simply grateful

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...

Ok, so the summer catch up continues!  One of the things that we got to do as a family was to enjoy Vacation Bible School.  It was so fun because the children are getting old enough to really start understanding the lessons. And they had a blast!  Our church worked so hard to make it an excellent experience.  We are so grateful for a church that loves children. There is a short, very fun video on youtube.  Our little munchkins made it in so keep an eye out for them.   :) Click here to see the video.