God's Craftmanship

It's no secret that Summer was a surprise baby. And what an adorable, precious gift she is from the Lord. She's a happy baby, unless she's in the car. She'll flash anyone a flirty smile, if they'll just take time talk to her. But I've got to admit I'm in love with her blue eyes. Coming from a family where everyone has brown eyes it's pretty neat for me to have 3 children with light eyes. Even my brown eyed children have 3-different color browns. Isn't it amazing that our God creates each individual so unique. I could write a very long paragraph on all the amazing talents and gifts my children have, but you would just think I'm very biased. I am, but every word would be true. One neat thing about having a large family is you can see up close how amazing God's craftmanship is.

Cuddle & Play

Vanessa posted such a sweet picture of her holding her cuddly little Noah. So I thought I'd post me with my little cuddle muffin. And here's Zach & Summer having a little daddy and daughter time.
And man, I've just got to admit (not that I'm biased or anything), but isn't she a cute little munchkin?!!

Ike's Aftermath

The damage from Ike is really extensive for some of our friends and loved ones. My sister and brother-in-law had the roof taken off of half of their apartment building. They lost alot out of their 2 bedrooms. Many others had less substantial damage like Billy and Nicole. This is a picture of the pine tree in their front yard that was uprooted. But Jeff & Dana suffered the worst. They had extensive flooding. Zach talked to Jeff this morning, and Jeff said he thinks they lost everything. Those who are back home are still without power. Please pray for everyone down there. Ike was a tough one.

More Evacuees

Hurricane Ike has forced many of our friends and family to evacuate again. For some, this is the second time in the last 3 weeks. Ike made landfall early this morning around Galveston. We've felt it's strong winds here in the Waco area. At this time no one is allowed back in the Beaumont-Pt. Arthur areas. We know there are lots of power lines down. It will be several days before all the damage can really be assessed. We have our good friend Nicole Meche here with her two kiddos. Her husband Billy stayed at their house in Beaumont. He told her a pine tree in their front yard was uprooted and fell into the street. Thank God it didn't fall on their house. Hopefully this will all be over soon and everyone can go back home and start the clean up process. We hope and pray that this hurricane season is about over.
Here's all of our kids playing in Ike's rain, while Nicole checks the computer for updates.

School Days

Here are a couple of pix of Meagan, Allison & Nina enjoying what we call the "Swing Thing" at the
Mennonite school. I bring our homeschooled kids up to the school about once a week during recess, to play and socialize. I think at the end of this 3rd week that we're all getting use to our new schedule and responsibilities. This third picture is of the girls with their friend Greta Miller. Greta's parents own the bakery where Meagan has worked the past couple of years. Greta has been a good friend to Allison especially since school has started. She's been helping Allison learn the ropes. Tonight Greta's spending the night and going to Thurs. night volleyball with our family. I'm sure they'll have fun.

Two Too Many

At the moment we have two too many puppies. Our boxer Zinnia had puppies. We had 3 and have sold one, but these two little orphans are up for sale. But until they sell, the kids are having a ball having puppies around. Here are the girls with Rosebud & Butterball.

Growing

Here's the baby princess at 2 1/2 mon. with the beautiful blanket Sheila made for her.
Isn't she cute?!!

Update...

Hurricane Gustav took a north-westerly direction after making landfall on Monday, sparing Sulphur, LA and the Port Arthur areas. We got word today that those areas are now open for residents to return home. We are very thankful our family was spared this hurricane.

Evacuees!!

Our little cabin has residents at the moment. Hurricane Gustav forced my in-laws to come for a visit. The hurricane is arriving on the Louisiana coast today and continuing (probably) down the Loiusiana coast and into Texas by tomorrow. My side of the family already had Labor day plans in San Antonio, so they're there now. But if the hurricane stalls too much, they'll be headed to Waco.
Please pray that the storm won't wreak too much havoc, and our families will be able to go home soon.