Our Kansas Kids in Autumn

Our Kansas Pumpkins!

The Scene in Eureka

C2 flipping out on the trampoline!

And last, but not least....

In J's own words:
Yes, C2 does flips on the trampoline!  He sometimes lands on his feet and sometimes not quite.  I don't know, I was impressed.

The fall pictures are from our hike at the lower lake.  It is where the boys and I go frisbee golfing.  It was a gorgeous day out, and we had a lot of fun collecting leaves.  Each of us had one leaft that we thought would be the biggest, only once you picked on you couldn't trade it in.  And then we all collected the ones that we thought were the prettiest.

We also carved the pumpkins Sunday evening and roasted the pumpkin seeds.

Grandpa's Latest Project!

Read more about it at Life and Godliness.

And while you're there, read more about THIS in the post before it!

Our Father, Which Art in Heaven

Burning Questions for Parents

"How do we know everyday what is a worthwhile investment of our time and what will burn up, straw at the end of time? How do we cultivate not simply well-trained minds, but nurture holistic, well-lived lives? How do we work everyday towards raising up children, who are not merely academic automatons, but exuberant, soul-healthy, worshipers of God, committed to meaningful, eternal Kingdom work? How do we set our ladders against the right wall, and make the opportunity of today count for eternity?" (From A Holy Experience).

If YOU grapple with these questions, won't you set aside a few quiet minutes to go to this post and enjoy the pictures first - then read, think and pray!  Let me know your response to these "Seven Rungs".

Happy Birthday, Taniah!

BABY TO TWO-YEAR-OLD

Happy Birthday, Emma!

A Grandmother's Prayer

Oh Lord, I do not ask for much,

Eternal beauty, or youth, or such.

Just give me a little hand to hold,

And I'll forget that I'm growing old.

I do not ask for cloudless skies,

A life that's free from tears and sighs.

Just give me a little face to kiss,

And anxious moments will turn to bliss.

For what is there, really, that means so much

As little hands that reach and touch,

As little eyes that search and see

Only the best in fragile me?

So let me grow more loving and wise

By looking at life through their brilliant eyes.

For through these little ones, you've given

This grateful grandma a glimpse of Heaven.

   -unknown author

It's Your Birthday!

Saturday, September 26th!

Sorry, C!  I tried to get "The Birthday Song" to come on when you see your picture, but I couldn't make it happen.  Hope your WHOLE day is special!

A Short Visit to Eureka - Mission 1/2 Accomplished

We worked a little and played a lot!  I don't know what happened to the pictures of the work part which was cut short due to wet ground....Here's Grandpa with two of his Illinois grandsons.  After we had dinner, we bowled a couple of games. 

Saturday at the Cemetery

How We Spent Saturday

We found a lovely neighborhood in New Haven IN in which to walk this morning.  On the way home, we went back to a garage sale we'd visited on Wednesday.  The tall, center shelf unit was still there.  So Gary borrowed a pickup truck and hauled it home.  We arranged several shelves we already had this way.  Then I made curtains to keep out the dust.  I used sheets I'd found in a box of freebies by the side of the road several weeks ago.  They give this wall of the garage a coordinated look, don't you think?

Michael and Barb G. also stopped in, so we took a break and had a very nice visit with them before returning to finish the garage project.  Gary mowed the lawn in the evening.

She Starts Kindergarten Today!

Do you think she can handle it? (Actually, all the equipment you see here was found at a thrift store for $.50! Can you believe it?!)

A Mom's (and Grandma's) Prayer On the First Day of School

Here we are again, Lord. Their backpacks are loaded and their faces are scrubbed and their lunch accounts are full.

And I know you'll walk with them, Lord. You always do. But a mom still has to ask.

Will You walk with them? Will You whisper to them what they need to hear, when I'm not there to whisper it?

Will You please, oh please, cover their school with the protection only You can give, and will You keep harm far away?

Will You make their minds strong and ready to learn? Will You help them understand that hard work honors the One who created them?

Will You guide their teachers, giving them patience and wisdom and creativity and more patience? Will You bless them for their efforts?

Will You love all those children there, the ones whose lunch accounts aren't full, the ones who feel alone? Will You teach my children to be kind and unselfish and to love those who are different from them?

Will You point them back toward home just as soon as you can? Lord, I give them to You today and everyday, trusting them to Your care. Amen. (from Rocks in My Dryer).

Labor Day Family Fun

We missed you John, Ross, Emma, Mick & Amy!

A great day at a small park (Hendricks Park) in Merrillville, IN with 2 of our 3 children and their families...( Merrillville was a midpoint to meet). After lunch at Pizza Hut, we played on the small playground, played catch, baseball, and croquet. Before going home, we enjoyed a watermelon and some cookies.

It sure was good to be together!

No Cash for THIS Clunker!