"Swing me higher, Daddy!"

Isn't this great??? Something we've always wanted to do is put up a tire swing for the kids in our backyard. We have such GREAT trees for it...so our 6'4 friend Matt Anderson climbed the tree (don't ask me HOW he got up there!) and "installed" it for us. The kids are eternally grateful! =) They all just LOVE taking their turn flying through the air...here's Natalee, though a bit whiney, enjoying her turn...

A "Grand" Arrival

We are so grateful for the newest piece of furniture the Lord has blessed our church with...a brand new Boston 6'4 grand piano! What a treat to be able to minister with such a beautiful instrument! God is so good.

'tis the Birthday Season!

Here is a video from Timmy's birthday...it was actually September 2, but we had his birthday dinner ("skett-i" and meatballs) and cake tonite with Nana & Bumpy (and Bill!). My baby boy is growing up...but he gets one more year at home with Mommy. Kindergarten? Not for another whole year!!! Yay!

I'm going to get more photos from Toby's birthday earlier this week (Aug. 30)...I think they're on Bren's phone, so I'll work on retrieving them.

A New Look for Molly

Molly has been wanting bangs for a while now and so last Tuesday we took the plunge and did it! Isn't she cute? Oh, and there was another motivating factor: her class did state reports and got to dress up as a famous person from their respective state for DCA's Spring Open House last Friday. Molly chose Alaska. Any guesses on who she "impersonated?" The first female AND youngest governor in Alaska's history---you got it: Sarah Palin. She really did look like her, too. HOWEVER...I did NOT get any pictures of her dressed up and standing next to her display (I KNOW---HOW IN THE WORLD COULD WE FORGET THE CAMERA?!?!?). But we'll have a "re-shoot" and I'll post a picture of it soon.

Happy Easter!

HE IS RISEN! Trust you had a blessed Easter...we are so blessed to serve a RISEN Saviour!

Natalee's Drumstick

Enjoy!

Strawberry Pickin'

The other day Molly had a chance to go strawberry picking with her cousin...YUM! We ended up with a half a flat...soooo good! We nibbled on them for a couple days and then I froze the rest...they'll be good for making smoothies for a great summer snack!

By the way, here's a great recipe for Strawberry Yogurt Smoothies---courtesy of "Family Fun" magazine:

RECIPE INGREDIENTS:
1/2 pint strawberries
1 banana
2 8-oz. containers nonfat strawberry yogurt
1 cup lowfat milk

1. Ask your child to wash the fresh strawberries, hull them, and pat them dry. Peel the banana and slice it in half or in quarters, then place all the fruit in an electric blender.

2. Spoon the yogurt into the blender, then pour in the milk. After sealing the lid, press the puree button and blend until smooth and thoroughly combined, about 1 to 2 minutes.

3. Pour the shake into four 8-ounce glasses. For a creative presentation, have your child garnish each drink with a fruit kebob (a strawberry and banana slice threaded on a bamboo skewer) and a colorful plastic straw. Makes 32 ounces, or four 8-ounce shakes.

4. TIP: An adult should always be present when children use a blender. Keep the blender away from water and make sure the lid is tightly shut before pressing the puree button.

5. To make Frozen Strawberry Pops, pour smoothie mixture into a Popsicle mold or into small paper cups, cover with foil then insert a craft stick.

6. Carefully pour the Strawberry Yogurt Smoothie mixture into a plastic Popsicle mold. Freeze for 4 to 6 hours. Dip the mold in warm water, then unmold the Popsicles. Makes 6 to 8 Popsicles.