Piano by Joseph

Michigan in September

We dreamed of a hammock, and a lake, and a few days of rest. We dreamed of quiet and beauty and enjoying God's creation without a schedule, commitments, and demands. We found a place on a small lake near Interlochen,  Michigan, and  loaded four kids and three adults on an eight hour drive, hoping it was worth it...hoping.

We found our cottage on the lake and beauty enough to feed the soul.

We found our happy place. Life at the lake, for a week of being in another home, freed from burdens of home ownership, projects and distractions. Freed from so much, we came and rested. We enjoyed the change, and the pace of the lake.

We saw that it was good, to be on a lake. Good to kayak, and teach the kids to also. Good to laugh around a campfire. Good to watch the sunset, and listen to the sounds of birds, and our kids, and silence.

 Daddy who doesn't like to fish, out of love went fishing. They bit at dusk, and he had fun, and John and Annelise loved it.

We loved being out on the water, especially on the kayaks. It was peaceful, and the lake was ours, totally quiet, apart from our few children. We sat on our sandy beach and enjoyed the warm water, and green all around.

And we played, and smiled, and found it was good. So good. 

Spring Ballet Recital

Our three youngest had their ballet recital today. The littlest Elena made her 3 year old debut after declaring that she was not going on stage earlier in the day. She gained some courage and inspiration from the older girls. They danced to a MidSummer Night's Dream and had a lot of fun. The stage makeup is a requirement for the big lights, so they look a little dramatic, but they enjoyed the facepaint as much as the costumes.
Beauty is inspiring, and watching your own innocent children dancing their hearts out is a thing to behold, and treasure.

Merry Christmas

Giving thanks to Him who came to bring us light, hope, peace and joy.

Christmas blessings we pray to all, especially those suffering from war, sickness, poverty and sorrow. May the grace of the newborn king fill all our hearts, as it did long ago.