Just a little "Hindt"

2012-01-17T21:55:00.000-05:00

So we didn't take step by step pictures, but hopefully this will help you somewhat. I'm always open to explain more. First step was to bend the steel 4 times--heat it and bend it over something. We used a 2x4. Two bends per steel stick, one on each end, trying to get the same shape with each bend. (There will be 2 strap's per door.)

To make the 'glides' Blair drilled out the same diameter as the bolt to go through the bent piece of steel. He secured the pulley between 14 washers, 7 on either side of the pulley. Secure with the nut and that part is done. We sprayed them with the hammered metal look spray paint, black color. There is some scuffing once it's all been worked with--so we will have to touch up once it's all done. The pulley was a nickel color--but we sprayed that too.

Barn Door Tracks on a Budget

2012-01-17T21:03:00.011-05:00

So I've wanted an interior barn door track for my hall closet doors. I removed my 5 foot bi-fold doors and currently just have an opening. I searched online and looked at our local home improvement stores for the hardware kits. I've seen several while perusing my new favorite website, Pinterest. Here is the basic look we are mimicking. ---------------->

About 6 months ago, one local home improvement store located them and said when I was ready they could order them. Well a few weeks ago--I went in to order them and they said, "we've never been able to get these". So I was back to square one.

Now I was slightly bothered b/c my husband was READY to do the work but now I had nothing to work with. Online these kits are anywhere from $300-$400! My 'Mr.Fix-It' husband and I went to the hardware store and he said he'd attempt to create one for me.

He purchased:

2-- 2" (1/8" thickness) flat iron--6 ft long You will need a torch

4 --Garage Door Pulleys 3" 2x4 for bending the steel

1-- 1/16th -- 1 1/4 thick Steel Piece of Square Tubing Drill Bits to bore through the steel

1 --can of Hammered Metal Black Spraypaint

56 Washers and Nuts and Bolts

Christmas 2009

2010-01-06T20:29:00.000-05:00

2009-11-01T22:18:00.001-05:00

2009-11-01T22:16:00.000-05:00

2009-11-01T22:10:00.000-05:00

2009-11-01T22:07:00.001-05:00

Natalie took this of us. Really weird being in a picture together. It's usually one of us behind the camera. Usually me.

2009-11-01T22:03:00.001-05:00

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2009-11-01T21:52:00.000-05:00

Sawyer 8

2009-11-01T21:48:00.001-05:00

Luke age 10

2009-11-01T21:45:00.001-05:00

Tayler age 12

Fall Pictures

2009-11-01T21:37:00.001-05:00

Baseball Wrap Up

2009-10-27T15:22:00.002-04:00

Sawyer finished his fall ball with a Victory and Luke finished by winning their entire division for fall ball and playing for the championship. I unfortunately have no pictures of Luke this fall, but he did a great job on a new team, new coach and more experienced players. It was a great experience.

3 Cedars Farm w/Grandpa and Grandma Hindt

2009-10-27T15:14:00.000-04:00

Piano Recital

2009-10-27T15:11:00.001-04:00

Luke and Tayler had their piano recital this past week. Both did a great job!

Sawyer Turns 8

2009-10-27T15:08:00.000-04:00

Visit from two Cousins from Georgia

2009-10-27T15:04:00.002-04:00

A funeral in Michigan brought Blair's sisters husband and two of their kids a few weeks ago. It was great they were able to stop on their way for a meal, to stretch their legs and hang out a bit.

Blair Celebrates the big 40 in Alaska

2009-10-27T15:00:00.001-04:00

Blair took a few days and flew up to Anchorage and then drove down to the Kenai Penninsula to spend a day fishing in Homer. A friend went with him and they had a fun, exhausting couple days.

Homesick by Mercy Me

2009-08-13T10:16:00.002-04:00

I heard this song on the radio 5 times if I heard it once while in Minnesota for my cousins Funeral last weekend. It just really spoke to me and still is. I hope it comforts you, the reader, as you read it or better yet listen to it here on You Tube.

You're in a better place, I've heard a thousand times
And at least a thousand times I've rejoiced for you
But the reason why I'm broken, the reason why I cry
Is how long must I wait to be with you

I close my eyes and I see your face
If home's where my heart is then I'm out of place
Lord, won't you give me strength to make it through somehow
I've never been more homesick than now

Help me Lord cause I don't understand your ways
The reason why I wonder if I'll ever know
But, even if you showed me, the hurt would be the same
Cause I'm still here so far away from home

I close my eyes and I see your face
If home's where my heart is then I'm out of place
Lord, won't you give me strength to make it through somehow
I've never been more homesick than now

In Christ, there are no goodbye
And in Christ, there is no end
So I'll hold onto Jesus with all that I have
To see you again
To see you again

And I close my eyes and I see your face
If home's where my heart is then I'm out of place
Lord, won't you give me strength to make it through somehow
Won't you give me strength to make it through somehow
Won't you give me strength to make it through somehow

I've never been more homesick than now

2009-08-12T23:53:00.001-04:00

Luke and Isaiah
Luke (10) and Effie (96)
Gram and her two grandaughters
All the 2nd Cousins before Mark Left

2009-08-12T23:44:00.001-04:00

Nathaniel and his beautiful eyes
Grandma Betty and Natalie
Patrick and Luke
Lisa, Laura, Karl and Isaiah

More Funeral and Celebration of Gram's 93 Birthday

2009-08-12T23:31:00.002-04:00

Mother, Grandma, and Great Grandma and Great Great Grandma--on her 93rd Birthday

Mark, Damon, Gram and Patti playing and singing with Grandma
Blair and his favorite person in this world
Laura and Isaiah--what a sweetie

Cousins

2009-08-12T23:28:00.002-04:00

Here we all are except Bryon who is smiling with us except in the presence of Jesus.

2009-08-12T23:10:00.004-04:00

Aunt Bev and Natalie

Natalie and Mark
Pauline, Patti and Christine
Patrick

Funeral for Bryon

2009-08-12T23:04:00.002-04:00

2nd Cousins

Uncle Karl and Natalie

My cousins little guy Isaiah eating a pickle w/some dip. We were watching for a goofy expression, but he never bit it just kept licking the dip off the pickle

Minnesota August 2009

2009-08-12T22:58:00.001-04:00

The kids w/Damon

Sawyer Damon Luke

Holland Camping/4th of July

2009-07-21T11:39:00.000-04:00

Camping Fun

2009-07-21T11:34:00.000-04:00

Sky Art

2009-07-21T11:30:00.001-04:00

Silhouetted Tree -- By God

Tie Dye Sunset -- By God

2009-07-21T11:23:00.000-04:00

Tayler and Sawyer playing at the beach at the State Park Beach in Holland

4th of July/Luke's Birthday/Camping on Lake Michigan

2009-07-21T11:14:00.000-04:00

End of the Season

2009-07-08T00:40:00.002-04:00

Luke's team had a great year again. They won the 1st game of the playoffs, by being seeded in 1st place.

However, on an almost 100 degree day....they lost their second game to a REALLY good team which halted their playing for the championship game. The team they lost to went on to win the whole sha-bang.

Balloon Fest

2009-07-08T00:31:00.002-04:00

We've gone to this Balloon Festival before and after a few years of not....we ventured there again w/some friends from church that are novice photobugs. We were right on the field line (thanks to Wendy) and had fantastic views the entire evening.

More Mackinac

2009-07-08T00:20:00.002-04:00

Some photos from our Mackinac Stay. Before dinner at the Grand Hotel and one at Wilderness State Park. Our friends camp there each summer and on our drive home...they drove out there so we could see it's beauty. We ate our picnic lunch there and again....Lake Michigan makes for GREAT pictures.

Blair telling Mike the direction to go while playing Croquet. (Mike soundly beat Blair)

Loved this view of the church spire from up on top the hill looking down at the waterfront.

More of Mackinac

2009-07-08T00:11:00.002-04:00

We were there during the Lilac Festival or something like that. The funny thing is that they were just starting to come into bloom. It was rather hard to find them out.

I saw (in real life) my first Lady Slipper. Mike spotted it while we were riding bike. I was rather awed by it as it is the Minnesota State Flower (the Pink and White LadySlipper) and all my years living there...I'd never seen one in person, only in a book.

2009-07-08T00:03:00.003-04:00

Arch Rock

View from an overlook right next to Arch Rock where we ate our picnic lunch

Okay...the frog is funny. We were biking along and there was this noise....and I thought it was a bird. Mike (our friend) and Blair said...nope that is a frog. Well, I was sure it was a kind of bird. So we pulled the bikes over and they "proved" it to me. Here was this guy...sitting on his perch in some watery ditchy area.

Mackinaw Getaway

2009-07-07T23:53:00.002-04:00

Dear friends invited us to tag along w/them on their 15 year anniversary celebration to Mackinaw Island. I had never seen it or the bridge or anything....so it was SUPER exciting for me. We spent two days on the island...one entire day just riding bikes and exploring. I have to say it was truly two of the most relaxing, fun days ever.

We stayed at the Grand Hotel which I may have to tell you about sometime. Suffice it to say...it was interesting. It truly was beautiful, quiet almost surreal. A place where no cars are allowed...only horses and bikes. Almost literally.....a step back in time. Loved it.

Grandma Betty Visits, Winston the Dog and Memorial Day

2009-07-07T23:43:00.002-04:00

Grandma Betty came for a visit in May around Memorial Day. The picture of her below was on Memorial Day reading while the kids played in the park w/some friends.

Over that week...the kids had their first chance to dog sit. Up above is Winston. Here is a picture of him exhausted from play. The kids have BEGGED for a dog and I think the week of dog sitting cured them of that. It's a TON of work.

The girls each planted flowers of their choice w/Grandma. The ones below are Tayler's choice and the Gerbera Daisies are Natalies.

Grandma and Nattie planting

G & G Visit and Fathers Day

2009-07-07T23:32:00.002-04:00

Forgive me these may not be in order since May 15th...it's how they are popping up on my computer.

Sawyer and Blair w/the frame he made him for Fathers Day during the school year. He was SOOOO proud of it.

Grandpa Dick, Blair and the boys on Fathers Day.

Grandma Barb working with the girls on the sewing maching

We all went and bought fabric to make aprons and then attempted to each make one.

Spring Flowers

2009-07-07T23:24:00.001-04:00

Yes, I'm a bit behind....as my mother keeps telling me. But....the first part of the crazy summer is behind me. So....here you go Mom and for the rest of you....sorry I've been lagging. It's been crazy here!

2009-05-15T19:55:00.001-04:00

Natalie Turns 14

2009-05-15T19:42:00.002-04:00

Today Nat turned 14.

After her babysitting job was cancelled this afternoon we ran over to Culvers for an early dinner where this photo was taken.

Later our evening at Sawyer's baseball game was rained out...we were left with an open evening to celebrate. So since we planned to be gone all night with baseball...we popped popcorn, made slushies and then did a quick run up to IKEA to get some Cinnamon rolls to be used for cake as we played Scattegories. (Nattie's choice)

Then we sat down to one of Natalies birthday gifts. One of the Love Comes Softly Series. Happy Birthday, Natalie. We love you!

Covenental Homeschooling: By R.C. Sproul Jr.

2009-05-07T12:40:00.004-04:00

I've begun a really interesting book I picked up at a home school used book sale. It's called,
WHEN YOU RISE UP: A COVENANTAL APPROACH TO HOMESCHOOLING By: R.C. Sproul Jr.

Well the first chapter is addressing the one thing that is universal in education no matter what kind one chooses. Education is important. He give a staggering figure from a Digest of Education Statistics, 2002; from the U.S. Department of Education

At the turn into the next Millennium, (so roughly 10 years ago) the U.S. was spending $754 Billion a year on education. Almost a trillion dollars. $754,000,000,000 Whoa...thats a lot of change. This made it obvious to me. Education is important.

1. What is the goal of Education?

He addresses this quite well and it comes down to this. There is academic excellence and there is
moral excellence. Within the home school community there is a tug of war for both. We don't want one or the other; (typically) we want them both. I would like both for my kids. I have struggled with this same thing. I don't want to just school them at home so they can be protected to some extent, I want to give them a fantastic education that I don't feel they could get. But I also want to instruct them "when they rise up and when they lie down" in God's Truth.
It's a really hard balance.

Then Sproul uses this example that really hit home.

"Would you rather have your child graduate at the top of his class at Harvard, become a Rhodes Scholar, win the Nobel Prize and serve on the board of the Council for Secular Humanists? Or would you rather have your child be unable to make it through the local high school, become a garbageman and be a godly husband and father?" Ouch. His comment: We want both. We want our kids to be Godly Geniuses. Ha Ha. I just laughed. Because as I talk to those in the home school community (from all faiths) and read books on homeschooling....this is what I find. We desire Godly Geniuses.

Who wants to brag to their friends that "Yeah, my son is the local garbage man in Trashtown U.S.A., he couldn't make it to college, but...he loves his wife and kids and the Lord God w/all his heart" I think maybe our thinking is skewed.

Anyway. The book is very thought provoking. I'm going to keep plunking out my thoughts as I read through this in case anyone is interested.

Theology on the shelf

2009-04-22T15:35:00.002-04:00

I'm taking a little break from reading books about Theology, discussing Theology or explaining Theology. Right now I'm in the middle of a very good book entitled "1776" by David McCullough. I try and read books for personal reading that correlates w/our current history topic. Our history topic this year has been 20th Century, so this doesn't fit in, but a good friend lent this book to me and I need to get it back to him--so I'm attacking this late into the night, when I should be sleeping.

1776 takes place over about 18 months. Summer of 1775 to the winter of 1776 and early 1777. King George III isn't happy about the rebellion going on in the Colonies. You know the story. He sends some of the mighty English Navy over to help put down the rebellion. George Washington, wealthy slave-holder and plantation owner, leads the Continental Army to the formation of our land today.

So far it's been quite interesting in so much that it takes you into the not-so-well-known men of the time period and the foundations each one laid and the importance they played in the shaping and forming of The United States of America. Men like Nathaniel Greene and Henry Knox.

The Continental Congress is fascinating to me. It has frustrated me a little reading more in depth than a short history snippet of 3 pages covering this time period. This takes a big thick book to cover 18 months of our history. The frustration in reading all that was fought for and it seems we have ended right back where we started. People; People sick and tired of being puppets of the government. Sick of high taxation. Taxation w/o representation. Hmmmmm...now there is a thought. But....we are so well represented in Congress. NOT.

Anyway, for any history lover, it's been an excellent read so far and I'm not quite 1/2 way through. Gives me an appreciation for our military and a reminder to pray for those in leadership over us. A position I would never covet. What an awesome task leading a country must be. Reading the personal agonies and thoughts these men wrestled with is beyond anything I can imagine.

2009-04-22T15:17:00.001-04:00

2009-04-22T15:13:00.000-04:00

Cousins

2009-04-22T15:04:00.001-04:00

Easter Break 09'

2009-04-22T14:50:00.002-04:00

Easter Break found us hoping a couple planes and heading to MN to visit the cousins. The kids were each able to have several outings with the respective cousins and canoeing at G&G was a highlight.

We had a night out w/Aunt Christine and another day out w/Aunt Denise and girls. Of course what did we do? Eat out and shop. Such fun.

Our night out at Acapulco's w/Aunt Christine. I don't think we stopped laughing all night.

Nattie doing her hair for a day out.

Grandma and Sawyer playing pool

Way to go Pink Panthers!

2009-04-22T14:40:00.002-04:00

I had the joy and priveledge of playing on a womens Volleyball team at an Assembly Church in our area. It was a blast. Our team was in first place through the whole season but lost in the Championship game on Monday night.

I'm going to miss Monday nights immensly. Looking forward to next year already.

Cheer is Over

2009-04-22T14:33:00.002-04:00

Tayler finished up her cheerleading year w/a final routine at Eastern Michigan University. Grandma and Grandpa were here for one of her games which was fun.

She is too old to continue w/it. Upward only goes up to 6th grade in Michigan. But it was a great experience.

Random Thoughts

2009-04-07T11:30:00.002-04:00

It's been a long time since I posted thoughts on books, life & theology. There are several reasons. One, homeschooling. Two, the discovery of Facebook and reconnecting w/friends from childhood, college and high school. It has been so much fun but I've neglected Blogging both posts myself and reading the blogs that I would regularly read.

So...my Easter resolution is to facebook less and get back to blogging. I find that when I blog, especially about articles of interest, theology or the latest book I'm reading...I tend to think more deeply, digest more and be more aggressive in my thought processes. At least that is the assessment I've come up with.

I'm going to give it a couple months and see if it's true.

2009-03-15T15:18:00.002-04:00

Blair took this picture on the dock. I wish I could take credit but I can't. I love the perspective.

The boys under the dock. It was a fun place to mess around, get hermit crabs and play.

We taught the boys to play Rook while we were there.

2009-03-15T15:14:00.000-04:00

2009-03-15T15:08:00.002-04:00

Pier at the resort we stayed.

Luke snorkeling. He and another little boy found a baby Baracuda.

Tayler reading. The girls and I brought 4 books and we all 3 read all 4 during the trip.

Family Vacation

2009-03-15T14:50:00.002-04:00

We just got back last Sunday from a week in the Mayan Riveria compliments of NWA and buying a week of timeshare from a friend of ours.

We had been wanting to get the kids' passports for awhile so we would be ready for a family missions trip. We have them now!

We had a great Winter Break with the kids. Explored Mayan Ruins, Natalie and Blair went scuba diving for the first time and Tayler and I did a Dolphin Swim. (compliments of listening to two different time share presentations) Ha Ha

Friends from Afar

2009-02-08T18:54:00.004-05:00

Our friends from 5 years ago, Wolfgang and Kelly, are home from their UIM mission field in Durango, Mexico.

We met them when they stayed w/us for a week during our missions conference in 2004. We spent a wonderful afternoon catching up on their ministry, sharing my trip to Thailand and enjoying fellowship w/a dear people.

We love you guys and look forward to seeing you again this Spring!

Building the Cabinet and 80s is In

2009-01-28T14:53:00.002-05:00

Tayler demonstrating the 'old days' (my childhood) which is coming back "in" fast and the boys helping Blair build our vanity.

Gorgeous Snow

2009-01-28T14:49:00.002-05:00

The other night I went to grab a piece of wood to put on the fire and the snow was just glittering. I thought it was SOOOOO beautiful and thought my aunts, uncles and cousins who used to live in MN and now reside in always sunny Arizona, would appreciate the fine beauty of this w/o the cold. I hope you can see the glitter!

It's Snow Fun

2009-01-28T14:43:00.002-05:00

Luke and Tayler (the two outdoorsy people) built little forts and had a snowball fight with the most recent snow last weekend.

Luke is always on the hunt for icicles. This one broke for him, but he brought it in to show me the thickness. Note the bottle of water in his opposite hand...used for pouring over his snow fort to harden it.

Tayler is 12

2009-01-28T14:33:00.003-05:00

Her favorite Dessert is my Homemade French Silk Pie. She wanted to try and make it this time, which she did and it turned out delicious.

I had found this Eiffel Tower lamp in November for Tayler. It's SO cute and I was so excited to give it to her and am amazed I held off and didn't give it to her for Christmas. The rubber boots is something she has wanted since we were in Alaska this summer. Glad to have found them for her. I think she's worn them everyday for the past 2 weeks!

Sawyer in Soccer and a visit from Uncle Kurt

2009-01-28T14:28:00.002-05:00

Uncle Kurt came for a MLK weekend visit. He was able to take in lots of snow, Sawyer's Soccer game, football Sunday afternoon, relaxing and eating. Now that he moved to Chicago, we hope to see him MUCH more!

Happy 12th Birthday Tayler

2009-01-18T14:54:00.002-05:00

The expression on her face is TOTALLY Tayler.

Happy Birthday Tayler. We LOVE you so much you make us laugh everyday.

May God grant you another year of health, laughter, joy and growth in your knowledge of Him.

Grandparents and Great

2009-01-12T12:22:00.001-05:00

Bringing in the New Year

2009-01-12T12:12:00.002-05:00

Nat and Tay each had a friend over for New Years. Grandpa and Blair went to the U of M Basketball game. We played games, ate lots of yummy snacks and stayed up late keeping with our theme of the previous 10 days.

2009-01-12T12:07:00.001-05:00

Christmas 2008

2009-01-12T11:59:00.002-05:00

First ever Christmas company in Michigan!

It was great to have Grandpa Dick and Grandma Barb here to celebrate Christmas with us. We played TONS of games and learned several new ones; including Farkle and Bananagrams and played golden oldies like, Settlers, Monopoly, Scrabble, Cribbage and Skip Bo.

Monopoly and Neighbor Christmas

2008-12-24T00:08:00.001-05:00

I liked this of the kids playing Monopoly (Sawyer's Favorite Game)

The bottom three are of our Christmas w/our neighbors on either side of us who we are very close with. Jackie is in the picture w/Tayler and is so special to us. Jerry and David are w/the kids in the group picture and are like adopted Grandparents to the kiddos.

Floors Go In

2008-12-24T00:05:00.000-05:00

Bathroom Continues to Take Shape

2008-12-24T00:03:00.000-05:00

Christmas Tea

2008-12-23T23:58:00.001-05:00

Each year I've held a Christmas Tea w/neighbors. This year was so much fun as the girls are crazy bakers. We created (copied) 14 different recipes in 2 days and had a flour MESS in the kitchen and were exhausted afterward, but the results were wonderful. The girls really did the bulk of the baking (by their choosing) and I just instructed, answered questions on how to do things, kept things clean for them to use and was an extra set of hands. It worked great.

This year my theme was "Redeeming the Time" starting w/the book of Esther and her redemption of her people, to Christ's redemption of His people through his birth, death and resurrection.

The girls also served again this year along with my accountability partner. Which made the tea even more relaxing for me. It was disappointing that some of my regular neighbors who come couldn't attend (we missed you Jackie and Sherri) but there were a couple of new faces this year making for a wonderful evening.

a new JibJab Sendable

2008-12-13T23:15:00.001-05:00

Send your own ElfYourself eCards

All I want for Christmas....

2008-12-06T20:01:00.000-05:00

Sawyer lost his front tooth the other night. He had his teeth cleaned a couple weeks ago and the dentist told him he had 9 loose teeth. Both front were wiggly, and he was determined to get one of them out. He worked on it all day and then at bedtime wanted me to try. So he went to bed and 5 minutes later he came downstairs proudly bearing his tooth.

2008 Tree

2008-12-06T19:59:00.000-05:00

Tree Trimming

2008-12-06T19:58:00.000-05:00

Annual Tree Trimming. Notice Natalie is almost as tall as I am and I had Crocs on and she was shoeless.

2008-12-06T19:54:00.000-05:00

Bathroom Progress

2008-12-06T19:50:00.000-05:00

We've progressed slowly on the bathroom the past week due to other committments. Here are a few pictures--They boys, Luke especially have really stayed by Blairs side working. I love the picture in the far right corner of Blair yawning. Although exhausted, he continues to work.

The REAL Before

2008-11-26T12:35:00.000-05:00

Here is the real before picture of our bathroom. We moved the closet entrance last Winter. So now, when we enclose the vanity in the bathroom, we won't enter the closet from our bathroom.

GRACE by Laura Story

2008-11-25T01:03:00.005-05:00

I found a new artist with lyrics that I LOVE. Lyrics and a style and voice. As I downloaded the album from iTunes and sat listening to through some of the songs. This one that I posted the lyrics of below, GRACE, just struck a chord deep. Check it out Laura Story and her album Great God Who Saves

She has a pretty amazing testimony that goes with the album, "Great God Who Saves" It's a short video explaining of her marriage to her high school sweetheart and then him getting brain cancer recently and walking through their marriage vows, "In sickness and in health"--living those vows out. It's pretty humbling. I know several people personally that I love that have lived this out in their marriages as well and can only pray that I would be so Grace filled and loving. If you can't think of anyone personally, think of Joni Tada and her husband. If you go to this link, and scroll down, you can listen to the songs on the CD Great God who Saves as well as a couple videos of she and her husband and the story of what they've gone through.

GRACE
My heart is so proud. My mind is so unfocused.
I see the things You do through me as great things I have done. And now You gently break me, then lovingly You take me and hold me as my father and mold me as my maker.

Chorus:
I ask you: "How many times will you pick me up, when I keep on letting you down?
And each time I will fall short of Your glory, how far will forgiveness abound?"
And you answer: " My child, I love you.
And as long as you're seeking My face, You'll walk in the pow'r of My daily sufficient grace."

At times I may grow weak and feel a bit discouraged, knowing that someone, somewhere could do a better job. For who am I to serve You?I know I don't deserve You. And that's the part that burns in my heart and keeps me hanging on.

Chorus*
I ask you: "How many times will you pick me up, when I keep on letting you down?
And each time I will fall short of Your glory, how far will forgiveness abounds?"
And you answer: " My child, I love you.
And as long as you're seeking My face, You'll walk in the pow'r of My daily sufficient grace."
You are so patient with me, Lord.

As I walk with You, I'm learning what Your grace really means. The price that I could never pay was paid at Calvary. So, instead of trying to repay You, I'm learning to simply obey You
by giving up my life to you For all that You've given to me.

Chorus:
I ask you: "How many times will you pick me up, when I keep on letting you down?
And each time I will fall short of Your glory, how far will forgiveness abounds?"
And you answer: " My child, I love you.
And as long as you're seeking My face, You'll walk in the pow'r of My daily sufficient grace."

By: Laura Story

Sawyer's 7th Birthday

2008-11-23T23:35:00.000-05:00

This was Sawyer's first friend party. Blair took the boys to Madagascar 2 and then came back to have pizza, cake and ice cream and they played games.

That Fateful Day

2008-11-23T23:30:00.000-05:00

This was taken the day (like an hour after) I found my camera after having left it out in the rain for 24 hours. Still am in shock and thankful to God everytime I use it and realize it still works.

2008-11-23T23:26:00.000-05:00

Golden Yellow is gone.

You can see here where the vanity is. That has been IN our bedroom. Where the studs are, there has been a wall and door. Now, we've removed the wall and will put up a new wall at the end of the vanity, enclosing all the traditional bathroom components INSIDE the bathroom door where they should have been when the house was built.
The boys have always loved to help with any demolition project. Blair is building the vanity and we've ordered some faucets ect...on Ebay that we liked at the local Home Improvement Stores, however hundreds cheaper on Ebay. We've picked our tile and are planning on continuing the wood floors from the downstairs into our bedroom, down the hallway and stairs. We will just see when the money runs out as to how far we get!

Bathroom Renovation Began

2008-11-23T23:20:00.000-05:00

Yesterday Blair and the kids (I'm sick) began the renovation of our Master Bedroom Bath. Our house was built in the mid- 70s so it needed to be updated--all was original--but the main reason was the genius builders of our house put the sink/vanity inside the master bedroom (like in the room) and then the toliet and shower were in a door. So this makes it hard for me to get ready in the morning or during the day anytime, since Blair sleeps during the day. No venting meant the walls were dripping with moisture after a shower, grout missing all over and to turn the shower faucet on left a several inch gap between the fixture and the tile. It literally pulled the handle into the shower to turn it on!

So...since Blair has worked like mad the past 6 months on his lawn business...we, or rather he, began this little project. Today he had it completely gutted. Tomorrow he is hoping to move the plumbing and electrical, remove the ceiling and put up the new wall and pocket door.

This is how I feel inside.

2008-11-01T19:13:00.001-04:00

This night was such a beautiful evening. It was warm and the kids were playing w/leaves. I brought the camera outside to take pictures as I cleaned out the flowerbeds. Well, here is one of them. So I worked and they played until it got dark.

It rained all night that night and all day the next day. That evening, Blair carved pumpkins with the kids and I went to the camera bag to pull out the trusty equipment ready to capture my kids and all the fun.

No Camera. Hmmmm...where did I leave the camera? Checked the kitchen counter. Checked the computer. All the sudden...I remembered. I didn't bring it in from outside. GULP. Raw Fear.

Out I go. Being very careful not to let anyone know what I'd done. This was news that I'd have to break to Blair on a VERY good day. I went out and got it. Brought it upstairs and hid it in my closet
I took out the memory card and battery and dried it all off.

I Googled "what to do if your camera gets wet" It'd looked pretty bleak.

Well....later that night....it worked perfectly. Not a glitch. Not a hiccup. I praised God. I laughed. I talked out loud to the Lord. You are so good to protect my foolishness. Relief. Thankfulness.

Almost 5 days later...it's still running wonderfully. My battery is good. My pictures weren't ruined. My Canon Rebel XTi is a GEM.

Offically Over

2008-10-22T23:01:00.001-04:00

Luke's baseball season has officially come to an end. Dramatic as the Fall season was, it ended in just as dramatic a fashion.

The actual season was um....painful. I think they only one a single game and that one was a gift. Well, once the post season play started, the team just melded. It was the first time Luke had played regular kid-pitch baseball w/umpires, 3 Strikes/4Balls and all the rules. Considering that it was great. Luke learned to pitch and did quite a bit of pitching.

In post season play they won the first 3 in the playoff placement, which put them in 1st place going into the actual tourney play. They won the 1st game of which put them in the

Championship game tonight. It was a race. They were down 3-1 and came back to bring it 4-3 (They were leading) They lost in the bottom of the 6th (they only play 6 innings) by a score of 6-4.

Great Season of learning for Luke. Excellent post season. Now...we are truly ready for a break!

Happy #7 Sawyer

2008-10-22T22:53:00.000-04:00

Happy 7th Birthday, Sawyer!

2008-10-22T17:02:00.000-04:00

Today my baby turns 7. Just last night he said it was o.k. that I called him that. Baby. He's been insisting for months that he's not a "baby" Well, I explained that he will always be my baby b/c he was the last born to me, even when he's 30. He thought that was pretty funny, as did Luke.

This kid cracks me up, has had the most questions about faith at this age, and is just all in all a sweetie. Yeah, he's a little spoiled by us all.....but....all you 'youngest' children out there....isn't that the way it's suppose to be?

Happy Birthday, Sawyer, we all LOVE you.

Mom

Uncle Byron & Auntie Sue

2008-10-13T16:59:00.000-04:00

I went to the True Woman 08' Conference in Schaumburg, Il this past weekend. It was a fabulous conference dedicated, each and every session I sat in on, to glorifying the name of Jesus.

As an added bonus my husbands family from Alaska that we visited this summer were in Chicago for a meeting and his other aunt and uncle, pictured at left were in Chicago as well, as they head up Life Action Revival Ministries (Larry and Bev, how did we manage NOT to get a picture of the 4 of us????? guess you will be visiting Michigan....)

Revive our Hearts is one of the ministries at Life Action, so Byron and Sue were in Chicago doing True Woman stuff. After the conference was over, Blair and the kiddos drove over to Chicago and we had a wonderful time connecting with both Aunts and Uncles Saturday afternoon, evening and all day Sunday. (and yes, you too Nathan, although it was too brief!)

Sunday after Bev and Larry left for O'Hare to head back to Alaska, we drove to Niles, Michigan where Byron and Sue live and where Life Action Headquarters is. We went through the facilities and my heart was just overwhelmed at the revival vision they've had for the past 30 years. I had no idea, really, what all they were a part of and what God was doing through them and their ministry. They also took us through The Lodge, a conference and retreat center for Pastors. Wow. You need to check it out.

Anway, the whole weekend from the conference with my sisters from Berean, to connecting with Blair's family, was sweet fellowship. Now, as you can imagine, I have a whole book list to begin. However, I began one I've been wanting to read for months on the train on the trip over.....Do Hard Things, by the Harris Twins. I'm 1/3 the way through it....it's jaw dropping.

True Woman 08'---I get to go!!!!

2008-09-30T20:33:00.003-04:00

I can barely contain myself. I bought a train ticket to Chicago back in June for True Woman 08'
I lost track of time and when we got back from Alaska, realized I needed to get my ticket, only to find out that they had sold out of their tickets really early.

Well, today...I got a surprise phone call from wonderful Aunt Sue. I've got a ticket! Yeah! Sue and her husband Byron are the head of Life Action Ministries, to which Revive our Hearts Ministry falls under. I am thankful for Aunt Sue's help in getting tickets and thankful for this opportunity to go w/20 other women from our church!

Thank you, Aunt Sue!

Salvation

2008-09-28T01:14:00.001-04:00

Itasca

2008-09-16T00:19:00.000-04:00

I loved this picture of the kids where Lake Itasca flows over these rocks to start the Mississippi River. I thought it'd be a good picture, fitting to end blogging about our 3 1/2 week road trip to Minnnesota.

Dad and Nat

2008-09-16T00:17:00.001-04:00

Tubing and Canoeing

2008-09-16T00:17:00.000-04:00

Fish Lake

2008-09-16T00:12:00.000-04:00

2008-09-16T00:10:00.000-04:00

We spent the afternoon at the lake back in in Chisago at G & G Hindts. We went to Fish Lake and while chilly, the kids swam and boated and we had a picnic.

Lake Itasca

2008-09-16T00:06:00.000-04:00

After leaving Lyle and Bev's I took the kids to Lake Itasca in Itasca State Park, where the Headwaters of the Mississippi are. Here, the mighty Mississippi begins it's long journey to the Gulf of Mexico. It is a beautiful place.

Clearbrook

2008-09-15T23:52:00.000-04:00

We spent several days way 'up North' in Clearbrook, Minnesota where Blair and I spent our first 3 years of marriage and where the girls were both born.

These days with Uncle Lyle and Aunt Bev were such fun. Aunt Bev started out being Annie Get Your Gun... which elevated her to hero status in Luke's mind as she tried to take out a pesky gopher with her 22 pistol, minutes after our arrival.

Lyle helped the kids each take turns shooting the gun, went swimming and had fun visiting and eating Bev's yummy cooking.

We were able to visit Sonny and Sophie, the couple from the church we attended who made us feel so welcome when we first moved there.

Wildlife

2008-09-15T23:32:00.000-04:00

We took a visit to Minnesota Wildlife Connection and got to see some pretty amazing animals. We were able to hold skunks, feed bear by hand and these adoreable baby fawns.

2008-09-15T23:23:00.000-04:00

In these pictures from top left to bottom right. We picniced at Jay Cooke State Park and then mini golfed in Cloquet, Minnesota. Marv took us to see an old ground cellar from the late 1800's that was the site of saving an entire wedding party during the Great Hinckley Fire of 1894. It was said the wedding party escaped into this ground cooler that held the farm's milk and kept it cold. They survived by throwing the milk against the door. (Middle row left/middle picture)

Marcy and Sawyer teamed up for many games of PIT while watching the olympics was a nightly highlight. We spent an afternoon hiking at Banning State Park, along the St.Croix River. It was absolutley beautiful.

M&M&M--Minus one M

2008-09-15T22:58:00.000-04:00

We were short one of the 4 M&M's but had a great time! We spent a couple days with the Nelsons in Sandstone, where I grew up. MaryAnn was like a second mom. We mini-golfed, hiked, played badmitton and did all kinds of fun things.