Purina Farms

On October 1, we went with the Hucks to Purina Farms. It was a gorgeous day and we thought the kids would like the dog show. They really could have cared less about the dogs, but we still had a good time.

Clarey's Latest

Clarey loves to be outside. She stands at the door and cries. Often, I'll let her go on the deck and leave the door open while I'm in the kitchen. A couple weeks ago, I let her go out and watched her climb into this chair all on her own with the bag of chips. To say she is everywhere is an understatement.

This is is what Clarey can accomplish in less than 5 minutes.

A Giant Tube

A few weeks ago, the kids and I made a trek to Home Depot to purchase a concrete form tube. The idea is that one day, when they're finished playing with it, it will become the trunk of a tree in their bedroom. I spent $5.47 on this tube. It has provided hours - literally - hours of play for the kids. They roll it. They carry it. They talk through it. They put toys in it and slide the toys down. They put themselves in it and roll themselves around. They're learning how to cooperate and work as a team. They're learning basic physics. The boys are learning that Clarey thinks she can do everything they can do. Every day I put the tube away. Every day they get it back out. Once again, they've amazed me.

Random Pictures of the Kids

one morning in our home, everyone was happy



later that evening, everyone was not

First Day at Preschool

I was so excited to be able to enroll the boys in Christian School for the Young Years. Not only did I go there when I was in preschool, but I was fortunate enough to work there as a college student. Words can't describe how wonderful it is. Parents won't find a more enriching, loving school for their children. The boys are really excited about it, too...

Miracles Really Do Happen

This is why Levi's middle name is Anthony:

St. Anthony is the patron saint of lost articles (also of the poor and travelers) and this is why I am so endeared to him. Countless times I have asked him to intercede on my behalf by uttering the simple rhyme, "St. Anthony! St. Anthony! Please come around! {My mind} is lost and cannot be found!"
He has come to my rescue so many times. Very often within seconds of asking for his help I've remembered where the lost item might be. Most recently the item that had been lost was Clarey's baby ring, on a gold chain, given to her by her Grandma Huck at her baptism.

It all started at Garrett and Anna's wedding three weeks ago. I took along the necklace for Clarey to wear. It was pure craziness getting everyone ready. I was afraid I'd lose it, so I stuck it in my really cute red clutch,  where I thought it was safe and sound. That evening as we were getting ready to go into the reception, Clayton was messing with my purse. Knowing the necklace was in there, I immediately told him to stop and took it back. When I looked inside there was no necklace. I frantically started looking for it. I searched most of the evening - calling the church and leaving a message, telling the front desk and hospitality staff at the hotel, too. I didn't tell Kathy. I just couldn't bring myself to tell her it was lost. And I was asking St. Anthony for help, so I didn't give up hope.

Once home from the wedding I called the church office again and asked the secretary to please go look for it. I called the driver of the bus we had ridden in from the wedding to reception. I called the hotel. No one could find it. Over the course of the next three weeks I would call the hotel 2 more times and the church once. I've been sick to my stomach -                                                                          so upset.


This morning when I woke up, I was once again thinking about the lost ring. Levi was in bed with me so I silently prayed, "St. Anthony, please help me find this ring. I know through your intercession it can be done. I'm holding my child named in your honor. Please, if it will glorify God, help me find this ring." 

This afternoon around 5:00 I got a text from my mom, "I can't believe it! I found Clarey's ring!" She decided to clean out her purse this afternoon and found it in the very bottom. I don't even remember her having that particular purse at Garrett's wedding.

St. Anthony devoted his life to proclaiming God's word. He even preached to the fishes in the sea telling of God's glories. If we truly believe, if we truly trust - God will perform miracles in our lives.

I know in the scheme of life this is something small. I also know that this is a material thing. But it is important to me. For three weeks I've looked for it. For three weeks I've said, "Come on, St. Anthony, help me out here." Once I earnestly prayed and earnestly believed, God answered my prayer. With the help of St. Anthony, God used this small trinket to lead me back to Him. It reminded me of His power. And because of it, I'm telling of God's glories.

Random Summer 2011

Catie knit a shrug for Clarey. She just loves it!!

Clayton and William

In early July we were so lucky that some of our closest friends from Kenya were in town at the same time! Lynn and her kiddos were in St. Louis from Malawi and Mike and Kendra decided to pass through our neck of the woods while on their Westernly Trek. On Saturday Lynn, Kendra and I were able to hang out, do some shopping and eat at Sweet Tomatoes. Then on Sunday they all came to our house. It was such a treat to see everyone!

Clarey and Sophia - I first met Sophia when she was Clarey's age. Look at her now!

Clarey and Mike


We even got to see Sarah! Sarah worked with me when she was teenager in Kenya...it was so good to see her! She's all grown up, too. The time just flies. Perhaps I'm just feeling a little sentimental today (Levi started preschool!! More about that later...I'm just feeling like the time is flying by too quickly.)


Lynn and Clarey

Lynn, Abby, Clarey and Kendra!!

This pretty much sums up the craziness of trying to get a picture of that many children. Or, maybe it's just our children...


Emily and Clarey


Clayton played with tangrams for a long time one afternoon.


Clarey loves water play.


What would the treehouse be without some dinosaurs?

My little couch potato. Well, I guess she would be if she actually sat still on the couch. What she really likes to do is crawl back and forth on it and work the remotes. That's probably why our remote batteries wear out so quickly.

It's been a busy, but wonderful summer!