Hitched or Not but Hatching

Saturday was a great day with the first ever Hitched (or Not) and Hatching event sponsored by Operation Us. We focused on providing relationship education to 118 households of new and expectant parents. Above you see one of the participants with his daughter.

Couples chatted as the looked over the workbooks and prepared for the day. We were grateful to First Baptist Church for allowing us to use their facility all day long.

Here are a few of the Junior League volunteers wearing their OpUs t-shirts. Shifts of workers came and went all day long making our job easier.

A panel of "experts," i.e., young parents with two or more children already, shared their experiences relative to their expectations about parenting and the realities they experienced. Here Justin Stevenson has the microphone.

Staff Social at Bakers

With the school year started the staff social began on Friday. Many workers came and many had other events. It was overcast most of the day but cleared enough for us to enjoy the evening together. Here three of our summer-care and before-and-after-care workers showed us their skills at badminton.

Here are two Js sitting and enjoying the evening. Jane and Joy always have a smile to share and show such care for their students.

Martha will ham it up for a camera. Note the wonderful look of suduction she flashes for the picture. Dave seems taken in by "the look."

New to staff socials is Nadine. Her husband will begin as church administrator on Monday. We were giving her tips on how to act now that she is the spouse of a church worker.

This handsome man is Nadine's husband and Redeemer newest worker, Gary Moss. He climbs into the saddle on Monday. We look forward to working with Gary.

Trip To The Farm

It was a fine day in August on Saturday. We all needed some time outside so off to the farm we went. Here Addie demonstates her ability at driving the tractor.

Jennifer showed the twins the fowl area. Jennifer has a long history with chickens and did much teaching about our feathered friends.

Paul once milked a cow on Al-Lo Farm. He showed the girls how to manage an 1800 pound animal and get it to give milk. They were so impressed with Papa. They both thought Papa's hat was very farmy.

Up A Tree and On Top of the World

Baby Stella is such a sweet child. She is growing stronger every day. Soon she will be carrying Papa around.

The twins have started climbing trees. We were laughing about monkies and talking about Alex's parents in Zimbabee. Alex said,"We can go and visit them someday." To which Addie replied, "I think I'll stay home that day." They are something...

Birthday Party at Greens

Gramma started holding just Stella and before long everyone want a piece of the lap.

This picture is called the "little table." Miriam was often forced to sit at the little table when growing up. She has, with lots of work by professionals, been able to move on. I was surprised to see the twins at a little table. She informed me this was age appropriate. I guess her earlier experience was not...

Got to be a little after 7 PM and the girls got ready for bed. One of the "going to bed" routines is to give kisses. Andrew Magnus was not willing to receive their kisses and they settled for "blown kisses."

Jennifer's Birthday Weekend

What are birthdays with out jewelry? Mary Beth is assisting Jennifer with additional charms for her bracelet. They are so nice to you at Justice Jewelers.

Gifts were hand delievered and sent in the mail. What a wonderful birthday surrounded with gifts of love and appreciation.

Jennfer is a regular at the Springfield Farmers Market. Peachers are in season. Is there a better color that ripening peachers? Oh how sweet...

Visiting the Magnus' While Babysitting the Greens

Wanted to see both the Magnus's and the grandkids so we horned in on Dan and Mary's babysitting time. Here baby Stella and Grampa spent some bonding time. Stella loved Grampa's new shirt. Everyone needs a "Life Is Good" t-shirt.

It was a beautiful evening and the Green's backyard is so inviting. Here Dan is telling a story about growing up in the wilds of Nebraska and warding off wild animals as a normal part of life.

Stella was all about the story. Made her hair stand on end...

Ma and Pa Kettle allow me to take their picture together for my blog. All that stands between them is Tinsley the dog. They are quite the happy couple as you can see from this photo... They might need a "Life is Good" shirt... Just a thought. Random right.. That's Paul...