One week away..............

The countdown is on in our home!

Last week I took Em and a friend in to drive the simulator at Snapper Shuler Kenner in Bellingham.  It was fun to watch!

Monday, we got a car for her to drive (it is OUR car, for her to use :).

Yesterday I took her in to take her written test, assuring her that she shouldn't be disappointed if she didn't pass as neither of her brothers' did the first time.  Well, she DID pass.  You are allowed 5 wrong - and she "used" all 5!

Tuesday, April 5th at 9:45am she will be taking her driving exam.  She turns 16 on Monday but alas, DOL is closed on Mondays.

This mom is NOT ready for her baby to start driving.  It's really kind of a struggle.  I'm ready to not have to cart her everywhere, but I'm not ready for the beginning of the letting go process :(.

Pictures of the car and the driver with her new license (hopefully) to come soon.

It's the most wonderful time of the year!

Yes, I am talking about BOATING!

Wednesday afternoon we took a client out to Eliza Island to walk her property where she is wanting to have Randy build her a Beach cabin.  It was a beautiful afternoon and the waters were calm!

The official first launch of 2011

Calm and beautiful at Eliza Island

Captain Randy and First Mate Janice

The mountains to the North were glorious!

 

Of course we had to have friends join us for dinner on the boat................

A new french rolls recipe - awesome!  I will post soon!

Fabulous sunset for a fabulous day!

Last year we didn't get to do much boating - so this year we hope to make up for it! (Of course at $4+ a gallon for gas, we may be boating mostly in B'ham bay:)

Saying "see you later" to Nathan

Today, this is my verse for my son Nathan.

1 Peter 5:10
And after you have suffered a little while, the God of all grace, who has called you to His eternal glory in Christ, will Himself restore, confirm, strengthen, and establish you.

 This morning at 6am Nathan flew to Kona.  He is going to the YWAM compound there (youth with a mission) and he is going to be a part of Mission Builders.  He will be working, probably in the kitchen, in exchange for room and board.  He will be in a great environment where we hope he will spend lots of time exploring what God has for him.

Last night he came by to say goodbye (the pics aren't great as it was late and as you can see, we were all ready for bed!)

Eleven months ago TODAY, God spared his life in a motorcycle accident.  There have been 8 surgeries, countless sleepless night, LOTS of tears, and ABUNDANT MIRACLES.

Nathan is doing well, he still limps a bit, aches most of the time, has 2 fingers that don't work, and he thinks he might be growing another extra bone.  He will most likely have another surgery later this year to remove the titanium rod, and the extra bone if there is one.

It was HARD to say goodbye.  After being called back up to full time mom duty in his life, and after almost losing him.............it is hard.  I am excited to see what God has in store for him, and he needs to go.  Please pray with us that he will be listening and talking to God and that he will have some direction in his life!

Thanks for being a part of our journey......it's not over yet!
Doesn't he look good?!?!

A new (to me!) Cooking Blog

I stumbled upon this blog and am loving it!  In addition to my all time favorite blog Mennonite Girls Can Cook, this is now bookmarked in my "cooking" folder.  It's called Our Best Bites.

I tried this recipe for Cheesy Garlic Bread Swirls and it was a hit!!  You can click on the link to get the recipe - I'll just show you some pictures to make you drool!!

Bread is always a hit in this house!  These were ooey gooey goodness!

A special gift

My friend Susan brought me a gift on Sunday...................

Now to the untrained eye these may look like 70's era pyrexware.  But to a crusty bread baker - these are what I been looking for to  bake mini loaves in.  Perfect size for soup in a bread bowl!!

When she and Mike brought them by, I just happened to have a batch of crusty bread rising!  Awesome size!!  Thanks Susan - how sweet!

If you haven't made the Crusty bread, or you've started reading my blog since that post just click on the link "crusty bread" and give it a whirl!  It honestly is the easiest thing you've ever made - and talk about a way to impress people!!

GO LYNCS!

We are on day two of the State Basketball tournament!  Yesterday the Girls BB team won and today they play at 3:45.

We are here cheering on our favorite cheerleader......

Okay - she's a little goofy - but she's mine and I LOVE HER!

The squad did an awesome job yesterday - they've had to adjust to one of the girls not being able to cheer because of a torn ACL, but they've done beautifully!

I am working with the new camera - better pictures to come today (my friend Beth gave me a lesson over the phone!)

Who knew she could fly?!?!

Today Randy and I fed lunch to the Cheer Squad and Coaches.  We only had 2 burners to work with, but no one went away hungry.  Tortellini in Alfredo sauce, bread, salad and Costco Cheesecake!
(We had so much left we had 2 other friends & their families have lunch with us afterwards!)

Lots more fun to come!  We're off to cheer on our girls!

Bravo!!

I took these pictures a couple weeks ago!  Just had to share them.  I know you all saw the sunset too - but why not give God praise again!  Bravo!  What love HE has for us and what a great reminder of that!  What beauty he has surrounded us with!  I am amazed at His power and creation! A great reminder of who is in charge!

Psalm 19

¹ The heavens declare the glory of God;
   the skies proclaim the work of his hands.
² Day after day they pour forth speech;
   night after night they reveal knowledge.