So.......

It has been a while hasn't it!  I suppose I just haven't been into blogging lately.  There is FB and now Pinterest.  I often look at FB and blogs but have just recently started pinning.  It is addicting, all those things that I like, want, wish to have.  I have found some really great things on there.  You know how one thing can lead to a million other things and the next thing you know you have been on the computer for hours!  Well, I did find a site called Women Living Well and it has led me (or was it God leading me?) to think about what God wants for me instead of me wanting for myself.  Awesome site! (If you are reading this Kathy, thank you!  I guess I found it from your link on FB.) I found the Gentleness Challenge and then the Ephesian's Study.  Now my goal for this year is to spend more time in God's Word then on the computer.

Being in God’s word is KEY to true transformation.

(which came from Courtney on Women Living Well)

I want to be more dedicated??? driven??? determined??? persistent??? committed??? devoted??? DISCIPLINED!!!!  I couldn't think of the word I was looking for!!!!!  DISCIPLINED!!  I haven't been disciplined.  :(  I want my kids to see that I am disciplined in not only taking care of my family, my job, but also my walk with my LORD, JESUS CHRIST.  I want them to to have a lasting faith!  (Another book that I want to read, StickyFaith.) 

So I guess this brings me back to blogging.  I will try to keep blogging, at least for my mom who is 600 miles away since she is really the only one who reads it anyway.  :)  Maybe for a few other friends and family that care. :)

Here are some pictures  since the last time:

Soccer

The Beginning of September Birthdays

Nate's 14th

Karli's 6th

Visit to Karli's Kindergarten Class

Mrs. Mast teaching P.E.  That was fun!  ;)

Friends that she talks nonstop about!

Kelsi's 9th

FALL FUN!

My 40th with some great friends and my mom and dad surprised me!!

Thanksgiving

After a delicious dinner, walking the dogs on a beautiful day.

My first experience paragliding.  Awesome!

See it on youtube.

Christmas

New tradition - jammies for everyone Christmas Eve.

Lot's of reading and playing games.

First Day of School!!!

Nathan had to get up early for his first day of 8th grade!!!

He was ready to get on the bus at 6:30.  I felt so bad for him.  :(

The girls were sooooo excited!!

Karli was ready for Kindergarten and Kelsi for 3rd grade.

Rob started a tradition when Kelsi was in Kindergarten.  

He gave her a necklace to remind her of us and how much we loved her.  

He has continued every year since then.  

He gets the necklace himself, usually from a coworker at Everence that makes them.

Karli was so excited that she finally got a necklace, too!

Rob caught a picture of them getting on the bus.

And.... I got home in time to catch them getting off the bus!!  

For the next hour or two I just listened to the new experiences they had at school.

What a fabulous first day!  I just know that God has great plans for them this year! 

**I had a pretty good day at school, too!  I am excited!  I have a good group of first graders.**

Summer Vacation

I am quick posting this before school starts this next week!!  This was our "back to school bash" this year.  We usually take the school kids (Nate and Kelsi) somewhere like the water park or Cedar Point before school starts.  But this year we decided to go to Florida!! 

Rick and Jen were there for a wedding.  So we got stay with each other for a couple of days.  

One night we went down to the beach to look for sand dollars.

Had to stop at the "Unconditional Surrender" Kiss Statue.  

Every time we drive by it Nathan wants to know what is under the dress.  

Everyone got out except Rob and Rick!

Football fun!  Uncles vs Nephews!

While we are here we like to go to the Mote Aquarium.  The kids love it!

Karli's favorite, seahorses!

 Phillippi Creek, one of my favorite seafood restaurants.

Drove down to the Venice area beaches looking for sharks teeth and dolphins.  

I saw a dolphin but nobody else did.  

Nathan and his favorite "eats" while we are there.

Yoders for rivel soup and pie!

Sweet Berries for the girls!

 More beach time!

Storm rolled in and out.  It was fun to watch but Karli didn't like it.

 We love Siesta Key!!! 

**Back to School pictures next week!  Yay!  I'm trying to be positive.  :)**