BarlowGirl~!

**WARNING... THIS IS A LONG ONE :)**

What a night!! Not sure I can capture everything that happened in one post, but I will try! So the evening started out not so good, with me getting out of work about 25 minutes late. I had to rush to pick up Toby at the sitter, run home and change and let the doggie out, then run and get the other two at school. Drew was going to Braden's house for a birthday part and Toby had to go to my parents house for the night. We still made it to the church by 4:30. We thought they were going to need our help, but turns out when we got there, they didn't. So Tay and I ran for some dinner and got back to the church around 4:45. We decided to just stand in line at that point, because doors opened at 5:30. We were the first person in line with Artist Circle tickets, so Taylor was pretty excited to be the first one in the doors! We got in around 5:30 but they weren't opening the doors to the student center until 5:45. Again, Taylor went straight to the doors to be first in line! She was, and we were the first ones in and we got Front and Center seats! WOW!! Taylor was thrilled! We had a while to wait before the Question and Answer session started with Barlow Girl, so Taylor hooked up with some friends!

Here she is with Macie and Maddy from school! (and oh yeah, did I mention Nate got a call that Barlow Girl needed to use his Bass? It's there on stage in the background)
And this photo was actually taken at intermission, but we found cousin Sara! Aren't these two of the most beautiful ladies you've ever seen!
Here are some photos from the Question and Answer time... and once again... Taylor was the FIRST to ask a question! She asked what other bands BarlowGirl likes! They said bands like Relient K and Switchfoot, a few more of Taylor's favorites as well! Here is Becca and Alyssa chatting.
And Lauren answering a few questions! (She's the youngest ;)
We then had a photo op with Barlow Girl and yes, once again... Taylor was FIRST in line!! Can you see why my girl was smiling from ear to ear? During this photo op, they were standing right in front of our seats, so Taylor got the priveledge to be the "assistant apprentice" and helped their assistant with the cameras. It got to the point that they were all saying "Get your camera from Taylor!" What an honor for her!

Following our time with BarlowGirl, Mr Matt Carter and Andrew Simms took the stage! Matt is a very dear friend of ours, as he and his wife Sarah are in our adult small group at church and Nate plays Bass for him in Worship band. And Andrew is a friend that our Drew looks up to! Andrew and Drew share a birthday and a love for drumming! Drew calls him his "Brother from another Mother!" What an awesome time of Worship once again!Then Pastor Nick came out to introduce BarlowGirl! The time had come for their amazing show!


I won't give commentary on these photos, as they are just various shots that turned out. Most were blurry because I didn't want to use my flash since we were right in the front. I didn't want to blind the poor girls!


Oh yeah... and here's Becca playing Nate's Bass!





After the show it was time for autographs. As we were waiting in line for BarlowGirl (and no, we weren't first this time, we waited until the end...) Taylor and some friends got Matt's autograph! He wrote "Taylor, You're my Hero, Your Dad is my Bassist"! Pretty sweet of him... He's going to make a GREAT dad one day ;)
So, when we finally got up to get autographs, the most special thing happened for my Taylor!! they all remembered her from her helping out with the cameras. She got up there and had brought several things along for them to sign, but they were saying "only one thing can be signed." So she was trying to figure out what she wanted to have autographed. Well, we got up there, and since they remembered her, they were like... "oh no, we are signing everything for Taylor!" And they just gushed over her. She got two CD's signed, a program and her shirt! She also got to show them a photo she had taken with them back in 2005. They thought that was great (especially since Lauren was not a blonde, something they tease her about mercilessly!)

But Nate did take this photo at the end of the night with his phone, but I thought it was a great shot! It is Andrew Simms, Becca Barlow, Matt Carter, Alyssa Barlow and Lauren Barlow! What an amazing group of musicians!! God has Blessed them, and they are Blessing others in return! What a testimony to Obedience to God!
The night was simply AMAZING... and I didn't even touch on the actually concert. It was a small intimate setting for BarlowGirl, as they usually rock the place LOUD! But it was amazing in a whole new way! As usual, their songs were brought hope to many of the young ladies (and old ladies :)) that were there, and many lives were changed by the message of their music!

I could not ask for any better role models for my daughter, and I will do everything I can to encourage her interest in BarlowGirl and music and a lifestyle that Glorifies God!

God is Good!

Black Friday!!

Well, on Black Friday, I woke up before the worms and did a little shopping. Let's just say I was back in bed and fast asleep at 6:30 AM! I enjoy going, but didn't have as much shopping to do this year! After I got some more rest, Taylor and I headed back out for a little more shopping, and Drew and Daddy headed out to the University of Akron Football game. Uncle Tommy got some tickets and offered them to the guys in the family. So Nate, Drew, Papaw Rudy, Uncle Tommy, Lincoln, Derek, Uncle Michael and Braden, along with others, headed up to the game! As you can see from the photos. It was a little cold, but they enjoyed themselves!

Now That's a GAME FACE!

As you can see, Drew had a great time! He talked about it for days after!

Just as the guys were getting home, Taylor Toby and I were heading out the door to go to Orrville's Home for the Holidays event. We went with Aunt Mel, Averie, Aunt Mer, Braden, Kiley and Dawson. There were lots of nice activities for the kids, and Taylor was asked to hand out flyers for her upcoming play "Buddy the Elf" which will be performed at the old Orrville Junior High December 18, 19 and 20. Again, it was cold, but with all the walking around, we stayed warm enough! Toby and Dawson got their faces painted!
Taylor was decorating a cookie... or is that licking the icing? Good thing it was just for her! She kept commenting that these Orrville folks better not say anything about her Generals stuff! The rivalry begins!
All and all a busy, but fun Black Friday!

God is Good

Thanksgiving Fun

Our first stop Thanksgiving day was my parents house! Not a huge meal, but my sister was in from Pittsburgh so the kids were excited to see Aunt Katy. I think Drew or Toby took this picture, so it's a little blurry, but I think it's a good photo of Katy!

Taylor and Toby enjoyed a few games of "Going Fishing" as they waited to eat!
Taylor was kind enough to set the table for us! She's such a helper now. Getting to be a Young Lady!
And my dad, showing off his amazing turkey! He did an awesome job with the meal!

After my parents house, we took off for Nate's family's get together. They had already eaten, so as soon as we walked in, they were ready to throw cards. We have a Euchre tournament each year. We threw cards for a few hours, ate lots of desserts and finger foods, and then wrapped it up and headed home!

It was a rather peaceful Thanksgiving this year! Much to be Thankful for, but Family is certainly high on the list!

God is Good!

Thankful For..

I have so much to be thankful for, and I try to live my life every day thanking God for all that we have. But on this Thanksgiving, I thought I would reflect on some of the things I am thankful for, and they are in no particular order...

- I am thankful for my family, for my husband who has been my best friend for 18 years, and my three children that I adore!
- I am thankful for the health of my family, while we all have our aches and pains, and our minor concerns, we are all here, and none of us are battling a life changing illness.
- I am thankful for the roof over my head. Often times I grump and groan about problems around the house or how I wish our house looked like this or that. But when I lay my head down at night, I am thankful beyond words to have a warm bed and a dry place to sleep.
- I am thankful for a young woman in Korea, that 4 1/2 years ago found herself in a very desperate situation, and rather than think about only herself, she thought about the little baby she was carrying and the life that he could have. I'm thankful for Toby's birthmom!
- I am thankful for my job. As much as I may complain, and wish I could be doing other things (like being at home with my children), I have a job that is about as perfect as it can be for our family!
- I am thankful for my husbands job. That he has a stable, rather secure job, with a God Honoring company.
- I am thankful for our church family, for our Pastors and other members of our church that are always there when we need them, whether it be a simple smile and handshake, or prayer for a situation.
- I am thankful for our Small Group. We love the Cleveland's, Artrip's and Carter's. They have become a support system for us we didn't know we needed!
- I am thankful for our involvement in Senior High Ministries. What a blessing that has been to us and our family. To see God work through the lives of High School Students!
- I am thankful that I have 40 pounds to loose! Not that I'm happy about that, but I am thankful, because that means I don't have to worry about going without food, and neither do my husband or children.
- I am thankful for my parents, who often times I wondered why they were sticking it out together, but now, as a mom and a wife, I see the true love and commitment (through good times and bad) they had for each other, and I see the way God is blessing them during this time of "empty nest". What an example that has been for me.
- I am thankful for my Mother-in-Law, who even when her first marriage didn't work out, she made a wonderful life for her sons, and showed them what it means to be a family, no matter how the family is formed! What a blessing that has been for us!
- I am thankful for the many men and women who serve so sacrificially that I may have peace, comfort and freedom. I am thankful for the family members of our military that spend so much time away from their loved ones, for my benefit.
- I am thankful that I live in a country where I am free to worship my Creator!
- I am thankful that by the Grace of God, I am forgiven. I can live each day new, knowing that the mistakes I have made are washed away, as far as the East is from the West. That God loves me and he cherishes me, and of all the people that love me on earth, nothing can compare to His Love!

The list could go on and on, and I'm sure as the day goes on and we reflect, I will come up with many more. But it is time to go and be thankful for turkey and stuffing! God Bless you all. I pray you take the time to make a Thankful list this Thanksgiving day!

God is Good

Daddy Daughter Dance 2009

Not sure if this will be the last one, but Nate and Taylor enjoyed yet another Daddy Daughter Dance. I believe this was their 7th one. Taylor is growing up before our eyes. This year she wanted an "up" do, so we did our best, especially considering we had an Upward game for Drew and she had play practice until 4. And with Nate's ankle still healing, I had to be their driver for the evening.

Here is Taylor alone, enjoying the attention.


And here are the two of them at the dance. Taylor said she tried to hide Daddy's boot :)


God is Good!

Toby's School Photo

Here is Toby's preschool picture. He has grown so much since last year.

God is Good

School Pictures

Another year, another school photo! Such precious Kids! We haven't gotten Toby's back yet, but soon, I'm sure!

God is Good!

Veteran's Day 2009 - Freedom Isn't Free

I think this video says it all! Thank you to all of our Veterans and their families for the sacrifices you made to protect me and my family! God Bless you all!

Drew, Being Drew!

I LOVE this kid!!

God is Good!

Trick or Treat

God is Good!

Drew is EIGHT!!!

Well, it happened again.... I know that 365 days did not pass, but somehow, it's Drew's birthday again! This little guy has me wrapped around his finger, as do all my kids! He is one of the kindest, most caring young men I know and we made sure to celebrate every moment of his wonderful birthday! Drew woke us all up at 7AM on Sunday morning, ready to open his gifts! He later told us he had been up for an hour, but let us sleep a little longer. How kind of him!

After I made his big breakfast, french toast at his request, and we went to church, we then headed to Ramseyer Farms for his birthday party! We had 5 kids attend and we had a wonderful time. We started out with cake and presents, as I knew once the kids hit the fun of the farm, we wouldn't get them back in for cake! So here is Drew with his Steeler's Birthday cake!

A few of the girls enjoying their cake!
Drew and the boys, and Paps in the background, enjoying their cake!

Then we were off for a Hay ride through the pumpkin patch. The kids were so well behaved and seemed to have a wonderful time!
Daddy and Toby were snuggled up for the Hayride! (Toby is doing his best Puss'n Boots impersonation)
Then the kids took their turns at the Spud Slinger! Some of them slung those spuds perty darn far!
Toby took a minute to try and figure out how to milk a cow! And it was only a minute. He got bored pretty fast!
One of the biggest attractions for the kids was the corn crib chute slide. It looked rather painful to me, but they all took several turns going down! I think you can see Drew was having fun!


They also went through the corn crib maze several times and stopped only briefly for a group photo!
They each got to pick a pumpkin, and I think Drew picked a winner!
And before we headed out for Taylor's soccer game in Canton, we got the boys to take a quick photo on the wagon!

After Taylor's victory, we went to Rockne's for dinner, again Drew's choice!!

It was cool, but a beautiful sun filled day! Drew's already counting, only 364 days until his Birthday!

God is Good

Bothwell Soccer Tournament

Final tournament of the fall season! The girls did wonderful! We made it for the final game, which they won 1-0 and I was so proud of how the girls played! Every one of them! The team we were playing was very tough physically, and our girls spent a large portion of the time on the ground! But they didn't give up, and they didn't give in to playing like the other team. They continued to play strong, fundamental soccer and it worked for them! It would have been so easy to start pushing back and tripping up the competitor, but they didn't, and no matter what the score shows, that alone makes them winners to me!

Way to go OSU U12 Red!!!


Way to go Taylor!!

God is Good

Drew's last soccer game!

Drew had his final Smithie Soccer game this weekend! Once again, he says he's never going to play again. He says he wants to play Football! We went through this last year, so we'll see. The thing is, he's really good at soccer (and from a momma standpoint, it seems so much safer!!)

Here he is with his team "warming" up for the game. It was very cold! He is in the Steeler's hat, of course!

And a shot of Drew during the game. I think this is his "I'm cold, can we just get this over with" look!

And I'm guessing this is a true sign of the third child. Toby was very fussy, and I was alone, as Nate was with Taylor at her game in Canton. Finally he crawled up in his chair and asked me to cover him with the blanket like a tent. A few moments later, I peeked in on him, and he was fast asleep!

Another fun soccer season, got a little cold at the end, but fun none the less!!

God is Good!

Smithville Historical Society

Last week my mom called to let us know that the Smithville Historical Society was having an open house. Nate was going to be at church all day rehearsing for the Night of Worship, so the kids and I packed up and headed over. We spent about 2 hours there, and we had a great time. The kids really enjoyed the Black Smith shop. Drew got a hand made nail, which he thought was pretty cool. Here he's showing it off! (yeah, it's small :))

Taylor loves to take photos of Anvil's. Can you tell she has some Smithie Blood in her! She really wants to transfer to Smithville, but we'd rather have a roof over our head and know it's permanent first.

And here's a shot of the kids in the barn. Toby was being a little stubborn, so it's the only good shot I have of all of the kids.
Just another fun day in rural Ohio!

God is Good!

As I type, Nate's in the living room strumming the Bass, getting read for the Night of Worship at Wooster Grace Brethren Church! Praying for a great turnout as we celebrate and worship the Living God!

God is Good

Student Ministry

What it means to me to be involved with Students

A Different Kind of Hero from Wooster Grace Students on Vimeo.

Tay's Video

Taylor was with her friend Anneliese and they made this video with Anneliese's sisters. She had so much fun doing this! Enjoy their day of silliness!



God is Good!