Slobby O's

We had "Slobby O's" for supper tonight.  Well, you may know them as "Sloppy Joe's" but Nolan likes to call them "Slobby O's".  I guess maybe they are more slobby than sloppy. 

He also thought this whole month was "Octover".  It took us some convincing to get him to understand "OctoBER".  Funny the stuff kids say sometimes. 

We were homebound last weekend.  Emma was sick and the boys had a bit of a cold.  Heather wasn't feeling the best either.  There wasn't a whole lot going on so it worked out. 

Not much new.  We are taking the youth to Gull Lake for a retreat this weekend.  Our pastor will be teaching on Biblical Worldview.  Should be a fun time. 

Twelve

Today Heather and I celebrate anniversary number twelve.  It's always fun to have something to celebrate and anniversaries are especially fun.  It gives me a good excuse to take some time off work and do something with Heather.  Nothing super exciting planned for this year but we're going to go to Merrillville later this week for a movie and to go out to eat. 

Time just keeps passing by.   

Justified

Our church is in the middle of its annual Missions Conference.  This year, the kids, ages 5-6th grade, have a separate place to go for age appropriate teaching.  Tonight, when the teacher was praying with the kids, she asked if anyone wanting to ask Jesus in their heart to raise their hand.  Nolan raised his hand and met with the teacher one-on-one.  She gave him a "First Steps" booklet for Heather and I to go through with him.  We were shocked.  We didn't really expect it with him quite yet.

Both of the other kids were 5 when they accepted Jesus too, though.  So, if you think of it.  Keep Nolan in your prayers.  Us too as parents to be wise in the continued training and teaching as he grows in Jesus.

Chill with Phil

When I began as Youth Leader three years ago, I started a regular activity for the Sr. High teens called "Chill with Phil."  It started out a little slow drawing anywhere from 1-5 teens the first year but now we regularly get around 10-12 teens each time.  We do this about five times a year.  This year we decided to get t-shirts made for whatever teens want one.  They will be sold exclusively at Chill with Phil events.  You can check out the design below:

The back says, "Tri-County Bible Church Youth Ministry" and lists Proverbs 12:26.  The verse isn't printed on the back but the verse says, "The righteous should choose his friends carefully, For the way of the wicked leads them astray."

We have this event to encourage development of Christian friendships and allow the teens an opportunity to spend a weekend night somewhere where they don't have to worry about peer pressure or getting involved in activities that they shouldn't be getting into.  Plus, it's a great event to bring unchurched friends to that's less intimidating.

Nolan's Turn

Nolan started pre-school this week.  He goes for two and a half hours on Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday.  So far he's enjoying it.  He's glad to get to go having Emma and Alex already in school, he'd been getting bored without them.  Here are some pics of his first day!

 

No!  He did NOT get to take the cat with him to school.  Though maybe it would be a good way to get rid of it. ;)

Back to School

The kids started back to school on Thursday.  Emma in 2nd grade and Alex in 5th.  Things are off to a good start and they like their teachers.  They are in the same building this year which is 2nd through 5th grade.  Next year, Nolan starts kindergarten and they'll all be in different buildings!

This is such a busy time of year w/ school and our Youth Ministry starting back up.  We re-painted the youth room last week.  It looks a lot different from the previous look.  It'll be a fun change and nice to get a fresh coat of paint on the walls. 


Alex has helped a lot this summer with the mowing.  It frees up a lot of time to do other work around the house.  This particular day he decided to wear his snowboots to mow.  Not sure what was up with that but it was picture worthy.

Colorado

We returned this past Sunday from an 11 day vacation that took us across 3,006 miles and through 8 states (Indiana, Illinois, Iowa, Nebraska, Colorado, New Mexico, Kansas, Missouri). Our destination was Colorado as we spent a weekend in Colorado Springs and the following week in Pagosa Springs w/ my parents and sisters' family.

Here are some of my most memorable moments:

TOP TEN Vacation Moments
1. Getting to see my friend and his family.
2. Focus on the Family tour w/ my friend who works there.
3. Taking kids to top of Pike's Peak, Garden of the Gods and Seven Falls
4. Mountain Biking and lunch in the middle of no where
5. Rodeo
6. Date night
7. Hike up to see Treasure Falls
8. Playing w/ the kids in the pool at the Hot Springs Spa.
9. Relaxing in the cabin overlooking the mountains. Scenery in general on the trip was spectacular.
10. Enjoying the blessing of taking the family on a fun vacation to Colorado.