Technical Difficulties

We have a love hate relationship with technology, as do many of you we're sure. Due to the fact that the Geek Squad now has possession of our computer, we will not be blogging much for the next week or so, at least not with pictures.
As far as updates on us...the weather around here hasn't really warmed up much, and the rain is keeping us inside. However, we are still having fun because we are DONE WITH SCHOOL! We're getting a bit of spring cleaning done while we wait for the summer weather.

Easy Rider

Easy Rider
Originally uploaded by davidvw.

Ok, no drugs involved in this one. This is Chatham's first day of "2 Wheelin". At 4.5, he just decided that it was time for him to do it. So he told to lose the training wheels so he could make it happen.

This Day in History - May 17, 1995

May 17, This Day in History
Originally uploaded by davidvw.

Alright, we admit you won't hear this one from the media, but it is a special day in the history of us! We have never been big observers of specific days. Valentines day, Sweetest day, Groundhog day, Flag day etc...all have equal significance to us. Why would a day that everyone is obligated to do something for someone else be special? Anyway, we know we may be in the minority on this one but hey...Today is special to us because ten years ago we spent a long day in San Francisco. We got lost and confused because of one way streets. We accidentally found our way down Lombard Street, took a walk down Pier 39, had a picnic at Golden Gate park near the Japanese Tea Gardens and... got engaged, thus beginning the journey to where we are today. And where are we today? Blessed with four energetic boys - one who learned to ride a bike without his training wheels today! (Go Chatham! See next post)

Moving Day!

Moving Day
Originally uploaded by davidvw.

Oh the joy of being a kid! Last Saturday was not only Hannah's birthday, but it was moving day. On top of needing muscles to move furniture, and boxes someone had to watch the kids - we took shifts. These cousins spent the day playing at our house, or with Oma, while all the work was being done. A long day of playing ended with a "reveal" (as the decorating shows would put it). We managed to get Hannah, Todd and Hailey's rooms all set up before dark. (I guess not too hard to do when you are only moving next door!) What a fun birthday memory!

Keri's Mothers Day gift

Keri's Mothes Day gift
Originally uploaded by davidvw.

Sometimes it is the simple things in life that make Mother's Day special.

Great Grandma spending some quality time...

Great Grandma spending some quality time...
Originally uploaded by davidvw.

Piano recitals can get long. Grandma endured the whole thing and got some Jack-time in as well. Did you know that she gets a Happy Meal when she goes to McDonalds?

Batter up!!!

Batter up!!!
Originally uploaded by davidvw.

Ok, we didn't think we'd ever be those parents that ran from activity to activity, but...
T-ball and piano recital conflict.
Dad was in the dirt and dust and Mom was into squeaks and harmony.
Out of quips, just enjoy the pics.

Minor Leaguer wants to make it in the Bigs

Minor Leaguer
Originally uploaded by davidvw.

Batting fourth with a BA of 1.000, TJ vW, standing a towering 4'2", 65 lbs. (wet and after dinner) mans first base for the day with the Kipton Podunkers. He thinks ball practice is great and can't wait for his first game, May 31, game-time 6:30 at the "Kipton Yards."

A Theme or Pattern

I don't know about you, but God seems to work in my life in themes or patterns. It's kind of like when you learn a new word, all of a sudden you hear it all the time. Right now it is prayer. I picked up a book in California The Twin Pillars of the Christian Life by Wayne and Josh Mack. I picked it up because of the authors. As I began to read, I realized it is on Prayer and Scripture reading - which as the title indicated shouldn't be separated. I am in the prayer section right now. One thought that has come through is "prayer is one of the means God has ordained to cause things to happen". God wants us to pray because He wants to use that prayer to accomplish His will. Not always easy to understand, but there is power in prayer. After I began this book, our Pastor started an evening service series at church on...prayer. Hmmm... not only that he has given us quite a few reasons to pray in the past six months. Sunday mornings we are studying Colossians, which just happens to have my favorite prayer in it (1:9-10). So the children and I have started using it as a basis for our prayers before school, we are praying for our church first, then for others, but always for God's glory. I can't think back to many trials in my childhood, but it seems my children have been exposed to them. From a friend with cancer to a Great Grandparent dying to an auto immune disease to having to patch a lazy eye. When trials come, what does God want us to do? Turn to Him. T.J. has a way of starting his prayers..."I know that you are the almighty and you can do anything". Can we change our circumstances? No, but the almighty can. Even more than being all powerful, He is ALL GOOD, so He is trustable, and He is generous. Mak has a way with his words too, and teaches me in the process. That childlike faith God tells us to have. He prays "Thank you for all that you let us borrow from you". What a reminder that this world is not ours, we are passing through. Chatham watches and listens as we pray, adding on occasion, "please make Alex better..." but He is learning, learning to trust in the One who is in control. A lesson we can all take to heart.

The first BBQ of the season

The first BBQ of the season
Originally uploaded by davidvw.

For those vegetarians out there, sorry.
We're training these carnivorous beasts to fend for themselves. The vegetables haven't come up in the garden yet.

The Case of the Mistaken Identity

Nearly eight years ago we were made aware of a problem. After returning from a year and a half stay in Ethiopia, we were getting ready to settle down here. But things weren't going smoothly. First we were turned down for a credit card application, then the car dealership was unwilling to work with us. It didn't take long to realize something was wrong. After doing a little digging we found that David had two identities. According to our credit report he was David M. Nuller, a mechanic, living about an hour from here, and he didn't like to pay his bills. So for that past eight years, we have had to write letters explaining that we really can be trusted, we have had police over to our house, had claims denied, and recently had credit unexpectedly removed. It seems that Mr. Nuller's fourth bankruptcy claim did a number to our credit report, and the credit agencies took action. Well so did we! It was the proverbial straw that broke the camels back. In the end, it seems Mr. Nuller isn't an identity thief, he's just got a SSN very close to David's and someone made a typo. We're glad he's not some jerk trying to mess with us, but now we feel bad, because all those nice positive marks we have had will now be removed from his credit report. Our lives improved yesterday, I wonder if he'll notice a change in his?