Oh my heart

"When your faith endures many conflicts and your spirit sinks low, do not condemn yourself. There is a reason for your season of heaviness. Great soldiers are not made without war. Skillful sailors are not trained on the shore. It appears that if you are to become a great believer you will be greatly tested. If you are to be a great helper to others, you must pass through their trials. The uncut diamond has little brilliance, the unthreshed corn feeds no one, and the untried believer is of little use or beauty. There are great benefits to come from your trials...."

Charles Spurgeon

So good...

... to come home.

fun with family

We had more visitors out to see us! Jim's Dad, Mom, sister and nephew all flew out and we kept them busy!!! Because there is so much more to do in the summer than in the winter when they visited last, we planned adventures nearly every day. Almost wore us out completely!!

Day #1: Paddle Boating at the park, followed by frozen custard, boys baseball practice and dinner in.

Day #2: I took the 3 boys to play at a park while Daddy, Grammy, Poppy and Julie watched Ky's 3 hour gym practice. Then, we drove up north a little ways to visit a dairy farm and go fishing. We got to come home and grill the fish the kids caught for a yummy dinner that night!

It's great to see Poppy sharing his love of fishing with all his grandkids!!

Day #3: While Daddy and Poppy were out golfing, all the kids and moms went to the police department to decorate bikes for the upcoming parade. We spent the afternoon resting up for a big cook-out (BBQ) and swimming in the evening!

Poppy definitely made a friend in Ky while constantly playing one of her favorite games - tag!!

Day #4 We spent the day at Lake Michigan and had great fun in the sand and water! We came home for another cook out and to bake and decorate cookies for Independence Day!! The cousins also spent time together jumping away on the trampoline.

Day #5: This was the true 4th of July, but because it was a Sunday, our city didn't celebrate until the following day. It was a good thing, though, because Jimmy and I were up most of the night in the ER with baby and, after church, needed some time to rest and relax. That evening, our wonderful baby sitter came to watch all the kids so that the adults could get out for a nice date in the big city!!

Day #6: This was the day we celebrated Independence Day, and we were busy with parades, the family fest and fireworks (as documented previously) . What a fun day!

Day #7: While I took Kylee to another 3 hour gym practice, Jim stayed home with baby while the maintenance men came to try and fix our broken air conditioner. Grammy, Poppy, Julie and the boys had a fun day at Flabbergast and McDonalds!! Then, Daddy, Grammy, Poppy and Julie got to watch Ky's ballet class. That evening, we celebrated our nephew's birthday a bit early, so we could see him open his gifts in person.

Day #8: Jim had to return to work so we were down to 1 car, which left us with not enough room to travel. I took baby to her visit, but other than that, we had a much needed day of rest. It worked out perfectly, however, because thunder pounded in the sky and flash floods poured down from the heavens most of the day long. It was fun and exciting... and my kids got to show Trent the wonder of "rain walks" during the storm.

Day #9: Our family was going home. Many tears were shed as good byes were said. I have noticed that since that one awful good bye last October when all of our hearts were pierced, good byes have become much more difficult. Our family and loved ones are so very precious to us!!

rejoice

Kaden made a BIG decision tonight. I knew it was soon in coming, as he's been talking about it for weeks, but July 7th was THE day. He pleaded and begged for us to pray with him so that he could ask Jesus in his heart because he didn't want to be a sinner anymore. He wanted to be saved. He had asked many times before, and after we peppered him with questions, we could easily distract him. But not today. "Today," he said, "I don't want to wait anymore! I want to pray RIGHT NOW!" And Daddy had the honor of praying with the last of our children to receive Christ as their Savior. What a glorious moment it was!!!!! (As Kylee said, "Oh, Mommy - this is such a precious moment!")

To add to the joy, Jim's family was still in town and Kaden, with tears in his eyes, got to announce to them his wonderful news. We rejoiced and cried together. Kaden was filled with unspeakable joy - his smile couldn't be any wider, his eyes couldn't be any brighter. He believed, he is saved and he is looking forward to heaven!!!

Fourth of July Fun

The celebration of the freedom we enjoy in America is something we do well out here!! I love the patriotism displayed and the honor given to military, as well as the fun activities and celebrations that are planned by the city. We take full advantage! This year, we spent most of the 4th recovering from a sleepless night as we sat in the ER with our baby (she is much better now, thank the Lord) ... however, the city held all celebrations on the 5th so we didn't have to miss out!! In addition, we had Jim's family out from CA, and it was so fun to enjoy all the festivities together!

Cookies!!

sweet girl

messy boys

final product

tasty treat
The whole gang - Gary, Jim, Laurie, nephew Trent, sis-in-law Julie, Kaden, Cole and Ky

off to the parade - so exciting!!

Dad and Mom Root

Kylee, Colson, Kaden and cousin Trent all got to decorate their bikes at the police department and start off the city parade!! The kids were so excited!!



2 sweaty brothers!!

the kids are ready to go... and waiting for the candy!!
the baby is here too!!

a little too young to ride in the parade, Trent enjoyed riding his decorated trike at home

Off to the Family Fest to enjoy music, magicians, jugglers, stilt walkers, fire trucks, games, food and fireworks.

Kaden was so excited to get called up on stage to help the magician!!

"Hi Mom!"