Random Pictures from Different Summer Activities

Joshua climbed into our suitcase when I was getting ready to pack for our Anniversary trip

Beautiful roses!

Part of the two dozen roses my hubby gave me for our 20th Anniversary on July 29th.

Some of the children during V.B.S.

Group of kids for V.B.S.

Aaron "driving" the boat

V.B.S. props without lights

Kaitlynn and Aaron singing for the V.B.S. program

V.B.S. Program

"Sailing with Jesus, the Light of the World" Vacation Bible School

I am finally posting some new pictures. Our summer has swiftly flown by, and time has gotten away. With so many activities taking place, I just haven't had the time to sit down and update my blog. Enjoy!

Joshua's First Haircut

Side view after "cut"

All finished! (Showing off for camera)

He didn't like this part

It's lookin' good

Back view before "cut" (Pics are out of order)

For some reason I have two of the same. Sorry!

Cutting hair

Getting ready for his haircut

Joshua finally got his first haircut on Saturday. He really has not needed one until recently at 18 months of age. It was quite a challenge but Daddy was able to accomplish the task. I have placed a few pics of "before" and "after".

Graduation Party

Christianna and Sarah, a friend from church

Opening gifts

Bro. and Sis. Pope singing

Friends at the party

Decorations

Christianna with cake

Here are some pics of Christianna's Graduation Party. Everything went very well, and she had an enjoyable time. We were so glad our friends, Bro. and Sis. Pope from Indiana were able to come and share a song for us. It was such a joy and blessing. Once again, congratulations Christianna! We are proud of you!

Christianna's Graduation

Congratulations Christianna!

In the backyard

Our family

Grandpa and Grandma Baker with Christianna

Grandpa and Grandma Rish with Christianna


The Graduates

Before the graduation ceremony


Christianna graduated on Saturday, June 6th, in Columbus, Ohio from high school. She has been homeschooled through an Ohio charter school called the Electronic Classroom of Tomorrow, better known as ECOT, since ninth grade. She was awarded the privilege of wearing an honor cord during the ceremony since she has received good grades throughout high school. Needless to say, we are very proud of our daughter. Congratulations Christianna! She plans to attend God's Bible School and College in Cincinnati, Ohio this coming school year.

Happy 15th Birthday Nathan!

Nathan's first day of school

Nathan with Christianna, Evangelyn and Fluffy on church steps when he was about 5 yrs. old

Nathan and Daddy

2 yrs old

Helping clean

12 month picture

9 month picture

Daddy and Nathan around Christmas time (1994)

One Day old!

You can tell he doesn't like his picture taken!!

Opening gifts

Nathan turned 15 yesterday! It is hard to believe he is this old already! Where have the years gone? He is reminding me almost daily that he can get his driver's permit in six more months! Yes, the years of a teenager are eventful to say the least. It seems like yesterday when he was begging to mow the lawn, but was not hardly tall enough to reach the handle ... Now he mows lawns to make a little extra money. Yes, Daddy did allow him to mow at a very young age, and he has kept up the work for many years, and does a good job at it. It seems like yesterday when he would walk around the house with a broom "helping" Mom clean! He has always loved to be a help to us around the house or outside. Thank you Nathan and Happy Birthday! ( I have included some old pictures you might enjoy)

Mother's Day

Mother's Day was special this year since our complete family was able to be together. Sheldon (my brother) and his five children all came to church Sunday morning, and then ate dinner with us, as well as my in-laws, and my parents. We had a nice time together. It is not very often we all get together. I wanted to surprise Mom with Sheldon and his family coming. I told Mom I was preparing the meal, and she was not to bring anything. (Usually she brings Sunday dinner to our house each week, and she and Dad spend the day with us). Needless to say I was very tired at the end of the day, but it was well worth the effort. I prepared most of the meal on Saturday, which included chicken and stuffing casserole, mashed potatoes, mixed veggies, homemade rolls, seven-layer salad, blueberry fluff salad, brownies, and rhubarb custard pie. My mom did manage to bring some food anyway. She brought fresh green beans and sugar-free strawberry jello salad. She always feels like she needs to help in some way. She does an awful lot for us, and I always feel I never do enough. My mom is a wonderful lady and I love her very much.

My precious children treated me royally this year. Friday Nathan comes marching into the kitchen telling me there was a box at our front door. I opened it up to find TWO dozen beautiful multi-colored roses!! He had ordered them on-line for me! What a surprise! Saturday Evangelyn wanted Dad to take her to the store to purchase a present for Mom. She picked out a gorgeous hanging orange-mango colored begonia plant. It is so pretty! How did she know I love those plants? :o) Christianna spent Friday night and Saturday at Mom and Dad's, so I found a card on the table Sunday morning before church from her. I opened it, and found a whopping $30.00 gift card to C. J. Banks! I felt that was entirely too much to spend on me, but she knows I love that store and things are quite pricey there. Thank you kids! You each are so special and I love you very much. By the way, James did not forget me either. He ordered a jacket I've been wanting from C.J. Banks on-line. I will be getting that soon. I'm sure that is from Joshua too. Thank you so much.

Warmer Weather is so Much Fun!!

Here are a few pictures of Joshua playing outside. He loves every moment of it! He frequently goes to the door now that he has realized how much fun it really is out there. Yesterday he was outside with Daddy and discovered three or four robin eggs on the ground. Unknown to Daddy he picked them up and smashed them up in his hands! Ewwww! Needless to say, he received a hand-scrubbing!