A L-O-O-O-N-G time has passed....

When life gets busy, some things fall by the wayside.  And life sure has been busy around here.

Jason graduated with his MDiv...for which we are very VERY happy.  Still waiting to hear back from the framer that they have finished with it, so we can get it up on the wall.  Now he is working on his Chaplaincy package.  Who knew this thing was so complicated?  Definitely NOT this girl.

Meanwhile, Frances is back in school...a Sophomore in college, no less.
Jon is a Junior in high school, and involved in drama and marching band.


Heather is a Sophomore in high school, and doing color guard this year, as well as working with the wrestling team.
Justin is in 8th grade, and trying out for everything he can think of trying...doing band, tried out for robotics, and trying out for baseball.

Leah is in 6th grade, and adjusting well to a new school...and has joined a book club, the Opera club, the flag twirlers (color guard), and is singing in chorus.



Katherine is in 4th grade, and is doing well.  She is a student counsel representative again this year, and is excited to get to spend time with her friends again.

And I'm still a full-time student.  I am trying to finish up, but it just seems to drag on and on, and I am READY to be finished.  I am doing my internship, and have 4 classes to be finished.  I can't wait...

In the midst of it all, God has always been faithful, holding us together, and keeping us all on short leashes.  Today, I am grateful that He does that!

Where I shamelessly brag on my eldest child....

Frances is a freshman in college now, at Columbia International University.  That is the same school that Jason and I both attended, waaaaaay back in the day.  Things have changed a bit there, but one thing that hasn't changed is the school's emphasis on missions.  Given her desire to head to the mission field at some point, CIU seemed like a very good fit.  Now, there are plans in place for an internship over the summer.

And she's excited.

And I'm excited. (and a little jealous, honestly!)

And now I am going to attach *right there--> a link to a copy of her prayer and support letter...and if you're in any way interested in supporting her, please let me know, and I can get that information to you.  THANKS!

Yeah, they changed all the formatting on me, and I can't figure out how it works....please forgive me!!

Catching Up

It has been a REALLY long time since I actually wrote something on here.
Jason got home from his desert oasis in November.
We celebrated Thanksgiving in South Carolina, and Christmas in Virginia.
He started at his new command in December.
Jason was ordained in January.
I finished up another semester of grad school in April.
In May, I attempted to start the summer session, but had to drop my classes.
Frances and I also went for a visit to Jason's and my alma mater, where she will be attending in the fall.
I went to Orlando in May for a Marriage Conference for counselors.
In June:
    Frances graduated from high school, and a bunch of family and friends came and helped celebrate.
    Jon finished 9th grade.
    Heather finished 8th grade and was accepted to the Global Studies and World Languages Academy (where her sister just graduated from).
    Justin finished 6th grade.
    Leah finished 4th grade.
    Katherine finished 2nd grade.
    There were final band performances for 4 different bands.
    There were awards ceremonies at 5 different schools.
    One motorcycle has been in the shop 3 or 4 times.
    The AC quit working.
    The water was turned off for 48 hours.
    Jason went to Orlando for training for 5 days.
    Jason came home for 5 days.
    Jason left for San Diego, to be gone for 38 days.
    We got news that Jason may be going back to his desert oasis in September or October.
    One sister-in-law was diagnosed with two types of cancer.
    A neighbor was diagnosed with two types of cancer.
    The three oldest kids went to Kodiak camp for a week.
    The two youngest kids went to VBS for a week.

Now that you're all caught-up with my last few months, I am going to try to keep this up-to-date again.  We'll see if it works.  And any prayers you are willing to pray for us will GLADLY be accepted.

Graduation and PARTY!!

 Our oldest graduated from high school on June 14th.  

I cannot say how proud I am of her and the beautiful young woman she has become.

I love the sweet spirit she portrays, and the servant heart she has.

I cannot wait to see what God does with her over the next few years!

Busy-ness

Life has stayed crazy-busy.  I am getting close to finishing up with school...2 classes right now, and two more, plus internship, and then my exit exam and graduation!

But first, Frances will be graduating soon.  Her prom was this weekend, and I was reminded yet again how fast she is becoming a beautiful young lady.  I can't wait to see what God does with her over the next few years!

And now, this week, I have to get her graduation invitations/announcements printed and mailed.  Life is moving too fast right now.  I'm wishing it could slow down some, so I could savor these last few months with her at home!

Jason's Commissioning/Ordination

Jason with Pastor Steve

Daniel's charge to Jason

Julie's charge to Jason

Dave's charge to Jason

Add caption

Praying over Jason 

Images from Christmas, 2011

Our Christmas Card display

Frances and Papa doing puzzles

Christmas lunch/dinner

Christmas music, via "poppers", thanks to Great-Grandma Hestir

The junk food, thanks to both sets of grandparents.  

Our Christmas this year was quiet, calm, and spent at home.  There were very few presents, though the day after there was shopping.  I think I like doing Christmas this way...sort of.