2009 Memorial Day in Chesterville Ohio

Though Chesterville Ohio is a drive by town and if there wasn't a stop light you might even miss it. Neighbors are spread out and sometimes this town seems lifeless but...



in a time were people are so self absorbed and more often than not thankless for anything, this town came alive to pay their respects to those who have given America it freedoms and protections, especially to those who have lost their lives or limbs and to those families who grieve them.


Jesus marks the way as the first fallen soldier. I am grateful for the many who follow after Him.


Greater love has no one than this, than to lay down one's life for his friends. - John 15:13 NKJV


By this we know love, because He laid down His life for us. And we also ought to lay down [our] lives for the brethren. - 1 John 3:16 NKJV



(click on the title to see more photos. Adri, Jon and Carolyn joined in the parade).

New Day

It's been a while so I thought I would write an update. Most of you follow Dan's blog so I won't duplicate it. Everyone here seems to be adjusting better to Dan being gone. I still miss him through out the day but I am able to google chat with him every morning, however it is not quite the same, I am forever grateful to technology allows me access to him to start my day.

Spencer started walking at a year old. He looks too small to be walking around. When Dan was home he built the kids a room addition to the tree house. The kids love it and are in it almost everyday. I will add a photo later. The weather has been so nice and the Kids are enjoying it. It's like we are all coming out of hibernation and feeling the sun for the first time after a long winters nap.

Work for me is going good. Last week was slow but this week is gang-busters. We have been getting some huge houses and are designing cabinetry for most of the rooms. I have been insured job security which is comforting, especially since we are back at the starting gates with Dan's job. But HE HAS A JOB! We are truly blessed. My heart goes out to the many that are living in limbo right now.

Jon caught Dan and Spencer's cold which seems to be intense. Adri is struggling with friends and trying to find her place. Carolyn is very self entertained and Alani just found out she needs to wear glasses, who knew, she is an exceptional reader. I found childcare for them for this summer... YAHOO! She is great and the kids will learns lots and do lots so I am excited about that.

Ok time for bed. Taw-taw for now!

A Star Is Born - Katie

Here is a commercial for Katie's work. Katie appears about three times. See if you can find her. Something like.."Where's Katie?"

Stuff that Life is Made of!

What do I do with this large box? HMMMM....

Alani almost 9 years old, 3rd grade

Spencer's 1st Birthday

Spencer turned "ONE" on March 17, 2009. We are celebrating his birthday with cake and ice cream tomorrow. More photos to come!

van, washer, dryer, sub-pump, waterheater, etc.

It's a test... I know it! First, one of the washers broke; Isaac took off and never returned; a badger killed one of our chickens; Jenn had a major/costly car issue; the transmission on the van went out; then one of the dryers started squealing; Oh yeah for the past month or more I have had blurry vision from eye strain and have struggled to get my work done. CRAZY! yesterday one of the sub-pumps stopped working which flooded laundry room and today waa--laa no hot water.

Took a week but I got the van back with a rebuilt transmission however it jerks when it downshifts into low gear; the work is under warranty so I need to talk to that guy! Thank you Fred for your direction and help getting to and from the mechanic shop.

Jenn got her car back, YEAH!

We are blessed to have a second washer and dryer but need to replace those in the near future praying they will hold out another month or so.

Went and saw a Ophthalmologist and she put in temporary eye plugs. What a difference. Thank you Jesus! I go back in two weeks to get synthetic ones.

The sub-pump was a fluke but it faked me out pretty good. I was told to give it a shake so I kicked the pipe and there it went sucking up the water, what a mess!

I still don't know how to get the water heater working again so that is my next adventure.

These are things I don't enjoy but I trust the Lord knows that I need to know about them. I'm not totally stressed and I am working on a smile! Manna!

Spenser's Free Bird - Clik4Pics

At 10 mos. he is standing free bird. Next walking then running. We won't be able to keep him down. He knows how to scream if you eat in front of him if you don't give him what you got. He screems if he is thristy and swings his arms in revolt. But cute as can be, laughs when you tickle him and is learning peekaboo!