Fall Sports 2011~by Beth

The two boys in high school, Zach and David, played football this fall. Their team went to state, though they lost the first game. But, we all had fun. Zach proved to be a very valuable player being back up QB, catching some key passes, and being the kicker. One kick was 39 yards that he made.
A week or so later we went on our annual golf outing. The children had two hours instruction with a pro, then lunch and the rest of the day on the course. What a great time we had. That same night Katie flew in for a wedding, then she went back to Texas two days later.

Flood October 2011~by Beth

Here was the most rain that we have seen in about an hour or more. Of course, the water receded by the evening and we were thankful. Here's the photo.

Back to school picnic 2011!~by Beth

Time flies. Here it is Advent season and I am behind on blogs. We have been busy. Here is a photo of Johanna at the picnic for homeschoolers. It was held at Lakes Park so the children had the joy of using the water park there. Since it was hot, we were glad they could cool off.

Zach goes to School~by Beth

We had a wonderful, relaxing summer. That is, until about 2 or 3 weeks before school started up again. Since our county moved up the first day, Jon began on August 5th this year. Just before he went back Jon and the boys put in radiant barrier in the attic. It was a long, hot job. Hopefully it will reduce the electric bill. The jury is still out on that. Simultaneously the guys also screened in the lanai. It looks really nice. We look forward to opening up the house when the weather cools. Then, because of a persistent leak, we remodeled the girls bathroom in 6 days! We put in tile, new vanity, sink and mirror, along with a new storage unit. This was also the week the younger children went to VBS. When school began, Caleb returned to High Tech North to complete his degree in culinary. Zach began at the same school in the computer class. He loves it and seems to be excelling. He has had opportunity to show Christ's love to other students just in the first weeks of school. We are doing well at home too. Abigail also began school and is catching on so quickly. Stephen joins us for the drills we do in phonics and math. He is super smart and we enjoy his presence daily. The boys are playing football, and we are back to music lessons. Christiana is teaching all 4 of her younger sisters violin. She is a natural at it. Here are some pics of first days and the bathroom remodel.

Independence Day 2011~by Beth

We are having a fun day around here. It began last night with the girls decorating their bikes in preparation to ride in the Pine Island Parade. They had lots of fun riding and throwing out candy to the parade attendees. Of course all the other kiddos enjoyed getting all the candy that nearly every one in the parade threw. Back at home we had a delicious cookout. Jon, Caleb, Christiana, Charity and I also filled about 290 balloons for a water balloon fight. Too bad the thunderstorm has been rolling in. After it passes, everyone plans to go out and try to nail someone with a water balloon. I had to find every bucket, container, and even my stock pot to hold the balloons. Here are the pics. Notice the new glasses on Christiana and Emma. They were blessed with free eye exams and free glasses just last week. PTL!!!

Jonathan and Stephen watching God's fireworks~by Beth

Just before bed the other night Stephen and Dad were watching the lighting in the clouds. They looked so adorable!!! Wish it was in focus better. The camera has not been working well since Christiana kicked a soccer ball right at the camera while I was shooting at the beach a few weeks ago.

Stephen turns Three~by Beth

Here is our little darling on the morning of his birthday, all ready for church. What a handsome guy! After blowing out his candles on his cake he opened his gifts. His sisters gave him some Toy Story goggles. We thank God for bringing Stephen into our lives.