December 25, 2025 Very Merry!

 

The smile on #D's face says it all.  By the grace of God we have all the crew here for Christmas. From all of us to all of you, a very Merry Christmas!

October 31, 2025 Reformation Day Quicktrip

 

In commemoration of Martin Luther's act of defiant faith, Reformation Day or October 31 is a holiday around these parts.  We took advantage of these three having no school to go on a little family adventure.  Exploring new places and hanging out with fam are a couple of life's greatest treasures.  We're so grateful God planted us in this place.

September 12, 2025 In da Clubs

 

This is another one of those deals in which we ask ourselves, Where do they get it?  or Where does it come from?  Never in a million years would I, as a teenager, joined a sports team full of strangers that all speak a different language.  These two, like their big sister before them, have joined local soccer (Fußball) clubs.  It's been fun to see some of their practices, watch games and learn sports culture in our new home.  Pardon the pun but it's a whole new ballgame over here.  

August 19, 2025 Quickshot: "I want you to stay."

Move-in Day sounds so innoculous but goodness it packs quite a whallop.  To be completely transparent, we are not fans.  Sure we're over the moon for #M's exciting, new chapter, for the opportunity to flex new muscles, for independence and new friends and new experiences and all the things but dadgummit, we're gonna miss that girl.  The flight back across the Atlantic tomorrow will be tough and that shocking (really) sentence will continue to ring in our ears.  "I want you to stay."  Oh if we could have baby girl.  Oh if we could have.  But here we are, following separate callings.  God is in those sad moments as well as the joyful ones.  We are so proud!  But Christmas break can't get here fast enough!

August 11, 2025 PRG Revisit

 

 

We were recently able to revist Prague for the first time since our visa fiasco.  It was a gift to revisit friends, walk on familiar streets, see our old flat and enjoy some of our favorite spots.  Alot of photos were taken but we will just post 2 for now, one #D's favorite and the other #P's and let you guess whose is whose.   

July 22, 2025 Happy A Day

 

Today we're celebrating this one's birth.  No, his mama absolutely did not manipulate or coerce him into picking strawberry lemonade cupcakes instead of a cake.  Okay, maybe a little bit!   We are so grateful for this dear, young man and are praying his 17th (shock and tears allowed) year on this planet is filled with continued blessings and opportunities to grow in wisdom, stature, and favor with God and man.  We love you #A! 

July 12, 2025 Hospitality

Hospitality is the ability to warmly welcome and care for others, treating them as cherished guests. It reflects God's love and is considered a vital aspect of Christian community, For the past few days, we have experienced this very thing.  The photo above shows the setting but it's also the perfect depiction of the refreshment and peace we experienced.  Thank you G family!  Yall are gems!  

 BTW If you're looking for a retreat in Kentucky, DM us and we'll connect you with these folks.  

June 21, 2025 As American as Tacos and Futbol

 Our first Saturday back in the States was a winner.  Banger tacos and great seats at a soccer match.   America, you've come a long, long way.  

June 19, 2025 Quickshot: Airport Uber

 

About 13 1/2 hours separated sad "See you laters!" and a warm "Welcome back!" We had the sweetest airport Uber driver.  We gave #Z five stars...and big tip.  So grateful for travel mercies.

June 9, 2025 Quickshot: Last Week

 

We do a pretty good job of posting First Day of School pics, but how about a last week of school shot?  Prayers up as these 3 finish up the school year this week, M {gulp, sniffle, I'm not crying, you're crying) graduating, A and his sophomore year and L and the 7th grade.  So grateful for this year, for the academy and the community.  

May 25,2025 1/2 Dozen Father-Daughter Dance

#M wanted to see the Little Mermaid before heading back to the States for university.  We bypassed the Disney version and went for “hygge” instead.  Below are six shots from our weekend in Copenhagen, boba, thrifting and laughter included.  

May 11, 2025 Bloom where you're planted

 

The flower above was recycled from an event at the school last year.  Purchased as table decor and then given out to whoever would take them afterward, #L who was on the cleanup crew, brought one home to her mama.  A week or so ago it bloomed and has given us this lovely flower to enjoy.  

On this Mother's Day, I'm reminded of #D in the context of the old phrase, "Bloom where you are planted."  She has epitomized that saying as a faithful mom in every spot we have called home and mirrored the natural beauty above..sometimes in not so lovely places.  Thankful for her and Godly mothers in our lives as well as all you moms around the globe, blooming where God has planted you.   Schonnen MutterTag (Happy Mother's Day). 

April 20, 2025 Quickshot GrandTiming

 

"Let us tell you about our grandson."  Baby E is healthy and growing and is basically a genius! :) No doubt it's difficult being 4000 miles away from him and his parents and all our family really, but thankfully we get photos and videos and actually get to FaceTime with him often (like the photo above)...and we are planning on seeing and squeezing and hugging and kissing him this Summer.  Thank you to everyone who asked about him and pray for him #J and #L.  

April 6, 2025 አመሰግናለሁ (Thank You!)

We have our boy back. Above are a few photos from #A's time in Ethiopia.  I wish you could hear the stories and see the pictures and video firsthand....and see the joy and amazement in his face as #A describes the groups time there.  Thank you to everyone who prayed and supported the team.  You made a worthy and wonderful investment in our son and in the Kingdom.  

March 25, 2025 Quickshot: Acrophobia

 

acrophobia noun (a-kro-'fo-bē-o)  abnormal dread of being in a high place : fear of heights 

So proud of these two young ladies (and their siblings as well). Do they have fears, absolutely, they're human, but it's so impressive and a bit humbling honestly, to watch them push through fears to do things their parents never dreamed of at their age.  This picture, taken near the summit of Grindlewald, is such a great illustration. Their daddy's knees may have been trembling a bit as he very slowly walked on that very small, very, very high sky walk.

February 11, 2025 Look mom, no braces!

This is stick-to-itiveness in a picture.  No, not the McCafe drinks or the goofy old guy but the young lady who FINALLY got her braces removed today.  Three continents and three orthodontists and who knows how many office visits or procedures later and we have a smile to match #M's inner beauty.  So cheers to our girl, we celebrate you and your lovely grin!

January 19, 2025 Quickshot: No words just a beautiful view

January 5, 2025 Quickshot: Puzzling

 

Nothing spells winterbreak like putting together puzzles.  #D, #M, and #L are on their third of fourth 1000 piece puzzle so far.  It's puzzling (pun intented) that one of the three seems to always, mysteriously, coincidentally, maybe magically find the very last piece.  

January 1, 2025 Quickshots: Before & After

Below are a couple shots from our town square.  One "the before" was taken during the revelry of New Years Eve celebrations,  the other shows "the after" or maybe better stated "the aftermath."  Sending Happy News Years to everyone.  May God richly bless you in 2025.