makin' memories with the mccune's

2010-08-10T14:59:00.006-05:00

This is a video for all of you who prayed and supported us on our trip to Barranquilla, Colombia July 17-24, 2010. We had an amazing time! The Lord opened up the door for us to share the gospel with 1493 people with our team of 23 Americans working with 8 local churches.

2010-04-16T08:41:00.005-05:00

Here is an update with photos:

Kaitlin is so busy at school, powder-puff, relay for life, student council! She is having a wonderful end to her year and she is driving. It has been a huge help! Kaitlin has also been very busy with her youth group and including as many of her school friends in her activities as she can!

She has taken the opportunity many times this year to share the gospel with some kids at school. She has been bold and loving in her opportunities and learning something about herself each time she shares about her faith. We are praying that she would have more opportunities and that she would have more opportunities to talk deeper with those she has already shared with.

Isabelle is busy, as well. She is finishing her Awana book this week, which has been very difficult this year! She will be dancing the wedding march in her ballet recital, she loves playing soccer and continues to make us laugh daily!

Women's Bible study is going very well and I am very excited about the new ladies who are coming to our group. Our little group is meeting for a movie night on Friday. We are going to watch and Esther movie and have some fun! I have invited several ladies from the church who are not involved. Please pray that we might encourage these gals in their walk and their relationships.

This has been a very difficult semester for Mark. He has had back to back very difficult papers, as well as a very busy time with his work at the seminary. PRAISE....His non-thesis thesis is finished(with wonderful detail and guidance for the future), his last and most grueling Hebrew exegetical is complete!!!! Mark still has one more paper and two finals.

Mark is also having the opportunity to teach a class on Bible Study Methods at Lakepointe Church with their singles ministry.

Mark and I have started meeting with the College students during the Sunday School hour. there are many college/young adults in the church who do not have a connection. We are excited to spend time with them. Please pray for us as we come along side these very cool young people and encourage them in ways Mark and I never experienced at their age.

Very exciting PRAYER request.....Mark and Kaitlin are joining a small team traveling to Baranquilla, Columbia this July. They will travel with E3Partners. They will be sharing the gospel, using the evangecube through neighborhoods with individual translators. They will partner with several churches and pastors to have follow up with the people! They are very excited. Please pray for them as they prepare their hearts. Please pray also for their prayer and financial support raising process. We are planning a large yard sale in the beginning of May and have a few other ideas. I am thrilled for this opportunity for Kaitlin and I am thrilled she will get to experience this opportunity with her dad!

2010-04-16T08:28:00.003-05:00

Its been a while but if you are still reading this then you will appreciate how busy our lives have been.

It is April 16 2010 we have had a crazy year. Mark has been finishing Hebrew the last 2 years at DTS (2009-10), by far the most challenging and demanding courses he has taken to date. Kaitlin has been growing and maturing into a beautiful young woman. We are so proud of her and the way she handles adversity and disappointments in life with perseverance and optimism. She received her drivers license and has been a great help to us in many ways. She is always reaching out to friends that are hurting and is a great big sister to Isabelle. Izzy is growing fast, loosing teeth dancing like a wild woman in her Ballet classes. She loves to swing in the backyard draw and write. She is getting better at reading every day and has a sweet sensitive heart. Michele is keeping the family together. She loves us all very sacrificially cooking great meals, doing laundry till midnight and beyond. She helps the girls with homework and shuttles them to practices and more. All the while she is working part time and teaching Walk Thru the Bible seminars. She has really taken off this year teaching in Kansas, Dallas, Houston, and El Paso. There are more coming up and she is fantastic as you might imagine.

2008-11-30T15:46:00.002-06:00

We took Aunt Katy to all the Dallas hot spots...

2008-11-30T15:41:00.003-06:00

The end of Spring 08 also brought with it the gfraduation from 8th grade! Here are some pictures from Kaitlin's Jr High graduation at church.

2008-11-30T15:04:00.007-06:00

The next big event was at the end of May. Isabelle's 1st dance recital. Aunt Katy came out to se her neice following in her footsteps!

Thank you Aunt Katy for making Isabelles dream of dancing come true!!!

Daddy was in the recital too. A little thing they leave out when you sign up. :)

Isabelle is the third one from the right.

2008-11-08T10:36:00.006-06:00

The end of May 2008 also brought with it Kaitlin's Spring Choir Concert. It was held at Rowlett Highschool and they did a great job.

The 1st big treat of this week was that Aunt Katy was able to come for a visit!

Isabelle was excited to be in all the pictures.

Our good friends and neighbors down the street Jerry and Michelle Busch were in attendance as their daughter Makayla was also in the choir.

2008-10-26T00:28:00.006-05:00

Right after her Team Soccer Party Isabelle rushed off to a real live Princess Birthday Party.

It took very little imagination for Isabelle to get into character.

2008-10-26T00:10:00.007-05:00

The Starlets 1st season came to a close at the end of May. They had a rough 1st season being the youngest most inexperienced group in the league.

A memorable moment in their very 1st game of the season came right after the kickoff all the parents started yelling encouraging words and cheering for the Starlets. The problem was all of us parents never yelled like that in practice before so it really scared the girls to hear every Mom & Dad yelling as loud as they could. A couple of the girls (Izzy included) started crying and lost their desire to play. It occurred to me later usually when Mom and Dads are yelling it's a bad thing needless to say they were gun shy the whole 1st half. What a crazy way to start the season.

After half time they figured it out but I will never forget that 1st kick off and how the girls all kept looking at the parents as if to say stop yelling I'm trying to play!!!!

The team celebrated the successful end of their season with a pizza party at Double Dave's Pizza. Buffet pizza and games.
They all received trophy's and everyone left stuffed!!!

The Starlets and Coach Dan!!!

2008-10-25T14:53:00.007-05:00

We are still behind for posting this years events and photos. So these photos pick up from the last event of May this year with Kaitlin going to her 8th grade Dance. It was her 1st formal dance and all her friends were excited.

Kaitlin's cousin Lauren was flying to Thailand on her way to a mission trip for six weeks. She landed just an hour before the dance. She was more than happy to help Kaitlin get ready for the Big Night!!!

With Izzy looking on Kaitlin had a great time being the center of attention trying to make everything just right for her 1st formal dance.

Putting on the final touches!!!

The bracelets that Kaitlin is wearing were a special gift from Lauren that she brought with her to give Kaitlin on her special night. (You are super cool Lauren!)

The final Product was "our little girl is all grown up". Michele volunteered as a chaperone so she was dressed up to go to the dance.

Katy (on the left) Kaitlin and Shelly. These are the girls who live on the street.

Michele drove to the dance separately and Kaitlin rode with her gal-pals from school to the dance driven by one of their moms in a much cooler car than the McCune mini-van.

They all had a ball dancing and being wild 8th graders!!!

2008-09-04T20:34:00.007-05:00

Back to L.A.!!!

I was sent to LA in the beginning of May to participate in a media conference for DTS. I was asked by DTS to treat some alumni in the area to a lunch. So I asked the guys from COD if they were hungry!!! They're always hungry.

Pictured from left to right Tom Townsend, Scott Dodson, David Anderson.

All three of these men have built into my spiritual development while Michele and I were in L.A.

Reg Grant and I went up to the Angeles National Forest before we spent the day on the CBS lot NY City street scene.

After my conference at CBS Studio I was able to catch up with my best friend from growing up John and his family Cheri, and their two girls Kay and Laney.

Oh yeah this is me trying to be Cool with a little help from John's Mini Cooper!

After hangin with John and Cheri I raced for a fast vist with our dear friends Lee & Crystal Wigglesworth. You remember them from their 2005 Thanksgiving visit with the Berkmans.

Their sons are all grown up and Tyler enters BIOLA University as a music major and Blake is leading a student prayer group at his Jr. High School.

2008-09-04T20:18:00.004-05:00

AWANA!!!

Isabelle finished another year in AWANA. She graduated from being a Cubbie.

Her teacher was Jenni Lin. She had a great year with Mrs. Jenni Lin.

2008-09-02T18:44:00.004-05:00

Isabelle was able to show off her new play house!

Papa climed the tree in the backyard and made a swing for the girls!!!

2008-09-02T18:26:00.005-05:00

We had a full weekend while MIMI & PAPA were here.

We went to 2 soccer games!!!

Izzy was trying to stay out of the wind with Mimi.

Isabelle wanted to be number 18 just like her big sister.

PAPA helps Isabelle warm up before her big game.

Isabelle had a great game and she actually scored a goal!!!

Kaitlin also had a great game playing Goalie and midfeilder.

2008-09-01T12:38:00.003-05:00

Then in April MIMI & PAPA paid us a visit. They spent Spring Break with us and Izzy learned how to ride her bike with hr PAPA!!

IZZY with her sister chasing!!!

2008-09-01T11:00:00.002-05:00

IZZY playing hard in her soccer game this past spring.

2008-09-01T10:46:00.003-05:00

In April we had a wonderful treat. We went to a Dallas Desperados Arena Football game. Brian and Carolyn Russell invited us to got to the game with them at the American Airlines Center. Their two boys Ethan (the oldest) and Jacob had fun entertaining Isabelle. The Desperados won we hada great time.
Thank you Brian and Carolyn!!!
Ethan and Izzy.
Probably the biggest attration for the kids was getting to ride the DART from Garland into downtown Dallas.

2008-09-01T10:11:00.004-05:00

This EASTER moment is brought to you by our easter egg hunting at the Gressette's house.

We did have fun with the three family's the Goodyear's, Gressette's and the McCunes.

(Left Back) Josheph Gressette, Nathan Gressette, Kaitlin, (Front Left) Sara Elizabeth Gressette, Andrew Goodyear, Isabelle, Ben Goodyear

2008-09-01T10:04:00.003-05:00

Christ has Risen....HE HAS RISEN INDEED!

We had a great Easter morning followed up by going to church at Waterbrook Fellowship.

2008-09-01T09:50:00.004-05:00

HAPPY BIRTHDAY KAITLIN!!!
Kaitlin turned 14 March 17, 2008. The little tradition we started with Kaitlin when she was three is that we decorated her bedroom while she slept. This was the first year that she caught us.

Her best friends came over and we had some cake and presents. The big hit was the big hat!

2008-07-09T23:52:00.002-05:00

Izzy shows off her dancing moves for Momma.

2008-07-09T23:43:00.005-05:00

March in Dallas was crazy this year!!!
We were hit with a freak snow storm. There was very little accumulation but we ran outside to enjoy it nonetheless .

However in the morning there was just enough for a little Snowman for Izzy.

2008-07-09T23:41:00.001-05:00

The center of the family room is a favorite play area for Izzy. After a hard afternoon of play she decided that she and her baby both needed a nap, and so she made a bed for them both on the coffee table.

2008-06-22T15:47:00.006-05:00

Isabelle's 5th Birthday!!! February 18, 2008

Since this is the year of dancing for Isabelle we had her birthday Party at her Dance studio!

2008-05-18T09:31:00.002-05:00

Isabelle is dancing at Dance class! This was taken in February and we are all very excited about the upcoming recital coming in May. Until then here is a sneak peak at what they are working on!

2008-05-18T09:26:00.002-05:00

February started right where January left off with a visitor from Church of the Open Door. Our friend Brad Forester was in Dallas on a business trip and he made time for us after a grueling three days at a convention. We were in a small group back in Glendora, CA and have grown close over the past few years. Yet another heart tug and reminder of how special our church in CA is to us and how much we miss everyone. God is so faithful to bring us friends that we have been so close to over so many years. It is like shade and cool water on a long walk. We miss you Brad.

2008-04-21T10:42:00.005-05:00

All I can say about this is that we have really loved watching the new Hair Spray movie. Kaitlin and her friends sing all the songs and Isabelle has taken their lead. We took Paul to Bass Pro, he is a huge fishing fan, and Isabelle loves the boats. So as we were leaving Isabelle had to sing the opening song in Hair Spray doing what she loves to do play in the boats at Bass Pro.

2008-04-21T10:14:00.002-05:00

In the middle of January Paul "Paully" Menetry came for a visit. He is a dear friend of our from CA and our home church C.O.D.

Isabelle had fun with our visit to the giant herd statue downtown Dallas.

2008-04-18T07:45:00.002-05:00

January began with a bang and with the Science Fair.

Kaitlin did a great job and we are always amazed

at how much fun she ends up having as she works out her experiment!

This year it was about stain removal....

She got one of the First place ribbons at her school,

headed to Districts and got an honorable mention,

and then on to Regionals for actual interviews by the judges....

We are so proud of her and so happy science fair is a choice in high school...

2008-04-13T08:00:00.001-05:00

BIG 10 VS BIG 12 in the Alamo Bowl.

We planned to go to San Antonio in October before they announced who was playing. Jon and Kathy bought two tickets for Jon and I to see the bowl game. Jon was thrilled when Penn State was choosen to represent the Big 10.

2008-04-13T00:29:00.009-05:00

After all the presents were opened we cleaned up and the next day we headed for a weekend in San Antonio!

How many Michele's & Isabelle's can you find?

We stopped off to see the Alamo!

Then we headed right for the Riverwalk!

We enjoyed a River walk Boat Ride and tour.

Then we had a great lunch in this restaurant that was full of stuffed animals.

2008-04-13T00:19:00.003-05:00

Christmas morning 2007 was a big hit!

Kaitlin enjoyed a Pirates of the Caribbean theme!

While Izzy got a horse of course!

2008-04-10T22:36:00.003-05:00

Isabelle loves to visit the Bass Pro Shop near our house and play on the boats. She managed to take a break from the boats for just a minute to sit on Santa's knee.

2008-04-10T22:20:00.002-05:00

Right before Christmas Mimi and Papa came to celebrate Christmas with us. The first stop was a Christmas party at the Shepherd School where Isabelle attends preschool. Kathy (Mimi), Ms. Elizabeth (Director of the school), Michele and Kaitlin.

Isabelle with Mimi and her teacher Ms. Nicole.

2008-04-07T22:57:00.003-05:00

This artistic moment is brought to you by our Dancing sponsor Aunt Katy!!!

Here is a quick peek at Isabelle at dance class.

2008-04-07T22:38:00.004-05:00

December of 2007 marked yet another COD East campus event for us as we were visited by a very dear friend of ours from CA. Laura Woodruff came to spend a few days with us.
She has helped us move everytime we have moved. She has been our dedicated house sitter when we have taken vacations while living in CA, and served as Baghera's surrogate mommy while we were away. The bond between them is still strong.

Needless to say we had many laughs with Laura.

She is just as silly as the girls!!!

We took Laura to our favorite Texas home cookin restaurant "BABES!!!" When you come and visit we will take you there too!

2008-03-29T18:14:00.001-05:00

This was our Thanksgiving in Canon Beach. Thank you again Peter and Carrie. Thank you Ed & Judy for loving on us and investing so deeply into our lives.

2008-03-29T18:11:00.001-05:00

Katlin and her pastor, Ed.

Kaitlin adopted Ed's grand-daughters.

Mark saying goodbye to Judy.

We love Ed & Judy Underwood.

2008-03-29T18:06:00.001-05:00

The Ladies

And the Men.

2008-03-29T18:01:00.003-05:00

We started the long process of goodbyes as we said good bye to the Uderwoods and Bocks as the Berkmans and the McCunes were heading to Portland to fly home in the morning.

Isabelle and her best buddies Nathan and Jasmine. (Rys and Sandy's little ones)

Me and Pete.

2008-03-29T17:51:00.002-05:00

After the Sunday morning session we were able to just hang out and laugh with one another and at one another. We had such amazing fellowship. Wheter it was the Nertz tournaments till 2-3 AM or the great dinner conversations, or the late night ice cream. Everyone came away blessed and filled to the brim.

2008-03-29T17:48:00.001-05:00

We all pillied into the dinning hall for a close and cozy Thanksgiving dinner. Norm & Patty Anderson drove into to join the retreat and have dinner with us. Great meal, great friends and great dessert.

2008-03-29T17:45:00.002-05:00

Sisters.

2008-03-29T17:43:00.000-05:00

2008-03-29T17:38:00.004-05:00

Cannon Beach is a very special place. If you can ever make the trip I recommend it.

Izzy chasing daddy.

Isabelle developed pink eye, Michele and I had come down with terrible colds and Kaitlin was fighting getting sick, but when the sun came out we sucked it up and went for a wonderful few hours on the beach. We were blessed by the Berkmans who spoiled us by bringing us up to Cannon Beach for this retreat at the Cannon Beach Christian Conference Center and then God blessed us with a great family memories this afternoon.

We really enjoyed our time as a family and with our dear friends.

2008-03-29T17:34:00.004-05:00

The retreat Center is also part of Ecola.
A 1 year Bible school that focuses on applying Biblical knowledge to the lives of its students. The students not only study in class but they serve and do missions trips. It's a great idea for teens not quite ready for college or for those who want to get some great fundamental theology training under their belt before they head out into secular universities.

2008-03-29T17:30:00.003-05:00

Kaitlin and Celia had a great time. They were able to get caught up. Celia was Kaitlins babysitter and is now discipling her. Kaitlin loves having a psudeo big sis that has grown up as a pastors daughter. Some one who totally understands all the anxiety and fears she is experiencing as her dad (me) wraps up studying at DTS and will be moving into ministry full time in the coming years.

2008-03-29T17:23:00.004-05:00

We arrived at Cannon Beach and this was the view from our window onto the beach. It was awesome! The retreat center was wonderful with great amenities but relaxed. The little town is not too crowded with tourist, and has some great restautants and wonderful art galleries. If you look real close you can see Kaitlin wrote her name in the sand!

2008-03-29T17:21:00.001-05:00

This is the river that runs right across the street from where we were staying at Rys and Sandy's.

2008-01-05T16:19:00.000-06:00

One last picture and then off to Cannon Beach!

Thank you Rys and Sandy for opening you beautiful Oregon home

to us! We had a wonderful time and you couldn't have been

better hosts! I still need that Lemon Chicken recipe!

2008-01-05T16:11:00.000-06:00

We girls had a great breakfast together at a gorgeous lodge.

What a fun morning!

Later that afternoon, Lori opened a salon in the entry

of Sandy's home!Everyone of us got a haircut!

It was definitely a huge need for our family and

all three of the McCune girls went

home feeling "Oh so pretty"!

Thank you Lori!

HAIRCUTS BY LORI!

2008-01-05T16:06:00.000-06:00

SKATERS!

NON SKATERS!

Peter actually did skate for about 20 minutes....

Then he became the photographer.

2008-01-05T16:01:00.000-06:00

Ice Skating fun had by all! Lori wasn't really skating...but she couldn't stand to see Isabelle struggling. So she helped her out! Thanks Lori!

2008-01-05T15:45:00.000-06:00

Imagine three families, breakfast, showers, a quick picture and loading up vehicles all before church! One of our missionary families at Church of the Open Door pastor a small church in La Pine. We were able to attend and see Loy and Dian in their church! It was very special visit!

2008-01-05T15:35:00.000-06:00

Oh yes....boys will be boys.....Rys, Adam and Mark.

I would call it bonding time. Ask one of them about what goes in the nose?

Adam, Ryan, Jasmine, Kaitlin, Miranda, Isabelle and Nathan

2008-01-05T15:31:00.000-06:00

Game Time...Apples to Apples and reading some books!
Kaitlin and Nathan had fun with the olives!

2008-01-05T15:25:00.000-06:00

The first 5 days in Oregon we were at the Fairbrother home in Sun River. We had a great time enjoying each other, playing games, eating, ice skating, shopping and laughing!

Rys took the girls on a walk to the river one afternoon. They had a fun time. Earlier it had flurried and they had fun catching snow flakes on their tongue.

2008-01-04T21:32:00.000-06:00

I realize it is January.....I have fallen behind on our blog.....the holidays have a way of doing that....I need to fill you in on the most refreshing and encouraging time we got to spend with friends in Oregon over Thanksgiving. I am having a difficult time choosing which pictures to post on the blog. As I look at the 500+ pictures I just smile with memories. I want to show them all to you! The smiles and the laughter and of course you will see the love.

The name given to this group of friends who call each other family is "Thanksgiving Club 2007". This trip was an absolute gift from God and His servants! I cannot in a few words describe the meaning of our trip to you....however Mark painted a beautiful picture when he said, "We were like drift wood washed up on the beach when we arrived and when we left we were firmly planted evergreens." I would add our evergreens were strong and fragrant.

The five families (not to be confused with The Godfather) who helped to revive us were The Berkmans, Fairbrothers, Bocks, Underwoods (Newkirk and Ronnow) and the Andersons. The tune rattling in my heart is from I John 4:10 "In this is love, not that we loved God, but that He loved us and sent His Son, to satisfy our sins." I count it all joy to call these families brothers and sisters in Christ, and I praise God for His perfect timing and love.

Enjoy the pictures...and remember the joy!

2007-11-29T13:41:00.000-06:00

Here is the save Kailtin made for the shoot out!

2007-11-29T11:16:00.000-06:00

THE ROWLETT CUP!

A few weeks ago The American Girls played an

amazing game of soccer! The game ended in a tie

and immediately went into a sudden death shoot out.

Kaitlin was in goal and let me tell you....this Mom

thought I would loose my stomach contents on the

sideline! Kaitlin did and amazing job as goalie and her team

won by one! We couldn't be more proud. It was a sweet victory!

2007-11-29T11:10:00.000-06:00

We had a great opportunity to go on a hay ride with our spiritual formation group at DTS. We laughed, made hot dogs and marshmallows over the open fire. The kids had a great time. There is nothing like a beautiful day, fresh air and giggling children! I am referring to the kids not the parents!

2007-11-29T10:56:00.000-06:00

Introducing...KIM POSSIBLE!

Isabelle has got the moves.
She was kicking and posing all
over the place! She and Sarah had
a great time. Our evening was busy.
Trick or Treating, visiting a friends
outreach, more trick or treating and
inviting the neighbors in for cake and
fresh roasted pumpkin seeds. Big Fun!

2007-10-30T00:13:00.000-05:00

"I am making fresh pie!

So that all my friends can come over and have dinner"

After we finished the pumpkin carving,

Isabelle made great use of the leftovers!

2007-10-29T23:52:00.000-05:00

TA DA!

The finished product....a happy pumpkin named Esmeralda!

2007-10-29T23:40:00.000-05:00

FALL HAS ARRIVED!
The weather is absolutely perfect! The sky is clear, the humidity is gone and the temperature is about 75....beautiful! We headed off to the little pumpkin patch with Isabelle. She has an respiratory infection but she needed to get out! She had a great time posing and was very excited about making a happy face on the pumpkin we chose. I loved that she put her hand right into the pumpkin and she loved picking out the "peanuts". She can't remember to say seeds. Oh, I know it looks like Kaitlin must live in her jersey, but the whole team wore them to school today as a celebration!

2007-10-29T23:16:00.000-05:00

TYLER TOURNAMENT CHAMPIONS!

The girls won their division....and the Big Trophies.

I think the war paint and the red and white hair paint was cool,

and the girls loved it!

Great Job American Girls!

2007-10-29T23:08:00.000-05:00

SOCCER ANYONE?

The American Girls played a tournament in Tyler TX this weekend. There were 12 teams in the U14 division......The girls had a blast! They played hard, laughed hard and had a great time kickin back together between games! Isabelle had a great time with Chris...they played hard, laughed hard and chased each other too!

2007-10-25T13:44:00.000-05:00

FALL CONCERT 2007
Kaitlin and Katie had their first concert Friday.
It was so fun to hear the Treble Select Choir.
The girls looked so beautiful in their dresses.
Kaitlin continued to tell us how much she did NOT
like the dress. Yet she twirled the whole time she was
wearing it! Isabelle wanted to get dressed up too!

2007-10-18T11:02:00.000-05:00

The fun and laughter of a good ride!

Thank you Mimi and Papa for a great day at the Fair!

2007-10-18T10:58:00.000-05:00

Isabelle loved the petting zoo.....and she was thrilled "I didn't get hives and get allergic" she exclaimed!

We were also fascinated by the pig.....1500 pounds of pork.

2007-10-18T10:55:00.000-05:00

The girls had a great time pretending at the Car Show....

2007-10-18T10:49:00.000-05:00

TEXAS STATE FAIR

Off to the Fair....where everything is BIG and FRIED!

I am not kidding you....fried cheesecake, lattes and coke!

Not to mention the Human Cannonball!

How do they do that?

This is our family picture in front of Big Tex at the entrance.

(picture includes Mikayla-one of Kaitlin's good friends)

2007-10-12T00:29:00.000-05:00

Here are some great Lady Falcon plays by Kaitlin!

By the way....Kaitlin is #12.

2007-10-12T00:22:00.000-05:00

After peeking through a small window for six weeks....

I got to observe! I watched and videoed ballet, tumbling

balance beam and tap! I love the expression tap brings out in the dancers!

2007-10-11T23:44:00.000-05:00

KAITLIN GOT A CELL PHONE!

Mark and I held off as long as we could on the whole cell phone thing....

then 8th grade and Volleyball took off and she was so busy and schedules changed so quickly....

It was time for her safety and our peace of mind! She is on the phone with Mimi and Papa as the phone is on their plan! Of course, Isabelle needs to be just like Sissy, so my phone is filled with pictures too!

Why do they grow up so fast?

2007-10-11T23:25:00.000-05:00

Kaitlin made the Volleyball team this year.

She is really improving her skills and playing very well!

We couldn't be more proud as she is also maintaining a heavy load

at school and pulling great grades!

2007-10-11T23:19:00.000-05:00

ISABELLE'S FIRST DAY AT DANCE CLASS!

Oh the blessing of Aunt Katie to provide dance lessons for Isabelle.

She is thriving, graceful and a very quick learner!

Everything in her day is set to a beat and a dance.

She could hear a car drive by with loud music and break into a dance!

2007-10-11T23:16:00.000-05:00

Where would girls be without a camera, smiles and friends?

This was at a Youth event.....crazy friends who sing 'Hairspray' songs all the time!

2007-10-11T23:10:00.000-05:00

FIRST DAY OF SCHOOL!

Kaitlin started school the end of August.

It was another year of lots of supplies and changes with friends.

Aah, Junior High Memories.....

Grandma Dee Dee was here for the fun.

She spoiled Kaitlin with some school shopping and Izzy too!

I was so glad I got to spend some time with her too!

She got to go to Sunday School class with us and hear Mark teach....

2007-10-11T23:05:00.000-05:00

Mark and Kaitlin' Adventures.......

While Izzy and I were in Pennsylvania, Mark's Mom came to Texas to work on a project with Mark. Dianne is an educator, see her website @ http://www.drdiannephd.com/video/

They worked on a project called 'William the Adventurer'.

I was so glad she was here as Mark meandered down a new path of adventure...

called KIDNEY STONE!

Dianne drove him to the hospital and was here with Kaitlin.

So sorry no pictures to share.......

2007-10-11T17:52:00.000-05:00

Off to the River!
We loaded up Mimi and took a ride on the famous Millersburg Ferry Boat!
The Ferry is over 100 years old and is a true paddle wheel.
Isabelle would not get our of the car and look around......Then we went to one of our favorite places to eat......The Red Rabbit, an old fashioned car hop!
The next day we headed home to Texas.

2007-10-11T15:32:00.000-05:00

ISABELLE

THE

BRIDE!

Isabelle and I had a fun afternoon playing with Mommy's wedding gown. She loved the beads, the hat and the train. What a special memory for me....and Isabelle too!

2007-10-11T15:19:00.000-05:00

We were able to visit my Great Grandmother! She turned 100 on September 30th! Grams is so special, she always has something to give to Isabelle....a piece of candy and a some coins.....Isabelle thinks she is funny and she loves her wheelchair!

2007-10-11T15:03:00.000-05:00

After about a week Mimi was sooo ready
to get out and around! Isabelle was a
great helper and out to dinner we went!

2007-10-11T14:57:00.000-05:00

We visited with family....Mimi and Kara both were on the mend! Isabelle and Olivia had a ball laughing and playing and I enjoyed a visit with Jodie.

2007-10-11T14:49:00.000-05:00

Isabelle and Papa had Big Adventures!
Carnival, ATV rides, Swimming, Skipping rocks at the river and Chuck E Cheese!

2007-10-11T14:31:00.000-05:00

ISABELLE'S SAFARI
When Isabelle realized we were going to Mimi and Papa's house, she was thrilled! She thought she was going to go on a Safari and see the animals just like her Sissy! Well, there just happens to be Tobias' Animal Farm close by.....Papa even got Isabelle camouflage shorts for her big Safari!

Well, the fun was over when my Dad called to say they were at the First Aid Station. Isabelle was having a severe reaction from the petting zoo! He raced her home and she drank Benadryl and had a bath and a great nap! All better and ready for the next adventure!

2007-10-11T11:54:00.000-05:00

First order of business....Dress up anyone?
Do you notice how Mimi is the one smiling, all the while in pain.....
and then there is Papa......

2007-10-11T11:40:00.000-05:00

IZZY AND MOM HEAD TO PENNSYLVANIA

My Mom had a knee replacement surgery

and I headed home to help take care of her,

I took Izzy home to play with my Dad.

She helped my Mom feel pretty good too!

2007-10-09T22:45:00.000-05:00

WALK THRU THE BIBLE TRAINING

http://www.walkthru.org/

While the girls were in Ohio having a great time,

Mark and I were in Atlanta becoming Walk Thru The Bible instructors.

Walk Thru is a wonderful ministry!

We learned to take all the stories from the Old Testament and place them into the BIG picture.

We use hand signs to teach the 77 major people, places

and events of the Old Testament,and to tell all the corny and fun jokes!

We met some wonderful new friends

and were deeply challenged in our personal walk with God.

2007-10-09T14:30:00.000-05:00

CREATION MUSEUM, Cincinnati OH
Last summer we visited the museum in the construction phase. This summer we visited the museum in full operation. Once again we had an special tour from Tom, Carol and Charlie. If you are ever around the Cincinnati area, please take a day and go to this museum, it is a wonderful look at the book of Genesis and God's perfect plan for creation. It is very well done and rivals any museum you have ever visited!

2007-10-09T14:15:00.000-05:00

Grandmother Locke and Mark

One of the highlights of this visit....

Mark was invited to preach at his Grandmother's church,

a small Missionary Baptist Church in The Plains, OH.

Grandmother Locke will turn 90 in May of 2008.

It was a proud moment for her to hear and see her grandson

give a heartfelt message from Zechariah.

2007-10-09T14:05:00.000-05:00

NERTZ ANYONE?

Our visit was just about over when the card sharks realized....GASP!

They had not played NERTZ!!!!

So....a game quickly broke out!

I think Aunt Lynda and Kaitlin remained at the table the longest!

Aunt Katie, Aunt Beth(in the background) and Michele

got to play a few rounds here and there!

Kaitlin actually won!!!

(Which was surprising to Kaitlin as Aunt Beth distracted her with the drumming of her nails and Aunt Lynda who can carry on a conversation with the room and still play distracted her also!)

In fact, she was so pleased she has the score paper

in a prominent place in her bedroom!

2007-10-09T13:51:00.000-05:00

MORE GREAT PICTURES OF FAMILY FUN!
We got to spend some time with family we don't get to see very often, but would love to spend more time with!

Aunt Shirley and Uncle Chuck came for a great visit, the kids all performed and laughed and shared what they had done this past year....

We also got to visit with Scott, Katherine and Harper! This was our first time to meet Harper. It made our hearts very sad that we don't get to spend more time together.

2007-10-09T13:30:00.000-05:00

As Isabelle walked this cow
down the lane, she leaned over and licked Isabelle's entire face! She laughed and kept walking.....What a great day with the cows....

2007-10-09T13:22:00.000-05:00

"The Farmer in the Dell, The Farmer in the Dell,
Hi-Ho the Dairy-O, The Farmer in the Dell."
We got to spend a few hours on the Dairy Farm down the road.
The kids loved it! The adults talked about how hard farmers work for the food we buy and little they are compensated.....
Anyway, the cousins fed baby calves, drank fresh milk, posed for pictures, raced with the dog and asked a lot of questions.

The cousins.....from oldest to youngest, I just noticed that!
Kaitlin, Joshua, Adam, Isabelle and Rachael!

2007-10-09T12:54:00.000-05:00

SUMMER 2007 FUN IN OHIO!

We were able head to Ohio for a few days of fun in July!

Who wants a ride in the Kubota?

Kaitlin got to drive this year and so did Mark!

Fishing, playing cards, laughing with family and beautiful land;

there is no better way to enjoy each other in the summertime!

Thank you Uncle Don and Aunt Lynda!

2007-09-09T01:31:00.000-05:00

KAITLIN'S FUN IN PENNSYLVANIA

Kaitlin and her cousins......Alaina, Kara and Olivia.
They had fun hanging out and spending time together.

2007-09-09T01:28:00.000-05:00

HELLO AMERICA!

Back in Pennsylvania....

Kaitlin and her girl Shea.

2007-09-09T01:26:00.000-05:00

GOODBYE ZANZIBAR......

Sunset in Zanzibar.....