YoYo Man!

Greg's cousin, Dan Black, is a professional yoyo man. Yes, you read correctly. His profession involves travelling all over the world (literally) to perform tricks and present a character building message. It's called the NED Show, and is an acronym for success: Never Give Up, Encourage Others, Do Your Best. Dan loves going into Christian schools, because there he can also weave Scripture and Biblical principles into his show. Dan was able to come by last week and present NED for the second time at Pilgrim Christian. He was actually just wanting to come by to see us for a few minutes while he was in town, but we take every opportunity to do something fun and exciting for the kids here. Needless to say, they enjoyed NED!



Closing the NED show in prayer...

Taking a little time to play ping pong with one of the boys...

Evan wearing one of Dan's "creations"...

Labor Day Weekend...

For the last 11 years (all of our married lives) we have spent Labor Day weekend with Greg's family. It has been a tradition easy to follow, and helps us to know from year to year that we already have time set aside to be together, since everyone is so busy and so geograpically separated. Some years we have gone to campgrounds, but as the family has grown, it seems to be much easier to go to Grandma and Grandpa Burley's place. Greg likes to go "home", and we sometimes have the opportunity to see extended family who live in the area. We also get to attend his home church, and visit with the Johnsons, whom we dearly love. This year we kept pretty busy on our little trip. Saturday we went to Grand Haven, MI, which is right on the lake. We were able to do some shopping (I found a little store that had a large lot of used Longaberger pottery in my mom's pattern - they were closing that day and had marked everything an extra 75% off!!!), get some great ice cream, and watch the Musical Fountain at the end of the evening. My kids had never seen the fountain, so they were pretty impressed. Even more impressive were the huge luxurious boats that speckeled the big lake...lots of "Wow, we neeeed one of those!"



My personal chef...

Playing with kitty (excuse the undies)...

Playing in Grandpa Black's shed...

Ryan at his finest...

Allison does her pose...

"I promise I'll wear my seatbelt, mom..."

"...or just eat it..."










On Sunday night we headed down to a campground to hear the Collingsworth Family. It was a beautiful evening by the lake...

The lake was just beyond the trees. They had fireworks over the lake later in the evening, but we didn't stay...tacos were calling us home...

There must have been 700 golf carts!


The Collingsworth Family, amazing as usual!

Kaitlynn patiently waiting for the concert to end...

Ryan, Kristin, Evan...

The kids, ready for ice cream at the little social put on by the campground...

Amanda does the honors of getting Alli to sleep by the fire...

Allison enjoys being in Harmony's arms...

We knew the days of boyfriends would arrive soon!

On Sunday night, Gene, Tina, Greg, and I stayed up and enjoyed lots of laughs around the fire...



On our way home we were able to stop in Howell to shop the Labor Day sales at the outlets. The sales were great, but since we were pushing a huge stroller and dragging three kids (maybe they were dragging us...) through the crowd, things were a little interesting. All in all, it was a great weekend!

It's About Time Somebody Puts 'Em In Their Place!!!

A must see!!!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o8zXi90EVeg

Hey, It's Been Awhile!

I'm sitting here at school, well after the day has ended. Allison is asleep, the kids are fairly occupied, so I'm updating the blog. Kaitlynn just walked into the classroom and said, "Mom, could you call the cops on Evan, cause he stole my purse!" This is what I deal with folks! :) The other day I said, "Kaitlynn, we're gonna have so much fun. We'll let the boys go fishin' and campin' and we'll shop till we drop!" She looked straight at Allison and said, "Nooooo...we'll fix their dinner!" I stood corrected. She's much more comfy in the kitchen than I...
Last weekend we went to Michigan for the annual Labor Day get-together with the Burleys. Pics will be coming shortly, as I don't have them off of the camera yet. The days are filled with activities, and fall will have no shortage of excitement this year! Since it is my favorite season, I'm already looking forward to it. Hope all of you are having a wonderful week! Post a comment as you have time. I always enjoy hearing from friends!

P.S. I'm happy to report that my love of the whole political system of presidential elections and all that goes along with them is back...in full force! McCain's VP choice has totally invigorated every political bone in my body, and even if they don't win (I'm hoping like crazy they do), it will have been worth it! I love everything I have read about Palin's life, both as a mom and a politician, and admire her wide variety of experiences. George and Laura Bush have impressed me, both in their public and private lives, and I think there is something to say for that kind of integrity. I'm hoping for 8 years of McCain-Palin, and who knows from there! Did somebody say Palin 2016? I realize that although I have done some research about the candidates time could always prove things differently and people are prone to making mistakes, but at this point the GOP has made some wise moves, and I'm happy about it!

First Day of School!!!

Needless to say, there were two little boys who couldn't make themselves get to sleep the night of August 26th! Evan began 2nd grade this year, and Ryan started 4th. I cannot believe how quickly time is flying! Next year my little girl will be in Kindergarten! As these days approach, I am fearful for my kids, knowing that the more independent they become, the more ready they must be to face the challenges life brings. I am so thankful for the opportunity of Christian education! Not only are they being saturated in God's Word and Christian principles at home and in church, but they are able to spend 30+ hours a week in an environment that is tailored to stimulate spiritual growth, morality, and Christian values. I realize that not everyone or everything at a Christian school is Christian. The Christian life and walk is a personal choice and individual decision, and not all who attend are willing to make that commitment. The beauty of Christian education lies in the fact that a two-fold purpose is being fulfilled: protection and preparation. Yes, we are shielding our children from the raw element of the world during their most formative years (we make no apologies for that), and we intend to arm them with the knowlege and principles they need to not only succeed in life, but to make a difference in their world. Ryan and Evan have an incredible teacher, Mrs. Marea Pouzar. I trust her with their lives (that is how we should be able to feel about the person who spends probably 130+ hours a month with our children), and am confident that she is not only an excellent academic instructor, but a Godly influence that will help to shape who they ultimately become.