Celebrating the USA

Ta-da! We finally stopped and had someone take a shot of all of us... but we're sun-speckled, and Norah is looking somewhere else. Casey's mom has some better shots on her camera and once she e-mails those to us, we'll share. But look at how patriotic we are!

To celebrate the 4th, we went to the Casey's parents' house and barbequed, roasted marshmallows, and lit some fireworks. Also, I made ginormous brownies for another birthday celebration for Haddon. (He's not a big fan of cake- go figure!)

It was a long and fun day that we enjoyed very much.

I don't know why Haddon looks like he's afraid of me... really, I'm a nice mommy!

Pappa gave all the kids a ride on his tractor- very cool!

Nanna got some cheap little squirt guns, and the kids went nuts over them! They ran around squirting each other, and giggling. Of course Cade and Haddon had a duel... they kept doing this- just stopping and attacking each other with the guns. Such boys!

This expression of Cade's is priceless. He's shooting and being squirted.

Neither one of the baby cousins liked being in this floaty toy, but Haddon sure did!

Haddon is Three

Our little guy is now 3 years old!

Time has flown by, and to celebrate another year of the H-Bomb, we opened presents and went to the coast for the day...

Wall-E was his absolute favorite toy. We couldn't even get him to eat his pancakes for breakfast! And when we would get out of the car, he would get so sad to leave Wall-E behind. Upon returning to the car, he would start saying, "Wawee!" Before we could get the door open for him.

Haddon loved being buried! He kept scooping sand onto himself. All those buckets and shovels were presents this year. Norah got a special pink bucket.

It was a great day to get away from the heat, and enjoy the beautiful Oregon coast. We hit Mo's, and flew kites too. But we don't have pictures of that.. sorry!

Strawberries, Coasters and Daddies

We had a nice Father's Day this year. The kids took great naps after church to go over to their Nanna and Poppa's house. There we got to spend time with Casey's grandparents, and his brothers and their families. We also had some strawberries with angel food cake and vanilla ice cream(which is my favorite).

After that, we went to Red Robin for dinner, Casey's choice, and had a pretty good meal together watching Haddon eat coasters and suck on the strap that holds the booster seat to the chair... there was no stopping the kid!

No pictures. I forgot.

Demolition Man

Today I was joined by my little brother to demolish the back end of my shed, which had become waterlogged. Here are some photos and video of it...

What Happened in Bremerton

Hello all, Casey here.

Some of you might be wondering where we are at in the process with the church in Bremerton. I thought I would wait a bit before updating here, so that the church could inform their people accordingly. Last week I sent an email to a friend of mine who had asked for an update, and rather than rehash everything again I thought I would just copy and paste from that email. So here goes:

This Sunday was my last one at the church in Washington and I thought I would send you an update. I had a meeting with the search committee on Sunday afternoon and they said that they wouldn't be extending a call to me, that it won't be going to a congregational vote. When I asked them why, they stated that "We don't think you want this job." In my interview, they did not get the sense that I really wanted to be there. I am thankful that they came to this conclusion, because it would have been hard for me to decide myself. I told them that I really liked their church, but had been unable to have peace about a decision either way. Kelly and I had talked it over at length, and had decided if they had extended a call that we would need to take a good portion of time and pray about it, since we did not feel good about deciding either way. I think that the church picked up on this hesitancy in my attitude in the interview, and I think that their decision was the right one. For once I was actually glad to have the decision taken out of my hands.

Besides that, they were very encouraging. They believed that I would have been a good fit there doctrinally and philosophically, and I generally agree. They were very encouraging about my preaching as well; they said that they were blessed by my time there and do not regret bringing me up there, and we even discussed the possibility of coming back in the summer if they are in need of pulpit supply. Apparently they received eleven applicants for the job in their first posting, and never strongly considered any of them but me. They told me that the answers I gave to their questionnaire (which was the first step of applying) showed more wisdom and discernment than some men nearly twice my age. So all of that was very encouraging.

I do think that they made the right choice, though. I just think that it was not the right time; the thought of getting up and making another major move just six months after moving from Colorado was daunting. If the same job had been in a closer location, or if it came up a year or two down the road, I think it might have turned out differently. Another pastor from the area who has helped that church out with their search process also interviewed me, and though he liked me as well he wondered if it might be too soon for me to jump right back into ministry after the difficult experiences I've had so far. Perhaps he's right; I don't know. If it's the right circumstance, I don't think it will be a problem. I don't think this was the right one, though--not at this time, at least.

So that's that. But in a bit of good news, my job at McKay was picked back up for next year without even a reduction in hours, so that's good. Also, on Tuesday I have an interview for a job that would be even better, so here's hoping that it works out.

Filling Mom's Shoes and Such

It's been hot in Oregon (hot being in the 80's, which is hot without AC), and one day Haddon spotted his Little Swimmers, and wanted those on instead of a diaper. I accommodated him. It was cute.

Norah didn't want to be left out.

And I told you that our camera isn't working that great, but I still attempted to capture this moment. Both children came marching out of mom and dad's room, and I looked up to behold Norah in a sea green hat and strappy black shoes, and Haddon donning my winter snow boots. "Yes Sir!" he saluted me (though it didn't sound much like the actual words "yes sir".)

After the pics were taken, he found his famous Woody hat, and began saying, "Yee-haw!"

Again, camera not doing so hot, but oh well. You can get the gist of it.

Can't See?

Our camera isn't working very well, and we haven't been taking many pictures because of it.

So, that's why you haven't "seen" the kids in a bit.

Sorry.