My sweet friend Angie. I met her in 1992 or 1993, by the coat room at church. During our introduction, she shared how desirous she was to have children. She had moved from Oklahoma to marry her veterinarian husband, was teaching at the High School, but couldn't imagine any better calling than being a mother. I was thrilled to share her excitement when Melanie was born, and later when Maria and Katy arrived. Our friendship grew by visiting, going for walks, and encouraging one another at church. Angie was a great listener and sympathizer and also provided some comic relief.
So, a few years ago they moved to Missouri...we stopped last week to visit, and the girls are SO DELIGHTFUL! Neat personalities. Melanie is growing up so fast, ready to start her freshman year. We could tell that Scott and Angie dearly love their girls and are training them to be godly young women. It was great to catch up with Ang again, and thank my Father for giving me this friend. She is a dear, beautiful woman who is totally sold out to Jesus Christ.

Just arrived back from a whirlwind tour of central USA. Travis asked us to come see his ministry and drive him back to Wisconsin, so we jumped in the minivan and traveled to Texas. It was nice to see his closing ceremony,
and meet his fellow interns. I'm sure Trav could describe his year with many adjectives ranging from difficult to fantastic.

Since my sister Hannah and her family are in a different ministry about 50 minutes away, we were able to enjoy an afternoon with them. I love their passion for reaching hurting people! They showed us their ministry....which is quite different, but God is showing His power in both places. Jonathan is doing a great job of leading his family in love and truth.

We saw cornfields and wide open spaces, along with towering expressway mazes in Dallas. But glad to be home after 2400 miles. It's not as hot here.

We went to an auction a few weeks ago and couldn't pass up the chance to bid on a vintage bicycle. We won, with the idea to give it to Luke's girlfriend, Niki. We tentatively presented it to her on Friday, and she was delighted to have this old, clunky treasure. I'm scared about the reliability of the coaster brakes, but she jumped on and didn't seem too worried.

As I was perusing a rummage sale this weekend, I was drawn to a box of dirty, dusty bottles and jars. I ended up buying them, with great intentions to have beautiful flower arrangements spilling out of them. Hmmm...we'll see if that happens! It was fun to wash 'em up, though.

Back in 1999 John started a new business -- an indoor golf driving range. We owned it for 4.5 years, and it was... an experience. The whole adventure was used by God to form and change us. It took us into debt, and then kept losing money. We were flabbergasted when GOD brought someone to buy the business. It was a beautiful relief when we stepped away from it.

A few months ago the owner ended the business, and last week the Dome was deflated and taken away. The first picture shows an optimistic John inside the Dome in April of '99. The second picture was taken last week.

One of the positives of the Dome is the laughter it now brings as the family discusses the "putting up" process. They built and connected and inflated the Dome in January 1999, in sub-zero snow and ice. It was absolutely rough and awful, but John, my Dad, my brother, and our boys like to recollect and hoot and holler about the trial it was.

John's brother Pete recently moved up to a cabin on a beautiful lake in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan. We went to visit yesterday, since brother Dave was visiting from Ohio. A neat time to share in each others lives, and the guys did a little fishing. Gorgeous weather!

Today is Madalyn's birthday. She is 3 years old! This niece is a little sparkplug, filled with energy and spunk. Her favorite phrase is "I can DO it!" So, no need for anyone to open the patio door, help put her clothes on, guide her in a board game, or catch the frog that her dad pulled out of the pond. She put a deathgrip on the frog and then proudly said, "I did it." Maddie and her siblings have been staying at my parents for the past 10 days and it's been fun to be with them. We were encouraging little Zeke to take some steps, and then Maddie steps up and asks, "Auntie Sarah, let ME be the baby." So I open my arms and say, "walk to me, baby" and she runs forward full force and knocks me on my back, hugging tightly and saying, "tickle me!". Such precious moments. HAPPY BIRTHDAY MADDIE!

Luke came home for 2 days! It was nice to chat with him and hear his news. There was a new skate-park close by and he wanted to try it. We stopped by to watch and were reminded of the scrapes, bumps, and crashes that come with skating. Luke is working in Madison, and will start his 4th semester of college in September.

Three glorious days of family time! My 3 siblings were in town and we celebrated my parents 40th anniversary. Here are some highlights: beautiful weather - my 8 nieces and nephews playing outside all day long - dirty faces and feet - Hearing hysterical laughter, then 5 minutes later handling an "owie" or a disagreement - guys constantly giving rides to the kids on the three 4-wheelers - my dad driving the ATV, dragging an innertube around the grass and the kids jumping on to ride - Sprucing up the nearby pond and putting the canoe in - catching frogs and turtles - My mom providing tons of meals and snacks - Fun visiting as we sat around the campfire

The casual anniversary party was a simple, sweet affair. It was a joy to honor our parents love and commitment. We celebrated Ezekiel's 1st birthday, and received the news that my brother Abe and his wife Jessie will expect a fifth child in December!