Friday, February 5, 2010

The Brave Warrior


Silas loves playing with his horses. He often enjoys lining up his animals for a parade. We have enjoyed watching him in his quiet and shy moments when he expresses great creativity and imagination. It's interesting how quickly a parade can become a battle procession. His latest battle included colliding with our brick fireplace. Silas didn't cry much even though we had to go to the ER to get the gash on the back of his head glued shut. He is our brave little warrior.






The Elf Scientist

Isaac was totally enthralled with elves this past Christmas season. Santa Clause 2 and Prep and Landing gave him plenty to think about. Here, he is modeling his "night vision goggles" that equip him to see in dark homes at night. While Sarah and I weren't sure he could see at all, he assured us that his sunglasses with paper tubes were perfect for seeing children who were still up as Santa was about to arrive. Silas's "night vision goggles" were similar, but had the added feature of a small battery powered votive candle taped just above the bridge of his sunglasses. His version, while certainly providing more light, were so heavy, they kept falling off his face. While he worked hard to convince us he could see great, the evidence proved otherwise when he walked into his brother with the paper tubes.





Madeline laughs

Well I do seem a little obnoxious in this video, but it is fun to hear Madeline laugh!

The Angels in Heaven say, "Hey, look at that!"



We dedicated Madeline to the Lord on January 31, 2010. My pastoral mentor, Rev. Bud Pugh, did the dedication. He is the pastor who dedicated both the boys here at Coquille too. Sometimes pastoring is discouraging because you try to keep track of sheep. Ocasionally it is good to do something (like dedicating your daughter) that reminds you to be obedient because your just a sheep too. This dedication was so special because the boys were active in dedicating Madeline. It was just a good thing!

Thursday, December 31, 2009

Meet Kerwin

Our new white's tree frog was the highlight for the boys (and for Scott). When we were choosing a name, Isaac decided to combine the last names of our favorite biologists: Jim Kern and Steve Irwin => Kerwin. This kind of frog is considered "tameable" and a great frog for beginners. She is bright green during the day and muddy brown at night. Since she is so big, we enjoy holding her and watching her climb around in her terrarium. Occasionally, we take her out to feed her some crickets. She eats 4-6 of them a week. She's pretty low maintenance and we think it is really cool to have a live amphibian in the house! It's also nice to bring more balance to the girl/boy ratio in our home :)

Christmas Morning

Our Thirty Gallon Aqarium and stand was covered in Christmas paper and bows. The boys woke up on Christmas morning, came into our room dejected because there were no gifts under the tree. "Are you sure," I asked. "Well there weren't any last night," Isaac responded. When we walked out to the living room together and that huge package was there along with the gifts from grandmas, grandpas, aunts, uncles, and church family, all they could say was WOW! They wanted to open the big one first - and we let them. They guessed it was a big candy cane. When they opened it and it was a pet frog - it became the "best Christmas ever" according to Isaac.

Wednesday, November 25, 2009

Book Review: Let's Get Together

My best friend from high school has authored his first book, and it's a good one. In the first five chapters of this quick read, Gabe Lett has articulated well the problem with community in the church. The final five chapters are principled solutions to the problem of why we don't live together as God has called us to. While the book is grounded in scripture and ideas, Lett offers practical solutions as well. When I was leading a small group in Kansas City, we read Life Together by Bonhoeffer. Some friends in the group found it difficult to wade through. Here is an alternative (in modern language with up to date ideas) that seriously adresses similar issues (but in the American Church context). In my opinion, this is a GREAT read for any person in the church who wonders why "connecting" and "belonging" have been elusive in their quest for Christ. More importantly, this book offers hope that it is still possible.