Playing in the Orchestra

I had the amazing opportunity to play with the New Irish Orchestra as they played behind Keith and Krysten Getty in Derry last weekend. This talented couple has been writing modern hymns for several years and one of their most popular is "In Christ Alone". I was a little over my head with only four days to practice the 15+ songs, but it was very good for me. I haven't practiced my violin that much in I don't know how long! 

Can you see me? I am in the back row of the orchestra (on the floor), second violin from the right. My friend, Ramona, is sitting right in front of me. David took a short little video clip so you could get a taste of the atmosphere. Too bad there was a tall guy sitting right in front of him!

River City Church Baptism

What a blessing it was to see celebration like this one! There is no greater reason to celebrate than a life entering into a personal relationship with the Creator of all living things! The beautiful young lady who was baptized gave a powerful testimony to the change in her life. Praise the Lord! 

An Irish Traffic Jam

We had quite a baaaad hold-up on the road the other day (sorry, I know that was lamb, I mean lame!). Okay, enough with the "humor"....I thought you all might enjoy a little peek into a typical Irish traffic jam out in the country side! (Sorry the video is so blurry. I had it set on a weird setting.)

Photo Shoot

I have such adorable nieces and nephews! (and I'm not biased at all!) I was privileged to do a photo shoot of Lilia recently and she charmed us all. Here are a few of the shots...

I think we should call this one, "The wonder of it all!"

This was just a snapshot afterwards, but I love her beautiful blue eyes!

And we even managed to get one of all three of the kiddos! 

Rhiannon, Reuben, and Lilia

They are such a sweet blessing.

Wild Horses

One of the things that my father-in-law enjoys doing is buying, training, and selling horses. They are usually pretty wild and he does just the preliminary training. Things like, getting them used to the bit and bridle, having a saddle on their back, and responding to the reins. 

A few days ago, he called us asking if we could help him drive some wild horses from a field, down a road, and into a corral so he could load them in his trailer. Our job was to block off all the side roads and keep them running in the right direction. It was quite exciting! Here's a short video of them getting in the trailer. They are such beautiful animals!

40 Years!

It all began in sixty-nine

In Hawaiian flowers and sunshine

They said “I do” and tied the knot

And started an adventurous plot!

 

Although sometimes the road was rough

They found they always had enough

And learned to lean on God above

And rest in His abiding love

 

Before too long they had a brood

Of three wee lasses and a dude

And these four children grew to find

That they had parents so good and kind

 

The time and energy they gave

To teach their children to behave

Would tire out the stoutest brute

They are the best, there’s no dispute!

 

And soon the children, bit by bit

Moved on to start their own outfits

The house was still, but not for long

For grandkids number 15 strong!

 

And when they all return, it’s true

Such noise and bustle does ensue!

But if you think that it will cease

I tell you, it shall more increase!

 

For generations shall be born

And like a garland, they are worn

Who knows what great potential lies

Within these infant baby cries

 

And just to think, it all began

With just one woman and one man

We’re oh-so-thankful for the way

They love each other, come what may

 

So why the poem? Have you guessed?

We want to tell them how we’re blessed

And how their lives lived day by day

Bring joy to others along the way!

Happy Anniversary Mom and Dad! 

We love you!!

25 weeks

The only time in life when a person can be actually excited to see their stomach expanding at such an alarming rate is when they're pregnant. And so, in order to take advantage of this amazing pregnancy privilege, here is an updated picture of our little baby.

He/she is so busy and wild in there! It's great fun watching all the bumps and movement. I had a midwife appointment today and all is looking spot-on she said. I am measuring exactly 25 weeks so that looks good for September 13th (or whenever this baby decided to come)! What an amazing journey!

BIG birthday party!

This weekend we celebrated David's birthday with a BIG party! There were around 35 people here at our house (a record for us so far) and we had so much fun! We ate fajitas, had lots of yummy desserts, played outside (it wasn't raining...can you believe it?!), and did a lot of visiting. It was nice for me to have the chance to get to know some of David's friends a little better. They are all wonderful families. We are blessed to have such great friends like these! Here are a few pictures from the evening...

Check out that fire! There were a LOT of candles on that tiny cake! :)

You know how when you get married, there is a lot of blending that takes place with traditions and such? Well, come to find out, blowing out candles was never a tradition in David's family. So he told me later that this is the first time he has ever blown out candles on a birthday cake! I couldn't believe it! 

The kids had a great time weeding out the grass around our oil tank and having grass wars! It's funny how kids can find things to do no matter what. Plus, now our oil tank looks nice and tidy! Thanks kids!

Aren't they little cutie pies?!

It was a wild, busy house but such fun!