10 Years of Wedded Bliss!

Happy Anniversary to my wonderful husband and daddy to my kids!
I cannot believe that 10 years ago today I walked down the white aisle and committed myself for life! (Maybe I should rephrase that...sounds like I willfully entered a penitentiary!) I used to think that people who were married for longer than 10 years certainly had to be entering a "boring" phase of life, you know, with a humdrum routine and all. Not so!
Greg and I first met while I was attending Pilgrim Youth Camp. He was travelling for HSBC quartet that summer, and my friends and I oddly decided to sit on the front row for that service. Greg mentioned to another HSBC student that he had noticed me (maybe it was the Kelly green dress and the "front row" appearance) and that girl made sure I received the message! We caught up a month or so later at AYC and talked a couple of times, then I went home and he continued on his way. I knew there was something different about him from that time. He was so respectful and kind. I don't think I ever heard a negative word concerning his life or character. Everybody loved him. We had no connection from that point until I was travelling with GBS choir and showed up in his hometown. That was in the early spring of 1996, during my sophomore year. We began dating (on VIP day of all things, during an illegal trip for two to the Riverfront), became engaged in September, and began to prepare for the big day. I owe a huge debt of gratitude to my mom who did all my flowers, all the dresses (except for the mini bride) and basically everything else. I really didn't even care about the details, not a typical woman I guess, but left most of it on her shoulders. Kaitlynn is going to pay me back for that one! Anyway, August 2nd, 1997 dawned hot and humid, and before approx. 325 witnesses we committed ourselves to each other. It has been a wonderful road since. Not that there haven't been difficult times, and probably many more to come. We would rather be with each other than with anyone else, and aren't dreading the empty nest days just because we love to be together. Thanks, Nate and Alberta, for giving me a wonderful, caring, loving, and helpful husband. Thanks, Dad and Mom, for training me about what to look for in a husband, and for giving me a beautiful wedding that I didn't have to finance! Thank you, Greg, for sticking by me for 10 years. Anyone who knows me knows that I am not a quiet, go with the flow kind of person. Sometimes we both act like first-borns, but at least it doesn't get boring! You are the only one for me!
(I'll post a couple of wedding pics later. I have to take son #1 to the dr. to have some spots on his neck examined. Please, no comments with freako stories that will throw my easily derailed moods into chaos! I have enough difficulty trying not to think the worst!)

Softball Games

Watching as the ball sails over the "home run" fence

Kaitlynn takes a ride on Aunt Valerie's feet

Adam ready to crank it out of the park

Evan sharing sunflower seeds with a little friend at the game


Greg played softball in a league this summer, the first time since I was pregnant for Ryan. I made it to one game...usually taking advantage of the time for some peace and quiet in the house by myself! Anyway, he has enjoyed playing again...coming home with skinned knees, sore ankles and shoulder...all the things that start happening once you're over 30!

Fishing days...

Waiting on those fish to bite...

Finally!

Kaitlynn gets a little more brave

Success for Evan!

Awwww!

Ryan, the more patient child...

Daddy doing what daddies do on fishing trips!

Evan waiting not so patiently

Ryan baits his hook...again

Daddy's girl

We took the kids fishing one evening a couple of weeks ago. I took one of my textbooks, and figured I'd be continually interrupted by, "Look, I caught one!" Not so. Evan, our easily frustrated child, was annoyed within minutes of his unsuccesful attempt and ready to go home. An hour and a half (and no fish) later, I climbed into the van to continue my reading away from the chilly air and bugs. Within five minutes I heard a yell, "I got a bite!" One after another, they started reeling in the fish. By this time, it was almost dark, and then the easily frustrated child was very mad because we had to pack up and go home...can't win for losin'!

Fun Summer Weekend...

Friday, July 13, was my aunt Carol Brown's 60th birthday. At about 4 in the afternoon Adam and Valerie rode down with us to Circleville, OH where her husband had planned a wonderful surprise party for her. It was a hit! They had an awesome menu (hamburgers, hot dogs, bratwurst, chips, potato salad, grilled corn on the cob, grilled seasoned red potatoes, marinated cucumbers, juicy garden tomatoes, and a whole lot more) and the pool kept everyone cool.
Thanks, Uncle Joe, for a great time!

Carol opens some gifts while chatting with her sister-in-law, Shirley Brown.

Grandma Yount, Mom, and Aunt Carol

Jonathon presented Carol with a gorgeous bouquet of 60 red roses. Way to go, Jon!

Roses
Disregard this...don't know how to delete it!

Marian (Joe's brother), Uncle Joe, and Dad enjoying food and fellowship

Mama Yount was thrilled at the crash of the watermelon truck!

Kaitlynn and Sarah Ann after swimming

Still newlyweds...Aaron and Sarah Kennedy

I won't divulge, but this photo of Adam pretty much describes his feelings of the evening!

My cutie, Evan.

Cousins Sarah Ann and Valerie Ann

Ryan doesn't mind the deep end - as long as he's on daddy's back!

Daddy and Kaitlynn

Splashin' around

Evan and Daddy

Enjoying a good laugh

After arriving home at about 2 a.m. Saturday, we slept in. By 12 p.m. we were making our way to Main St. in Cridersville (it's only about 2 blocks) to get our seats for the parade. This is Fireman's Jambouree weekend, and boy, is this little town hoppin'! The parade was fantastic with tons of candy for the little ones. After the parade we checked out the homeade birdhouses up for silent auction, then took the kids to the back of the firehouse for carnival rides. Mama was generous and bought the kids unlimited ride bracelets. Ryan almost passed out on the "wildest" ride, and it put him out of commission for a little while. Fortunately, he seems ok. Those things scare me! Some of the little rides are worse on the head than a roller coaster. Anyway, we spent a great deal of today down there and enjoyed a great time. Greg and the boys just arrived home from the last event, a pyrotechnics laser light show. Hopefully enough money was raised to keep our little volunteer fire dept. running smoothly this year!

Waitin' on the parade to begin

Kaitlynn plugging her ears as the fire and police cruise by

We live on the street where the village guys do most of their work. This truck is a familiar sight out my front window...they pass by frequently, and Ryan and Evan always have to tell me the guys names.

The Village council members cruise the parade in golf carts. Greg hopes to have his name on the ballot in November...we'll see!

It was a great day, with lots of sunburn. Now all are appropriately coated with aloe ointment, and off to bed. I trust everyone has a wonderful Lord's Day tomorrow!

You Never Know What A Day Will Bring...

I was saddened to read on the Midwest PHC website that one of our 2007 youth campers, Josh Henson (13) collapsed and died today. His parents assisted in the kitchen and they are such a sweet family. Cause of death is being determined, but in the meantime, I'm sure the family as well as the Shiloh PHC in Corydon, IN are devastated. Two years ago, we had a situation right after PYC where one of our campers, another 13-year-old, was accidentally and fatally shot. It is difficult to understand the providence of God in situations such as these, but we must depend on His mercy and grace to sustain. Our prayers are with the Hensons. If you would like to receive updates, visit www.midwestphc.org.