The things I don't see). God is truly working in His heart...   As he continues to have his heart tuned to the things of a holy and kind Father, we pray that his passion and love will be overflowing to people out of a motive of love for His heavenly Father.

Isaac looking up at Dad.

Isaac and Zechariah.

Isaac in the Johnny Jumper!

Cheese.

Going for a ride to the park with Dad!

Little knight.

Picking blackberries.

First fair, last year's (2010) Strawberry Festival fair.

First plane ride.

Building a snowman.

Michael and Isaac making sure it's just right.

Some kind of slide or ramp or bridge...I'm not sure.

Playing at the park.

Practice hike.

Walking on our trail, in the fall.

Backpacking and Camping Trip

Well, the day of our anticipated backpacking/camping trip finally arrived last Monday!  We loaded all our gear...Dad's pack (around 50 pounds...next time we won't pack so much water!) Zechariah and Isaac both carried 15-20 pound packs...and even Michael (maybe 3-5 pounds)...and my nice 35 pound pack. :)  We met our friend, Gary at the trial head.  Gary has been a hiking buddy of Grant's over the last few years. This being our first backpacking trip with 3 little ones... we were thrilled when he decided to come with us and stay the night! (Thank you, Glenda for sacrificing your husband for a night.)

Our trail started at the Pacific Crest trailhead, but we went on an eastward trail towards Three Fingered Jack. It was about 2.2 miles in. (Thanks to our friend Don, who let us take his satellite phone...in case of emergencies.)

Michael starting out!  The trail was amazing!  Due to the late snow melt, everything was blooming! (Even  being eaten by a few mosquitos was worth it!)

Isaac having fun!

Water break.

Here we go...Gary is leading, Zechariah, Sadie (our dog), Grant, and Michael.

Up, up, up...Actually most of the trial was nice and flat.

Michael in the forest.  Obviously, the trees had been burned in a forest fire...but even though they were dead and charred it still possesed a kind of beauty.  The contrast of the grey and the brilliant green and blue.

Zechariah...strong little man.

Grant helping with Michael's pack.

Isaac...working hard.  Mr. Gary even gave him a  real "trekking pole".

We made it to the lake!  Square lake.

While Grant and Gary set up the tents....

...the boys swam in the lake!

Sadie taking a break in the shade.

That night the sky was amazing.  We could hear a bit of thunder in the distance, but it never came our way.

A thunderhead!

This was what it looked like in the morning.  "The heavens are telling of the glory of God; and their expanse is declaring the work of His hands." (Psalm 19)

I know the photos are redundant, but the sky and water and trees were so beautiful!

                                 
Isaac ready for action.

                                
 Michael...a little tired ...still a "happy camper".

                                  
           Our way back out...everybody's load was a little lighter coming out.  Especially Grant's!

                                   
               Facing a few fallen trees doesn't stop us. :)

                                    
                We finished!  Good work boys!

The entire trip was a real blessing.  Enjoying God's creation, enjoying family and friend's company...Grant and I were both so proud of the boys.  They worked hard and had a thankful attitude the whole time we hiked! This made the trip that much more of a blessing!

Thank you to all our friends who prayed for us!  They were answered. :)