WINTER FORMAL 26

 This year's winter formal was at the end of February and once again at David's Country Inn.

It's nice to have drivers to transport themselves (next driver to be added very, very soon!!)

It was a nice time!

Prom in a few months.

ON THE ICE

Earlier this month we went ice skating--

for the most of the boys this was only their 2nd time EVER.

We went with co-op and there was a pretty good turnout.

This kid.

Had a complete meltdown over how he couldn't do it..

..20 minutes later he was zipping around the ice..fell a few times, but really!

I personally have not been on skates in a really long time!

How about you?

 

REALITY APOLOGETICS CONFERENCE

 Apologetics: noun

"reasoned arguments or writings in justification of something, typically a theory or religious doctrine."

This past weekend, a couple of the kids had an opportunity to attend the Reality Apologetics Conference with Dad and their TLC Apologetics class.  It was an overnight trip and though the hotel accomodations left a lot to be desired, the conference had a lot of valuable information.

Huge venue was packed

We had about 22 attendees

One of the workshops

One of these in particular wants to attend again next year!

I'm grateful to those who organized and set up this opportunity and pray that seeds of the Gospel were planted in abundance.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!

 

I just wanted to wish my one and only a very happy birthday!

I'm glad we got a bit of time to celebrate, it has been quite a ride for quite awhile.

The Lord has been so good to us and I hope you have a wonderful rest of your birthday and a blessed year to come. 

REMEMBERING

 

On September 18, my maternal grandmother passed away.

She suffered from dementia and diabetes for several years and was in a memory care home in PA along with my grandfather for a few years.  And her time came.  Even through her health trials she always had a smile for us when we came to visit.  She may not have known our names, but she knew us.

My siblings and I spent a lot of time with her as kids and even into our adult years.

Our holiday gatherings were always at their house, they attended every event they could--not just for us but for our children as well.  I am thankful that I had 40+ years with her and most of my children have fond memories of her and know who she was in their own way.  Many people cannot say that of their grandparents.

February 22 was her birthday and today we especially miss you, Nena.

I have a bunch of pictures I will have to find and post at some point. 

HUNCHBACK OF NOTRE DAME

 

In her post-high school year, Bean has been busy!  Working extra shifts, teaching dance, and of course auditioning for every performance she can find.  She has had several auditions, placements and call backs, but has not been able to accept everything due to other commitments.  She did however play multiple parts in The Hunchback of Notre Dame put on by Calvary Episcopal Church in Summit, NJ. 

Quite a commitment!  It was about an hour away, with rehearsals a couple of times a week for a few hours at night and that went on for several months... and then tech week!!  

She loved every second of it and the performance was amazing!

The cast was very small--14 people in total, I believe, but they did such a good job using the space and making the transitions.  The church itself was pretty cool, as you can see from some of the pictures below.  

She had a lot of lines and several solo singing parts.

It was also wonderful to see some family and friends make there way down there to support her.

MJ was able to record the final performance, which we can't wait to see.

Congrats, Beanie!

CURRENTLY

 

We have had water issues for a long time..and over time it has gotten worse and worse.

This past summer and fall were just the final straw.

We tried replacing the pump, going deeper..etc..and now the time has arrived where we are in the process of having a new well drilled.

Our yard is a mucky disaster..but there is a light at the end of the tunnel and Lord willing, we NEVER have to do this again.

We've been rationing water for such a long time..

I'm thankful for all the snow we've had, we've been filling buckets for flushing.

Utilizing the laundromat on several occasions and showering in various places.

It has definitely been a headache, but we've managed and there is so much we are thankful for through this whole debacle. I won't deny--I cannot wait for this to be complete!!!

Please, pray that everything goes smoothly as we hope to hook it all up soon.