SOCM

The girls and I headed off to Anderson University, my alma mater, last week for the School Of Christian Mission, which is organized by the United Methodist Women.

I had sessions on the History of Missions and we also studied the Epistles of John, while the girls went to the Children's Mission Camp, Chi-Mi-Ca.  Maria had a great time making crafts, learning Bible lessons, playing, singing, swimming, and of course snacking.  Anna was not all together too happy that I left her several times a day with strangers. 

 I did pick the girls up for meals and we stayed in the dorm, which led to some interesting evenings of sleep, or not sleeping rather!  It was a tough schedule for the girls as we aren't used to getting up quite so early and going to bed later than they normally do.  We survived and have some good memories of our time.

 One of my favorite places on campus, the Helios water fountain.  I just love the beautiful campus, especially the valley, which is lovely no matter what season.  I found it interesting how I noticed that the trees just newly planted when I was on campus were now large enough to shade the walkways.  12 years will do that to a tree I suppose.

 I was so excited to meet up with Professor Saltzmann, a math professor I have kept in touch with.

I also stayed an extra night with Shalimar, a friend whom I served as a youth counselor with when I was in college.  It was great to catch up with her as we haven't seen each other in probably close to 8 years.  Maria had a great time playing with EliAnna, and Anna loved chasing the cat around.

We have plenty to praise God for; new memories and old acquaintances. 

a fair day

off to the Marshall county fair last week.  We saw some animals, ate some ice cream and even stopped at a new(to us) playground on the way home.

doing the beach

What a great day we had.  Lee brought her kiddos and we hung out at the beach for several hours.  We barely saw Hayden at all...he was a fish.  Maria had fun the sand.  Lauren and Anna spend a fair amount of time in the water.  We came back to the house and the kids played in the yard a while and then in the house.  It was great to have some friend time, and watch the kiddos playing together.  Thanks Lee for the fun day.  We loved having you here.

snack and a book

One of Anna's new words...book.  So, Maria was "reading" her a book during snack time.  I love these girlies!

blueberry fun for all

We picked just over 38 pounds in a few hours.  The bushes were loaded, the berries were humongous and the kids were most definitely a pound heavier each when we left.  The kids were SO great the whole time.  Just having fun playing with each other, eating berries and running up and down the row.

We have plenty to praise God for; cousins who make fun out of work.

We have our second annual high school friends get together.  Robyn and Chris graciously hosted again.  Seems the men were scarce, do we scare them?  Anyway, almost all the girls were able to make it, even Jess came all the way from Texas ;)  It is always good to catch up with friends who have know you so long and knew you "when". 

We have plenty to praise God for; friends through it all.

have chalkboard will travel

I found this tutorial to make a travel chalkboard.  It was pretty quick and easy and it seemed to keep Maria occupied on our road trip Saturday to see friends. 

13 months

Our favorite one year old is changing and growing so much.  She is now more interested in walking with help and can stand for a few seconds before crumpling down to the floor.
She is talking SO much...not sure who she could be hearing so many words from...Maria is just SO quiet(ha).  Anna is often heard saying hi, drink, swing, uh-oh, dog(and she can pant like a dog), cat, shoe, hat, cheese, ball, doll, bubble, bird(especially likes to watch our hummingbirds at the kitchen window), Trey(after hearing Maria say her cousin's name about every 5 minutes last week), dada, mama(very infrequently), sissy, mmm(for something tasty), ooo(for something she likes or is pretty)
She loves to give kisses and hugs, blow kisses and dances when she hears music.  If you ask her to sing she will sway and hum something.
She can pat her head and belly, point out her nose, mouth, and feet.  She seems to understand simple directions when you ask her to get something or open or close something.

fashion diva

On our way home from a walk tonight I looked in the wagon and what did we see a fashion diva in the making...Anna had grabbed Maria's discarded hat and made herself look quite amusing.

on the road again

Yes, we had a very full, long weekend. After heading back to Culver Saturday night with Trey, we got up went to church and got right back on the road Sunday to head to cousin Joshua's 3rd birthday party. Trey had been at Grandma and Grandpa's all week and was picked up by his mom and dad at the party. Maria loved having him to play with and share her room Saturday night. Anna learned to say his name, so she must have loved it just as much. Maria always loves playing with Joshua too!

The full van load.

We have plenty to praise God for; cousins who entertain.

the graduate

Back in 1999 I started watching this little girl named Katie during the summer....jump forward 11 years and you have a high school graduate!  A beautiful, intelligent, kind, sweet and wonderful 'little sister'.  Congratulations and may God guide you on the path He has laid out for you.  May you continue to seek Him and serve Him.
It was an honor and joy to celebrate Katie's graduation this past weekend, the main reason for heading back home.  How I cherish the many memories I have with Katie over they years.  I can't wait to see what the future holds for her.

We have plenty to praise God for; those who choose to be as close as family to you.

old friends, new friends

We had a chance to meet baby Gabrielle 'Ellie' while we were home last weekend.  Jess and Ellie are here for the month of June from Texas.  Anna was especially interested in Ellie and would have loved to poke at her...we tried to keep that under control for the most part!  At 6 months old this 11 lb miracle baby made Anna seem so big, but Ellie has come a long was from her 3 month early arrival at barely over 1 lb.  Jess and I have been friends since she moved into our school back in 7th grade.  She and I were only a few lockers apart and became fast friends.  We may not talk all too often, but it's always easy to catch right up.

We have plenty to praise God for; the blessings of friendship and new life.

the zoo

The girls and I went home this past weekend, and had quite a few things to see and do while we were there.  I love the Fort Wayne Children's Zoo.  Thanks Grandma for taking the girls, Trey and me.  We had a great day.
Check out pictures from the zoo by clicking here.

don't swing on a swing...

it's much too frail, the best kind of swing is a Tigger's tail.

She just wanted me to take her picture on the swing with her new sunglasses...that is a change from how she usually acts when the camera is out.

the evolution

She eventually warmed up to GG. 
We have plenty to praise God for; the love of grandparents, especially greats!

Yes, that is me in the last picture. I was 2 1/2. My mom kept the dress, so Maria wore it to church. Fun to see her wearing something I had as a kid.

auf wiedersehen

Goodbyes are not forever.
Goodbyes are not the end.
They simply mean I'll miss you
Until we meet again!

Blessings on you Marshall Family!