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!

Summer Fun!

Abby decided that she wanted to go to camp! So....Round Lake "here we come!" We took her to camp yesterday and got her settled. She stays at camp until Wednesday night. Her good friends are with her...so she'll have a blast!

July 4th Celebration at the Ohio Village

We went to the Ohio Village for their July 4th celebration! All the buildings were open for the festivities. The highlight of the day was the Muffin base ball game. The kids always have fun watching!

Alex decided to enter the Apple Pie Eating Contest. He had fun! Didn't come in first - but that's OK!




It was fun to see the parade through the Village. The Muffin team were with the other Village folks. Here is the a part of the parade!

Red, White & Boom!

We had a great time with our friends - Bill, Stacey, Mary & Zachary - at Red, White & Boom! I haven't been downtown in about 17 years! The last time I went was a bit crazy! Tornado warnings were sounding during the firework show. Over 500,000 people trying to get out of downtown at a rush....was a bit crazy!

This time was perfect! Stacey & I went down the night before (around 10:00 pm) and staked out our spot. We were at "Arch Park" in the arena district. Spring Street & McConnell Blvd. to be exact!

We had some difficulties leaving downtown because of the 315 construction. We got home about 11:30 - not too bad!!

I do believe we might have started a "tradition"!






Here is video of the grand finale!

"Night at the Museum"

Saturday, June 20 was the Night at the Museum event at the Ohio Historical Society. Alex won 3 tickets (from his Oreo Eating Contest!!). Jim & I took Alex and had a great time!

There were many historical figures that we had to find (check-off list) and Alex had a good time interacting with them!

"Taste of Base Ball"

Saturday, June 13 was the Taste of Base Ball event at the Ohio Village. The Muffins had two base ball games and during the game there were eating contests - Hot Dog & Oreo Eating Contests!

Alex & Abby entered the "youth division" of both. Andy & I did the 13+ division of the Hot Dog Eating Contest. YUCK!!! The hot dogs were cold!! It was a fun time watching the kids!

Alex won the Oreo Eating Contest and won 3 free tickets to the Night at the Museum event at the Ohio Historical Museum.

Here are some pictures from the fun day!

Ohio Village Muffins

One of our exciting events happening during the summer is watching Jim play "Muffin Ball" with the Ohio Historical Society. Muffin Base Ball is a vintage team that plays with 1860s rules (no gloves, wooden bats, 90 feet bases, etc.)












Link to the Muffin's site - and Base Ball schedule:
http://ohsweb.ohiohistory.org/places/c11/c11-01.shtml

Happy 15th!

Today Jim & I are celebrating our 15th wedding anniversary. Wow....15 years?!? Here's to lots more! Love you!

Strawberry Pickin'

Today was a fun outing with our church group! We went to Doran's Farm in New Albany, Ohio and went strawberry picking. Andy was not with us...he was at Cedar Point with his school. Alex & Abby had a great time!

Here are some pictures of the trip: