Do unto others...

It never fails- in fact I think almost daily we tell our kids "do unto others as you would have them do to you"-usually we don't say it- we sing it to a ridiculous tune that we have from a CD of scriptures put to song. This afternoon all three of them put it into practice...as I tripped over a toy that was in the middle of the floor. I hurt my ankle and without hesitaion Abby says " Are you ok mom?" and gently put her hand on me, then Levi immediately says "Can I kiss it?" (his answer to all pain) and Luke runs over and says"Can I get you some ice?"

Wow! I thought-what sweet kids , who are truly caring about the needs of someone else-but before I could get too prideful in my parenting skills-literally in the next minute I was having to discipline Abby for chucking a toy at Luke's head! Ugh!

I guess we'll have to keep singing "Do unto others as you would have them do to you... to you"

Happy Parenting!

Any ideas?

Today I got to get out of the house for a few hours...by MYSELF! (thanks to my sister-in-law who graciously watched Levi) I guess I had forgotten what it is like to not have anyone with me while I am shopping. Usually I am stuffing goldfish in someone's mouth or unwrapping a lollipop to keep a kid quiet while I frantically look-but keep moving so nothing gets grabbed by a sticky hand. All you moms out there know what I am talking about!

I found a few warm things for Vienna-as we leave next Thurs. The weather should be in the low 70's during the day and the 50's at night...can't wait for that! So, I am trying to get my ducks in a row to leave our children with my mom and friends (for almost 12 days) and was wondering if anyone had any creative suggestions on how to make it easier for the children and my mom.
Currently I have a "sticker" chart for morning and night and if they get both of their stickers for the day, then they also will receive a little something at the end of the day (ie. candy, bubble bath, new book etc.) So sad how they are just like me...motivated by treats!

Would love to hear if anyone else has any ideas!

My loose is toof

Abby loses her first two teeth, to our amazement

New Beginnings

There is always something goin' on at the HunterHaus...
This weekend we had a wonderful time with some friends from the Midwest (Corey and Kelli Tolle and their boys Mason, Brady and Landen). Kelli and I went to nursing school together and it is such a blessing to hear how God has been working in their lives. Lots of fun catching up, laughing, playing and of course...eating!

Today it would have been hard to get geared up to go to school after having such a great weekend, but both Luke and Abby had classes to look forward to. Luke had his first guitar lesson, while Abby started dance class. She was so excited that she woke up at 2:30 a.m., bringing me her clothes so she could get dressed. Ugh! Needless to say, they both enjoyed their lessons.

If that were not enough excitement...our Austrian friend Tami arrived this evening...bearing Milka chocolate bars no less. We think she will fit in lovely with our family over the next few weeks and we hope this is a new beginning in my "mastering" the German language. Ha! Ha! So far, I can understand one word for every 15 that she speaks! (if that)

Oh, and let's not forget Levi's new beginning...potty training. He only gets candy when he actually sits and goes without clothes on... but often he will sit on the potty fully clothed and say, "Mommy, I went pee pee on da potty".

Here's to new beginnings!

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.

Lesson 16

Most of you may not know what Lesson 16 means...but for those of you who have done Sonship by phone discipling...you know that it is the LAST lesson! Usually I don't blog about things that are too serious...I leave that for my dear husband, but Sonship came at just the right time in our lives. I'll give you an excerpt from our last homework assignment...asking us what has the Lord done in your life since starting Sonship? This is part of my response...this process has made me better understand the depth of my sin-expose my true need for Jesus-point me to the sacrifice paid on the cross-remind me that I am more loved than I thought possible-which in return hopefully is prompting me to love others more...I hope as a result of understanding the Gospel a little better, I relate to people with more grace, repenting faster and more often...

After completing Sonship, I wish I could claim that I always agree with Brad, that I'm never impatient with our children, and that I always feel at peace...but then I guess I wouldn't continue to see my need for Jesus, and the power of His forgiveness and acceptance...I would recommend Sonship to anyone who wants to better understand what it means to forgive and be forgiven, but also be prepared for an intense ride! Praise God for Meredith and our prayer partners who walked this journey with us...I am thankful for you...and thankful to God for his grace, love and mercy.

For more information on Sonship-by-Phone, click HERE
And no, we don't get a commission! :)

Home sweet home

Sweet Alydia (the baby Memoo has been watching the past 2+ weeks) has found a home! Her new parents are wonderful people, and so excited. We will continue to pray for this precious little girl.

Gamma's 95th

We celebrated my (Brad's) grandmother's 95th with a luau. (Gamma's wearing pink, standing with Abby.) She is an amazing woman who dedicated her life to serving families in their greatest time of need. Some notable sayings heard frequently from Gamma-- "Sharing is Loving," "If it weren't for me, you wouldn't be here." (You know, she's right!?!) and, most famously, "My husband and I never had a fight!" Stacey and I haven't had a fight either...today!

Alydia Violet

As many of you know...my mom works in the world of adoption and every once in awhile gets to foster a baby.
Usually it is only for a night or two, but this time she has had "Alydia Violet" (as Abby lovingly calls her) for the past 9 days. Some of you have had the privilege of meeting this sweet baby and have asked for an update on her... On Monday, a family will be coming to meet her. Please pray for God to give Alydia His family for her, and that she would be well loved and grow up knowing the grace of Jesus. Thank you!

Pyros

Levi enjoyed the fireworks show from the driver's seat.

These sparklers were but a foretaste of the high power bombs we burst in the air later on, compliments of our friend Tomas (who just returned from a state where you can purchase serious firepower).

Luke, Abby, & Levi enjoyed the BBQ ribs on 4th of July

Abby & Luke swam in a sea of bubbles-- compliments of the Davie, FL Fire Department.

A foot in the door, not in the mouth

Click HERE to read our July 2006 VisionVienna Prayer Journal "A foot in the door, not in the mouth".

Sugar Rush

As we were entertaining friends around the pool, we heard the kitchen door open, only to find Levi carrying out a gallon of milk and a squeeze bottle of strawberry syrup, while saying, "Wan sum sawberry mik?"


His joy was made complete, however, by scarfing chocolate ice cream straight from the scoop...



...followed by a bath in the pool!

A godly husband, some day...

I remember sitting timidly in Pastor TJ's office for our first marriage counseling session, over 9 years ago--he asked the question, "What are the two most important things about a Christian marriage?" Brad & I spouted off love, communication, trust, and Jesus! before TJ finally answered his own question--"Two Christians".


Today we had the privilege of seeing two of our precious Christian friends get married, Sarah and Jose.




Brad officiated the ceremony and Abby was the flower girl. As I watched her delicately drop the rose petals, I am reminded that even now I must pray for her future spouse and marriage. Won't you join me right now?

the Great-Grandparents (& a Barbed-Wire Bison)

We spent a few days visiting with Stacey's grandparents in Indianola, Iowa. Here's Levi, Great-Grandpa, and the A&W root-bear.
Luke & Abby @ the Amos' farm lake
Stacey stands speechless, admiring the barbed-wire bison
Grandpa Martens with his farm in the background
Four generations... Abby, Stacey, Memoo, and Grandma Martens