Great Times Of Fellowship:)

 This is going to be an over-due post with LOTS of pictures!

 

 Back in March we had some friends from church over, Adam Parks and his wife Rachel, for dinner! We enjoyed getting to know them better and had a really special time of godly fellowship!! We especially enjoyed watching the movie Courageous, together as they'd never seen it before!

 

 Adam slipped right into the boys idea of real fun.....;)

 Joshua and Timmy kept Rachel on her feet and listening.....;)

 Natey showing Adam how to climb a rope without knots...

 Natey is usually the best target to tease and play around with. Adam found that out quickly!;)

 The boys were very happy to have Adam, who used to be in the military teach them some tricks on self defense....;)

 Setting the table...:)

 Daddy showing the pictures of our house being built and telling the "blitz build" story.....:)

 We got to have freshly squeezed lemonade thanks to this hard worker!

The boys kept showing Adam all their army and military toys and asking questions-it was pretty cute!

 Mom and Rachel visiting....

 Here the guys were telling some jokes...:P

 Enjoying a good one!;)

 With our limited space, the children sat at the table.....

 ....and Dad, Mom, Adam and Rachel sat in the living room.:D It works well as a secondary eating place.

 After dinner we really enjoyed sitting down together as a family to listen to Adam's life story and testimony. It was a really special time of fellowship, being encouraged to wait on the Lord and trust Him.  (Testimonies always shout the glory of God in such an amazing way! It's so neat to see and hear about His unique handprint on each one.) We all really enjoyed it!

 For dessert we had homemade chocolate peanut butter fudge topped with whipped cream....all home made!

 Adam approved...;)

 Evie really likes to eat on her own now-she's at that messy stage where she can end up wearing her food.;)

 There's something special about sitting down with other believers and feeling right at home because of the common bond we share.:)

 Adam and Rachel really enjoyed watching Courageous and we enjoyed seeing it again. Those kind of movies are such a blessing and there's always something to identify with in it, which makes it really special. No matter how many times I've seen this movie, I always feel encouraged and inspired to keep on trusting the Lord. He has everything in His hands, and will do everything just right, in His timing.

 It's always neat to see how the Lord brings us in different ways, through the same lessons, and how we can understand one another even when the details aren't the same!:)

So, we have officially adopted Adam into the family as he reminds of our Uncle Johnny-the boys really enjoy his company.:) We're looking forward to having them over for dinner again in the future!:)

 

 That Friday, the Pau family invited us over for dinner and a movie. We really enjoyed spending time with them, they are  an inspiring example of how Christians are called to show hospitality. 

 

 The little boys shared a table with Josiah.......;)

 The Pau's made a  carbonated juice blend that was really good. They affectionately call it " happy juice."

Mr. Pau made us popcorn for the appetizer and the main course was taco salad

  The Pau's home has a really neat layout with two eating areas  Us older girls sat in the other dining room with Evie.;) We had a wonderful time talking and watching Evie explore her plate!

 And Caytlin and Lizzie sat at "the counter with stools"

 Mom and Mrs. Pau are so cute together and real peas in a pod!:)

 Talking after dinner....

 It's really fun to see the little boys and Josiah play-they come up with some wild ideas sometimes!;)

 Clean-up .and of course more talking...:D The Pau guys are really speedy when it comes to clean-up. Mom was really impressed and suggested they make a video to inspire others.

 Isaiah and Jeffrey-I actually got them to pose for a picture this time!!;)

 With lots of brothers Evie gets along with the Pau boys very well!

 Hanging out with Evie-the main source of attention.....

 Playing with the girls' dolls.:)

 Probably a discussion on something related to technology or media??;)

 Settling down for the movie....

 Deciding where to sit...

Sarah and I :)

 These pictures are sort of blurry because they were taken with Dad's cell phone.

Watching a movie is especially fun when it's with good friends...:)

 

Jumping ahead to a couple weeks ago, Thursday, Caytlin and I were able to have lunch with some really special friends. We had a geat time with homemade grilled cheese, fries, lemonade and good, godly, fellowship.

 The table set and waiting....

 We all play piano which is a really fun common bond......

 We had a really good time visiting...:)

 Afterwards we took some pictures-Abigail (just above to the right)  and her family will be moving out of state this summer. 

  We had fun thinking of different ways to pose for photos.:)

Special friendships are a gift from the Lord.:) We haven't known each other that long, but we will miss Abigail very much. (It was through Sarah I first met Abigail two years ago, and our friendship, as a group has been a real joy!.:)

 

The following day, we had a Birthday Tea for our friend Kristie Tang in honor of her 15th birthday.:)

 This was the first tea party we'd ever thrown and praise the Lord, everything came together! (Ryan, who has now gotten his license, took the boys out for the day!)

It was fun to buy a tea pot for the occasion since we usually boil water for hot drinks in a "big pot."

 Our birthday lady!:)

 This was Evie's first tea party...:P

 Our Joshua stayed to be company for Joshua Tang. We have enjoyed teasing the boys and figuring out how to call the correct "Joshua."

 Joanna and Caytlin.....

 Mom serving the tea......

 After tea we all enjoyed going outside for some fresh air and outdoor play.:)

 Kristie and her camera.:) I really like this picture. I think it captures the photographer in her very well:)

Kristie enjoyed the tire swing, too.;)

 The tire swings are usually occupied no matter what the age is.....;)

 We came inside for some games and Joshua shared one of the boys' favorite computer programs-Digital Lego Designer.....

 Writing out acronyms for Kristie's name.....

 The boys drew birthday pictures for Kristie

 Happy Birthday, Kristie!

 The boys joined us later for the cake......:)

 Timmy's orange smile.....

 Mrs. Tang, Kristie and Joanna. We have really been enjoying getting to know these ladies.:)

 We see the wisdom of our heavenly in Father creating friendships. He knows how much we need the encouragement and fellowship. We are grateful for likeminded sisters in the Lord and for the opportunity to visit.:)

 

Last of all, our family really enjoyed going to Oak Glen this year again.

 Packed and ready to go! Nathanael is so excited ...;)

 Timmy really enjoys going to Oak Glen and he's always asking days prior to the time we leave, "Is this the day we go to Oak Glen??"

 We got into the retreat on Thursday night really late as we had to wait for Ryan to get off of work. (He has had a job now for awhile and works alongside as an assistant doing construction.) Here is Timmy fast asleep Friday morning.....;)

 Evie has really befriended plastic bottles for some reason......she loves them!!!

 The weekend always flies by, but it holds each year, it's own set of unique memories. This year Caytlin and I really enjoyed spending more time together than we usually get to, in the busyness of home life.;)

And of course spending time with Evie.:)

 Meal-time with everyone except mommy who took the picture...:) Unfortunately Daddy wasn't able to get the time off to come with us this year. He ended up joining us Saturday for the last day of the retreat.

 The meetings were encouraging and the speakers messages were really challenging. It seems like each year there's something of a theme unplanned by men but, planned by the Lord. It's always neat to see how the messages connect.

 Walking with mommy.:)

 Daniel and Timmy enjoying some of the wooden guns Daniel has made....

 Ryan standing at the chapel entrance....

 Timmy enjoying the merry-go-round, one of the famous enjoyments of Oak Glen.:)

 Joshua enjoys making new friends....

 Mommy and the kiddos...

 Caytlin and I enjoyed doing the ladies craft together. They taught us how to make jewelry and decorate dishes with sharpies. We ended up spending a lot of time there in between meetings trying to finish up our crafts.:)

 Evie, our cookie enjoying her cookie.;)

 Friday night we had the "Talent Show"

 Ryan had the job of announcing each act....

 Ryan showed his short, Faith v. Fear...:)

 Natey played When I Survey The Wonderous Cross....

 Daniel played his ocarina and sang the poem Mommy wrote for Daddy some years back-The Brave Knight.

 Caytlin and I sang a duet-How Deep the Father's Love

 Uncle Paul was there again this year and he played two different kinds of ram's horns and the saw! It was quite a highlight!

 Saturday: preparing for the last meetings.....

 Our family row....cleaner this year...;)

 Daniel and Jeremy working on their pine derby race cars.....

 Daddy and Caytlin at lunch! When we left our cabin to go to the prayer meeting at 7 am Dad was already there! He left the house at 5:30 as it's a two hour drive!:)

Filling Daddy in on what he missed.....:)

Evie enjoying sitting in a big person's seat.;)

  Ryan manned the video camera for the weekend, recording the meetings and talent show...

 The race cars made this year....

 They had the races on Saturday afternoon and Daniel beat every single car with his "Silver Bullet"!!

 Our girl is growing up fast!

 Getting ready for the last meeting in which Mr. Pilkington (yellow shirt) spoke on loving your neighbor.

Daniel loading the songbooks with Mr. Osborn....

 Mr. Foyle cheering up Evie-she'd had a long day and was ready to go home.:)

Final goodbyes before the trip home.....:)

Mr. and Mrs. Osborn and Rob Pilkington-old friends...:)

We've enjoyed the times of fellowship the Lord has provided for us lately and are looking forward to more. Sometimes we get so carried away with  life and forget to appreciate those around us. It's good to take some time to stop and enjoy other believers company, recounting the Lord's faithful work in our lives and encouraging one another. I was recently listening to a talk on the church and family and the speaker said that Christian believers tend to be the champions of activity filled lives apart from godly fellowship. It's so clear in the Scriptures that God created us to have fellowship with Him, but we also need to remember to make time for fellowship with others as well.:) I think these verses really exemplify what true fellowship is in Jesus Christ.

 

"And they continued steadfastly in the apostles’ doctrine and fellowship, in the breaking of bread, and in prayers. Then fear came upon every soul, and many wonders and signs were done through the apostles. Now all who believed were together, and had all things in common, and sold their possessions and goods, and divided them among all, as anyone had need. So continuing daily with one accord in the temple, and breaking bread from house to house, they ate their food with gladness and simplicity of heart,  praising God and having favor with all the people. And the Lord added to the church daily those who were being saved."

  Acts 2:42-47

Lots of Baking...and Walking!!;)

We are very happy to announce that Evangeline is now walking her little self all over the place! She is enjoying her new skill and appreciates the floor rather than her play-pen which we call affectionately "baby jail." ;)

There she goes!

Enjoying her Christmas present from Aunt 'Drana!

With so many brothers-Evie plays with trucks, army men and Lincoln logs.....;)

Joshua  has a really special way with Evie:)

A few months ago, I decided to try making pretzels for the first time. They turned out very well, praise the Lord and the little boys were more than eager to help! (This is one of the reasons homeschooling is such a blessing and benefit for children! They learn so much more than just text book information! )

Looking through the dough!

Daniel created a little brush for us, as we do not have one, to spread the pretzels with the egg mixture! He is very creative!

Baking....

When they were all done eager hands were told to wait till everyone came to the table to eat....

Pretzel masks...:)

Evie spends a lot of time in her highchair whenever there's cooking going on. Here she's enjoying her piano!

Which was later exchanged for a yummy pretzel, three times as big as her little mouth....;)

Our hardworking chefs! Timmy gave himself a haircut without telling anyone awhile back.....:P

Poor Natey couldn't help as he had pink eye, which the kids affectionately called "purple eye." :P

Jumping ahead to another baking adventure! Shortly after that we were having a dinner with homemade tortillas and so the boys were allotted some dough with which they got to work. They made several different things, among them were a tortilla shaped like the state of Alaska, a cross, an Eskimo, stars and more crosses.:)

Evie in her highchair again.....this young lady is learning to be so patient.:)

Piano playing adds to the noise around the house too, these days....:) It's been really fun to have 4 more piano players and they are all doing really well!!!

Shaping the tortilla dough.....

Evie loves spending time with Joshua! He can make her laugh like no one else!!!

Daniel has been working on different art projects on the computer creating biblical scenes. He's really been blessed with talent!

A closer look before going in the oven.:)

Their expressions are so cute! These two are so much fun to watch as they interact!

Natey's shapes-he did a good job remembering the shape of the state!

This smile is so contagious!!!

Another day mom came home with a bunch of bananas so it was banana bread!!! We also needed to use up our carrots so we made carrot cakes!:)

A snack for Evie....kinda big.:)

As hard as it is to believe, all that we made we didn't last very long, as things go faster with a big family!!!!

Adding carrots.....

Banana bread baking....:) Yes, I was getting a post in mind here....:P

Banana bread mixture...

It's really such a blessing to learn from Mom at home and work on skills needed for life.:)

banana bread cooling

This is only half of the peels we had from our banana pile....;)

Racing to see who can peel fastest! It's really quite fun to peel bananas!

Now to a few moments of school days. The boys get to play in the patio before naptime.

I am so grateful for the sisters, for the friends I have in them.:)

Playing contentedly......see Evie's little ponytail??;)

We have cleaned out the garage and organized the patio, turning the garage into the schoolroom and the patio into a playroom. The older boys have been working with mom in the garage and while they are doing school. Caytlin and I take care of the four youngest, doing school and keeping the house in order. These are such special days, just enjoying the time we have to learn together and appreciate the simple things in life.

But godliness with contentment is great gain. For we brought nothing into this world, and it is certain we can carry nothing out. And having food and raiment let us be therewith content. But they that will be rich fall into temptation and a snare, and into many foolish and hurtful lusts, which drown men in destruction and perdition. For the love of money is the root of all evil: which while some coveted after, they have erred from the faith, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows.                    1 Timothy 6:6-10