Faith during Trials

This Bible verse has been our theme for the past few weeks:
Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. James 1:2-3

Jim & I haven't had a vacation away since our honeymoon. We had a chance to take a quick get-away to Myrtle Beach (Saturday-Wednesday). We had been planning this trip since about Spring break.

The kids were all taken care of (thanks dad & mom!!) and we started off on our trip. Everything was going well (making great time, weather was perfect, etc.). Just as we crossed into Virginia our van's transmission went OUT! We were broken down on I-77 outside of Wythesville.

Here is where God stepped in and completely took over:

• We were only about 1 1/2 miles from the exit that had EVERYTHING! Motels, food, truck stop and of all things - a Ford dealership.

• We were able to walk about 1/2 mile before a very nice gentleman picked us up and took us the rest of the way to the truck stop.

• We were able to get a tow truck driver to get our van back to the truck stop within 25 minutes.

• Jim was clear-headed to think of our "bumper-to-bumper" warranty through Ford. (At this time I was pretty much a wreck and couldn't think much - praise God that the kids weren't with us!!)

• We were 2 hours away from close friends who came up to get us and take us back to their house so that we could have a "home base" to make arrangements.

• We found out that our Ford warranty covered Roadside Assistance that allowed us to get a rental car - now to only find one that was opened on Sunday mornings.

• We were able to find one Budget Rental Car place that was open from 11:00 am to 2:00 pm on a Sunday! Wow - three hours!

We got our rental car and off we went to Myrtle Beach!

Muffins at Huntington Park!

The Ohio Village Muffins had an opportunity to play at Huntington Park! Huntington Park is the brand new baseball stadium for the Columbus Clippers (the minor league team for the Cleveland Indians.) It was neat to see the excitement of ALL the guys!

This was an invitation only event - (the Nationwide Children's Hospital Golf Invitational) was having a dinner and their game was "background noise" for the dinner.


Spouses & kids of the players were allowed outside on the sidewalk (by right field) - so here is a picture of the kids talking with Jim!!


Here are some pictures of the event:

FUN times!

It's always fun when the kids can just be kids!

Here are some pictures of the kids (all 4 of them!!) - LOL!

Indian Mound - Cedar Falls

We are always looking for the "fun spots" in Ohio. We came across this hiking spot last year while traveling to Dayton for a Muffin game.

This past Saturday we were heading to a Muffin game in back Dayton and decided to make a stop to do some hiking! Our game was canceled due to rain, but we did get the hike in!

Abby's 10th Birthday!

I can not believe that our baby is 10! Oh...how time flies! We had a small gathering of family & friends to celebrate! Here are some pictures from the big day!







Her party was the day after her "real birthday". We woke her up bright and early on her "real birthday" with a special birthday treat!


HAPPY BIRTHDAY ABBY!!

Billy Joel & Elton John!!!

My "BFF" Judi & I got to go to the Billy Joel & Elton John concert at Nationwide Arena! WHAT A SHOW! This was a combined birthday gift from our husbands. Mike (Judi's hubby) bought the tickets and Jim bought dinner & drinks.



What a wonderful girls night out!!

"Know Sweat" 2009

Andy had the opportunity to go Know Sweat with his Jr. & Sr. High youth group at Beechwold. Know Sweat is a mission trip through CIY (Christ in Youth). They go to different states and participate in service projects. They also get to worship and fellowship with different youth groups across the country.

Andy had an amazing time with his group! Thanks so much to the Beechwold adults that went!