Soccer? Swimming? School? Oh my!!

Garett announced to me today that this week went by really quickly! I can only nod my head in complete agreement!

We started off our week with soccer practice for Garett and Chandler. The Christian school that they are attending has started a soccer team. We are a little behind the eight ball in getting this off the ground and started. However, I'm not coaching it and it's free for the kids to play! Therefore, I am not complaining! Roger had off on Monday also, so he came along to watch the practice. Wyatt, Travis and Emma enjoyed just running around outside as it was a beautiful day. It was actually hot where we live, but the boys soccer field is right on the ocean bay, so it had a nice breeze. I spent the hour while the boys were practicing walking around the soccer field. The pastor's wife from our church was there also, and she walked with me. I enjoy exercise by myself, but it's certainly more fun with a friend! We spent the hour talking of many things, ideas and dreams. I was thankful for the opportunity to interact with her, and sometimes I think it's easier to talk about different subjects when I'm moving and thinking! The boys thoroughly enjoyed the soccer practice and they were looking forward to the practice on Wednesday as soon as they were done!

I also taught music class on Monday. Monday was a full day for me! I'm enjoying teaching the kids and working on the Christmas program, but this is definitely not the easiest job ever! I find myself constantly thinking about the Christmas program, working on ideas in my mind, and trying to figure out how we can most effectively accomplish what we need to do! But, I like a challenge. So I will continue to figure it out and tweak it as I go!


On Tuesday we spent some time with some friends from Arizona. Well, they aren't actually from Arizona anymore, but that's where we first met them two years ago. One of the pilots and his girlfriend came up to Maine to visit the fall colors, and it worked out for us to visit with them for the afternoon. The fall foliage is actually still coming, but we enjoyed the visit with them. We had supper with them, Roger took them on a flight, and we visited with them until much too late on Tuesday evening!

It's been very warm here the last few days, and I am not feeling  like making pumpkin dishes, going apple picking or sipping on hot cider! I know the weather will change soon enough, but the boys actually went swimming in the creek on Wednesday. Wednesday was an early release day for the kids from school, and they had soccer practice immediately following. I spent the time at the playground with the younger children, and I did manage to get in a walk with one of my friends. Soccer practice has helped me get in some extra exercise as of late! After practice the boys invited one of their school friends over for the afternoon. Josiah has become a good friend, and the boys enjoyed the afternoon playing on the dirt bike, swimming in the creek, and laughing together. Also everyone was very ready for bedtime that evening!

 

Today was another busy day for Emma and I. We dropped off the boys at school, and then went out to drop some lunch off for Roger. I had planned to go immediately home after dropping off Roger's  lunch, but he had a few open seats in the plane to go out to one of the islands. Emma was not crazy about going for a plane ride, but since we didn't ask her opinion, she adjusted! The weather was beautiful, the trees hold a tint of color, and it was good to spend time with Roger. We enjoyed the flight out to the island, dropped off the mail at the post office out there, took a quick walk, and headed back. On the return trip we had an extra passenger and a dog. Emma was definitely not crazy about sharing the plane with a dog, but the dog was well behaved. Emma warmed up to the dog by the time we landed, and she even told Roger that "it was good a time". So after that adventure, Emma and I went home. I try to spend Thursdays at home, and it was good to catch up on laundry, cleaning, and getting ready for hot lunch on Friday. I find Friday to be a lot more enjoyable when I have hot lunch all ready to go on Thursday and it just has to be reheated on Friday morning. We made pancakes for tomorrow, and guess what we had for supper? Pancakes! I'm thankful that the boys certainly don't mind having the same meal so close together, but food is food!

We will be getting the mid term report cards soon, and it'll be next nice to have a clearer idea of how the boys are progressing. I am thankful for the hard work that they put into school, and I pray that they will see some clear evidence of that on their progress reports. We also had a special unexpected blessing this week as someone anonymously contributed to our school bill! This is always such and encouragement and blessing to us, and I am so very thankful to so many others that help us with our decision to put the children in the Christian school.

We appreciate you all. Have a blessed day!

Roger's Job

We did have a busy week, and perhaps I will have time to write more about that later. However, I wanted to take just a few moments to write about Roger's job. Roger is gifted at flying, and although I will admit to being biased about it, I hear enough comments from other pilots to know that he really is good at piloting the plane. Roger has been with the company for over a year now, and we've seen some ups and downs as the company navigates the tricky waters of being a small business, but also a needed and necessary business as they service the islands.

I wrote back in June about a plane crash that had occurred. Thankfully no one was injured, as that could've dealt a devastating blow to the company. However, it was still a struggle throughout the summer as the company was a plane short. The good news is that the plane involved in the crash will be able to be repaired, and it will eventually be back in service.

Roger is a hard worker, and he was asked to take on the job of assistant chief director earlier this summer. While the job has its challenges and difficulties, as does every job, Roger has jumped into the role and tried to do his best to encourage and assist the company.

 

So, why is Penobscot Island Air a needed company for this area? Not only does the company fly  passengers back and forth to several islands off the coast of Maine, they also provide mail delivery, FedEx delivery, and UPS services to the islands. Last summer Penobscot flew 300,000 pounds of mail; 10,200 people; 66,000 pieces of UPS; and over 10,000  pieces of FedEx! That's a lot of work for a company run by a handful of people!

Roger's boss (Kevin) has been a great employer to work for and Roger has a good friendship with his boss. I'm thankful that God provided Roger with an employer who is honest, fair, and of good character. The boys have been able to spend time with Roger at his job as Kevin recognizes that this is important. Kevin's wife, Terri, has become a good friend to our family also. It's a special job that allows us to enjoy having the boss and his wife over for dinner in our home, inviting them to the boys school events, and making memories with Kevin and Terri. We are truly so very blessed. We would also appreciate your prayers on behalf of this company that they will be able to grow and that the next year would be a bit easier for Kevin.

 

I don't think I actually had any preconceived ideas about Roger's job when we moved out here, but God abundantly blessed us in providing this job. I remember our first trip out here directly after we left Arizona. We had dropped off children at my parents in Wisconsin, and then Roger and I drove out here to see the job. God directly orchestrated all the events to come together smoothly and for Roger to make a good impression on Kevin. We knew when we left Maine in November of 2015 after our brief visit here, that moving to Maine was probably what God was directing us towards. And now Roger has been with the company for about a year and one-half! God has been faithful and patient with us every step of the way.

I sometimes wonder if our adventures are over for a while. We've spent several years across the country as we've followed the path that God has laid out for us. We traveled to Alaska to fill in for a missionary, I stayed home in Wisconsin while Roger pursued his aviation training in Florida, we moved to Arizona for a short time so that Roger could build the hours he needed, and now we are in Maine! Don't get me wrong...I'm happy to be here and stay put for a while! I just wonder sometimes what else God might want us to do in the future. For now though I am plenty busy with being involved at the school, serving in our local church, being a wife and mama, and learning to rest in the Lord. Our children are at the top of my list in my priorities. I tell them often and frequently that I want them to love Jesus. Everything else in their lives will fall into its proper place if they have a right view of God. Yet...oh, how often I stumble at giving them a good example of loving Jesus. Giving grace, yet providing correction and chastening. Offering words of praise is my desire...yet sometimes I must seem like a barking seal as I instruct them impatiently and inconsistently. I'm thankful that while  God has given me the challenging task of raising them for His glory, His mercies are new every morning. I pray fervently for our children as I fear that if they have me for an example of who God is their view may be very warped indeed! Yet God constantly gives me new opportunities to minister to their souls, to love them, to direct them, to challenge them...and oh how I love them! Please, please put my children on our prayer list as I endeavor to raise them for His honor and glory.

I've rambled on a rabbit trail for a bit, and I want to close up on this post. I'm posting a few pictures from Roger's albums that he's collected this summer. Chandler had the opportunity to spend the afternoon with Roger on one of the islands on Saturday, so those photos are from their afternoon together.

Our love, Sarah

Just Doing "Life"!

Good Evening! Another week is about to begin, and we are entering week four of school! The days flew by during the summer break, but the days seem to be only picking up speed as we continue into the school year. The boys are adjusting to the routine of school days, a 7:30pm. bedtime, practicing piano lessons, and using their time at home wisely. Roger is still having some long days at work, but the days are slowly starting to be shorter.

We spent the last week doing school,  having music class, painting the school library, helping with hot lunch, playing for chapel, attending a birthday party, having supper with Roger at the airport, hosting a family for a dinner meal, and all the other things of life. It was a good week.

Monday was the first day of music classes, and it was a whole morning of teaching! I have five different music classes back to back on Monday mornings. There is no time in the schedule for a bathroom break, but it's intentionally done that way so that I can be done when Emma is done with preschool at eleven thirty. We had a good first week, but it was a reminder that time is fleeting quickly as the date for the Christmas program is right around the corner! I'm excited about working with this group of children, and I'm looking forward to a great year.

After music classes, I helped with lunch duty. Emma enjoys the days that I help out with lunch because she gets to have lunch with the boys and play outside some more. I'm also discovering that it makes more sense to not go home on Monday afternoons. By the time we are done with lunch, and have cleaned up the music room, there's enough time to go visit Roger at the airport and bring him some lunch. It makes for a bit of a long day, but it also saves on gas. It just means that I have a good reason to just drop of the kids on Tuesday morning and come home to give our house some attention!


On Tuesday Roger had the day off of work. We dropped the kids off at school and then ran a few errands. We spent most of the day at home, taking care of trash, cleaning and working on various projects, and I even got in short run. The boys enjoy having Roger pick them up from school, and it's nice to sit down all together at the dinner table as a complete family.

Wednesday was my shopping day for hot lunch at school on Friday. But first Allison and I went on a walk, visited and laughed the whole mile and one-half walk. It was great! Then I ran to get the groceries we would need for hot lunch, picked up Emma, stayed for lunch with the boys, and came home. By the time I arrived home, my eyes were so red from wearing my contacts. I want to wear my contact lenses as I enjoy wearing them, but not when they hurt my eyes. Maybe my age is catching up with me, and there will be no more contact lenses in my future. I don't know. I just know that my eyes were happy when I took them out! Roger was working in Wednesday, and he didn't get home until just after the boys were in bed. It was a long day for everyone.

Thursday was painting day at the school library. It was a project that had been started over the summer, and it needed to be finished. Roger had made plans several weeks ago to go with a pilot friend up to northern Maine. This pilot lives up there and has been asking Roger to come all summer. That meant that I had Emma...and a painting project! We had asked for other parents and friends to help also, but everyone is busy. When I first started painting, it was just Emma and I. Thankfully, Emma grew tired of painting really quickly and went in the music room to play with the bells and eat her snacks. Another couple came to help, and they brought their daughter, Ella. Ella is two, and she and Emma are good friends! I am so thankful that they played together so nicely while we painted. The three of us were able to finish the project before lunchtime, and I'm thankful it's behind us. Painting is not my favorite thing to do, but it's done! Emma and I were happy to go home! On the way home though, I started thinking about hot lunch the next day.  We were having baked mac n cheese, fruit, and dessert. Another mom had already made three big pans of mac n cheese, but I was worried that we wouldn't have quite enough. So I whipped up another pan of that just to be sure we'd have enough food. (I'm glad I did as we used half the pan the next day!)

Friday was a very full day...too full, but it was necessary. I played the piano for the chapel service,  got things set up for hot lunch, and then ran to do a few errands before hot lunch. I came back to help with hot lunch and clean up. We had a good group of ladies working on Friday because by 12:30 pm., the kitchen was clean, the tables were wiped down, and we were done! Emma and I went out the the airport to visit with Roger, and I also spent part of the afternoon in the music room working on some things for next week. After school, Chandler and Travis had their piano lessons. I took the other kids outside while they had lessons. Following piano lessons, we picked up pizza and brought supper out to Roger at the airport. It was good for us to enjoy some time together at the airport. We left the airport to head to a birthday party for one of the kid's classmates. The kids had a great time at the party playing with their friends, enjoying cake, and being outside. Roger and I had a good time fellowshipping with the adults. We were the first family to leave the party (as usual) and sometimes that makes me a little sad as the party is still going strong when we are leaving. But over the years, Roger and I have also learned to pay attention to each other's needs and our children's needs (I'm not always good at it, but I'm learning!) I recognized that our kids had had a long day, and that neither they nor Roger had been home all day. Although it was an early evening as in around 8:30 pm, it was time to go. I'm thankful we were invited, and it was a good time for our family.

Saturday was a rare day off for Roger,  not rare as in he had a day off, but rare as in he had off on a Saturday. We spent the day cleaning up the yard, fixing something on Rogers car, grocery shopping, and get ready to have company for dinner. It was a full day, but a good day. We had a family from school over for supper, and we enjoyed getting to know them better. I'm thankful for friendships that are growing both for Roger and I and our children. They brought us some lobsters that were already cooked and a recipe to make with the lobsters. I was thankful for the recipe as we haven't come across a way to eat lobster that we absolutely love. However, if it's given to us, we  are going to eat it!

Sunday...praise the Lord! We can worship together with other believers! Today was an enjoyable event for me as I sang special music with the pastor's daughter. Singing is something else I enjoy, and I haven't sung special music in a long time. After church we had the pastor's son over for the afternoon. The boys thought it was hot so they convinced us to take them to the lake. The water was way too cold in my opinion, but the five boys got in and even Emma got wet. We enjoyed soaking up the sunshine and spending time with our children. After Sunday night church, the pastor and his family took us to McDonalds for ice cream. That was a fun and special treat! We had a good time of visiting  together and getting to know them better. On the way home, Garett remarked about how tonight reminded him of the time in Arizona. That was an event where the pastor and his wife invited us out for ice cream after church, and Garett remembered it. I'm glad Garett remembers such events as they are a reminder of good events that are associated with church and fellowshipping with other believers.

A cruise ship that came into our town...it was a big ship! 

Monday marked the start of another school week. We are working with the kids on so many school things like spelling lists, Bible memory verses, and other papers. Please pray that God will make  education a bit clearer for our children that are struggling. I taught music class today, and while the classes went really well, it is tiring! We are working on handbells (that sometimes produces a headache), various drama parts, and singing. It's a lot to cover in a short amount of time! I am enjoying the opportunity though I do appreciate your prayers as I continue on in this endeavor.

I must go as lunches need to be packed, laundry put away, devotions done, and children to get in bed! Have a wonderful week!

School, Skunks, and Music!

Skunks! That's really what we did this week, we trapped and got rid of skunks. I realize that skunks help keep down on grubs, insects and mice; however, Roger is not a fan of tip-toeing to his car in order to not scare the skunk! We've seen a few hanging around our house, and Roger had a few close encounters with one this week. So the kids and Roger set a live trap for the skunk. In the morning, we had one in there. The boys were so excited that they had caught something, and I was wondering how we would get rid of it now! Roger is a great at marksmanship, and he did eliminate the skunk. Unfortunately, as with most dead things, when something dies, it releases it's body functions. Any guesses as to what our yard smells like?! We also had a short lesson on skunks as the boys were very interested. Did you know that a skunk sprays only a tablespoon of stench at a time? And they can spray up to six times before they run out of stink? Then it takes the skunk ten days to refill his scent gland, but you have no way of knowing which day he is on in refilling his stink!! Later this week, Chandler filled the trap again with some leftover food, and we caught another skunk. This time Roger had not placed the trap though, so getting a good shot was a bit more of a challenge! We actually hadn't realized that Chandler had set the trap, so when he came dashing into the house on Sunday morning, we didn't realize why he was so excited! Thankfully, he had snuck up on the skunk! Chandler had also had put a mouse trap in the live trap, so the mouse trap was stuck on the skunks nose! (Why did he put the mouse trap in the live trap? Um, we have no idea!!)  So, just a few days ago our yard smelled like skunk, and the stench was starting to wane. But now we are back to having a stinky yard! Oh well!!

Roger worked last Monday, which was also Labor Day. The kids and I just spent the day at home. It definitely wasn't the most exciting day ever, but I didn't feel up to going anywhere without Roger. Besides, the boys were completely content to stay at home and make trails with the dirt bike!    

Tuesday we returned to school! The boys are adjusting back into the routine, and this week seemed a    bit easier. Emma wants to go to school every day, but she also enjoys the more personal time with Dad and Mom! After we dropped the boys off at school, we visited with Pastor and Mrs. Welch. He is the pastor of a church near our home, and visited at their church several times. They are getting up in years, and they enjoy it when we stop by for a visit. The summer was so crazy that we didn't get over ther much, and I'm trying to do better now that school has resumed.

 

On Thursday we had our first Parents group meeting. I have been praying diligently for this group over the summer, and I know that God is going to do great things! I'm excited about working with these parents, and I'm praying for continued unity and spiritual growth. We could also use some physical growth, as in more parents to come and join us! I also spent part of the day prepping and preparing for hot lunch on Friday. We are attempting to have hot lunch every Friday, so we will see how it goes. Again, we need a few more sets of hands to lighten the load!
Friday was a long day for me! Emma had school in the morning, and I played the piano for chapel. It's an opportunity to serve the Lord and to refresh my own spirit. After chapel, I spent the morning getting ready for hot lunch. I wasn't able to be there for the actual hot lunch, as I had a meeting with a few of the teachers and some others to discuss one of our children. Definitely not one of my favorite meetings ever, but it was necessary as we seek wisdom and direction on how to help this child  succeed in school. Education isn't everything, but it is important. I want to know how I can best equip  myself to help our children succeed. I'm sure there will be more on that later. Suffice it to say, it was a difficult meeting, and when one of our teachers found be afterwards and offered a hug, I willingly  accepted!

After cleaning up from hot lunch, Emma and I went to visit a couple from our church. They've had a few health problems as of late, and I wanted to touch base and talk to them. I also realized as I sat on their couch, that I was tired! It was good for Emma and I to visit with them, and I'm glad we did it. Then we headed back to school to get the boys. Garett and Wyatt started piano lessons today (Friday)  so the other boys hung out on the playground at school. Thankfully, it was a beautiful day today and perfect outside weather! Another mom came down to the playground for a bit also, so I enjoyedtalked with her. However, we were all more than happy to go home once the boys were done with lessons! Since we aren't able to afford for all the boys to take piano lessons, they are going to rotate weeks. Garett and Wyatt had a lesson on Friday, so next Friday it will be Chandler and Travis' turn to have a lesson. This way we pay for lessons for two children, but all four boys get two lessons a month. It's not ideal, and I know that they will progress slower. However, I thought it was pretty creative of me to think that plan up!! Something is better than nothing!

  

Roger worked on Saturday, but Garett and Wyatt were able to spend part of the afternoon there at the airport. They really enjoy hanging out there, but it's definitely not Chandlers thing! It is a blessing that it's a way that the boys can spend some time with Roger as sometimes time together is hard to come by.

Sunday was another day to worship the Lord and to fellowship with the believers. I'm glad that we have a church that we can hear the Bible preached, sing unto the Lord, and fellowship with other people. Later in the afternoon, I came back to the church to work on preparing for music class on Monday. I will be teaching music at the school this year, and I am exited about the opportunity. It's a big challenge, and I don't have a whole lot of experience with this particular field of teaching. However, I feel like I am ready for tomorrow. I have a Christmas program picked out, and we will be hitting the ground running to get it together for our program in December. I'd also appreciate your prayers for wisdom, grace, and direction as I teach these students about music.

Our love to you,
Sarah

School! Anniversary! Birthdays and a Dirt Bike!

We have survived the first three days of going back to school, we celebrated Garett's eleventh birthday, and we also celebrated our 12th wedding anniversary!

 

We started off the week with a day taken as our family to celebrate Travis' birthday. His birthday was  on August 25, but with Roger working we just weren't able to celebrate it together. One of the things on the kids bucket list for this summer was to do mini-golf. Roger has been saving his tip money over the summer, and we had enough to go take the kids on a little adventure. We went up to Bangor to have lunch a chick-fil-a...yummy! Then we went to a family park that offered go-carts, mini golf, and batting cages. It was a bit of a bummer that Chandler wasn't quite tall enough to ride on the go carts, and Garett could not take a rider because he was too young. I ended up taking Wyatt (we won, btw!) and Roger took Travis, but Chandler and Emma had to sit by the gate and watch. That was a bit hard, but they handled it very well. Wyatt and I did win, but I'm pretty sure it's because Roger waited to make sure that Garett's car was not going to stall out on him again! It was fun, but it'll be a more fun experience in a few years when all the kids can do it. Then we did mini golf together. The boys really enjoyed that and they were all within a few points of each other. It was a fun day together, and we enjoyed our time together.

Tuesday was our first day of school for the new school year! It seems like we never even missed a beat as we walked back to school that morning! The kids were excited about seeing their friends, the new year, and new adventures. Garett and Chandler have the same teacher, and it's just a reminder to me of how God takes care of us. Since Garett struggles so much with education, I was a bit concerned about who his new teacher would be. However, through a series of events, Garett and Chandlers teacher moved up in grades to teach fourth and fifth grade this year. Wyatt and Travis both have teachers that are new to them, but not new to the school or teaching! I'm excited about the new year. Roger had off on Tuesday and even though he had a bunch of things he needed to do, he took the   time to help me with a bulletin board. I know he loves me! We worked on the bulletin board and finished it up, I spent a few moments cleaning and tidying up a classroom, and then Roger and Emma went to do a few more errands. I got to do some grocery shopping...all by myself!! Yay! We went for a walk together before we needed to pick up the boys from school. They had a great first day. Travis told me that his teacher was nice and, "School was good today, mom. I think I'll go back tomorrow." Umm...yes, yes you will go back tomorrow!! Wyatt seems to be struggling a bit with the adjustment back to school, but I'm hoping it's just fatigue and adjustment to the routine again.

 

Wednesday was Garett's birthday! I can't believe that our oldest child is now eleven! I look back over the years, and it never ceases to amaze me how time has flown by! This boy struggles with learning, but he has a happy countenance. If you know Garett, you know that he loves to smile. He has a heart for aviation, and he wants to get his pilots license. He is sweet to his little sister, and plays nicely with other kids ( just not always his brothers!)  He asked if he could bring treats for his class, and I said yes. I told him that I could make cupcake, bring doughnuts, or make fruit cups for his class. He asked if I would make fruit cups for his class. So we cut up watermelon, grapes, blueberries, mangos, and cantaloupe to make treats for his class. Cupcakes would have been cheaper, and doughnuts would have been easier, but I'm thankful for the choice he made. His class enjoyed the treat, and it made his day a bit special. Garett's birthday was a bit of a dud (in my opinion) as he had school, I had a meeting after school so we didn't get home until late, his daddy was working, and there was prayer  meeting that night. I probably would've forgone going to prayer meeting, but it was one of my friends from college representing their ministry. Thankfully, Roger and I had talked with Garett about his birthday before it came around. We assured him that we would do something together to celebrate his  special day. My sister, Jen, had sent him a birthday present, so that was a highlight for him! Garett enjoys wearing his cowboy boots, and Aunt Jen sent him a cowboy hat! I fail this young boy so many times in my examples to him, how I respond to him, and pointing him to Jesus. I'm thankful that  Garett is quick to love and forgive, but how my heart yearns for him to grow up to love the Lord (which is also my prayer for the rest of my children!)

One of my highlights from Wednesday was spending some time with my friend, Allison. As the summer flew by, our coffee dates and time to spend together was about nil! Since Emma got to go to her preschooler class in Wednesday morning, Allison and I spent the morning solving the world's problems...well, not really. But we certainly discussed plenty of them! I am so thankful for her  friendship, and having a friend to share my burdens and concerns with as well. We spent some time praying for many things, and it's such a blessing to have a friend to pray with me.

Thursday was the third day of school and also the last day of school for this week. Since it's Labor Day weekend, we get to ease into school a bit. Emma and I took the morning to go visit a friend that recently had a new baby. Hannah has become a good friend to me, and since she has three littles in three years, we have many things in common! Emma and I took a meal out to them, visited for a bit, and enjoyed our morning together. I am trying to make sure that I keep Tuesday and Thursdays as my days away from the school. Not that I couldn't find opportunities to serve or be a blessing there, but I also have other people that need to be visited or encourage, a house to maintain, meals and laundry to stay on top of, and a husband and children who need me. It was a good morning.

 

Friday was a down day. Adjusting to school is hard work, and the kids were thankful to have the opportunity to putter around in their back yard. We have a skunk that's been seen several times around the yard, and the skunk sprayed sometime in the night. Roger and I woke up to the smell of skunk around three in the morning, and since the windows were open....well, the house smells a bit like skunk! Emma woke up in the morning and kept accusing the boys of passing gas! They thought it was quite funny, and told her that the skunk had passed gas. It was quite a strong smell for much of the day, but I think the smell is fading! Either that or we are getting used to it! We took Roger lunch today since he was working, but other than that, we had a very uneventful day. And we need uneventful days now and then!

Saturday was our twelfth anniversary! We celebrated twelve years that have flown by through various jobs, raising children, job training, a trip to Alaska, a baby girl, moving to Arizona, and settling in Maine. This year was probably the most unromantic anniversary we've had in twelve years, but it's another year to celebrate the fact that God's grace has been evident in our lives. Since Roger had the day off work, we took the time to celebrate Garett's birthday. A trampoline park was having their grand opening event, and it was a free day to the public. Hooray! It was something that Garett really wanted to do, we could all do it together, and it was free! We spent the morning doing that, and then came home for some rest time. I was able to squeeze in a little run, and then we decided to take a walk as a family. We went on a walk by one of the nearby lighthouses. It was a fun time together as  we watched the moon come up over the water. We closed the day by having ice cream at McDonald's. Although not the most adventurous or exciting day ever, I have much to rejoice in tonight. Roger was able to have the day off so we could celebrate Garett's birthday, we have been married happily for twelve years, and the day was well spent. I look forward to many, many more years of marriage. Roger works hard, loves me, loves his kids, spends time with us, loves the Lord, is committed to church, sacrifices daily of his time and energy  to make our marriage better, and I am so blessed!

Tonight, Sunday, wraps up another week for our family, and marks the beginning of a new week. We went to church this morning, and then the boys and Roger went to pick up the dirt bike. Remember how the boys had been given money early in the summer for a dirt bike? We've been looking and researching over the summer, and today we bought one. We were able to get one that was on sale for Labor Day, and it was in our budget. The boys and Roger spent the afternoon putting it together, and taking it for a drive around the yard. Of course, it happened to be pouring down rain this afternoon, but it certainly didn't bother the boys! They are excited about the adventures they can have, and we are looking forward to the memories they will create. Chandler wanted to know if we could ride it after the evening church service since it has a headlight. We had to disappoint him with a no for an answer. There will be opportunities to ride it and I don't think we need to start out by riding it in the dark and the rain!!

Anyways, that is the conclusion of our week. We are excited about another week of school, and we would appreciate your prayers as we continue forward. Have a wonderful week!