The Munchkin meets Cap'n Bonz

Today SHCS had their "book character" day.

Abby's class celebrated the "Wizard of Oz" and she decided that she wanted to be a munchkin. Her teacher mentioned to us that for years she has tried to persuade any number of students to be munchkins, but to no avail...until Abby came along. Go against the flow, Abby!

Luke read the book Pirates Past Noon and donned a pirate outfit "Cap'n Bonz". (Really it's Cap'n Bones, but Bonz looks more ridiculous.) Conveniently, Luke will dress up as a pirate for Halloween too, along with Abby and Levi.

Enjoy the photos!

Austria Trip Photo Gallery w/ Comments

We've been home for a few days now and have had a little bit of time to process what God just brought us on during our October 5-16 trip to Austria. Thanks for your prayers! We definitely felt them. It was a great trip...just exhausting.

-Brad did a great job preaching in German at the Evangelical Reformed Conference in Western Austria...at least I didn't hear any mistakes! Ha! We were very encourgaged by the believers from Austria, Holland, Switzerland, and even Liechtenstein who came together for the weekend. Here's some pictures:





-It was also good to catch up with the Sondereggers who lived in South Florida for a couple of years and have now returned to Austria.

-The leaders of World Harvest Mission who joined us were very helpful and encouraging...and we laughed a lot together! Our time spent with them only further confirmed in our hearts and minds that WHM is the right sending organization for us. (Though our trips on the Viennese subway brought us closer together than we might have wished!)



-We really loved praying, evangelizing, worshipping, getting to see the city, and just hanging out with our potential teammates. (Bear with us as we withhold their names for now)...We are super excited that one couple will be heading to World Harvest's assessment week in December, and the others are still in the process of discerning God's call for mission.




-God again confirmed in us that Vienna is really ripe for the Gospel, as we met a family new to the faith who live just outside Vienna, as well as a student searching for Jesus and looking for a Gospel-teaching church, and as we met with several other people on the streets...

-We decided that we will probably live in the heart of the city very close to the university, that Brad will attend the university both to build relationships with students and to study the culture and history more. We also decided that our kids should go to a bi-lingual school so that they can get to know German more quickly. The day we looked at housing and schools was the most draining day for me...just realizing how dramatically our lives are going to change was a bit overwhelming (for the good I suppose).



-Seeing our friends the Dossetts and Dali and Tabea was also very helpful with giving us insight and direction with housing and schooling decisions.




I definitely left Austria more excited than overwhelmed (and of course Brad did too)...but as we came home to our sweet but needy children and I started to realize all the things that have to happen before we leave, the enormity of it all is starting to set in... Now we need to continue support raising and getting our house ready to sell... I also really need to get a handle on German as well as purposefully start to work with the kids in German. Thankfully our burden is carried on the shoulders of a capable Savior!

All to say, it was a GREAT trip, and we saw God answer many prayers and confirm our calling to Vienna again...But PLEASE keep praying for us!

In good hands

We knew our kids were in good hands, but it's nice to be reminded how good we have it. While we're here in Vienna, here's an email we received from Memoo (Stacey's Mom). At least the kids will be in better shape when we return!

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Brad & Stacey,
The kids are doing great! Abby has had the most difficult time but is accepting that you will be home any day now!

I made a "Better Behavior Wheel" for them to spin for their punishment:
10 push ups, 20 sit ups, march around the house 5 times, 25 jumping jacks, stand in the corner 5 min., room time 15 min., write out what they will NOT do again. The first day, Abby did 40 sit ups, 50 jumping jacks, marched around the house 5 times, and stood in the corner for 5 min. Luke 'got it' after he had to do 20 sit ups! :) Sunday was the first day that Abby went all day without having to spin the wheel! She was sooo excited! Levi was down by 6:30, Abby down by 7 and Luke down before 7:30 last night. They really have been doing well!

I was feeding the kids breakfast this morning, when the doorbell rang at 7:02. The Orkin man was standing there handing me the morning paper. I told him that I wasn't expecting him today! This was the only hickup for this morning.

Abby had a great time with Mackenzie. They went to a pumpkin patch and were up at 6 in the morning! Matt thought he was going to be able to sleep in...NOT!

Jonathan, Luke and Levi had so much fun! We went to the movie "Open Season" and then I made octopus on shells and had them drink sea water (Blue gatorade). They loved it! Levi tried very hard to keep up with the big boys as they dug holes and filled them with water and made sand rocks and mud balls. They cleaned & shined pennies with lemon juice and sea salt. They thought this was cool!

We have been doing many experiments and having fun. They haven't had time to watch much TV. :) We've been to the parks, making Birthday cards for Kyleigh and Mackenzie. I have been documenting our experiences with photos!

The first night we made a "Hobo meal" and ate it outside on the grass. The kids then made paper kites and ran around the back yard to make them fly! I had forgotten how creative they are!

We went to IHOP with Neena on Saturday night. Levi got a smiley face pancake and developed a chocolate mustash I told him that I wanted to take a picture of his
"stach"....he said, "Hey! Where's my stach?" He is talking up a storm and is so cute!

Like I said ... the kids are doing great! They miss you and love you and are anxiously awaiting your arrival home! I'm glad to hear that you are having a
good trip! Tell Dali & Tabea "Hell-o" for me!

I Love YOU! MeMoo

Wilkommen!

We arrived safely in Europe two days ago, and took a train to Bregenz, Austria. All went well with the conference that we participated in there. We certainly felt a spirit of unity and joy with the brothers and sisters from Austria, Switzerland, Liechtenstein, and Holland. It's cool hearing several languages and dialects thrown around the same table at the same time. They're good folks, and it's been good seeing Tami and her family again.

It was a huge thing to be able to preach to the whole group (about 60-70 people) in German...went better than I thought it would. Tami's mom Bernadette claims I only made "minor" mistakes! Ha! Stacey has been doing great too, except when she asked where her "Frau" (wife) was. Oops!

Today we spent the day with Tami's family eating traditional Vorarlberg cuisine and hanging out with an Austrian family we got to know when they lived in South Florida. It's been great here in Western Austria. The view of the mountains is spectacular, the weather as well, but now we're looking forward to our next leg of the journey.

Tonight we'll take the night train to Vienna, and that'll begin the World Harvest part of the trip. We'll also get to meet up with our friends in Vienna, the Dossetts and Dali and Tabea.

Thank you all for praying for us and our kids on this trip. Go to www.visionvienna.com and click on Prayer Journals, then October, to find out more on how to pray for us. We'll upload pictures later if we can.

If you get a chance, please leave us a message on the blog!



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Happy Fall?

Ok, so in Florida the weather is basically hot and hotter....but since it will be October tomorrow we thought we'd better break out the fall decorations (plus Abby has been begging for days).
So the day was spent putting out pumpkin placemats, hanging skeletons in the kids' rooms and coloring and cutting out bats and cats to hang all over the french doors. I must say, we are getting into the "fall spirit"... as we watched Notre Dame romp and went Halloween costume shopping too. All of the kids want to be pirates this year, so you'll have to come to the St. Andrews Fall Festival to see the unveiling of the mateys.

Some of you have asked for the pumpkin apple streusel muffin recipe so here it is...May it get you in the mood for fall! (even if it is 80 outside)

2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
2 cups sugar
1 tablespoon pumpkin pie spice
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
2 eggs lightly beaten
1 cup canned pumpkin
1/2 cup vegetable oil
2 cups peeled, finely chopped apples

Streusel Topping:
2 tablespoons flour
1/4 cup sugar
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
4 teaspoons butter

To make the streusel:
In a small bowl, combine flour, sugar and cinnamon. Cut in softened butter until mixture is crumbly.

For batter:
In large mixing bowl, combine flour, sugar, pumpkin pie spice, baking soda and salt, set aside. In med. bowl, combine eggs, pumpkin and oil. Add liguid ingredients to dry ingredients. Stir just until moistened. Stir in apples. Spoon batter into paper-lined muffin tins. Sprinkle streusel topping over batter. Bake in a pre-heated 350 degree oven for 30 min. or until toothpick comes out clean. Makes 18 muffins. (taken from the "Best of the Best from Iowa" cookbook)

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!