No way! $3.92.

Yes, I was in shock.  I mean, really, how long has it been since I paid less than $4/gal. for gas?  A long, long time.  No surprise, around July 4 gas was $4.39/gal.  Two weeks ago we were paying $4.24.  So today, when I saw $3.92 I was elated.  That means, three dollars and twenty more cents to spend at the grocery store (where prices have not dropped).

You call me what?

One of the most important decisions a parent makes is in naming their child.  Do you name your child after a family member?  What does the name mean?  And, of course, you go through the rhyming of the name making sure..or just getting prepared for the playground name calling. 

  

Personally, my middle name wasn't one that I embraced too fondly as a child/teenager.  I simply went by Keri L. Overstreet.   As an adult, however, I so love my name because I am named after my father and I appreciate its uniqueness.

When our eldest child was about 2 yrs. old she went through the phase of calling us by our given names (Kevin, Keri) and at times she still will call us by our nicknames given to each other (babe, sweets).   A couple of months ago, her daddy and she came up with a nickname for me which has kind of stuck.  And she calls me...Mama LaDon.  Who would've ever thought?

Unknown Destination, Here We Come!

This past Friday morning I packed bags with bathing suits, diapers, baby food, and changes of clothes for warm and cool weather. I did so not knowing exactly where we as a family would be spending the weekend. The only hint Kevin gave me was that we would be driving 203 miles north. We headed out at 10 a.m. and around 2 p.m. we pulled into Spurgeon Bay, in Door County, WI.

To say that we enjoyed our time up north would be an understatement. Most of our time was spent driving around the peninsula touring the various bay villages, as well as the state parks. We took time to enjoy a traditional fish boil, play in the hotel swimming pool, and watch the sunset at Potawatomie Park.

Kevin and the girls at Spurgeon Bay.

Daddy and Selah playing in the hotel swimming pool.

Sofia waiting for the fish to boil.

And boy, did it boil!

The church where "The Old Rugged Cross" was introduced by its author. It was first sung as a duet during revival services.

Door County is a place we hope to return. We were surrounded by the beauty of farmland, trees, coastline, and a sky streaked with purple and orange thunder clouds as the sun set. But the most beautiful part of the weekend was simply being together as a family. Thank you, Lord.

You still can develop film.

Ash forgot to bring the battery pack to her really nice camera so we dug out the old 35mm camera and used film I found in my junk drawer (which expired in 10/2007).  I thought she was still able to capture some great photos.  Taking the film to the drugstore for developing made me nostalgic.

Keri's (little) sister.

My sister Ashley came to visit us this past week.  Ashley and I didn't grow up together (she is 18 years younger than me) but that doesn't mean we aren't close.  Our shared heart for Jesus and our shared heart for travel is what allows for us to have sweet fellowship whenever we are together.   

Last month Ashley graduated from photography school in Massachusetts and has now moved to the Big Apple to pursue a career in her area of study.  As her big sister I am so proud of her.  She is not only seeking to do something she loves but she daily seeks Christ.  Thanks for visiting us Ash.  

Big sis, little sis.

Selah, Aunt Ashley and Sofia.

Sofia and Aunt Ashley.

Selah and Aunt Ashley.

10 on the 10th

Our baby is 10 months old.  She is such a sweetie.  She loves to crawl after her big sister as fast as she can and pulls up on anything she can to gain a better view of what is going on around her.  Words that begin with "b" seem to be the extent of her vocabulary (bye-bye, ball, bear, bite) but of course, she does know who to call mama.

Summer Reading

I have really enjoyed my summer reading material (see my recent reads on the right pane). What have you been reading?

Ahhh....vacation!

Being on vacation simply meant...

...not answering the phone or being connected to the computer.

...playtime was spent outdoors fishing and playing whiffle ball.

...eating and laughing with family around a bonfire.

...getting bit by mosquitos.

...watching the sun set at 10:30 p.m.

...enjoying God as the creator of the beauty surrounding us.

My mom and Bill's lake cottage in Manistee, MI.  We head here every summer.

Between Two Worlds: Essential Reading for Church Youth and Parents

Here is a link to a suggested reading list for 1st thru 12th graders, and their parents. I have a lot of catching up to do!

Between Two Worlds: Essential Reading for Church Youth and Parents