simply grateful

How quickly time flies! Our little Karissa is now 2...and she is such a delight!  She is vivacious and a risk taker.  So far, she does not show any fear except with strangers.  She is a climber and a tough little cookie.  She is quick to laugh and loves music and singing. Of course, she is still very TWO!  Her siblings adore her and she them.  They are all so sweet with one another and it warms my heart. She enjoyed partying on her special day... Even Doogan got into the mood...for a bit. :)  She is very into Dora and LOVED her cake.  Purple seems to be her favorite color right now...but maybe it is just the only color name she knows? heehee The big kids liked the party blowers and had fun trying to bump them into each other. Did I mention she likes Dora? Here she is with her Grammie and PopPop. She had lots of help opening her presents... and she got VERY excited over her Dora phone... What a joyful addition Karissa has been to our family! ...

We may be busy, but we sure have fun! loving the scarves... peek a boo!

Hello friends. I cannot believe how time just seems to slip. :)  We are still here and we are still doing well.  God is teaching me so much in the daily.  It is amazing how He draws near when we draw near to Him. I need to draw near more often. I have loved the autumn here in South Carolina.  It has seemed like we were driving through post cards as the leaves beautifully speckled the landscape.  I have really enjoyed the time with the kids.  It is fun that they are getting big enough so that things are not quite as hard to do with three.  We have been having fun going to birthday parties, on family excursions, and just doing the daily life.  David was in Zambia for two weeks telling people how they can have hope and eternal life by believing in Jesus.  Photography has been keeping me very busy and has been so much fun.  I intend to do a better job updating this blog.  I really want it to be a tool to let our friends and family kn...

I just posted a few more pics from our camping trip on my photography site.   Have fun checking them out!

A couple of weeks ago, we went for our first camping trip!  Well, camping trip is a bit of a stretch.  We only went 30 minutes away and only stayed one night.  The kids loved it!  I think it is safe to say we will be doing this again! Karissa did not like waiting for the tent to be set up and the hot dogs to cook.  Here, she looks like she is saying, "They are RIGHT here!  Will somebody feed me please!!" Nothing like a good campfire!  Good job, Daddy! When the kids looked in the tent... this is what they found!  Think she was tired? The next morning, we had a great breakfast thanks to Chef Daddy!   Elijah loved every minute of being outdoors! Makayla and Karissa did too, they just didn't beam the whole time like our little man.   This is them checking out a locust shell that Karissa, the fearless one, pulled off of a tree. The kids had a great time at the playground too! Little Miss Makayla is always helping me spot a good...

What fun we have!

A dear friend introduced me to this song...it reminds me of how great the Father's love is for us...sometimes I get so busy...even with things that are about Him that I forget to remember that HE loves me .   I have already printed the guitar chords and I cannot wait to work on learning this love song.  Take just a minute to listen to it...it will calm your spirit and sooth your soul if you will take a moment to think about how the God of the universe loves you personally...through everything.  If there is anything I can be specifically praying for you/with you about, I count it a privilege. just send me a message Ok, here it is!

Sweet girl, this is how I found her shortly after we got home from this photo shoot .  Little personality!

During July...yes, July...I know, I know.  I am a bit...ok a lot behind! Anyways...in July, we were able to join David's side of the family for a couple of days of Petro togetherness!  It was the first time since we have been married that we have all been together(save Mary's wedding).  Mary and Glenn left in August to move very far away and we hadn't seen Brian and Diana and the boys in ages, so we jumped at the chance to all get together.   The kids and I went up a few days before David because he had to work, poor guy.  But we had a lot of fun even though we were missing him. The kids were busy spending time with Grammie and PopPop   exploring  playing in the river Karissa was the first to plop down in the water...shortly after this photo was taken.  And yes, she did it on purpose!  That girl loves water! Elijah threw rocks and tried to keep up with the big boys I enjoyed spending time with them all...just hanging out. ...

In July, we had a Petro family get-together...yes, July.  And, yes, I know that I am way behind! Since it had been so long since they had had a family portrait made, and several of us have joined the Petros since then, we had a photographer come and take some portraits.  Katie Langley did an awesome job and I think we will treasure these photos for years to come.

We are so fortunate to be able to work with such a fabulous group of youth at our church.  Seriously.  These kids are so inclusive and caring.  They almost seem like siblings they are so close.  They share the good news and have led new people to a new life in Christ.  We adore these kids!  Here are a few videos to give you a glimpse.  One is of the mission trip to West Virginia and one is of summer camp. Be sure to pause the music on the right first.  It helps. :)

Last weekend I had a choice to make. I could go outside and change the oil and serpentine belt on our Sequoia myself or I could have, what we call in our house, guy time. I knew that if I did it myself I could have it done in about half an hour. I knew “guy time” would make it twice that long. Not only was it a no-brainer, it turned out to be one of the best “moments” of my life. I got my mini-me (Elijah) and headed outside. I showed him how to drain the oil, put on a new filter, and add oil to the truck. We then changed the serpentine belt together as well. Elijah, being mechanically minded and daddy’s little dude, was on cloud nine when we finished. Each week I take one of the kids down to the Senior adult luncheon. I promised Makayla this week was her turn. She picked out my shirt for our “daddy-daughter date.” (she offered to pick out my shoes and belt as well). The only problem, Senior-adult luncheons start back next week! Another choice to make… be the frugal (I prefer that to...