Miracles of Mitch 2014 - Two Brothers One Goal

Two brothers with one goal. Raise $2000 for Miracles of Mitch Foundation racing for kids that cannot race themselves.This was Noah's second year racing and Jacobs first. It was a big goal. The results were better in so many ways than we could have ever predicted.

 Goldy was there to cheer!

 Fans are ready!

Transition spot is ready. Racing for Cody this year.

Time to get pumped up for the swim. Jacob was very nervous about his first tri. Big brother Noah showed us again just how compassionate he is. Noah volunteered to hang back and race with Jacob the entire race. I love his heart for others and I love the fact the boys could do this together. What a team. Praise God!

Let the swim begin....

On to the bike!

They finished the tri and exceeded their goal. Total raised $2140. Thank you to the many generous donations and the hearts of boys that love others and want to help them.

Zoo

Let's face it, summer has been cooler and more wet than most. It has been hard to get to the beach, have water fights, and enjoy the typical summer activities that we are used to having the past few years. However, that will not stop us from being thankful for another day and enjoying every moment that He has given to us.

Today, we took an unexpected trip to the zoo, and it was such a wonderful outing. The animals were magnificent! Each one moving around, playing and enjoying the day as we stood in amazement soaking up every detail of it.

 

As we were leaving the zoo we had the excitement of riding a 100 year old carousel. This was no ordinary carousel. Each horse is all wood, hand crafted and painted in 1914. The horses are beautiful.  I have never been that big of a fan of the carousel. I get dizzy easily and just don't particularly like the ride. I do it for the kids. So today, I got in line and although I was intrigued by the history of the carousel, I was not looking forward to the ride itself. I was delighted by the enjoyment I got out of this ride. It was the fastest carousel I have ever been on not to mention it was almost a 10 minute ride rich in history. I loved every second of it, as did the boys. I have walked past this particular carousel many times and not given it another glance. I will not make this mistake again.

We are all looking forward to the next zoo visit and the next carousel ride!

I am thankful for today.

Miracles of Mitch 2013

Last summer Noah decided that he was interested in participating in his first triathlon. He has been an amazing fan through the years cheering mom and dad on in our various events and thought it was time he try one out for himself. He zeroed in on the Miracles of Mitch.  He has a tender heart for those in need and wanted to participate in something that would help another out. He set his fundraising goal at $1000. Pretty amazing sum for a 7 year old boy. He drafted and mailed letters, made phone calls, and began the process to raise money for a boy named Michael. To get things started he put in 6 months worth of his own allowance to donate for the cause. 

After a couple months of training and praying for Michael the night before the big day came. It was minutes before midnight and the total fundraising amount flipped over the $1000 mark (he ended up raising over $1100). The focus of the day was not on who came in first or what the participates time was. The focus of the day was the fundraising and the impact that it makes on the many families that need support.  

 

 

He is planning to participate again this summer and is counting the days. His goal is double last years. The excitement in giving is contagious. I will try to post a link to his fundraising page closer to summer if anyone is interested in donating to this amazing cause where hearts are changed and lives are positively impacted.

Another Round Of Birthdays!

You ever get to that place where you are behind and wonder if it is worth trying to catch up? I am there in so many areas, to much to do and to little time to get them done. The good news is we have been having a blast along the way and that is more important that getting everything on my list checked off each day, month, quarter and year.

We are nearly into Feb and each of the boys have had another birthday. I will start with October (yep October)......

Our spunky, quick witted, lovable, firecracker turned four. Can you believe it? My baby is already 4! His smile and personally have a way to brighten any room. His energy is contagious. I am so thankful each and everyday that God blessed our family with Jonah! He loves music, swimming, books, trains, running, biking, anything outside, AWANA, and anything active. He is doing well keeping up with his big brothers.

In December Jacob turned 6. I cannot get my head around the fact that he is 6. Jacob has eyes like no one else. They literally sparkle. He loves to help anyone and everyone with anything and everything. He has a gift for service and the heart and determination to see it carried out. He laughs easily and gives some of the best snuggles there are. Thank you Lord for Jacob. Our family would not be complete without him! Jacob loves the outdoors, swimming, piano, bike riding, archery, building with his hands, snowshoeing, skiing, AWANA and football.

 

Just a week ago we celebrated the 8th birthday of one of the most compassionate and encouraging people that I know. Noah loves and shows love. I find myself learning from him in many areas. He is a true example of compassion. My heart is full, my cups runs over. Thank you God for Noah. Noah loves to do anything that involves giving to others, camping, fishing, football, the outdoors, rock climbing, piano, school, swimming, triathlons, snowshoeing, skiing, AWANA and reading.

I pray that their love for learning, life and the Lord continue throughout their lives. I am so thankful for them and I feel so blessed to be their mom.

Summer Baseball

What do you do on a hot day mid summer? Watch baseball of course! With three active boys we love anything outdoors and/or any game that involves a ball. What could be better than a Sunday afternoon outside watching baseball? With tickets for our family and 2 extra we were blessed to have grandpa and grandma join us.

Of course the boys were delighted to get their photo taken with Madonna the team mascot!

 It was a hot day, but with the help of some shade from our trusty umbrella and a lot of water to keep us hydrated fun was had by all.

Post game the kids were able to go down on the field and run the bases (always a big hit for our crew)!

 

 

There is something extra special about being down on the field. 

What a great day! I am constantly reminded just how blessed we are to have opportunities to enjoy some family time. My heart is full.

Baptism

“Baptism is faith in action.”  ~ Watchman Nee

 Romans 6:4 We were buried therefore with him by baptism into death, in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, we too might walk in newness of life.
 
After accepting Christ into his heart a couple years ago, our oldest was baptized today in an act of  public obedience to God and what He calls us, as believers, to do.

Before he was baptized he quoted one of his favorite verses. Philippians 4:6-7 Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

My heart is full and my cup overflows. I am so proud of the young man that Noah is and cannot wait to see what God has in store for him. 

I Choose Joy! Counting 1,000 Gifts (601-662)

601. Lunch with grandma and grandpa.

602. Kids joke books.

603. The way kids love to play with boxes.

604. Tomato plants ready to transplant.

605. Stop watches.

606. A good friends laughter.

607. Anniversary cards and encouragement.

608. 12 years of marriage to an amazing Godly man.

609. Hot soup on a cold day.

610.Flights that are on schedule.

611. Playdates at the park.

612. Christian friends.

613. Fishing floats.

 

 614. Fish on a hook.

615. Nets.

616. A day with an uncle we don't see nearly enough.

617. Bob of a line in the water.

618. Wood-ducks sitting on top the wood-duck house.

619.Documentary on Beavers and ducks! The love of nature!

620. The smell of lilacs.

621. Mazes made of tall shrubs.

622. Boardwalks through the bog.

623. The sound of water over the rocks.

624. The many colors of tulips.

625. My dad in uniform.

626. The National Anthem.

627. Bright pink flowering crabs.

628. Ropes courses.

629. Sleeping in.

630. Date nights.

631. Games at grandma and grandpas.

632. Tents in the back yard overlooking the pond.

633. Beaver tales.

634. Springs green grass.

635. Ambitious boys.

636. Gluten free salads.

637. Family bike rides.

638. Ripples on the water.

639. Morning song birds.

640. Bluebirds.

641. Riding bike to church.

642. 3 hard working happy helpers.

643. The smell of mulch.

644. Overalls.

645. Rain boots.

646. Crayfish.

647. Ponds.

648. The call of the loon.

649. Still lakes.

650. Praying together with friends.

651. Beaver wood.

652. Sunsets on the water.

653. Trail runs.

654. Family hikes.

655. Family breakfast parties.

656. Play dates at the swim pond.

657. Sandcastles.

658. Cannonballs.

659. Bacon.

660. Fire pits.

661. Wide open fields.

662.Velvet on a deer antler.

Ready, Set, Go!

The numbers selected and blocks of wood and wheels purchased, they (with dads guidance) were ready for the fun to begin.  Our two oldest boys spent the month of January gearing up for the AWANA derby. They LOVE to spend time with dad in the "man-cave" doing guy stuff. Building derby cars was no exception.

After hours of sanding, painting, laughing and eating peanuts the cars were ready.

Noah made a good run last year and had high hopes for another good race. This was Jacob's first year - he and Noah were excited about every aspect of the event. The day of the race came and the boys decided to dress in colors to match their cars. I am not sure what was more fun, watching the cars race down the track (each car raced down 4 times - once on each lane) or watching the excitement of the kids.

In the end Noah won 1st place for the Sparks group and Jacob's car won 1st place for the Cubbies group. They were all smiles. They had the 3 top cars (Noah's, Jacob's, and the T&T winner) race each other for the fastest car of the day. The first time down all three cars tied.

Their number 1 fan wanted to get in on the action as well. Jonah really looks up to his big brothers and was just as excited as they were.

 Noah winner two years running ;)

Jacob all smiles as usual!

When all was over, the boys still talk about the best part. It was not the trophy or the actual race, but instead it was the time with dad, spray painting. My heart is full. What fun memories in the name of Him who created all things.

Climbing High!

When did they get so big? This year for Noah's birthday adventure he decided he wanted to take a trip to the cities and do some rock climbing. What a fun day! What a fun field trip! We ended up buying a punch card. Cannot wait to go back!

This was right after we told the boys we were going to have to head out for the day. As you can tell the youngest was none to happy about the idea of leaving!

7 And Ready For Anything!

Our oldest is 7. Can it be? Noah is ready for anything, shooting, camping, fishing, tea time, cooking breakfast, drawing, gardening, hunting, the list goes on.....

Always ready for adventure!

I was laying in bed this morning thanking God for you Noah and I kept coming back to  Ephesians 4:32 Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you. In my mind this is a great verse for you. You are kind, tenderhearted, easily forgiving and love Christ. I could not be more proud of the young man you are growing to be. I cannot wait to see all that He has in store for you sweet boy. I love that you love the Lord, others, animals, the outdoors, school, sports. You make your dad and I smile everyday.

 Eager to wear a tie (or camo, whatever the occastion calls for)

Mama loves you buddy! 

Your dad and I will never forget how our lives changed 7 short years ago. Even with the broken collarbone that you got during delivery, you were the happiest baby!

 We have loved every second with you! You are truly a blessing from the Lord!

 Photo shoot with daddy after coming home from the hospital. Can you tell which feet are Noah's?