Ocean City

Well Peyton had her first sleep over. Her best friend Alli came over on Saturday night. The kids were able to enjoy the beautiful weather. They played in the backyard and had a sprinkler fight with Carson. I think the girls won. After they came in got dried off and into dry clothes we grilled out a wonderful steak from the Amish market. Then the kids went downstairs and watched Alvin and the Chipmunks. To our surprise they went to bed by 9 and then woke up at 6. They were excited to go to the beach and I think that they thought we were going to leave at that moment. We had waffles and bacon for breakfast. After that it was ohhh, about 7 so since we were going to miss church we decided to have church in our house. We talked about God and read some verses about how he created everything, how big he is, how he is the boss, and how he loves us so much. We sang some songs and then they each made a picture representing somehting GOD created. That brought us to about 8:30. We got dressed for the beach and then went outside to play. We left around 10 and when we got to the shore you would of thought it was the middle of summer. It was packed, no where to park, tons of people on the boardwalk, on the beach and surprisingly in the water as well. The kids made sandcastles, dug holes, ate Mack and Manco's pizza and of course had ice cream. It was a great day. I think it was about a whole 10 minutes into the ride home before they were asleep. What a great day to relax and spend time together. "Do we have to go back to work?!!"

Birthday Party 2009

Saturday April 18th 2009. Peyton is 5 and Carson is 3. We had a beautiful day. It was sunny, 75, and no humidity. Peyton had friends from school and Carson had friends from daycare. Together we had 15 kids. The party started at 1:00p.m. As the kids came they played in the backyard enjoying the mats, balance beam, and swing set. They were able to play t-ball, basketball, and soccer. Peyton and Carson took their friends for a walk along Pine Cone Alley. After everyone was there Dave created an obstacle course with the help of Alli's dad, Jamie. They kids went through flags, along the balance bean, down a slide to kick a goal and hit a home-run. Once everyone went through the course we got everyone around the large parachute. We were able to sing some songs and play some games. The kids all had a great time playing together and were very hungry. We had hot dogs for lunch and then the kids went back to the back yard and received their bubble wands. Each kid had a blast seeing the huge bubbles they all made.
We had cake. Peyton had a Tinker Bell cupcake and Carson's was Cars. After cake we did a pinata and the kids each got to fill their bags. They were able to finish their time playing with each other and enjoying the beautifu day.

JEM Foundation

JEM Cure for CLL was formed by close friends of Joyce E. McHugh (JEM). She has been diagnosed with CLL and is now in remission after treatment. Practical support includes locating information, raising awareness, finding physicians, funding research as well as meeting personal needs of those afflicted with CLL.

Chronic lymphotic leukemia (CLL) is one of four main types of leukemia. About 15,110 new cases of CLL will be diagnosed in 2008. About 90,179 people are living with CLL. More people are living with CLL than any other type of leukemia. Most people with CLL are at least 50 years old.
CLL starts with a change to a single cell called a lymphocyte. Over time, the CLL cells multiply and replace normal lymphocytes in the marrow and lymph nodes. The high number of CLL cells in the marrow may crowd out normal blood-forming cells, and CLL cells are not able to fight infection like normal lymphocytes do.

CARSON IS 3!!!

April 14, 2009 Carson turns 3. He celebrated his day playing with his toys. We were able to have ElMO cake.
Again it is hard to believe that he has become such a wonderful little boy. He has come a long way from 4 lbs. He enjoys playing with his cars, trains, and watching movies in his chair. We look forward to his party this weekend, where we can play in the backyard with the bubble machine.

After church we had breakfast. The kids were so excited to eat the eggs that they colord. I think that is one of the only ways I will be able to get them to eat a hard boiled egg, but it worked and they enjoyed them very much.

As we were finishing breakfast, Dave noticed the Easter Bunny running through the backyard. We looked, but he was too quick. He did leave us some eggs. The kids went into the back and found many eggs filled, with candy, money and prizes. They found their baskets hidden behind a tree and in the tree house. It is very bright and sunny, however a little on the chilly side. We went over to my sister's house and were able to visit with Uncle Don, Connor, Samara. We were able to see Uncle Mike, Emily, Ralph, and Andy. Aunt Kelly had another egg hunt for the kids and they all enjoyed the fun surprises inside. Uncle Mike gave Peyton and Carson their b-day presents and after a wonderful meal we sang to them. We all enjoyed the cupcakes made by Emily and Mike. We wish everyone a blessed day as we rejoice in today's celebration.

Happy Easter

Today we celebrate....Jesus is ALIVE!!!!! IN CHRIST ALONE I STAND.

We remember today that he died for our sins so that we could live.

The death and resurrection of Jesus are the greatest events in history. For
millions of Christians remembering these events continues to be an
important part of every day life. Resurrection power is promised to every
believer in Christ and we receive it in the same way that Jesus gave it. That
is by accepting the sacrifice of Jesus on the cross for an atonement of our
sins. This is how we receive the life of Jesus in us. God gives us both the
ability and the power to accomplish this through His Holy Spirit. There is a
process that a believer goes through of emptying our self of our life in order
to receive more of His life. This is the process of sanctification and it is a
work of the Holy Spirit which is accomplished through our cooperation.Jesus is Life
(John 1:4) In Him was life, and the life was the light of men).
(John 5:24-25) "Most assuredly, I say to you, he who hears My word and believes in Him who sent Me has everlasting life, and shall not come into judgment, but has passed from death into life. "Most assuredly, I say to you, the hour is coming, and now is, when the dead will hear the voice of the Son of God; and those who hear will live.
(John 6:63) "It is the Spirit who gives life; the flesh profits nothing. The words that I speak to you are spirit, and they are life.
(John 10:10) "The thief does not come except to steal, and to kill, and to destroy. I have come that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly.
(John 14:6) Jesus said to him, "I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me.
(Colossians 3:1-4) If then you were raised with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ is, sitting at the right hand of God. Set your mind on things above, not on things on the earth. For you died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God. When Christ who is our life appears, then you also will appear with Him in glory.

Taking time to enjoy nature and get some spring pictures. We went into our backyard and found some spots for the kids to take their pictures. They enjoyed having this time together. It is so nice to be able to have a day to go for a nature walk in our own backyard. The kids love picking out the silly trees.

One of God's most precious creations. A rainbow. This was a beautiful experience.
Dark on one side of the street, light on the other. A rainbow connecting them.

Peyton's 5th Birthday. We are so blessed to have you in our life. God brought you to us a little earlier than expected, however we have learned that our plan is many times not the same as his. We have learned so much about you in the last 5 years. You are spirited, fun loving, and very imaginative. You love to create stories, dances, and plays. We love how much you have grown. We think about you starting out at 3lbs and how much you have overcame. Your determined personality has made you the little girl you are today. The little girl we love so much.
Happy Birthday!!!!!!!!!!!!

Afternoon with my sister

Today was our first day of spring break and it was great to be able to spend the day with my sister and her kids. Peyton and Carson love spending time with Connor and Samara. Today we got ready for Easter by coloring easter eggs. Each kid had their own set of 4 and were able to pick their colors.
They had so much fun. A little bit of a mess, but a lot of fun!!!!!