by Heather | 0 comments
In June I took the kids to Chase farm to pick strawberries. We had a bunch growing in our garden, but it’s always fun to go somewhere and pick a little bit too. I honestly think they ate more than they picked, but it was a fun sunny morning together. They enjoyed the tractor ride out and seeing the goats there too.
We also had cookie ice cream sandwiches afterwards! Thankful I get to do little things like this with them!
by Heather | 0 comments
Cassidy had her first dentist appointment! She’s watched Ben a few times and was wonderful when it came to her turn. They counted her teeth (which she thought was great, she loves counting) and even did a full cleaning and flossing.
The “water fountain” was the best part though!
by Heather | 0 comments
So, apparently I’m several months behind on posts :) We spent Memorial weekend at my mom and Paul’s cottage, it was such a perfect start to summer!
by Heather | 0 comments
I love it when friends try scary things…and then succeed at them! Jen I’m so proud of all your hard work! I hope you’re having fun :)
by Heather | 0 comments
Our little church plant had its last service today (location issues, not enough people attending and just not financially viable to stay open). So many emotions! We started our journey 4 years ago and have grown so much with the team that became family. I feel sad, but don’t regret a single thing.
A few pictures from our last building (4th one in 4 years, not including all the homes we met in) as we painted and prepped for services.
What I shared in service today:
Curtis and Eileen, thank you for being faithful and coming to NY to plant a church. I know it didn’t turn out how any of us thought, but your leadership and friendship over the past 4 years has been something I’ll treasure. What you helped plant in my heart and my faith is something I’ll be able to share with my kids and take with us on the next part of our family’s journey.
Curtis, I’m just blown away by your always-ready willingness to serve others. I don’t know another pastor who would get down on hands and knees and do childcare for our moms group. Out of necessity, yes…but you did it every single time. I’m so thankful for your leadership, hard work and perseverance.
Eileen, thank you for showing me how a strong woman can be in ministry. Thank you for your friendship, your hit-the-nail-on-the-head preaching and your openness. Always willing to listen, show compassion and just being yourself. Please don’t ever stop being you, I like you.
Justin, I hope Ben grows up to be like you. You’re a kind, compassionate leader and I loved seeing you succeed at pretty much everything you tried a hand at up here. Listen for God’s move first, and then follow him with everything you’ve got. You’re going to be an awesome husband and dad some day!
Jeremy, thank you for being so awesome with my kids! Whether it was at Mops, Kid’s church or just at your house, they always looked forward to their time with you. Ben prays any time one of his friends gets a boo-boo because you modeled that for him.
Josh, thanks for sharing your legos with the kids and reading with them. Ben still wants to find a kid’s version of “The Hobbit” because you introduced him to chapter books. Also, thanks for diligently helping with set up, mops, kids church and everything else I’m sure you got “dragged” into, but did anyway!
Jaeleya, you’ve always been so welcoming and made us feel special every time we see you…like there’s no one else you’d rather see! That and your smile are some of your beautiful strengths. Keep figuring out who you are in God as his daughter and princess, totally accepted and completely secure.
To the whole family: You might be scared and incredibly overwhelmed but God says “I am with you, I want you to follow my lead. This will be a ride but if you trust me you’ll soar.” Also, guys, don’t be afraid to pastor again, it’s in your DNA. Love you guys!
Here’s to the next chapter!
by Heather | 3 Comments
Andy and I made our annual trip to Indian Lake Islands in the Adirondacks. My parents watched the kids for two days and his parents had them for two days, so it was just us for the adventure.
We stopped at a cute cafe in town before heading to our campsite.
There are 51 campsites (only accessible by boat) on Indian Lake. They’re run and maintained by the DEC.
We piled all our equipment in the canoe and headed out. Andy got a small outboard motor for it a few years ago so we didn’t have to paddle as much on long trips. Except…this year…The water level of the lake was pretty low and we were trying to stay out of the middle of the lake (avoiding the larger boats) and the motor hit a rock. It made the worst “Cuh-chink” sound, I turned around and saw Andy grabbing the motor as it broke off its mount and started to fall into the lake. Ahhhhhhh! Luckily he saved it from falling in but as much as he tried he couldn’t get it to work again while we were in the water. So we paddled, the 2+ hours down the lake to our campsite. Call it a bonding experience…
At least it was pretty and a seriously beautiful day!
We finally arrived at our site and started unloading the canoe.
We set up the tent, our equipment, got a fire going for dinner and explored a little.
It was too late and we were too tired to do anything about the motor that night, so inspection waited until the following day. After taking the entire thing apart on the picnic table Andy realized that when it hit the rock it sucked in water which created a ton of pressure, blowing the head gasket. He was thankful it wasn’t something else and that it wasn’t permanently damaged. Anyone who knows Andy, pretty much knows he’s MacGyver…so after a few trial and errors he fixed the broken motor with electrical tape and tinfoil. Seriously. We apprehensively took it out on the water and were completely amazed that after a few stuttering pulls it actually started and worked!
The rest of the day Saturday we just lounged around at our site. Andy fished and I read some books. We sat on the beach and went swimming. We watched a variety of wildlife (toads, frogs, snakes, newts, a cute baby mouse, ducks and lots of deer tracks). No bears :) Ben was concerned that there might be bears and said we’d better take daddy’s hunting gun with us.
We made my favorite camping dinner (chopped veggies with sausage), had smores and enjoyed the campfire. The toads were SO loud down on the beach at night (Andy got a few go pro videos I’ll have to share later). He had to put earplugs in to sleep but I was fine.
Sunday morning we made breakfast (campfire bacon and eggs are awesome) and got things together for a day hike.
Since we didn’t quite trust the motor (and wanted to save all that it would give us for the trip home) we paddled a mile further down the lake to a picnic area and trail. Water levels were really low so we could walk along the stream bed and actually over a few waterfalls, they were so pretty.
(Don’t worry mom, there was a ton of support behind me, I’m not going to fall to my doom)
We had lunch on the trail, the only time I eat ramen noodles is while camping. Andy was even kind enough to pack some extra veggies to make it somewhat resemble a bowl of soup ;-)
So thankful we could head back to the DEC headquarters, with a working motor!
Overall we had a fantastic weekend! The weather was perfect, other than a surprise passing shower the first night (nothing like an “oh crap, quick find the rain cover for the tent”), it was beautiful. A fun, relaxing adventure with my best friend! Until next year :)
Check out our first year camping with friends and second year island camping. It’s neat how every year has been a little different and there’s still so much more to explore.
