These are for my man who's in the quiet of the mountains. Free from care, worry, and WIND! Awaking to homemade cinnamon rolls, strolling up the majestic Rockies, and bagging an elk with his trusty bow and arrow (with the help of his Hoochie Mama - of course). Yes, he harvested a cow elk on Saturday. Congrats, Wayne. Now get your sweet little self home and rescue your girls! Actually, we are faring well. We're tough and resilient. We're swaying in the wind - without water and electricity. We miss you and do look forward to your return. Love you. Be safe. See you soon.

Hey, y'all! Are you loving this beautiful Fallish weather? It's gorgeous. It could only be better seen, felt and inhaled from the western slope of the Colorado Rockies....



sigh..... wink..... uuuuhmmmm - Wayne..... are you enjoying yourself?? Yes, that's right he and his Hoochie Mama made the long journey this past wknd to track down, lure, or maybe just stumble upon the elusive Rocky Mt. elk.



I miss you already - but have fun and be safe. Kim keep us updated - bring us right there to your front door via your blog. Oh, the wonder of the blog, and picture phones, too - quite unbelievable if you think about it.
OK - I don't have much time and I'm already wordy. I wanted to share something and let you know I'm still ducking and running through my weeks. Just to give you an idea - with the start of school also came new job orientation, two weeks of company - which I might add was a total blessing, soccer season and that's pretty much enough to cause the most settled, sane person to become slightly unravelled . But in the mist of it all there have been quiet moments to cherish, smiles and laughter to extinguish the mounting stress, and a family that in the middle of the storm has learned to dance in the rain! That is my new favorite saying for the week - Instead of waiting for the storm to pass - learn to dance in the rain.
This is what I wanted to share -
Lauryn's school recognized her as

Student in the Son-Light, for being S.A.L.T. in her world.

(Speaking, Acting, Looking and Thinking like Jesus)

This award is to encourage our students to live out a biblical worldview today. Our school vision is that our students will be salt in their world now, from Matt. 5:13. S.A.L.T. is identified as to Speak, Act, Look, and Think like Jesus. The students are nominated by their teachers for any of the following areas:

-R2G2 (respect, responsibility, gratitude, genuineness)

-Fruits of the spirit (Gal. 5:22)

-S.A.L.T.

-Demonstrating positive character qualities

-Developing their God-given talents with excellence

Here's what her teacher had to say -

I would like to nominate Lauryn Lavy because of the awesome way she has adjusted to a new school situation as well as the character qualities she demonstrates! This is Lauryn's first year at our school and she shows excellence in her approach to her schoolwork! She is responsible, prompt with assignments, and participates well in class! I can always count on Lauryn to know where we are and what we are doing...and ready to go for it! Lauryn invited her cousin, Jessica, to visit us and share about her life as a missionary. Her obedient, gentle ways are such a great example for us. I Peter 3:9 says, "Be tenderhearted, be courteous...that you may inherit a blessing." I am certain you have had, and will have many blessings for such ways! We Love you!
Mrs. G.



Congratulations Lauryn! May you always be S.A.L.T. in your world. Love you so much!

I have so much to share, but the grass is growing and I have a day off. So, grass I must mow. I'll catch up later. For now I leave you with the challenge to dance in the rain as well as in the beautiful weather - like in the mountains, like Julie Andrews - Wayne - you lucky dog! The girls are keeping your side of the bed warm and Brooklyn kicks a little harder than you!
Hurry home - elk in tow! love you

This is just a quick - We made it! - through the first week of school post. What a week! Lauryn continues to make me so proud. Brooklyn is going through an adjusting phase. She broke down at the babysitters the other day - I MISS MY SISSY! I miss her, too, but it has been exciting hearing about school and fellow students. I was at a parent meeting this week and was sitting in Lauryn's desk next to the parents of the kids she sits next to - trying to feel like a 3rd grader again... what it must be like facing life at the age of 8. Brings me to my next point - what's been on my mind this week. This week was the one you face with your head down, brace yourself and go for it. Or maybe duck and run and just hope you get yourself into next week unscathed. Yes, I was feeling a little overwhelmed. Wayne assured me it was going to be ok - husband's perspective. Mine was a little more along the lines of - AAAAAAAHHHHHHGGGG! How?! When!!?? Where?! Just as the last glimmer was shortening - came the message - "I'll furnish the grace if you'll furnish the man". I don't have to have all the answers - just be available to be used by God. I gave it to God - he didn't fail. I was canceled from work one day, other days things just seem to fall into place. I'm glad I'm in His hands. What a safe, quiet place to live. God's grace is good for all.

Welcome to the Third Grade, Lauryn!

Friday we went to Lauryn's new school to take a backpack full of supplies, see her room, find her locker and say "hi" to Mrs. G. It was very exciting as she carefully placed her text books and school supplies in her desk and looked around at her new classroom. Lauryn loves organization and structure and seeing this orderly classroom, looking over her schedule of gym, art, music, library and computer has made her very excited about starting the 3rd grade at her new school. I can't help but be excited for her.

So, today was the day.... It was the first day of school - that she has started without me being the teacher, the aid, the lunchroom monitor, the gym teacher and principle. I had so many mixed emotions, but in the end I swallowed the lump and gave her a reassuring grin and felt my heart midst the ache swell with pride as she braced her shoulders and walked bravely in the classroom. She was immediately met with a warm hug from Mrs. G who introduced her to a fellow 3rd grader who will be sitting next her. Thank you God for huge blessings that may seem small to some. So, with that I left. We have chosen with God's guidance to have Lauryn's educational, spiritual, and social experiences aided by this school. I pray that everyday helps you toward a life that is Christ-like, educated and fulfilled. I love you and miss you already - let's see I can pick you up in 2 hours! Have a wonderful year, Lauryn!

Happy Birthday to my Brooklyn

A long time ago in a far away land lived a little girl with her parents. She had cats and dogs and even a horse but nothing could compare to a sister of course. She asked her parents and mom said pray. And pray she did most every day.

Meanwhile back at the ranch...just a few miles away, some family had a terrible day. A fire started in the hay. And when the night was over the barn was no more and a poor little pony had a terrible snore. The winter was coming and the nights were cold and mean. The poor, little pony became quite lean. So neighbors we were and a rescue for sure for the poor little pony who needed a cure.

Meanwhile away from the ranch...was the farmer in charge (Wayne) he had taken a job away at large (??) Very far from home The wife and daughter missed him so much. On weekends they stayed in touch. UNTIL - the day the news came ...the wife had someone to blame! She jumped in her truck and drove all the way to that husband of hers who had romped in the hay. She drove to that far away job site the news she must tell to Mr. Right. Her face was glowing and his work was slowing as she shared the news he said - That is great! To dinner they went to celebrate. Then back to the ranch the wife did go. Her heart (and belly) a glow!

In summary...because quite frankly I've lost my motivation to rhyme (feeble attempt that is was)

The weekend came and brought the husband down the lane. oh, no. I can't help myself . The news to relay to the sister who prayed. The flush of pink to her cheeks the twinkle in her eyes her prayer had been answered she did realize.

37 weeks and 60 lbs later that mama gave birth to Brooklyn Elise ~ She's our answer to a big sister's prayer and we're very thankful for her. Happy Birthday ~ Brooklyn ~ my big 3 yr old(July 29) I can't believe it has gone by so fast.

ooooh, ok about the poor, little pony -- to appreciate the significance of this you must read the Story of Luck, but anyways.... We took the pony in to help him mend and shortly after that I found out that I was expecting Brookie. The name of the poor, little pony - Chance. :o)

I know God and God alone provided the miracles in my life, but it is interesting the path that takes us there.

Yes, this is a puppy collar. She said she was the puppy. Where's the leash? is what I want to know...

With grammy after the party, playing with some presents.


Just one little taste....

Lately

Working for the night is coming...

This is the field that goes with the farmhouse that was our winter project -- remember that one? Soon after we bought it we planted it in wheat (yeah, like I had so much to do with it) - that was last November. And, now you're seeing the fruits of the field. Mark and Wayne (with Sherri's help) were combining the wheat in these pics. Beautiful amber waves of grain. The straw left behind was baled over the next couple of days and it is there I missed the best picture. It seems we have a family (or two) of snakes living in that field. When the straw was made into bales some of them got baled, too. Wayne was standing on a very high wagon loaded with straw when he was tossed one such bale. He looked down to see a snake looped, squirming to get out. The tail and head were both stuck in the firmly packed straw. Having nowhere to go - Wayne grabbed that writhing snake and flung it. I can't imagine... my brave, tough hubby - who absolutely hates snakes. Someone - who probably should go into hiding placed one of the days kill in Wayne's truck. I think he's still suffering from post traumatic stress disorder! Just kidding - but I would have liked to seen that.

Lauryn learning to mow. Doing a fine job. Do we need a traffic light??

The latest

Working back from the latest - I'll try and catch you up with what we've been up to.


Today is a pretty special day in the lives of Wayne, his parents and siblings. It is the day that his mom was born and then on the same day thirty years later delivered twin girls - yes, on her birthday! And what a present that was after having four boys! I think that is one cool story, but made for one tired mama. I know the boys were a big help, but wow - I just can't even imagine...


But that isn't the end of the story... One of those boys (his wife, actually) gave birth to a baby girl on July 7th. So, now my mom-in-law has a granddaughter that shares her birthday too. What a day! Happy Birthday - Connie, Beth, Amy and Breanna!


Bre and Brookie (riding shotgun)

We, also, had another treat today - met some good friends at Friendly's! Yummy! and enjoyed the fellowship, too.

Hope everyone had a wonderful 4th of July. It is one of my favorite Holidays. I love America and what our founding fathers stood for. We are One Nation under God. I am thankful for the people who more than self their country loved and gave all that I may live in this land of the free and home of the brave. Thank you from the bottom of my heart. God bless America!

We enjoyed the day up at some Lavys. Thanks for the invite LJL! It was great. And you don't ever have to worry about me saying that word again... unless that certain offspring of yours does that certain thing again...I'll try to watch it :o)
Yep, she's the one! I think...

Grandpa showing Brookie how to play. I think she's tellin' him that this might be the best way.

"I'll just sit here and throw them in."

Good placement - Brook!

What a site! Some of our first cutting headed off on a wagon. Thought that was one good looking truck! Cut, baled - no rain - thank the Lord! And sold to the man in the cool, tough truck its an 8, its a 9 its a 10 I know!... excuse the John Michael Montgomery coming out in me.







Wayne was baling hay and we were at church camp. What a good camp. Was so nice to see fellow bloggers. The speakers, singers, and children's workers were among our favorites! It always goes so fast. I came away challenged and encouraged.








Steve came home on leave a couple of weeks ago. We crammed so much in that week - had lots of fun. We miss you so much. Next time its for good. Can't wait.

So that brings me back to my last post - the triathlon. OK - the odds - one of us was going against Dr.'s advice related to Strep throat. The other had just been through some physical issues that had interfered with training. And then the bike... The bike I usually ride - my husband's mountain bike. Well, it came up with a tire ailment that made it impossible to ride and I didn't have the time or patience to look into it. So, I was planning on riding my mountain bike - not good on so many levels, but had put the need (want) in God's hands - timidly asking Him to work it out - please?! There were people that had offered their bikes in the past for me to use, but I didn't want to ask. After all I'm supposed to have my new bike by now - we're just having trouble getting connected. I was leaving it in God's hands and asking him if it were to be someone would just offer. Christin and I talked towards the end of the week and she asked if there was any bike news and when I told her no she assured me she was still praying for that offer to come through. Needless to say I was pretty doubtful and just planned on reaping the consequences of my ill-preparedness. It was late Friday night - the evening before the race - we were at my aunt and uncle's house. Conversation drifted to the race and out of nowhere my uncle said "I have a bike - you are welcome to use. It's a pretty nice bike and I never ride it". It turned out being much nicer than what I had and got the job done! I couldn't believe it. I know most people can't imagine - but I guess I don't expect you to understand. What I've learned is that I expect God to have the same response as most people, but you know what - He doesn't. He loves me with a love that surpasses understanding. He gets me - completely. I don't have to explain, justify or make up excuses. He doesn't give me what I deserve, but blesses me with a little reminder of his endless love for His creation - me. Thank you, God and thank you Uncle Paul. God is good.