Work Day - Take 2

We will be having a second work day on Sept 21st.  Taylor has classes on his days off this week and we have some things we need to get done by the end of the month.  If you have the time and would like to join us, let us know.  Of course, we will feed you.  We have some trees and shrubs to take out and some basic cleaning and painting that needs to be done.  Nicole's cell is 219-929-6199.  Thanks

20 Plus Year Dream Achieved!

It seemed like only yesterday Jason and I would be getting in the van with Grandma and Grandpa and their friends Lou and Alice. It would be our annual trip to Dog Lake in Ontario where we would fish a week and then Dad, mom and Nikki would come up for the second week. It was in those weeks that I started to dream about catching a trophy Pike. I don't know what it was about that fish, the size how aggressive they are or just chasing them as a kid but it has always been about that fish. Last week I was lucky enough to be heading up north to an out post 400 miles north East of Winnipeg to Silsby Lake Lodge. The fishing last week was really not that great due to the water being low and also a cold front that came in on the second day, but last week Friday around 1:30 in the afternoon while fishing a five of diamonds in a weed bed in between 6 to 8 ft of water I pulled out this 43 1/2 inch Northern Pike. It was a really cool experience and something that took me back to all of those fishing trips that I look back on so fondly and still really love today.

Isaac's First Birchwood Experience!

Pray For Room 25

Hey fam! I'm about five weeks into my year of teaching first grade in the city. Last year a lot of you were such blessings in my life by consistently praying for me (I'll never forget Uncle Jim checking in on me at each family gathering). Knowing that I have the support of so many amazing Christian people is humbling. Please keep praying for me of course, but I thought I'd put it out there to the family to send interested people information of how they can pray for my kids too.

Two of my girls buddy reading 

If you are interested in doing this, just comment below and include your email address. I'll send you a class list of only first names and something specific that each kid needs. Let me know and thanks in advance!

Work Day - You may or may not know that we have bought a house in Valparaiso.  We close on it September 6th.  There is a lot we need to do before we move in.  We are planning a work day on Saturday, September 14th.  If you would like to come help, we would love that.  There are shrubs and plants that have to be removed.  The previous owners had 3 girls so we have to paint all the bedrooms and do some major cleaning. 

We will definitely feed you so if you can make it please let one of us know so we can make sure to have enough food.  You can call either of us on our cell.  Taylor - 707-6603 or Nicole - 929-6199.  We will  appreciate anything you can help with.  Thanks for all your support.

Sawyer's First Day of School and Family Soccer Pics

Sawyer just started preschool at Timothy Christian (where I work).  She is SO excited to be in school.  TC also had our home opener for the soccer season and Steph and the kids were there.  A soccer dad took a bunch of pics.

Photobooth Pictures

Sorry for taking over the blog with these, but I thought you'd appreciate having these pictures on here rather than on Facebook. =] Just had to share them, enjoy!

Fantasy Football Draft

We're excited to host the Yous Kids Fantasy Football Draft Sunday night. Wondering who will be attending? so I can figure out how much food to get for supper. Remember the rules (they were posted as you entered last year): No smoking! No spitting! No swearing! But now, Let's Get Ready To Rumble!!

Family Vacations 2013

THANKS Karen & Nick!  A wonderful week in paradise.

                            Let's just say, we got this party started!



Birchwood - fishing, games, adventures, and fun!  
Thanks Grandma & Grandpa VanDrunen!

Xander Finally Gets His Train

Thanks to some expert deal-hunting at a neighbors' yard sale (Thanks to my cousin Shana!), Xander finally got the train set and table that he has been interested in for a while now.

He woke up from his nap, and I brought him down to unveil his present.  Here's his reaction.