Our violinists...

Hailey has been learning the violin for about 6 weeks. She is catching on quickly and is really enjoying the challenge of learning something new. We could not be more proud of her progress.

A prayer for Grandma...

Grandma Kathy, I hope you enjoy this video as much as we all enjoyed sharing in this monumental experience with Bethany.

Let me explain to those of you who haven't heard the story...

My brother and his wife welcomed triplet girls into their family last April. Months leading up to their delivery Bethany prayed this prayer, "Jesus, pray for Aunt Michele's babies in her tummies" at every meal, every nap time, & every bedtime. Once the girls were born this was her prayer, "Dear Jesus, and be wif aunt Michele's babies to keep sa.f.f.fe at de hos.p.p.i.TAL, AMEN!" The babies came home, continued to grow, and are now 6 months old. Up until a week ago, we were all hearing this prayer at every meal, every nap time, and oh yes, every bedtime.

We are happy to hear a new prayer, but it just thrills us to see that she is understanding better how to pray and why we pray. She has even seen God answer our prayers, which is even more exciting!

P.S. Grandma, I know that she does not really want you to "stay far far away". She misses you A LOT! Kids' words are so sweet and yet so innocent.

30th Annual Jog-A-Thon..."I Survived the Jog"

Every year the kids at F.C.S. mail out sponsor forms & participate in a jog-a-thon to raise money for the school. Each class at the elementary campus run/jog/walk the 232 meter track for 30 minutes. Mr. Hannold always leads the kiddies for the 1st 1/2 lap. (x4 by the end of the morning) This year the lion mascots came out to Cheer on the kids...a great source of encouragement on such a brisk and VERY windy morning!

Keagan still smiling in spite of his uncontrollable shivers.

Bethany always enjoys watching the kids but has never had to be bundled. She did run 1/2 a lap with Hailey which warmed her up but Grandma Marilyn did most of the warming.

Keagan kept a steady pace of running 1/2 a lap...walking 1/2 a lap. He completed 16 laps!

Way to go, son.
Keagan's 2nd grade class after the jog with teacher Miss Gorton and aide Mrs. Benedict.

Hailey jogged with friend Chloey, mom Amanda, and I. She was a trooper in spite of the wind. The jog has always been a highlight of the year for Hailey.

Elise Benedict, Chloey Bell, & Hailey have been the top female joggers of their class since Kindergarten. Every year 2 out of these 3 girls tie for first place and 1 girl is a lap behind. This year Hailey completed 18 laps and was 10 ft. away for receiving her 19th lap free when the horn sounded. Elise and Chloey tied with 19 laps. These 3 girls are the best of friends. We are so proud of all 3!

Hailey's 4th grade class after the jog with teacher Mrs. Paula McBride.

Pumpkins, Pumpkins, and MORE Pumpkins...

Yesterday Brian, Bethany and I joined Tim, Casey, Landon, and Claire for a fun day at Bishop's Pumpkin Farm. We had a fun and relaxing day with the kids! I had trouble down loading some of the photos, but between our blog and Tim & Casey's blog hopefully you will experience the fun we had.

Annually, all three kids have taken their height measurements next to the scarecrow at Bishops Pumpkin farm. This was the first year that Bethany walked right up and stood long enough for me to snap a photo.

I have to admit, it was a little strange to only be responsible for one child.

I have a wonderful and very funny dad!

Claire was a little unsure about her feet touching the hay.

Bethany loves posing for the camera. Especially after Auntie Kate taught her the many ways to pose for a cute picture. Thanks Kate!

Bethany was a bit reserved around the goats. Hailey's two goats have jumped on her one too many times...So, she was not about to get too close.

We were all cracking up at Brian's fascination with the donkey.

Weekened With The Warta Boys...

Brian and Keagan joined the other 'local' Warta boys for an annual camp out. Again this year, Hailey desperately wanted to go...BUT, Keagan was sure to tell her this trip was only for BOYS!
Casey, Claire, Bethany, Hailey and I enjoyed our weekend...WITHOUT THE BOYS...by having a sleepover, going out to dinner, and shopping in Grass Valley for beads. We are very excited about what next year will bring for both the boys and the girls. This has become a fun family tradition.
Keagan is more like a big brother to Landon than a cousin. I just love the way he watches over him. Notice the protective arm around Landon. So cute!

When you are with Keagan there is never a dull moment. He is so full of animation! He is so very proud of the fish that daddy caught one would think he caught it himself.Camping isn't complete without s'mores and a few burnt marshmallows.

classic cars, old trucks, & new trucks...

Over a year ago, Brian parked his car in the garage for the first time since high school. As a teenager, Brian restored this car with his dad. "Old Betsy" was now in need of another restoration.

Brian started driving his dad's old truck as his main source of transportation. Believe it, or not; this '85 Nissan truck with over 500,000 miles was more reliable. At first, the kids were a bit embarrassed by its "well-used" condition. In no time Brian and the kids decided to give it a name. I was beginning to think that "Old Blue" would always be a part of our family! The kids thought when the engine died we should turn it into an obstacle on the paintball field or into a sandbox.

The truck just wouldn't die! In late August, Brian sold it to a struggling college student who was eager to have a vehicle to drive rather than his bicycle.
Also in August, Brian purchased his very first vehicle! This 2005 white Toyota Tundra was a steal of a deal! Brian had always dreamed of owning a white Toyota Tacoma, but with a family of five the functionality of a 4-dr. truck caused him to lean towards a Tundra.

With "Old Blue" gone and a reliable/functional truck in the driveway, Brian's interest in "Old Betsy's" restoration had diminished. On September 14th, Brian sold "Old Betsy" at our yard sale. Crazy, I know. The buyers were coming back to pick it up the next day which gave us time to take it for one last spin.

Brian and I were overcome with emotion when we thought about how symbolic this car was of our youth. Selling it was going to be harder than we once thought. So many memories filled this car- our years of dating, many hours of restoration spent as Father & Son, Saturday night car shows at Chubby's Diner and I-Hop, countless washings/waxings at the little hands of Hailey, cramming 2 car seats in at one time knowing that once the door was closed they weren't going anywhere!

Just minutes before the buyers came, Brian took "Old Betsy" out for one last drive. As he drove her around our neighborhood, a peace came over him and he knew he was making the right decision.

This car carried us through many seasons of our lives. The endless fun and entertainment that it brought to our lives will be cherished always. God has brought us to, yet, another season of our lives; raising kids.

Our little hunter...

The night before the opening day of Dove Season. Keagan's clothes have been laid out like this for the past 3 days!

He woke up at 5:45 a.m., got dressed and ran outside to meet Uncle Matt (Ithuburn) in the driveway. It was still dark outside and he was talking a hundred miles an hour. Poor Matt. He still hadn't drank his morning coffee.

Keagan and his hunting buddy, Grandpa Loren with their dove. Notice Matt in the background still intently hunting. Keagan & Matt stayed out in the back field until the late morning. Fun memories! Thank you so much Grandpa and Uncle Matt!