A New Chapter

It was an incredibly beautiful day and we had the day off - well... so we thought! Everyone managed to get home around 2ish... then we all jumped in the car and drove to Stoney Creek. We have this one hiking spot that we always go to, but thinking it would be a little muddy this time of year we decided maybe it was time to expand our horizon's a little! Hiking has to be one of the #1 things on my list of "things to just do". Fresh air, beautiful scenery, exercise, etc! Someone suggested this place and I'm so thankful we were able to go - it was beautiful (skip the name part)!   The hike to the hike... The view was amazing - it was such a clear day you could see right across the lake. It was one of those days where the sun was shining so bright, the clouds were those big fluffy marshmallows, and the temperature was perfect!  The Punch Bowl - little side note when we got down there... all the sudden we heard some "thunder". Everyone sort...

I was so thankful for the opportunity to be able to be a part of Trev and Melinda's wedding! Watching Trevor in the past year or so as he would come to our place and  tell us of Melinda and watch as his excitement grew as he waited and trusted the Lord to bring all things together! "Now for better or for worse are so much more then only words, and I pray that everyday will be the proof that I mean what I say when I say I do" -Parents blessing- "What tomorrow holds only time will tell. But I will stand by you in sickness and in health." The love and happiness was exploding from Trev and Melinda throughout the entire day was so neat to watch! So happy for you guys!  "He brought you here and placed you by my side" Trevor and Melinda, excited for you as you start this new life together! Keep seeking Him and putting Him first in your lives and all the other things will be added to you!  The way down Daniel wanted to learn to tie hi...

I was able to go to Deanna Malespin's (A dear friend) Baby Shower - didn't get a whole lot of pictures, but a few that needed to be shared:) So good to see Deanna and get somewhat caught up... life happens!  The beautiful mother-to-be - so excited for her!  Quite a few neat games were played - this was one and my mom volunteered to be a baby and race against another competitor to finish the juice in the bottle! She won of course! Sarah-Ruth and Faith later on went in the kitchen... cute girls One day this past week I went to help out one of my cousins... she's pregnant with their third child (so happy for them) and dear Maggi here has recently been diagnosed with T1D. I took them to an appointment then watched Maggi... she's such a sweet little girl! Her mother is an amazing women and an inspiration... keep them in your prayers! note: I've been having to use the camera on my phone - the lens on my camera got scratched:(

I am excited to finally post this one - it has been a long time in the making, but here it is!  Still not totally done the decor, but all the major changes are d-o-n-e! BEFORE    AFTER  Lots of willing helpers! During... learning lots

This morning as I was working on my computer my two youngest sibling walked in from doing the chores with this pigeon - so excited they caught it with their bare hands! Life on the farm I suppose:)

The book of Psalms has been so very encouraging to me in the past while, but especially in the past couple of months as I've been walking through different challenges the Lord has allowed to come my way. Thankful for the hard times which bring us closer to our Heavenly Father. I was recently challenged with Psalm 37 - one of my absolute favorite Psalms - As I read it in the context to which I was challenged I was encouraged all over, in a new sort of way!  IF WE Fret Not Trust in the Lord Delight ourselves in the Lord Commit our ways to the Lord Trust in Him Be still before the Lord Wait patiently for Him HE WILL Give you the desires of your heart He will act Bring forth your righteousness as the light Upholds the righteous Will not forsake you The steps of a man are established by the Lord, when he delights in his way; though he falls, he shall not be cast headlong, for the Lord upholds him with His hand...I have not seen the righteous forsaken. ...

These two girls gave of themselves so much this weekend I wanted to do something fun and special for them... wasn't much and I could never repay them totally... however it was an effort! I took them glow-in-the-dark mini golfing... great sports they are!  Faith had never been to Boston Pizza before... so used this opportunity to spend some time with her - praying I can be the big sister I was meant to be to her, to encourage her, and be there for her when she needs a friend! After BP we went to Yogurty's - such an neat little place - make your own, priced by weight! With that look you know she's putting in some sort of peanut product!

I just want to take a minute or two and just say how incredibly thankful I am for the mother the Lord has allowed me to have! I have been so blessed to be raised in the family the Lord has so graciously given to me.  Mom you have been an amazing inspiration to me! All those times I felt like giving up and that there was no strength to go on, you always encouraged me to look to the Lord for strength for just one more day, strength for just one more step. You've always encouraged me to never give up and to hold on to that which the Lord has promised - for in due season we shall reap if we faint not. You have an amazing listening ear and are always ready to drop whatever you're doing just to listen and hear "what's going on". I'm so thankful for you and the path you have chosen to walk. You are a women of prayer! Your submission and love for your husband is so real and true! Thanks for being an amazing inspiration! Praying that "when I grow up..." I...

My dear mother is turning 50 and my dad put together an amazing party for her So thankful for everyone that came - you really blessed my mother by being here and supporting her with your words of encouragement and presence! Thanks so much for blessing her in such a neat way!   Some of the food - a special thank you to Jenelle, Chris, Bobby, Lydia, and Faith for all the time, effort, helping and sacrificing of sleep to help put this all together!

I got a late start on decorating the wedding cake... which equals a late end!    However I was so thankful for a couple of extra hands that willingly lent me their support... ...and helped me transport! The final product... And yes, isn't she beautiful! Growing into such a beautiful woman of God! I want to thank you Lydia so much for your cheerful attitude all weekend (even if it did get late) and all the help you gave me! It was a tremendous blessing!