Where do I even start????

This past 6 weeks sure have been busy! Football is in full swing for Jake & Cordell. Carmen has started volleyball as well! Thank goodness it's only one night a week, but watching a 3 year old try to keep up with the BIG girls is ridiculously cute!


The last weekend in July the kids & I found ourselves tubing down the Niobrara. This has turned into an annual event with my family & we thoroughly enjoy it! The weather was perfect, not too hot & not too cold!


The second weekend in August found us hanging out at the Lancaster County Fair! The cattle show ran for 7 hours on Sat on what was possibly was the hottest day of the year! Cordell did show & tell with a poster he made on recycling & Ricky once again showed his rabbit Midnight. Cordell received two blue ribbons, one for his poster & the other for his adorable pig cupcakes that he made.
On August 11th, I was online daydreaming & looking for houses for sale, when I spotted the PERFECT house in Malcolm. Jake tried to meet with the banker on Thursday morning but he was out of the office. We went & looked at the house on Sat am & were sold on it. The following Tues we met with the banker & were approved, called our realtor & set up a time to look at it again. We were ready to make an offer, until our realtor called back & informed us that the house went under contract earlier that day. BUMMER!! 6 days on the market & it was sold.


So we have spent many hours searching for something else that will fit our needs. There is a house that is being listed tomorrow & we are going to look at it. Hopefully it meets our needs!


Cordell started 2nd grade on August 13th, he is enjoying being back in school & playing with his friends. Corby has moved back to Lincoln & started school in Bennet on August 17th. He says he likes it there & has been attending everyday! It's disappointing that he had to switch schools again & that he is further away from us now.


Shaunice & Savannah went home to live with their mom on August 14th. We were all saddened by this, but thankful that we got to spend 13 wonderful months with these two special girls! We met up with them & their mom for a play date on August 28th! Their mom would like to keep in contact with us & would like the girls to continue relationships with all of us!

August 16th we traveled to Utica to celebrate Jake's grandpa's 80th birthday! Ray & Donna are very special people & we are very blessed to have such loving, compassionate people in our lives! We love you Crappa & Grandma Donna! The weather was perfect for a picnic in the park. I just can't believe how unseasonably cool August.
We were also able to spend time with my great grandmother when she was in town for the day! We don't get to see her often & it's pretty special that my children are able to know their great great grandparents!

During the first 3 weeks in August we travelled around town & had church at various places. Our first stop was the State Capital. We had a sun filled morning worshipping God on the north steps! Afterwards we were able to tour the capital! August 9th we attended church at Morrill Hall, it was raining hard that day & I am so glad that we were inside! We were blessed by the presence of my friend Cassie & her 3 beautiful kids! We once again were able to enjoy a tour of the facility! On the third Sunday of being a church on the move we met at The Lincoln Children's Zoo! While there Pastor Mike blessed the kid's backpacks before the start of the year! After singing praises & feeling God's presence we walked around & visited with the animals.


I am so grateful for our church & church family! Our pastor is so wonderful & creative, he keeps everyone entertained & interested. I have learned & grown so much as a Christian since the inception of St. Mark's NW.

This past weekend we had the opportunity to attend Crossfest at Crossbridge Christian Church. This is my best friend's church & it is a community wide event. Ron Brown was a guest speaker, their worship team performed most of the night, free food & games! This is an annual event & I hope the word gets out & more people attend next year! Kala talked me into coming to church with them the following morning. They had a presentation of Cardboard Testimonies, let me just say this was very moving. If you are curious about what I'm talking about google cardboard testimonies & watch a video about it. I had no idea who the people sharing these were but it was AWESOME to see how God works in people's lives! I'm going to suggest we do these at NW & it got me thinking, what would be on MY Cardboard?? I know if I thought long enough I could come up with lots but the one that speaks clearly to me is...




Front: Filled with guilt & shame after Carter's death

Back: God has forgiven me & given me the strength to forgive myself

Forgiveness is a powerful thing!
Blessed Be The Name Of The Lord!