The last few weeks of August have really gotten the best of me. I worked really hard to get most the boxes unpacked with the hopes of starting the fall in an organized state. The months of September and October are always crazy for me with the high school football and a larger Teaching load at DMACC. The boys seem to be getting back into their routine; earlier bedtime and wake up time, catching the bus, homework, and piano lessons. It hasn't been easy, but we are slowing getting into the swing of things.

DMACC started a week ago, Nadia and I have to leaving the house by about 7:15. I teach all morning. The afternoons seem so short. I have been spending a hour every evening reviewing my classes, just to stay on top of things.


I can feel the choas hiding just around the corner of my life....

We enjoyed a gorgeous Saturday at Hickory Grove, a small little campground and lake, just outside of Nevada. The DeBoers joined us for a day at the beach. We had perfect weather, with lots of sunshine but not unbearable heat. The boys played beach football, we swam, and rented canoes, paddle boats and kayaks. Everyone was exhausted from a fun day in the sun.

The new school year started today. We were ready for a schedule, but not ready to see summer end. We had a good, but really busy summer. Our only "vacation" was our trip to Winnipeg. We do hope to camp this weekend, if it doesn't rain. I personally, am not ready for the craziness of my fall schedule to begin.

The first day of school seemed to go very well. The boys really like their new teachers and I am confident that they will both have a good year.

The bus system has not given me very much confidence. They will be taking a bus this year, because of our house move. We are still awaiting the details of our bus schedule. In fact, they were not on a bus list until about 2pm today. I have left several messages for the bus company. When I do speak with someone, the answer I get is: "We are still working on that, we will call you back."

Our dear friends the Stauffer's had a baby girl last evening. They named her Evangeline Miranda. Check out more photos and the details on Erin's blog: Staufferville I am so happy for them. It was a very long wait.

My new niece arrived late Friday afternoon. Her name is Delilah Marie, she is about 7 lbs. I have very few details. but she is healthy and Leah is doing fine. (My brother is not so big with all the details) They hope to be home on Monday afternoon. I will take the kids to see her this week, and will be back with more details and pictures! (I borrowed this photo from Leah's facebook account, Thanks Leah!)

I wish I had better news to share with you about Grandpa. He is almost 95 years old and His body seems to be shutting down. He has had several ups and downs the last few weeks. Mike, Missy and I made a quick trip to Pella last night to see him because the doctor seemed to suggested he might not live through the night. But true to Grandpa form, he seems to be doing better tonight. We can only pray that God has a plan for Grandpa.

Ecclesiastes 3 seems to ring true this week with all the life changes I have faced.

There is a time for everything,and a season for every activity under heaven:
a time to be born and a time to die,
a time to plant and a time to uproot,
a time to kill and a time to heal,
a time to tear down and a time to build,
a time to weep and a time to laugh,
a time to mourn and a time to dance,
a time to scatter stones and a time to gather them,
a time to embrace and a time to refrain,
a time to search and a time to give up,
a time to keep and a time to throw away,
a time to tear and a time to mend,
a time to be silent and a time to speak,
a time to love and a time to hate,
a time for war and a time for peace.

What a great reminder for me that God has a plan, and my life will follow his plan according to his time. All we need to do is trust, pray and wait for his time.

Saturday was moving day. My Mom and Dad brought the horse trailer and several friends brought their pick-ups. We are truly blessed to have so many friends willing to help. We moved everything into the garage at the new house. It took us a few hours, we were finished by early afternoon. Andrew and I spent the rest of the day and most of Sunday picking up the miscellaneous things that were not boxed up and cleaning. Today were are filled with nervous excitement and sadness. We take possession of our new house on Tuesday, but we are still awaiting the closing process for both homes. I will feel much better when all the papers have been signed. We are also feeling some sadness about leaving Marston. We loved our house and our neighborhood. But realize that a chapter in our lives have ended, and a new one has begun.

The piano is being moved out. My dad supervises; always a good job for him.
The garage, full to the roof. Amazing the collection of things we own.


My gratitude list.
Great friends with strong arms and backs and Pick-up trucks.
My parents who are always willing to help
A God who provides for all our needs.

Today, those are my top 3!