Seeking shelter from the storm

This morning as we were checking on our pond and picking up anything that potentially could become a "projectile" when Ernesto comes, we found these two Bufo toads seeking shelter from the storm...or as Luke would put it... "hugging".

To all our friends in Florida...stay safe!

Richly Blessed

A friend sent us the following thoughts from an unknown Confederate soldier during the Civil War...may it be an encouragement to you today...

I asked God for strength, that I might achieve.
I was made weak, that I might learn humbly to obey.

I asked God for health, that I might do greater things.
I was given infirmity, that I might do better things.

I asked for riches, that I might be happy.
I was given poverty that I might be wise.

I asked for power, that I might have the praise of men.
I was given weakness, that I might see the need for God.

I asked for all things that I might enjoy life.
I was given life, that I might enjoy all things.

I got nothing that I asked for, but everything I hoped for.
Almost despite myself, my unspoken prayers were answered.

I am, among all men, most richly blessed.

"Deserted Dessert"

Luke came home from school today with a book he had checked out of the library...it is called "The Pirate Cookbook". It inspired us to make our own version of the "Desert Island Dessert" on pp. 10-11.

Here is what you need:

Bottom layer: store bought break and bake cookies (we used Nestle White Choc. Mac. Nut)
(Bake according to instructions)

Next layer: 2c. cool whip
1/2c. sugar
8oz. softened cream cheese
1 tsp. vanilla
(Mix until well blended & then spread over the cookie)

Top layer: fruit of your choice
1 Pepperidge Farm Creme Filled Piroutte Cookie
mint leaf sprigs (for palm tree effect)
1 Nestle Signature Treasure mini candy bar (for your treasure box)

Glaze: 2T. lemon juice
1/2c. OJ
1/4c. water
1/2c. sugar
1T. cornstarch
(bring to boil; then cool slightly-drizzle lightly over fruit)
This glaze is not absolutely necessary...but it certainly makes it even better.

Makes a lot!

Enjoy Mateys!

Hand-in-Hand

Don't laugh. Everyone who was wed in the mid-1990s had to do it--take the requisite hand-in-hand photo. When we got our proofs back from the photographer, we saw a hairy, masculine hand with short, stubby fingers. My (Brad speaking) hairless, Scandinavian fingers were no where to be found! We got it straightened out, however, and the photo you see here is indeed our hands.

So 9 years...too much to blog about, but God has given me the most amazing gifts in Stacey, Luke, Abby, and Levi. Happy Anniversary, my Love.

Summer officially comes to an end

Tonight as I look out the window while doing dishes, I hear and see our children playing in the pool with Daddy. I hear lots of laughter and see lots of splashing. Tomorrow will be a different scenerio...probably grumpy, yet excited children will gulp down their breakfast so they can get in the car by 7:30, so they can start school again!

Leaving summer is hard--no more sun-kissed cheeks, popcorn with M&M"s movie nights, no more waterparks with friends, no more slumber parties with cousins, or homemade forts with the neighbors...even no more sleeping in until 7-yes, as sad as it is-for our kids, 7 is sleeping in.
Tomorrow we enter once again the phase of structure, school uniforms, homework and bedtimes.

We asked Luke and Abby what some of their "school year resolutions" were...

Luke: "Try my hardest" and "Remember to bring my homework to school" (yes...if you know Luke you know he is the pleaser type)

Abby: "Get my homework done on time", "learn how to read", and "NOT get too hot on the playground" (and yes, for Abby, image is key!)

And we'll all "resolve" to make the most of this next year in the US together with our family and friends.

Memoo Memories

My mom doesn't cook very often, but when she does, our favorite thing she makes is sausage bread. Today, she and Abby made a batch--best eaten right out of the oven. We have been so spoiled having Memoo live on our property for 5 years--so many great memories of playing, swimming, laughing, eating, and even cleaning together.

She has watched our kids too many hours to count, endlessly shared her stash of Diet Coke, and always seemed to check the dryer just when the load is ready to be folded. Yes, we are in for a big adjustment, as she gets ready to move on Friday.

It has been a tremendous blessing having her so involved with Luke, Abby, and Levi. I will miss this chapter of our story, but look forward to what God will continue to write in all of our lives as we begin a new chapter.

So--if you think of it this week, please pray for us (and both our moms) as they adjust to living together and we adjust to no longer having the back door swing open and the kids yelling "Memoo's here."

A "Love"ly Wedding

We finished out a summer of weddings by driving up to Orlando, where our friends Nathan Taylor and Erin Love were married on July 29, 2006. Lots of St. Andrews people drove up for the beautiful wedding, where Abby was a flower girl and Brad was a groomsman.