Apple Picking

Joshua was excited to pick apples, maybe for the first time?

Erika found the "perfect" apple.

Sheer delight?

There was some tree climbing for the "one" that looked the best.

Kloey's pride and joy.

Carlson is such a fun kid.

Micah is vertically challenged.

The top of the tree were loaded.

Proud of his haul.

Joshua found these.

And went searching for his own perfect apple.

Cora found some kissin' cousins.

Micah's bag had the sweetest littlest apples you ever did see.

With a group of 12, I cannot account for how many apples were eaten.

"Mom, take a picture of my apple" X 7

Little bits.

One bite!

Couldn't have been a nicer day.

Entertainment provided.

Uncle Marc is always a crowd-pleaser.

Erik put on his own show.

And almost went over the edge.

Me, my brother, and our kids. Apple picking 2011.

The goal here was to spell apple. Who knew it had two "L's" but we had people to use up. The funniest part was that no one realized we spelled wrong until after we saw the pictures.....

Joshua's haul. He asked me to carry the bags. Too heavy.

There is a fun play area at the orchard.

Apple cider, applesauce, apple crisp, apple pie, apple bars......

So much to look forward to!

Pre-Apple Picking

 We have a tradition.

 As soon as we get to the apple orchard, 

we buy fresh, warm, apple cider donuts.

 And indulge.

 With lots of powdered sugar.

 Super silliness followed.

 We handed out apple bags, opened them

and got ready to fill up with deliciousness.

 Away we go to pick us some apples.

 Lots of apples.

On the most beautiful fall day there ever was.

Today is a Hard Day

Today is a hard day.


They will come.


And they will go.


What does "LIVE for today and HOPE for tomorrow" look like?


In His Service,

Jennifer

The New Club - Part I

Years ago, I took Lindsey down to Lancaster, Pennsylvania on a short term mission trip to pack up teddy bears with Josh McDowell.

I remember sitting down next to a woman who gave me a life lesson while we were creating gospel bracelets to go on the bears that would ultimately be given to Russian orphans.

She said when someone asks you about your mission trip, there are three different answers:

1) One word: "Great!"

2) A sentence or two: "We had a wonderful time and met amazing people."

3) The whole story: " Our time in PA was beyond my expectations. Can I tell you how I saw God speak into my life......"

Some people only want number 1. 

Some people think number 2 is enough.

Some people take the time to hear your heart.

I thought everyone wanted to know the whole story, 

all...the...time! 

What a gift that stranger gave me sitting on that warehouse bench many years ago.

Ever since then, I have been trying to discern what others are really wanting to hear when they ask me something. 

It's hard.

Because I've got a lot to say.

And it's getting harder.

Because more amazing stuff keeps happening to me,

all...the...time!

So, when someone asks me how we are doing......I might say:

1) A one word answer:  "Fine" for example.

2) One sentence or so: "Things are going well and we are adjusting."

3) The whole story: "We are doing okay but....."

I've been trying to decide what to say about the results of Joshua's hospital stay, to those that ask and even here on my blog. What will he want to read, about himself, someday?

 This is tricky ground for me. The "I want to blab the whole story to everybody" kind of gal that I am is ready to let it all hang out.

But I had a check in my spirit.

And I am listening to that still small voice.

Because in the midst of telling our story, 

I want Christ to be glorified.

Not me.

When Uncle Marc Comes To Play

First off, the three mighty men are doing better.

Learning how to to laugh and play together.

Our holiday weekend began when Uncle Marc arrived.

I was inside being busy and my brother was outside organizing.

The kids kept coming in for "show and tell" from Uncle Marc's car.

Joshua was quite pleased to be a robot!

Joshua will try just about everything and anything at least once.

My nephew Carlson is an awesome kid.

And is a great friend to all the kids.

Not sure who was more fun, the trumpet or Uncle Marc!

Meanwhile, I think Erika was either bored or enjoying the warm weather.

Our holiday weekend was filled with lots of family fun. We apple picked, looked at houses, ate and ate some more, celebrated with Chinese, and went to the county fair.

Because this is my one and only scrapbook, you get to come along for all the fun.