A new semester, about to begin!

As summer comes to a close, much is before us.
We will enjoy our last few weeks with Jack at home all day before Kindergarten begins in September. He has no idea what "all day" means and so we play hard, Mom and Dad the only ones knowing that he won't have time like this for a while!
Students start returning this weekend and will slowly trickle in over the next few weeks. We are so excited to see them all again and to meet the new freshmen who will join them.
Questions like, who will God bring our way this year, loom in our minds. We are excited yet understand that as God entrusts them to us to disciple and mentor, we have a great need to abide in Christ ourselves so that what we pass on to them is Christ and not a shabby imitation.
I, Bethany, have one more meeting this summer with the Academic Team I work for before we jump back in to the semester. It's my day to be an adult most of the day and honestly, I am longing for that just about now.
We have enjoyed the summer but are honestly eager to get back to our routine. It will be slightly changed because Jack has to be at school pretty early but I think it's a manageable routine. For those of you who know me well, know that of course, I have a schedule ready. Our family loves order and well, I love schedules!
Having Mom up here with us has been amazing and we can't wait to see how God provides for her by way of a job. If you think of it, would you pray that one comes along soon? She's putting out her resume and applying online but it's just taking a bit longer than expected. God is faithful and will continue to be as we wait.
So come, Fall come! We're ready for you!

A Day at the Lake,,, again!

The boys just love going to this lake nearby! We had such a fun day!
Jack found the biggest stick of all time, Owen and I played under the big willow tree and on the slide and Jack and Joel skipped rocks it the water. Does it get any better?

Mom enjoyed some quiet time in the sun!

Kate enjoyed the day at the lake!

Super Owen, Super Jon!

Al Capone, look out!

While McGwire and Kael were visiting, Mom got them each a special gift. McGwire chose this cool hat! It looks great on him and so we decided to try it on Kate. I think she looks smashing and ready for a bit of Jazz with Frank Sinatra.

Such a big girl!

Kate is growing way too fast for our liking. She is now sitting in her big girl swing and yesterday tried out the highchair while eating cheerios for the first time! Knowing this is Lord Willing our last child makes me want the whole process of growing up to slow down.

Song in my head

I woke up this morning with this song in my head after reading a chapter in a really good book I've been working through. The book is The True Vine by Andrew Murray the song goes like this...

How deep the Father's love for us,
How vast beyond all measure
That He should give His only Son
To make a wretch His treasure

How great the pain of searing loss,
The Father turns His face away
As wounds which mar the chosen One,
Bring many sons to glory

Behold the Man upon a cross,
My sin upon His shoulders
Ashamed I hear my mocking voice,
Call out among the scoffers

It was my sin that held Him there
Until it was accomplished
His dying breath has brought me life
I know that it is finished

I will not boast in anything
No gifts, no power, no wisdom
But I will boast in Jesus Christ
His death and resurrection

Why should I gain from His reward?
I cannot give an answer
But this I know with all my heart
His wounds have paid my ransom

by Stuart Townend