Summers end

We decided to spend our LAST day of summer break at the beach. One of our most favorite places is Silver Beach on Lake Michigan. It was a gorgeous day and we enjoyed it!

Reis and Hudson did great on their first day of school. They came home with lots of stories of 'how things are different' than christian school. I'm sure that will be a recurring theme throughout the year! We have had some great teachable moments talking through what happens from here. I am anxious to see how God uses them to be lights in a dark place!
Reis 8th grade

Hudson 6th grade

We at home aren't starting until Monday.

We are using a lot of new curriculum this year and we are all excited about that!

A Very Special Day

Last Sunday was a very special day in our family. Scott had the privilege to baptize our 3 oldest at our church's annual baptism service. It was a wonderful time witnessing 13 people confess their faith and it was fun to be a part of.

Our prayer as parents is to have this day

as a launching pad for incredible growth in their christian walk.

Projects

Life is very busy right now as we are into many house projects. Many of you have asked for pictures of the house. Many projects are unfinished but here you go! If you notice above, we had our old rotten railing taken off. It makes such a difference.

I am patiently waiting until I get the ok to paint. Scott has been repairing the drywall so the color has stayed the same. I look forward to warming it all up with a soft creamy color.

I have been on the hunt for a hutch for our dining room. I finally found one I love and was just the right price! I appears that someone started to paint it white. I can't decide whether to keep it 2-toned or paint it all white.

We have begun our addition of converting our attached garage (we also have a large detached) to a mud room, master bedroom and bathroom. The boys enjoyed the demolition process!

Below is our ongoing project! Hee he:) Chapman has been asking and asking for a mohawk. We finally gave in. It actually doesn't look too bad. I'm just glad no one else in the house wants one! Leave it to Chapman!

Vacation Verse

There have been some things, like kindness, that we as a family have been working on. This year for our vacation Scott was so wise and he printed out verse cards for us all to learn on our vacation. The boys were told that we all had to learn Colossians 3:12-14 by day 3 in order to watch TV or eat. That was motivation for sure! It always amazes me how fast kids can memorize. I think they had it 2 hours into our trip. For Davis, I have learned that the best way is to read it to him several times a day. By the 3rd or 4th time, we make it a game and I have him start filling in the blanks. Before I know it, he is reciting whole sentences. By day 3 he had it down. Here he is saying his verses.

(to listen, pause the music at the bottom of the page)

Therefore as God's chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourself with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. Bear with each other and forgive whatever grievances you may have against one another. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. And over all these virtues, put on love which binds us all together in perfect unity.