Activities, School Prep, and Friendships!

 

Good sports while at school! 

                                                    Game night....PIT! 

Fun while working! 

                                            Games! 

Fun with friends at school! 

                                                Chandler painted Emma’s toenails. 

A week has past since I’ve updated the blog, and it is not because we have nothing to share! The last seven days have passed by so quickly. We’ve been busy at the school working on many, many projects to get done before school starts. I finally feel like my kindergarten space is coming together, and we received our curriculum order this week -so still plenty to do! 

We have spent quite a bit of time at school this past week, but the kids have been really good sports about it. Our new administrator has young children, and my children adore her kiddos! Between our kids and Hannah’s we have children in every single classroom at school! Hannah is a good friend of mine and in spite of all the business at school, we still find time to laugh and visit. This past week I was getting a crash course in using the laminator, and Hannah was helping me. It was a bit like the blind leading the blind, but it was a good moment of light hearted laughter! I am so thankful for laughter! 

Because of Covid-19 as well as an increase in enrollment, we needed to find space to put bookshelves, extra tables, etc. that we just didn’t have room for in the classrooms. I’ve been taking the kids with me to school most mornings this past week, and on Tuesday morning the boys worked hard at emptying out a small room so that we could repurpose the room for furniture,  etc. What a job! The room was packed with items, books, and a bunch of stuff that someone along the way had decided to give the school...it was so much stuff! The boys stuck with it and by the time we left around noon, the room was empty. Roger did not have to go into work on Wednesday. He took Garett and Chandler with him to school around 6:00 am. to take legs off of tables, and repack the stuff that the teachers and the school wanted to have in that room. I am married to an amazingly selfless man. There are 500 things that Roger could’ve done with his time on Wednesday morning, but instead he went to fulfill a need at our small school. It was a good opportunity for Garett and Chandler to have some time with Roger, so we were thankful for that too. 

Garett and Chandler were able to attend teen VBS at our church for two evenings this week and they went on a bike ride on Friday with a bunch of the teens. I think they biked over 18 miles on the trails at Acadia National Park. We are so thankful for other Godly people that influence and mentor our children. 

My friend, Bethany, watched our tribe on Thursday. All of our children were delighted to go over to their friends house, and while the kids haven’t complained about being at the school a lot, I know that they were happy to have something different! Bethany has four children of her own, so that was nine kids for several hours! I am so blessed to have friends that love me and love our children. 

While the older boys went on the bike ride on Friday, we had some friends over to our house to play with our younger children. I do feel like my to-do list is long and lengthy these days, but I also know how important it is to see the needs of our children too. I’m not always good at balancing everything, but when the Opportunity came  along to have some friends over on Friday, we took it! It was good to visit with Ashley, and adult conversation was nice for both of us. Both of our spouses are in work places that have long hours and days for at least a season. It’s nice to have someone who can relate to a lot of what I’m feeling! 

So yes, Roger has been busy at work. This is just a season also, and we know that God will see us through it all. I’ve seen the faithfulness and grace of God at work in my own life over the last week, and I know that His hand of provision and goodness will see us through. Roger and I are back to trying to squeeze in time together wherever we can. I know that when Roger comes home from work, I want to tell him so many things....but so do five other people! I’m not a night owl and neither is Roger (early mornings at work require early bedtimes) but I’ve been working harder at getting up with Roger at 4:45am when his alarm goes off. I haven’t done too great about that this week, but it’s a goal! 

We are still needing a teacher for 2-4th grades at our school. We start two weeks from Tuesday, so we would surely appreciate your prayers on that! God is faithful, and on that we do depend! 

Storms of Life and Peace

Peace in the midst of the storm. That’s what I feel God is giving me today, and for the last few days I’ve felt the hand of God giving peace to me. We’ve faced a few bumps in the road the past few days, and I’m thankful that God goes beside us and before us. I don’t know what the future holds, but I know that God has all of this in His control. Our governor declared another state of emergency...it’s hard to even believe! I think this is her fourth one now?! I’ve included our most recent stats in the photo below. I’ve stopped even looking at what the media has to say about Coronavirus, but most of it is so blown out of proportion it’s almost ludicrous. There seems to be a desperate attempt to arise panic as much as possible, and yet the hard facts are that there is one active case in our county! Oh, and we live in a county of almost 40,000 people! 123 people have died from Coronavirus this year, but yet on average 227 people die from suicide each year in Maine...where’s the outcry for them?! 

Anyways, Roger’s back is feeling a bit better these days, and we are thankful for that. He missed a few days of work, but he’s back to work again albeit a bit slower these days. 

I’ve been asked to teach kindergarten in our small Christian school this year, and I am excited and terrified! I’ve accepted the offer, and I’m looking forward to seeing how God uses me this year. There have been so many changes in the year 2020, but I’m thankful that God has not been surprised. I will very, very much miss working with our preschool children, but I am thankful for this new opportunity. I’ve been pouring over lesson plan books, reading, and trying to keep all my ducks in a row! I would very much appreciate your prayers as I prepare for this year. I want to be a good educator to our students, and I want them to see Christ in and through me. Basic theology is formed in these young years, and it’s important that they learn the truths found in God’s Word as well as learn to read, write and do basic math! 

I’ve had a few distressing moments in my life over the past few days, and I did what I usually do when I need advice -talk to Roger and talk to my dad. Roger has his hands more than full these days with additional responsibilities at work, being on the school board, and life with five kids! He told me that I should talk to my dad about some of my concerns, which I had planned to do anyways. I value my dad’s opinion, and he’s one to always point me to Jesus. I expressed some of my concerns, he gave me some advice, and we prayed together. I still don’t have a much clearer picture, but it’s nice to know that my dad is praying with me and for me. My dad is a pastor himself, so one of his pieces of advice was to talk to our pastor. Both my dad and our pastor gave similar advice, “Stay in your lane.” Meaning that I don’t need to get bogged down by things that I can’t solve. Relinquish the concerns to those that can help or give advice, and let it go. Easier said than done, but again - God’s got this! (I realize that is a very vague paragraph) Just please keep praying for our family, our church, our school, and of course...me! Thank you!

A lady in our church brought over wild Maine blueberries yesterday! So delicious! By the time Roger arrived home, there was about a cup left that the kids had “saved” for him! We are so thankful for sweet friends who share such a delightful fruit with us!  

Days Away!

A little over Forty-eight hours spent at the cabin at the lake, and a fun time was had by all! The children all had early morning dentist appointments on Thursday morning, (like 7:30am. Early). On our way back from the dentist, Roger called me to tell me that he had hurt his back at work. Roger lifts and moves hundreds of packages every day, and on Thursday he happened to move a small box (probably less than five pounds) and something was misplaced in his back. He was miserable! By the time we arrived home, he has laying on the floor in the living room with some ice. He was in a lot of pain, and he was hardly moving. We debated about whether or not I should still go to the lake with the kids, but somehow Roger felt that he would get more rest if we all left! Hmm...definitely true! I was hesitant to leave Roger at home, and even writing this makes me sound like I’m a terrible wife, but anyways, we decided that I would go to the lake.

We loaded up the car, and off we went to the lake. Of course, we had to make a quick stop at Sams Club to pick up a few groceries, but we were at the lake by mid-afternoon. The boys helped carry stuff into the house, and then it was a mad dash to put on swim clothes. The rest of the afternoon was spent with fishing and swimming ...and eating!! 

I had a great time with the kids, and because Roger was not there to play in the water with them, I did. Actually, the water was quite warm and nice, and it was fun to swim and play in the water with the paddle board. All that activity made for an early bedtime for all of us. Time does not exist at the lake. We eat when we are hungry, go to bed when we are tired, and get up when we are refreshed (which is early for the boys!). 

On Friday the boys were all up by the time Emma and I got up by 6:45am., the boys were already busy fishing. I had coffee, and I read my Bible while the boys and Emma drank coffee too. The boys were eager to keep fishing, so they all fished while Emma and I watched and relaxed. Actually, Emma decided to fish also, which is unusual for her. She was happy to actually catch a fish. The neighbor next door was watching the kids fish and pull fish after fish out of the water. They certainly weren’t being overly quiet, and there was not a lot of organization to their fishing. The neighbor decided to also try to fish, and he spent quite a bit of time trying to catch a fish. He never did succeed, and it’s not like we had some magic skill over on our side. His frustration was quite humorous, but I didn’t have any advice to offer as I had no idea why the kids were catching fish! 

We spent most if the day outside on Friday, and we enjoyed lots of water time together. We made s’mores in the evening, and then washed off the stickiness in the lake. After Bible time and book reading, the kids were ready to settle down. The boys enjoy sleeping on the screened in porch at Teri’s cabin, and Emma enjoys the opportunity to sleep with mom. I’m glad I made the effort to go with the kids, and it was so fun to soak up the memories with them...wrestling on the paddle board, jumping off the dock, making s’mores, reading books. It was nice to be without distractions for a few days, and everything seems “normal” at the lake, and that’s what I’ve been missing! 

We packed up on Saturday after a morning swim and some fishing time. Everyone was happy to head home to see Dad, and to tell him all about their adventures. It was a tired but happy brood of children on the way home. Travis’s hair continues to turn more and more blond as the sun bleaches it, and they are all sun-kissed from days of summer activity. August marks the beginning of the summer wind down as we head back towards the fresh start of a new school year. I am encouraged and thankful for God’s continued guidance and direction. I just know that He has great things in store for this school year. Please keep praying with us! 

Roger’s back is feeling a bit better, but he’s not at 100% yet. I’m optimistic that he will continue to get better, but he may need to see a chiropractor as he currently walks a bit like an aged man (don’t tell him I said that! I’m kidding). I can tell it bothers him to not be as active as he wants to be, and the kids have been very careful about not being too rough. Not being rough is a challenge for these boys sometimes! 

I’ve seen God at work this past week, and He’s encouraged my heart. I am so thankful for His faithfulness to us, and that He grants us new morning mercies. I was talking to one of my friends this week, and mentioned that numerous times this week I’ve felt like God has opened doors of opportunities, clear direction and answers to prayer. It certainly does not always feel that way, but my spirit is encouraged and my fervor to press on in Jesus name is stronger. How blessed we are to serve such a mighty God even in the midst of such turbulent and chaotic times. We serve a mighty God! 

Peace in the Storm

One of our sons....Garett

It’s unusual for me to not have much to write about, but my heart is so very full. It’s just inexpressible right now. Tomorrow will be a hard day for Terry, her extended family, PIA, and our family as well. Grief comes in waves and stages, and we all process things differently. Today we had plenty to do at home to keep us busy, but instead we headed down to the ocean for a while. There is something very calming about observing God’s creation at the ocean. We discovered several jellyfish, some sea glass, and some of the kids even waded in the ocean. The housework and chores were still waiting for me when we arrived home...surprise! We’d appreciate your prayers for tomorrow as well as for Sunday. We just need a lot of Jesus around here! He’s our Rock, our Comfort, and in Whom we trust. 

Deep Sadness and Deep Love

It has been an overwhelming and heartbreaking few days and that is a gross understatement. On Sunday night, Roger called me and with his voice breaking with emotion, he told me that his boss, Kevin, had unexpectedly passed away. I started sobbing, and my heart is broken. Kevin was so much more than a boss to our family. He was one of Roger’s dearest friends. He gave Garett his first official flying lesson. He welcomed all of our kids into his office with a smile and, “Hey kids, the fridge is stocked (with sodas).” When he asked how you were doing, he took the time to really listen. He was always busy, but always willing to listen. When I was discouraged and frustrated with the state of our nation and state, he listened. He always ended his conversations with a hug, a smile, and “You count.” I don’t have the words to describe how much he will be missed by just our family alone much less the hundreds and thousands of lives he has touched. 

Breaking the news to my children will forever be on my list of the hardest things I have ever done. There was not enough of me to go around as every child needed a hug, a comforting touch, and words of love. Mr. Kevin was their friend too, and I know their hearts are hurting. Needless to say there was not much sleeping going on around here on Sunday night. We all needed to be with Roger, but we are instead over 21 hours away visiting my family in Wisconsin. Three of our five kids immediately stated that they wanted to go home right away. I know they are still in deep shock, and it’ll take a while for his death to become real...to all of us. Roger and I spent time talking and praying about what we should do, and we decided that it would probably be best if the kids and I stuck with the original plan of returning home on Friday. As much as we want to be together, our kids also need this time with my parents. We’ve certainly been reminded that life is short and that we don’t know when death will come knocking. 

I know I’m going to want to write more about Kevin, but my heart is just so overwhelmed that it’s hard to process any cognitive thoughts. Garett told me last night that his favorite memory  is when he got to go flying with Mr. Kevin. Garett’s first official flying lesson will forever be a favorite memory. Our children only have good memories of Kevin, and their love for him is deep and pure. Chandler and Garett were remembering just the time a few weeks ago when they flew in the float plane with Kevin up to the northern camp for the day. Our kids have fond memories of meals at our house, laughter and adventures, Kevin’s offers of allowing the boys to hang out at the airport, cold sodas, surprise birthday parties, hugs and affection, and the security of knowing that they were loved by Kevin. He will be missed. 

Our hearts are overwhelmed. Our hearts are broken. Our hearts are seeking the comfort of our Heavenly Father. Our hearts are resting in the peace that our Heavenly Father gives to us. 

 We could use an extra measure of grace, and please uphold Kevin’s wife in your prayers with us. 

Unexpected Blessings & Father's Day

Praise the Lord-it’s Sunday! Sunday has a whole new meaning for us now that we are going back to meeting in the church building. We will start back with children’s Sunday school next week, but to be totally honest, I have enjoyed the long morning before heading to church. It’s allowed for a run every Sunday, time in the Word, and breakfast all before the church service. (I can understand why church habits are so important!) The other side is that I think Sunday school is a special time to really dig into God’s Word, and it’s important for our children also. We will be gearing up for a special summer Sunday school series as we’ve missed out on Vacation Bible School. So, I know that once we reestablish the habits, it will be easier. I had the opportunity to sing along with some of the music at church today, and that was a special blessing. I’m also learning a lot. 1) I much prefer to have music to look at than slides to sing to! 2) Even if I know the songs, I do much better if I can sing through them ahead of time. 3) Music speaks to the soul (already knew that but today was a good reminder of that.) I was again blessed today through the music and the preaching of Gods Word. Our pastor is preaching on Nehemiah, and I’ve enjoyed the sermons in on Nehemiah. Talk about a man that faced opposition, fear and nay-sayers...yet he pressed on for the Glory of God! Don’t quit Christians! 

Yesterday was warm, no actually, it was hot! It felt like we were suddenly dumped into summer and the heat and humidity were both high! We did not go to the beach or the lake, as we had things that we needed to work on around home. Garett and I did trash, the boys created some pools in the back yard using tarps, and they spent time going in and out of the house. Travis realized that he had had a little too much sunshine as he has a bad sunburn on his shoulders. Roger came home from work exhausted from the heat, but yet he still went to pick up a bed that we had been given as well as a freezer (but not from the same people!). I had mentioned to my friend, Hannah, earlier this week that I was having such a hard time finding a freezer, but yet I would enjoy having one so that I could stock up on a few things -stock up- not HOARD! She stared at me for a second and then said, “oh, We have one you can have.” What?! I hadn’t even spent a whole lot of time even praying for a freezer as both Sams Club and Lowe’s said that they’ve been back ordered on freezers for at least fourteen weeks! It was an amazing answer to prayer, and one that I am very, very excited about! Then later this week when we were at Allison’s lake, Annah mentioned that they had been given a very nice king size bed, but they didn’t think that they wanted it. Annah asked if we would want it, and I’m happy to report that I said I’d ask Roger first!  So, Roger brought home the king size bed, frame, box spring, mattress pad and sheets on his way home from work. He and the boys unloaded that and then Roger and I went to pick up the freezer. It was a very, very late night, but both items were unexpected blessings! 

Roger was working today, so we did not stay after church for the picnic lunch this week. Instead we went to the airport to have lunch with Roger (and to pick up Travis). It’s not ideal-Roger working on Sundays, but we both know that this is just for a season. Since Roger spent the early part of the week with his brother, Nate, he worked the last half of the week. However, next Sunday we will all be planning on attending church together! (And then the next Sunday, I’ll be gone with the kids!) It was an interesting Father’s Day since Roger was working, but the kids all made him cards this afternoon. The boys also helped me take down the bed that was in our room, set up the king size bed and move the other bed all the way down to the basement. Now we have a nice guest room in the basement all ready for guests. Who’s coming?! 

Travis’s skin is blistered, and he was not able to go to church this morning as wearing a shirt was very difficult! Since Roger had to work today (Sunday) I dropped Travis off at the airport. He managed to put on a shirt when we came to the airport for lunch and for a picture, but he’s pretty much been shirtless all day. I feel really badly that he’s been so miserable, but we both learned a lesson to apply more sunscreen. I would probably do well to also invest in a water swim shirt for him. Chandler very rarely very gets a sunburn, and I don’t usually either. I did get a little red on Friday, but nothing that was too bothersome. I guess we all learned a lesson about easing into summer! (But summer here in Maine will probably disappear next week!) 

I’m thankful for Roger’s quiet leadership, hard working ethics, character traits of honesty and integrity and how he is trying to instill those in our boys. We fail....often miserably...at being parents, but Gods mercies are new every morning. We are thankful for children that forgive easily, enjoy life, and are a blessing to us. We are so blessed. Happy Father’s Day! 

Day# Quarantine Birthday and Blessings!

Happy Birthday to me! The sun was brightly shining, and we were able to attend church at the drive-in service at church. It was a good day.

Thank you all for so many wonderful birthday wishes and greetings. I feel so very loved, and thank you for each one that wrote a note or wished me a happy birthday. Quarantine birthdays are not ideal for anyone, and that does not  change if you’re turning seven or thirty-seven! We miss people!

After the drive-in church service, we went out to the airport to have lunch with Roger. Since Roger was working today, we took lunch to him. It was a quick lunch as I needed to be back at the church by one pm. We still have preschool lessons to record  for another two weeks, and we needed a lesson for tomorrow. The kids all played outside while Renee and I recorded another two preschool lessons. It’s not ideal for anyone, but we are just trying to keep the boat floating! Renee made me a cake, brought coffee ice cream, and a gift card for my birthday! I am so blessed! I certainly wasn’t going to make myself a birthday cake, so it was a special treat for all of us to have birthday cake this afternoon. It was a delicious apple cake, and I tried coffee ice cream for the first time. I had never heard of coffee ice cream before moving to Maine. I’m sure it’s around, and I just wasn’t tempted to try it. I have to admit it was remarkably good! Our children thought so also, and we polished off the rest of the cake and ice cream when Roger came home from work!

Before the drive-in service this morning, I was able to get in a run on this beautiful day. It was not an overly long run, but I was so thankful to soak up the sunshine and to just pray with my Heavenly Father. This afternoon, I took the kids on a hike. We had no idea where we were going, so we just kinda started driving around our area. We ended up on a hiking trail by an ocean inlet, and it was muddy! Oh my! Travis lost his boot in the muck, and Emma got stuck and started yelling for Garett to help her. The boys had on rubber boots, and they boots were completely covered. By the time we got back to the van, I had the kids all take off their shoes and put them in a box in the back of the car. I told them that they would all need to take showers when we got home to which two boys replied, “Oh mom, we took a shower yesterday!” Um...if you tromp through the muck, you are taking a shower!

Tomorrow we get back to the school work. I know it’s going to be a bit of a hard week as the weather is supposed to be beautiful this week. But we will get it done! Roger and I have been encouraging the boys to work hard at it and just get it done. These are the last two packets, so once the requirements are done, so are they! (I’m pretty sure that I am just as excited about being done as the kids!) As we look to the fall as a school, please do keep us in prayer.  Our world has gone crazy around us, and we need the wisdom that only God can give in order to make wise and right decisions!

Roger and I were having a discussion tonight on “fear” versus “caution”. It went right along with our Pastor’s message from this morning. He has been preaching on the book of Nehemiah which has been very fitting for this time in our lives. The people were prepared, but not afraid. They were doing something that might have been out of their comfort zone, but they kept going. I wish that I could’ve “heard” more of the message this morning. It’s a bit distracting having five children behind you! I want our children to not be fearful in their lives. God asks us to do hard things, and regardless of what God’s plan is for the future, we cannot be a fearful people. Our world is filled with “fearful” people that are griped tight in the clutches of fear. Fear prohibits us from making wise decisions, and it cripples us. I’ve been fearful in my life, and fear is not pretty. The Bible tells us that we are not to be fearful and that God does not give us the spirit of fear. So if fear is not from God, then it can only be another of the devils attacks. So instead...Take courage! Be brave! God gives us strength for today! I don’t know what the future holds either, but I KNOW WHO holds the future!

Haiti, “Operation Auca” and Heart Musings

Hi-ho, hi-ho, it's back to school we go! Here we are in our second full school week of the new year. Here’s a prayer to praying that it will be a bit smoother than last week! Last week felt like a long week...I think for both the teachers and the students!

Emma spent Tuesday afternoon (Tuesday is her 1/2 day at school) with her friend, Lucy. Claire is such a good friend to invite Emma to come along with Lucy to the library with them sometimes. I was able to get some grocery shopping done for a baby shower I was helping to host on Wednesday.

The staff hosted a baby shower for one of our dear volunteers who does many, many things for the school! Claire is expecting a baby on January 31, so it was nice to host a small baby shower for her. I made some desserts, decorated a bit, and made some food items for the party. On Wednesday morning, I was so sure I had remembered everything. By the time, we arrived at school, I realized that I had remembered most everything...except the baby gift! Oh well...and guess what?! That gift is still sitting in my living room today! Ahh! Claire is a good friend, and by now she knows that my head isn’t attached sometimes!

It was actually a rather low-key week that felt like a week on steroids! I managed several emails that I wasn’t real excited about; Roger and I planned and prayed over the teen group ministry; and I taught, chauffeured, refereed, and life went on! Roger and I have really been enjoying working with the teen ministry the last few weeks. Roger has been very intentional about games, ice breakers, music and preparing. One thing that Roger is very good at (he’s good at a lot of things) is not making hasty decisions. Now, his wife...I’ll jump in with both feet and start drowning if I see a need! Thankfully, I’ve learned to ask Roger about a lot of decisions first, otherwise, I’d totally be crazy! God gave me a gift when He gave me my spouse, and I am thankful!

I’ve been working on many of the details for the Patriotic Program in the spring. One of the things that I’m working on is teaching one of the classes to sing and sign to “America, the Beautiful.” Obviously, I can read a book on the signs, and I can even watch a YouTube video, but the best lessons are often learned in person. And God provided one! One of the ladies who works at Roger’s work place grew up signing in American Sign Language. It’s her first language, so to speak. On Tuesday afternoon, (while Emma was with Lucy), I went over to Roger’s work for a lesson. Marie was so patient and thorough, and I am fairly confident that the students can grasp and master what I want them to do. It’s so nice to have someone to teach the song to me personally. I’m excited about our students having the opportunity to present a Patriotic Program. In a country where Patriotism seems to be fading and dying off quickly, we have the awesome privilege and opportunity to endeavor to raise the next generation to love their country as well as the Lord. In our school, we stand for the flag, we pledge daily to the flag, we stand with our hands over our hearts, and we remove our hats. It’s becoming a lost art to know proper flag etiquette. Often times in chapel, my eyes will swell with tears as I hear the voices of children pledging to the American flag, the Christian flag and the Bible. Oh, how privileged we are, and we should not take that for granted! To all that have served or are serving our country...thank you!

Did you know that last week marked the 64th anniversary of the “Operation Auca”? Garett did his school report on Nate Saint two years ago, and we studied about Jim Elliot, Nate Saint, and three other men who gave their lives for the Gospel. To the world, this seemed like a tragedy, but yet God used it for His honor and glory. Perhaps you aren’t familiar with the story? Here is a link Operation Auca. I had the opportunity to present some of the highlights from this story to our children’s Sunday school classes. The older I become, the dearer the Gospel becomes to me. As I looked into the faces of the children staring back at me, I reminded them that these men didn’t get out of bed one day and decided that today they would serve Jesus and off they marched to the jungle. They made day-to-day decisions to love Jesus and to serve Him. That’s the same thing that we still need to do. Sometimes the Christian life might seem a bit nitty and gritty...and not fun! That’s okay! We are called to be faithful...and oh, how that is my hearts desire! “Oh, to be like Thee!”

We are putting the plans in motion to go to Haiti in the spring. I’m so excited and thankful for the opportunity to return to Haiti again. Going in the spring will be completely different than going in January, but I am excited. If you don’t already follow the Parakaleo Facebook page, I’d encourage you to do so. They often post updates about particular needs or opportunities, pictures and more. If you’d like to donate, you can do that also! Parakaleo International  God has already provided $300.00 for my trip in May! I’m excited to see how God continues to prepare us for this trip in the spring.

I hope you don’t feel like I rambled on too much in the post. I feel like I had a lot on my heart and mind, and I had the opportunity to unravel some of that on paper. God is good, and He is so faithful.

Love, Sarah

Chandler made this “bridge” out of toothpicks for a school project...he used a LOT of toothpicks!

Baby shower desserts...homemade lemon curd tarts and brownies with ganache = delicious!