It's been awhile...

Last night I was thinking over the past two weeks we've had at home. Its been a wonderful time to develop a semi-regular schedule; dig over 250 lbs of potatoes from our garden; bake 180 cinnamon rolls to sell at our local farmer's market; experiment with new carpentry skills; fellowship with our church family; take family pictures for the new CD; create the 'sewing skirts' blog series; work long hours getting Dad's shop ready to sell, de-junk boxes and boxes of 'stuff' from our home...and the list continues!

As I looked over the past weeks, I realized that in the midst of enjoying these home days, I've failed to document the events on our blog. Or maybe I just need a periodic 'blogging-break' to get fresh ideas and motivation!

But regardless, we're grateful for each of you dear friends who pop over to this site to keep up with happenings of our family. We truly hope our little 'home-on-the-web' is an encouragement as we endeavor to 'stir one another unto love and good works'!

We have some very full days ahead as we're loading the bus this morning for our annual trip to Old Threshers. And yes, I have the camera packed and will be looking forward to keeping this blog a bit more active in the coming weeks!

"For the grace of God that brings salvation has appeared to all men, teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly in the present age, looking for the blessed hope and glorious appearing of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ."
Titus 2:11-13

Seeing Spots

Guess what's happening at our house this week?!

Lake Itasca Family Music Fest

Although this post is over-due, I can't continue with my August blogging without sharing about the wonderful weekend we had at Lake Itasca on August 6 & 7th. If you're looking for a great family weekend, we highly recommend the music, workshops, fellowship, and fun at the Lake Itasca Family Music Festival. Check it out in 2011!

In addition to listening to several very skilled family groups, we also enjoyed being involved with many of the activities on the grounds:

Stephen helped lead the mandolin workshop, while Matthias and Andrew helped with guitar, dobro, and banjo, respectively. Dad taught on family ministry and I shared a session on songwriting. Through the whole weekend it was exciting to meet so many other young people who were passionate about using their talents for God's glory!

We girls took our turn helping with the snack shack -- and yes, it was a wonderful treat to have our friend, Anna, with us!

And probably the largest undertaking was the two hours of "Storybook Musical Theater" we planned and led during the festival for the dozens of children. This year we focused on the life of Ira Sankey, the great singer who assisted D.L. Moody on many of his crusades. We shared about the importance of being a willing and clean vessel as we yield our talents to Jesus Christ. It was an exciting adventure and we truly hope the children had as much fun as we did!

Mr. Sankey and his colorful acquaintance

Teaching the memory work

I always look forward to leading songs with Matthias!

"But in a great house there are not only vessels of gold and silver, but also of wood and clay, some for honor and some for dishonor. Therefore if anyone cleanses himself from the latter, he will be a vessel for honor, sanctified and useful for the Master, prepared for every good work."
2 Timothy 2:20-21

Ruth

Happy 27th Birthday Ruth!

R esourceful

U nselfish

T houghtful

H ospitable


"Delight yourself also in the LORD, And He shall give you the desires of your heart. Commit your way to the LORD, Trust also in Him, And He shall bring it to pass" Psalm 37:4-5

Happy Anniversary!

Today marks Dad and Mom's 30th wedding anniversary.

Years filled with adventure, laughter, tears, hard work, fun times, babies, teenagers, country life, city life, traveling,...and woven through it all has been God's faithfulness and their tender love for each other.

Happy Anniversary!!


"My eyes shall be on the faithful of the land, That they may dwell with me; He who walks in a perfect way, He shall serve me." Psalm 101:6

Potato Digging

Last week we had the special treat of spending a couple days at our grandparents' home in Iowa. With large gardens and endless farm-yard adventures, our days were filled with activity:

Heading to the potato patch

Ready to start diggin'!

Turning the ground

The digging team

Muddy hands

Smiling faces

And laughter all around -- everything is more fun at our grandparents'!

Ready for Grandpa to wash us down with the water hose!

And mission accomplished -- Ah, the joys of summer!



"then I will give you rain in its season,
the land shall yield its produce,
and the trees of the field shall yield their fruit."
Lev.2:4

Summer Dolls

With summer blooms in full color, this can only mean happiness for one little girl:

Hollyhock dolls!

"For You, LORD, have made me glad through Your work;
I will triumph in the works of Your hands."
Psalm 92:4

On the Road

Just a quick update to let you know that we're still alive and well! We've just finished a very full, encouraging week in Wisconsin and Iowa, sharing 13 concerts in 10 days. Particularly exciting to us has been the extra effort amongst our host families and congregations to use these summer concerts as a ministry their communities. Almost every concert venue has been packed to overflowing -- a testament to the Lord's drawing and the eager outreach in these communities. Praise the Lord for His working!

We have oodles of pictures to post and much to share. Unfortunately, our internet time is very limited, so for now this will have to suffice.

Please do keep us in prayer as we have a full schedule ahead this week, sharing several more community concerts and heading to Minnesota to share in the Lake Itasca Family Bluegrass Festival.

We hope to share more updates soon!

"PRAISE the LORD! For it is good to sing praises to our God; For it is pleasant and praise is beautiful." Psalm 147:1