Quak Flock

Lovely Snow Day!

2012-02-14T16:50:00.000-06:00

Overall its been a VERY mild winter, which I am really ok with! We just chuckle when they forecast snow, however this time it really came! Over 4inches of white winter fun! All the fun memories of childhood snow fun come rushing back.... but how do you share with children the joys you can have in the snow except to join them? :) To be outside with big flakes falling on your and the fresh snow crunching under your boots, ah it was REFRESHING! (I know all of you from up north think I am silly! I hadn't realized how cooped up I've been!)

Well thought we'd share a few photo highlights for you and wish you a Happy Valentine's Day!

sledding, snowballs and catching snowflakes!

of course they build a jump guess they do remember a few things

someones not to sure if this is safe!

family snow fun (all this before school :) yep they have a mean teacher!)

at 2 and a half she is sharing her wonderful personality!

The whole snow family with lots of great builders!

Mom helped make the snow child and she got to wear someones gloves and hat (which someone was pretty sure at nap time we should go back out and save!)

Not sure if those are curls or rollers on the head but creative for sure!

Maggie and her snow lady

Gabe complete with silver buttons and a heart scarf for valentines day!

Camo man did a great job on his snow guy!

Very creative, from a mohawk to getting the gloves to form the peace sign

The happy Mr and Mrs Snowman..... as of this afternoon thanks to the temps rising to 43 and Mr sun shining, these are the only 2 left standing! The warm weather has already toppled all of the "children" which was tragic for a few! What a fun day enjoying the wonderful blanket of SNOW! Thank God for the little joys in life.

Happy Valentine's Day ~ hope its WARM and LOVELY!

Jambo

2011-12-04T23:43:00.001-06:00

...means "Hello" in Swahili~ its amazing hearing little children talk in different languages! Maggie was able to join me on the journey to Africa in order to assist with missionary kids so that the parents could fully concentrate on the training. She was able to work in the nursery with 2 other wonderful gals, Sarah and Amy (not her mom!)
They had a great ratio 1-2 with 6 children between the ages of 1 and 2 years in their room. However when all of them are new to you, the new environment, the noise of crying echoing off all the walls... well then it seems like alot!

the playroom with creative soft flooring, tents, and toys!

Maggie was thankful we had brought some little things we could share with the kids during the 4 1/2 hours of daily meeting times. They were also very creative and made forts from sheets and chairs! the older kids were able to enjoy a VBS program with more helpers they had lots of fun too!

even worked on geography lessons :)


Sarah and Hannah playing

Joseph is such a sweetie!

The children warmed up to them and after a few rough spots the first day, it got much better for all involved! These children are so sweet! Maggie enjoyed hearing them talk, many of them already are speaking in different languages which is just amazing! One of the little girls would say JAMBO to anyone who walked by :)

Hannah admiring Maggies necklace at dinner

"It was really neat to hear the stories of the missionaries and get to know them better -- they are still just like us -- just working for Christ in a different place! I often thought of missionaries as perfect Christians who go to share the gospel, well they are just like us - they like to have fun, joke around, even do silly things! But its neat to see they are willing to be used by God where he sends them. And it was a good lesson that God can use my imperfect self too!" Maggie.

there was some play time with the bigger "kids" too! volleyball on the ocean!

Yes there was work but there was fun play too! More on that next!

Let us encourage one another...

2011-12-04T18:26:00.000-06:00

I have always had a longing in my heart to head to Africa on a mission trip, picturing the lovely people, the children, the grass huts, being able to shower them all with God's love in a far away land..... Well that isn't exactly what God called us to!

When I talked with Juli about going to Africa to speak to missionaries who homeschool, my first thought was this will never happen! 2nd thought was that isn't really a "mission" trip! Having just returned home from almost 2 weeks in Kenya, I am thrilled that God worked it out! Thanks to all of you who prayed for our travels and donated fund to make it possible!

I am honored to have been sent to share with missionary families, my heart is overflowing with respect and love for these families who sacrifice to much to serve the Lord! The role I played was to be a homeschool "specialist" (I am still trying to figure out how I fit that title!) sharing ideas on HOW TO's, providing some resources which are easily available in the US, and just encourage them in their journey. I speak at many homeschool conventions around the US and love the opportunity to encourage families in this journey however, this challenge was one that really humbled me! The challenges these families face are so diverse and unique for many trying to find the right curriculum fit for their family (user friendly in locations where there are not any other resources available) is only a minor challenge! Add in living in a very different culture, speaking different languages, building relationships with the locals, and being far from family and friends and try juggling all that with homeschooling!

I am humbled to have been used to encourage these families! Some of the families were homeschooling in the states before going to the field and some are homeschooling in light of the fact that the only real other option for education of their children would be a boarding school far away. Homeschooling has as many different looks as there are families! We covered lots of topics from homeschooling teens to toddlers, keeping Christ central in our schools, as well as things like how to do art and pe on the mission field! It was such a ministry to me to be involved in the forum times when they shared the blessings and challenges of homeschooling while being in full time ministry.

Some of the homeschooling moms from different parts of Africa

We have returned home many new friends! As often happens when we step out to bless others the blessings God showers on us are as much or even more of a treasure!

May our Lord Jesus Christ himself and God our Father, who loved us and by his grace gave us eternal encouragement and good hope, ¹⁷ encourage your hearts and strengthen you in every good deed and word. 2 Thes. 2:16-17

I am thrilled that God opened this door for Maggie and I to serve.
More posts on Maggies adventures next :)

December 1st

2011-12-01T11:35:00.001-06:00

This is my Mom :)

She went to Africa with Tutu, and they spent a LOT of time on planes.

Another trip, this ones in a bus!

They loved the beach B-)

Guess what? another plane! We are so proud of them, taking a step out in faith, getting funds, and going to Africa to serve others. BUT we are even more thankful that she is back home! ;)

So beautiful.


She is always there to encourage us and push us to do better, we are so thankful that God blessed us with you mom!

Chuck

She says she will be posting about Africa soon!

Our adoption journey...

2011-11-03T06:18:00.000-05:00

If you watched our last post (the smile box video) you heard the great news.... 11/1/11 was our Gotcha Day! We have been blessed to be able to raise this sweet little girl from the time she was just a week old. There were times when it wasn't easy, but as with all of our children there are days both good and bad! Thankfully God is gracious and never gives us more than we can handle!

And wonderfully God's grace is sufficient for all!

I want to share a few photos and stories with you....the day we took her home from the hospital one of our children, having just had a foster placement abruptly end, said they would help care for this child but could not commit to LOVING her.After about 6 weeks the child said "Mom, I am starting to fall in love with her". This was true of all of our hearts, you love knowing that it may hurt if the child is reunified or placed elsewhere. We pondered the truth, that really each of our children is not our own but God's whom HE loves and desires the best for even more than we do! (Jer 29:11)

As sweet as that is, the journey of fostering has reminded us so often of God's love for us, no matter what. He loves us no matter where we are. He is always there waiting for us whatever choices we or others make. He calls us to love even if its not easy! That is a hard thing to allow your children to learn~ our instinct is to protect them from hurt, but in doing so we often prevent them from the deeper love that God desires to pour out!

We are reminded that all of us have been adopted, into Christ's family! (Rom 8:15) We are his children whom he loves very much! People have asked us how can you love a child that isn't your "own" (meaning biological) well since this is our first adoption, our other 5 children are biological, so I didn't know. God has poured such peace (I Tim 1:14) over my heart this week and we prayed during this journey that God would grow children he desired to be in our family in our hearts (instead of my womb) and we truly feel that this little one is loved just as much as all of our other children.
When asked if we were willing to adopt her at one of the meetings last year, one of our children with great concern worried it would be too expensive. The child firmly stated that all the money the children had been saving to purchase a wii should be spent on Grace instead! WOW what a blessing to know the children love this little one so much they are willing to put aside their own desires! She has a special place in each of our hearts. As thrilled as we are to know she is now ours, we know that her biological family misses her and loves her and we pray that God will pour out his compassion on them. We are so thankful for her mom's gift of life for this precious child. The whole family (including both sets of grandparents) were able to be in court and witness the welcoming of this child into our forever family!

Each of the children have grown to love her and are wonderful big brothers and sisters! They each got a sibling bracelet to commemorate this special day of welcoming their little sister :)

We were honored to have our adoption on the first day of November,

National adoption month,

we were even more honored to have good friends the Quittshcreibers join us as they celebrated their one year anniversary that day of being in a Russian court for the adoption of 2 of their children! A special day indeed!

Grandma K "Gigi" was a huge help being here for this busy weekend!

And Grandpa K "Papa" too! What a blessing to have them be a part of this special day!

Grandpa and Grandma Q (who were foster parents while Steve was growing up) were here too (it worked out great that they are staying in the area so they could be here!) God is so good to work out even those details!

Sisters are special, as her 2 older sisters help love, train, and care for her she is very blessed to have such wonderful role models to look up too!

We are so thrilled that we are able to officially welcome the "little sister" into our family!!!

Thanks for all your prayers and support through the last 2 years! If you have any questions on fostering or adoption we would LOVE to talk to you! please pass this information onto anyone who maybe interested along with our email moquak@gmail.com and we look forward to helping the 140,000,000 orphans of of the world find forever families too! (James 1:27)

As the starfish story goes ~ we can't take care of all of them by ourselves ~ but we can take care of this one, with God's love and pray others will answer his call too!

Steve and Amy Q and family

www.quakflock.blogspot.com

Kicking off National Adoption Month right!

2011-11-01T09:00:00.000-05:00

This free scrapbooking design made with Smilebox

Practicing unbelief?

2011-10-12T23:46:00.000-05:00

As we shared yesterday we are planning to go to Africa. With that comes planning.... as I was going over some of my favorite devotions from this year this one jumped out at me.

I wanted to share it with you, it's from Jesus Calling by Sarah Young:
"You will not find my PEACE by engaging in excessive planning; attempting to control what will happen to you in the future. That is a commonly practiced form of unbelief. When your mind spins with multiple plans, PEACE may sometimes seem to be within your grasp; yet it always eludes you. Just when you think you have prepared for all possibilities, something unexpected pops up and throws things into confusion.
I did not design the human mind to figure out the future. That is beyond your capability. I crated your mind for continual communication with me. Bring Me all your needs, your hopes and fears. commit everything into My care. Turn from the path of planning to the path of PEACE.

1 Pet 5:6-7 ~ Humble yourselves, therefore, under God’s mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time. ⁷ Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.

Prov 16:9 ~ In their hearts humans plan their course,
   but the LORD establishes their steps.

Ps 37:5 ~ Commit your way to the LORD;
   trust in him and he will do this:

I desire to be filled with God's peace - so I surrender my plans to His care!!! This year more than ever I have tried to let go of my plans and do what God's puts before me on a daily basis. Don't get me wrong, we still have a plan! We just aren't clinging to it as if its a lifesaver... Jesus is and if He brings someone to our door or nudges our hearts to just spend time in his word and prayer... then books can be picked up again later!

Steve shared this picture and it made me think of how peaceful God designed our lives to be... we are the ones who invite the chaos in! May you find PEACE in following HIS plan today!

Heading to AFRICA

2011-10-10T23:27:00.000-05:00

We are so excited! In case you haven't heard Maggie and I (Amy) are going to Kenya Africa for a missionary conference. Why you ask? We are blessed to have been asked to help encourage these families who give so much full time! I will be sharing with the homeschool families ideas, tips and encouragement while Maggie will be helping run a childrens program for the young ones --

so they don't get eaten by lions as the coordinator says!

So we would appreciate your prayers for us as we prepare to travel out of the country next month! If you are interested in more information send us an email and we will put you on our email list. We hope to post updates here about how God works in our lives, we are trusting as much as we desire to go and bless these families that He will pour blessings on us as well!
THANKS in advance for your support!
Amy and Maggie

Patriot's Day Rally

2011-10-10T22:34:00.000-05:00

She loves her big brothers! and they pretty much adore her too :)

We got to go on a wagon ride watching the beautiful horses was fun too!

We enjoyed the evening with "Mr. James Madison" (aka DAD)

Deep in thought ~ must be preparing an amazing speech to share with the people :)


Mr Madison and Mr Samuel Adams

We enjoyed a wonderful Patriots Day Rally celebrating our countries freedom! Click here if you'd like to see some amazing videos reminding us to appreciate our freedom. Great to thank those who have served and be reminded of where we started from! With speeches from Madison, Henry, Franklin and Adams (well actually a few good actors who did a great job looking the part and sounding it too!!!) Finishing the night with a fireworks show to be enjoyed by all. Thanks to the many who have served our country to give us the freedoms we enjoy today!

A day in our Homeschool

2011-10-10T21:24:00.001-05:00

Sorry its been so LONG since posting! Hopefully we'll get back to updating more regularly! So we did the homeschool thing, an equation Seeds+Dirt+Water+Tools+Time+Sweat=Our garden :D
So we found about a dozen Sweet potatoes that were trying to grow in a plastic bag in our pantry......

We also found some pumpkin seeds in the garage, soooooo.....


We cleared an area in our field and pulled out the grass (well, we tried to ;) sweated, then we dug some holes, and sweated some more, and then we put in the sweet potatoes and pumpkin seeds, covered them with soil, and watered them. Now, we see what happens!!!

Sandy Pines on the Fourth of July Weekend!

2011-07-10T22:27:00.001-05:00

Q fam with Gr and Gr K

We were blessed to be able to spend the holiday weekend with family and friends at Sandy Pines. We made the best of the rain with a picnic ~ enjoying friends and playing silent card game with 15 kids in a trailer! amazing how that keeps them quiet :) Then we were blessed by 3 beautiful summer days, fun at the water park, the beach, the parade, fishing and playing with cousins! Well here are some photos from our trip.

Big and Little friends!

Fun on the playground (before the rain)

Luke and Naomi had fun too! Special catching up with these little ones who change so quickly!


another great group game under the pavilion (during the rain!)


Another little buddy!

The Sandy Pines Ice Cream Store is the BEST! trust us order a baby cone!!! :)

Fun catching up with some cousins too!

Mom and Dad K

Q family red and blue (guess we forgot the white!)

Waiting for the parade to begin

Steve with Dad and Mom Q (color coordinated well for the 4th!)

Exciting times, at 12 you can get your "golf cart permit" at Sandy Pines! so we now have another driver with her permit as well as 2 with their golf cart license! we also enjoyed have our 15 yr old get some drive hrs in on the way up (yes we made mom sit in the back seat but she remained quiet enough we didn't have to use the duct tape!)

Our 2nd FAVORITE stop.... the CANDY store :) now with 2 drivers they ended up there often!

We have completed 8 out of 10 conventions so far this season and this little girl has been a trooper! We are so thankful to have such great big brothers and sisters to help out with her. Thought you'd enjoy seeing some of her many faces! We are blessed to have her smile in our family! Blessings on the rest of your summers!

please pretty please more candy???

learning how to swing takes concentration


keep looking up!

Oh the places you'll go Hike IV

2011-05-11T09:13:00.002-05:00

Crazy thing called the HIKE - just for fun going on a 20 mile hike with 80+ friends, it really IS fun!


After a brief shower the sun came out.	It was fun seeing all the red in the front yard as they started at our house this year!

Kept telling myself "If John can do it I can do it!" Way to go!!!

Yes even Little One tagged along, she made it 8 miles!! (with LOTS of great helpers - THANKS!)

Oh the places they went... up and down and all around!

They even took pet turtles along for part of the hike - amazing.

they just keep coming... (or going!)

Looks like the cadets are out of formation... General wasn't there until the afternoon!

For you out of towners these are HUGE hills! The kids were amazing. My friend, who I think was one of only 2 adults to do the whole thing, totally amazes me!!! Way to go Allison :) someday maybe I'll be able to keep up with you!

She doesn't look very happy here... but she did great! Even willingly shared her ride with a few other little people for bits of it (until we got to a hill and it got too heavy!)

Prayer stops along the way were a blessing! One of them we prayed for our Little One ~ her case was once again in court ~ we are honored to be her pre-adoptive home and trust God's plan will bring permanency for all of us soon!

Long way for little legs! He made it 8 miles in the morning with mom and then about 4 more later in the day with dad!

In case you were wondering about our route... just follow the shirt :) its the white line on there!

Yes, that is the Cat in the Hat leading the way!

Flower power? He made it 8 miles in the morning then decided to rest and play with friends!


She was the ONLY one who needed to stretch her legs! and Chuck, he made it all 20 miles!!! way to go!	The girls made it about 16, still pretty amazing to me! We are all feeling it today :) guess we should work up our stamina more before next year!

a new flock

2011-05-11T09:12:00.000-05:00

When we first began this blog we had just gotten our first "flock" of pest control.... chickens to eat all the ticks and chiggers here! Now after our 200th post, We still have 7 of that flock keeping us supplied with fresh eggs regularly. However they are going on 3 years old!!! It seemed to be time to welcome in a new batch. So we got some Easter chicks!

Easter morning all lined up! 15,14,12,10,8,18 mon

colored eggs.....

We had fun picking out the new batch, and the kids thought the colored chicks were too cute! they will outgrow their "color" in just a few weeks.

Colored chicks...Sweetie (pink) Peep (blue) Poopy(yellow) Jolly (green)

Little one is enjoying watching these new "things"!

Tutu picked her 3

Little One gently holds a chick

Eugene protecting his chicks

Bernie and his baby chicks

Ria holding one of hers

Easter is a wonderful time for us to reflect on the new life we have in Christ. As we raise these new little chicks, who need to be cared for, feed and protected ~ I am so blessed to know God does all of this for us too! May you have a blessed Easter and spring this year.

Friends are fun!

2011-04-30T20:02:00.001-05:00

Its pretty neat that you can have friends in different states that you have never met in person, yet feel you really know them! Well that is the story of two great friends of ours.... by following each others blogs (links below if you want to "meet" them) they have gotten to know one another! Now the could all meet each other in PERSON! It was fun for all!

Some friends from MI came down to visit, and the Riefers came over to meet them.
We played outside for about an hour, we played signs, motions, ninja, and looked at the chicks.

the younger boys enjoyed playing too!

The Girls - these are the blogger girls - in age order

In the midst of life

2011-04-26T10:22:00.000-05:00

How many times have I muttered "I if can just make it until tomorrow..." I don't really mean to rush the day, or week or years! In fact there are probably just as many times (or more) that I ponder "why does time have to fly by so quickly?"

So what does that have to do with our blog??? As you can tell from the incredible LACK of posting we have done ~ life has been busy with other things as of late! So a quick update on what we are all up to! Then off to the next thing :)

The little one is growing up so quickly! The kids insisted she needed a potty seat and its amazing to me how ready she is! (I am NOT convinced we are "potty training" yet but glad she is interested!) She is doing alot of signing which is so fun to see her be able to communicate. She is very much loved by all the bigger ones and particularly favors the eldest :) We are excited to see how God is going to weave her into our family forever!

almost 20 months old and cute as ever

The young boys are enjoying being boys! They have enjoyed the amount of snow we received this winter with lots of sledding enjoyed by all! They are quick to work through school so they can play legos or playmobile or risk! (Bernie has begun wearing glasses this spring for reading!)

one final snow man

The girls are wonderful helpers and are enjoying a dance class as of late a real blessing after not doing that for a few years! They have joined me in starting a home based business, Thirty-One, lots of great real life math, public speaking and just all around real life skills they are learning as we have fun at this together! They are also BOTH wearing glasses now! (Ria's are just for reading too) We were blessed to have 2 cousins get to visit with Grandpa and Grandma K they enjoyed having cousin time LOTS!

Raleigh, Ria and Brinley

And the eldest (who recently got his permit!) well he is enjoying the independence of high school! He just completed another season of basketball, it was a blessing to see his improvement through another season! He is starting spring soccer and enjoy that alot as well. He and Tutu thoroughly enjoyed being in another fine linen drama production this spring, Seussical the Musical! It was amazing! Hopefully we will get some more photos of that posted soon!

Tutu ~ a who child and Chuck ~ a cadet

And the adults in the house.... keeping up with the schooling, cleaning, laundry, meals, appointments and ministry that is scheduled to happen every day! We were so blessed to get away for a weekend what seems like forever ago already! We have also begun a homegroup which has become a deep blessing already for all of us. And once again we have begun another travel season with My Father's World. so far we have already done 3 conventions, ND, NE and MN, we have 7 more to go! We go to Arlington, TX next week then AR mid May. In June we head to KS, CO and Austin,TX and we head to TX the end of July and early Aug! would be great in my mind to switch those TX ones with all the northern ones we did in March and April!!! but oh well! We are very blessed by all the kind people we meet along the way.

I am treasuring the book Jesus Calling by Sarah Young. Today's message was on keeping Jesus as our focal point - like a spinning ballerina we must keep a focal point in order to maintain balance. May CHRIST be your focal point
fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. Heb 12:2

Blessings!

Preperations

2011-04-26T08:11:00.000-05:00

Well, this lent has not gone exactly as I expected. As a family we have often fasted from something together (as we shared last year in our posts much more faithfully than this year I sadly add), which is a great accountability factor!

However this year we decided to each do our own fast, personally I didn't do so well! However the whole point of fasting is in drawing nearer to God, putting aside our selfish desires to deepen our walk with Him in preparation for Easter.

I have been blessed in many little ways this lent season and look forward to Easter with a renewed awe and overwhelming peace in the incredible gift that has been give to us!

A lovely spring has been refreshing after a long winter, seeing the NEW life spring up all around, reminding once again the old has gone the new is come!

We are thankful for visits from family, the blessing of extended family pouring out love amidst the miles is a treat!

Tonight we were blessed to take part in a demonstration seder Passover, with Jews for Jesus. To see all the connections from the Old Testament ceremonies is just incredible! the one that we had learned about before but once again reminded us how God works even the little things into a part of the whole plan has to do with the matzah bread tradition. (for more information on that you can read about the 3 pieces of bread = the triune God here)

I pray that Jesus is your passover lamb and that this Easter you will be filled to overflowing in God's great love for each of US!

Teeter-Totter

2011-01-28T16:19:00.003-06:00

As I am changing a diaper, calling out spelling words, and trying to encourage yet another child to work on his math, a little phrase runs through my head:

“Be still and know that I am God.”

HOW can I be STILL? I am sure, as a homeschool parent, you can relate to this often crazy life! God gently (and sometimes not so gently) reminds me that there is more to life than checking off boxes. I need to BE STILL.

Finding the balance between the academic training of homeschooling and the calling to disciple in solid Biblical faith often feels like a teeter-totter in life. Adding the many alluring temptations of extracurricular events can make things seem more like a merry-go-round! I have discovered that when I finally arrive at the top of the academic side: the schedule works well, the kids are all checking the proper boxes, our family is getting ALL the “school” things done, it is then that I realize the Biblical balance has slipped to the bottom. This is the point where I am reminded that our calling to homeschool was first to ground our children in strong Biblical values and godly character. So my natural reaction in these times is to quickly jump to the other side: emphasizing Bible, prayer time, and ministry or serving. However, what happens now? I promptly realize I am NOT accomplishing either of the things I was striving for, and my children are frustrated with the “see-sawing”!

What is the way to find a delicate balance on a teeter totter? It takes focus, patience, and being STILL! Somewhere in this life of homeschooling there is a balance too. Finding the right mix for your family of faith-building character development, along with academic challenge and opportunity, will bring stillness to your heart. In that stillness I KNOW that God can lead and guide, training the next generation to love Him with all their hearts, through all ups and downs of life.

Lord, help me today to focus on You. Give me patience as I find the stillness and balance in my homeschool life!

(no this isn't our family but it was too perfect!)

"Be still and know that I am God." Psalm 46:10

*Look forward to posting more encouraging thoughts as we prepare for the upcoming homeschool convention season! We are heading to ND, NE, AR, TX and more to be determined! Hope to see some of you there!

Where oh where does the time go?

2011-01-23T15:41:00.004-06:00

Here we are looking at the end of January already! Time goes so quickly! We have been keeping busy with school, basketball (Chucks team) swim lessons, dr appointments and fighting off winter colds!

Well we hope to share more updates on our life the journey including the struggles and the blessings but that will be another time (keep thinking we'll have time someday!)
Tutu, Ria and I have begun a new home business adventure this month too! Its called Thrity-One and we look forward to telling you more about in as time goes one but for now if you'd like to see what its all about check out our website www.mythirtyone.com/moquak

Steve and I are very much looking forward to a weekend away this month too! YEAH! thanks to great friends for helping watch all the kids (and animals) so we can have a little time alone!

That is what we are up too.... we really hope to do more posts soon :)
Happy winter to you!

Family fun up north

2011-01-08T15:36:00.003-06:00

We enjoyed lots of fun with family making cookies with the cousins (this is the beginning it DID get messier!)
some of them eat more then they make but its fun! and sugar is good for you right?
We were also blessed to go up North to cabins with the K family and enjoyed an indoor water park one day and some of us tried skiing the next day.
"Bernie" did great!
"Tutu" I don't think she even fell down once! amazing!!!!
"Eugene" he did great too, pretty tired out but had lots of fun! the chair lifts were great -- especially the time mom and I were getting off and I made her fall!

More pictures soon! (really! )

MERRY CHRISTMAS

2010-12-25T21:56:00.001-06:00

We were blessed to be with some family for Christmas. And for all the family we didn't get to see ~ merry Christmas to YOU!

We enjoyed a pizza party with the Q side after Christmas (which I failed to capture any photos of ... gets harder when they get older!) and Christmas Eve on the Kuipers side was busy with lots of cousin time!
Here are some photos of that:

Cousin pictures, its hard to get a smile on a bakers dozen :)

Daryn (my youngest brother) and Kira with Emmry

Mike and Jill (my younger sister), Brinley, Molly and Sadie James (my brother) and Carrie, Raleigh, Syndey and Greyson
+ 2 in heaven (check out their blog)

And our family, Steve and Amy with children

My Dad and Mom ~ thanks so much for welcoming in a family of 8 to overrun your house for 10 days!!! We are so thankful for your love and support, going up north with the whole family was a special treat too THANKS so much!
More posts to come of friends and fun over the holidays!
This Christmas we are thankful for the gift that brought us ALL into God's family!
HAPPY BIRTHDAY JESUS!!!

Hands and Feet

2010-12-16T23:10:00.005-06:00

We desire to serve God where-ever he sends us -- but its tempting to say "He hasn't sent me yet (or I am not old enough, or I am not a missionary, etc!) so I don't need to serve" My thoughts ~that is WRONG! He wants to use you right where you are, at any age! So this season of giving allow God to use your hands and feet to serve those you come to meet! May you be willing to say I'll go where you send me even its its just down the street.
The lyrics of a song by Audio Adrenaline have been going through my head lately.... so though I'd post them here!

An image flashed across my TV screen another broken heart comes in to view
I saw the pain and I turned my back why can't I do the things I want to?
I'm willing yet I'm so afraid You give me strength When I say
[CHORUS:]

I want to be your hands

I want to be your feet

I'll go where you send me
We'II go where you send us

And I try to touch the world like you touched my life And I find my way to be your hands
I've abandoned every selfish thought I've surrendered every thing I've got
You can have everything I am and perfect everything I'm not
I'm willing, I'm not afraid you give me strength When I say [CHORUS]

This is the lifetime I turned my back on you
From now on, I'll go so send me where You want me to
I finally have a mission I promise I'll complete
I don't need excuses when I am your hands and feet Quak Flock 10/10
if you want to see a video of the whole song click here
(they also have information about their hand and feet orphanages in Haiti and Central America on the video)

The season of waiting...

2010-12-14T20:56:00.008-06:00

Well, I had excellent intentions of getting some lovely advent posts up... its just not going to happen, so here are some ramblings.

As we prepare to celebrate Christ's birth I am thankful to savor a few slow mornings or early evenings when I cuddle up with a blanket, my hot tea and quiet time with the Lord. Savoring his faithfulness, leading and hope. Tonight, I thought I would share a few thoughts on my heart. The advent season is a season of reflecting, waiting, anticipation, hope and finally JOY:

Reflecting on God's faithfulness, or maybe reflecting on the distance you are from the Lord and pondering how to draw close again.
Waiting for God's leading in a job, for a spouse, or where to go next in life.
Anticipation of a move or of other momentous events in your life,
and Hope for peace, a better economy, for healing, for the orphans, widows and poor.

Reflecting or pondering often reminds me of the passage about Mary after Jesus was born "But Mary treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart." Luke 2:19. As a mom my mind is soaking up information and somehow it seems to thicken up as it gets to my heart (if that even makes sense). Hindsight is 20/20 and there are so many times I am thankful to look back and see God's hand working in our parenting and in our children's lives. However there are still MANY times where my heart breaks for my frequent human shortcomings: the temper that is too quick to jump out, the lack of communication leading to quarrels, and the under-abundance of grace which is not poured out. Reflecting on how evident it is when my walk with the Lord is, well, more of a gallop (which is just ridiculous I know) how I get lost, off track or hurt. But thankfully He's slowing me down and teaching me to WALK with Him! I am so thankful that this year He is growing a in me a deep longing to slow down and just BE with Him.

Waiting on God's leading, this is an area that is NOT easy! Teach me to do your will, for you are my God; may your good Spirit lead me on level ground. Ps 143:10
Especially with my "like to know the plan" nature. I am learning that I crave structure and order, letting go and being willing to lean on God as an act of trust.... well, still working in this area! We were so blessed to follow his leading in our family mission trip last month and God is reminding me that He does want good things to grow and mature our family if we are willing to follow Him!

Watching children anticipate something special is a reminder of the eagerness with which we should be awaiting the return of Jesus. Are we more excited about the Christmas parties? Getting new clothes? the pretty packages under the tree? I am sure you heard the song this year "Where's the Line to See Jesus?" As I anticipate another year of homeschooling, travel, conventions and speaking I pray that all those things are in the shadow of my eagerness for the Lords return. Its hard to for me to think of expectancy and not think of "expecting". Many have asked us how we foster, well is only by God's grace and let me tell you there are some days (like today) that I wish I could adjust the spigot! We had eagerly anticipated knowing more after the court date today however we are still left waiting. As hard as it is to explain, we do long for families to be reunified if at all possible, however we also long for children to have belonging, and permanency and fighting the battle of red tape is oh so frustrating! We cling to the anticipation in God's perfect plan for her life that none of us can even fathom at this point! Jer. 29:11 is such a meaningful verse for our family and we claim it again for her. "For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future."

Hope in the best Christmas gift ever! We can hope in earthly things all our lives and not find fulfillment, but the one that provides true hope is Jesus Christ. We hope for peace to rule in our home, our country and our world. Hoping for Godly love to be shown to many who are broken and alone. Hope for our light to shine brightly to all who can see.
"The Root of Jesse will spring up, one who will arise to rule over the nations; in him the Gentiles will hope.” May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit. Romans 15:12-13

May you take time to ponder the gift of Jesus, sent from heaven above just for YOU! We pray you are filled with JOY in the gift of Jesus this Christmas. Amidst the busy time of year may you take time to be filled by Him so you may overflow with the hope he gives!
Blessing to your family this Christmas!
Amy Q

A few of our favorite things....

2010-12-06T23:11:00.007-06:00

Once again advent season is here! I love this time of year! Maybe because it starts right around my birthday :) or maybe because its the anticipation of the best gift of all time!

Either way thought I would share a few of our Christmas traditions:

each of the 25 days until Christmas we put an ornament on our Jesse Tree to and read a short scripture, telling of the journey to Jesus. (this year we are a bit behind but I hope to share some of the stories with you as we go along)
opening a new window each day on our Advent calendars
lighting the advent candles
Reading about Jotham, Bartholomew and Tabitha in an EXCELLENT advent series
wrapping up Christmas story books and each day getting to open a gift of a special story to read! Some of our favorites: Crippled Lamb, Mary's First Christmas, Who is coming to our House?, The Christmas Tapestry and for adults Skipping Christmas, Unafraid
staging the happy family Christmas picture (I just cant give it up!)
delighting in opening cards from far away family and friends with pictures and updates
putting candles in each of our windows
making gingerbread houses ( fun for both the big and little kids)
hanging stockings by the chimney (this year we may put out our wooden shoes :))
Getting together with family!
setting out our manger (instead of a big tree) and placing gifts all around - helping to keep us focused on real meaning of CHRISTmas!
Having warm cozy fires snuggled up together
of course making cookies, decorating them AND eating them!
and Christmas music ~ especially hearing the kids play it!
Mary Did You Know that song is one that always touches my heart!
Making family memories we will treasure for years!

This season may God be near to you may you receive His wonderful gift, the gift of his son Jesus. More Christmas ponderings soon!

And the winner is....

2010-11-28T22:06:00.002-06:00

Finally the book giveaway: The winner is Lori O and family,

CONGRATULATIONS May you be blessed by Mission As Life!

We are excited that some of you are interested in joining us for a FAMILY MISSION TRIP in the fall of 2011. Let us know if you'd like to be added to our update list!

If you would like a copy of the book we do have a few more copies let me know, or they can be purchased at www.missionaslife.com

Blessings on your week ~ may you share the love of Christ with those you meet wherever God has you right now!
The Quakflock

One more day....

2010-11-27T22:30:00.004-06:00

OK we've been BUSY with the holidays and forgot to have the kids draw the winner tonight.... so you have one more day to enter :)

If you want a FREE copy of the book Mission As Life
(we will mail it so feel free to enter even if you don't live nearby!)
just comment on the original post (click here) by 8pm Sunday CST

May God give you an opportunity to minister to someone today ~ and may you TAKE IT!
Shalom,
Amy and the Quakflock

Hiking the appalachian trail

2010-11-20T07:14:00.006-06:00

While on our mission trip we were able to take a little side trip to visit some old friends who we used to live down the street from, they now live in Virginia. It was about the end of the fall colors we were so awed to see the beauty God has decorated this earth with! We we so blessed to catch up with them as well as get a hike in on the Appalachian trail.

Deb and I talking and walking

Steve with the baby snug as a bug!

Kids lead the way

signing into the log book

the whole crew yes its a full dozen with only 2 families!!!
THANKS Maynards for blessing us with wonderful fellowship, comfy beds (even welcoming late arrivals!) and yummy food! We are so thankful for good friends and look forward to someday worshiping the Lord together!!!

Family Service highlights + BOOK GIVEAWAY

2010-11-13T20:33:00.003-06:00

One of our goals for the week was to help figure out what it takes to make a family mission trip work with The Community Crossings; finding the right balance between work, fun, and making sure the family has time to grow together and deepen their walk with the Lord. Serving as a family has lots of benefits one that we felt is you all come home with a shared experience, able to spur one another on when you return to the hum drum of daily life back home. Also time away from typical schedule of life allows you to have time together that often is not taken when at home.

The above picture is of the Community Crossing facility ~ the old high school was given to them! Its a wonderful place where lots of ministry happens. (I am still bewildered at how school buses ever got close, the streets are SO steep!)

We are considering going back and would like to take a crew of families with us .... so if you are interested let us know... it would be fun to serve with a bunch of families! We would likely go again fall of 2011. If you are interested in going sooner or helping with donations please contact Community Crossing ph 304-436-8300 or let me know and we can connect you!

Daily we met with Randy Wallace from Mustard Seeds & Mountains ministry,another local ministry. He is the author of Mission As Life a great book which we highly recommend all families read! Especially if your family is looking for a jump start to service or ministry. We enjoyed spending some time with him and being encouraged to not leave serving in West Virginia but to take it home and continue on in our hometown. A few highlights:

Commune with God ~ spend time listening to His word and what he wants us to do
Community ~ we can serve right were we are, it takes time, make sure to schedule it in!
Compassion ~ it takes a heart that is willing to put others first and self last then DO IT

We want to bless someone with the book MISSION AS LIFE-- so if you want to win a FREE copy:

Post a comment (make sure your email is in your comment so we can contact you if you win).
If you want to get entered twice post a link to this on your blog and comment here that you linked it.
If you really want the book you can comment again for a third opportunity to win, with a story about a mission/service project you have done or one you hope to do!

We will draw the winner the 27th. Best wishes!
Thanks for all your support while we were off on this adventure! We pray that God continues to mold us into the servants HE wants us to be!

Supporting others - DAY 5

2010-11-12T20:37:00.001-06:00

Final day to finish a few little week long projects:
#1 Final coat of paint in bathroom at clubhouse (where we stayed)

WORKERS: Steve and Amy (a little)
STATUS: DONE

This is the bathroom we worked on at the clubhouse done!

#2 Paint trim and install into bedroom and bathroom at the clubhouse

WORKERS: Steve and all the kids
STATUS: DONE

Looks very nice!

We were blessed with wonderful weather while we were there. The boys enjoyed playing outside and even enjoyed some young playmates throughout the week who were kind in sharing their bikes :)

Then we were able to connect with 5 homeschooling families for gym time this afternoon. They loved Steve playing with them ~ helping them shoot hoops :) And we had a great game of kickball too :) Here Freddie is going to throw someone out at third! The enjoyed riding bikes inside as the roads are way to hilly outside! Bernie helps Eric go faster! Getting ready for a 4-square game...
Was that really out? are you sure???
We enjoyed a meeting this wonderful crew who has such an amazing heart to help this community. THANKS Wilson family for welcoming us and for blessing the many families you minister too!

We almost had a mix up... Ellie snuck into our car seat... since our little one gets car sick on the hills we were tempted to go with the switch! but decided we would both miss them too much!This was our helper all week - Kyler helped get us to our projects and made sure we had all we need -- THANKS for all you do for the ministry! You are an amazing young man!

Thanking Others - DAY 4

2010-11-11T09:41:00.000-06:00

Today is Veterans Day. Small towns seem to appreciate our veterans more -- maybe its the closeness or the family ties, either way I like it!
The town about shuts down, so we joined the festivities attending the parade in the morning. Enjoyed some bands, some cool old cars, and of course candy which the kids enjoyed! (ok I did as well)
Here they are taking the flag down to present to the veterans.
Freedom isn't free. We are thankful for the many who have fought so we can have the many freedoms we do today. May we not forgot them or their families!

After lunch we were able to get a bit of the local history going to Coal Camp Creations which had a small display of the history of coal mining in the area. As well as a shop which makes creations out of - you guessed it COAL! We were able to watch them mix the dust, pour it into molds, and pop it out, the boys were pretty intrigued. They really like this mold of the Veteran.

This is what we enjoyed each day -- lots of coal trucks zooming by. Some of the roads don't seem wide enough to fit both the truck and a car - but they can. There is always a film of black dust on everything. We learned they are required to wash the road down after so many loads and daily a sweeper truck goes through too. Here is an old coal chute sending the coal down to trucks which haul it to the train yards. We learned alot about the reason so many moved to this area years ago, to work in the coal mines. We were amazed to see an area that at one time over 160,000 residents now only has between 20,000 and 25,000. There is your history for the day :)
We are thankful for the people who are working with the many needy people here, and thankful we were able to join and encourage them this week!
One more day....

Blessing others - DAY 3

2010-11-10T21:02:00.006-06:00

One of the things we have learned is that when you intend to bless someone.... you are often the one who is blessed! That's exactly what happened to us today.

We are enjoying the amazing "hills" here well, most of us, the baby is not so fond of them and seems to feel better by emptying her stomach on the curves - poor thing! Actually poor siblings sitting next to her!
This tunnel was a hand picked tunnel -- (made by picking away at the rock!) pretty amazing to realize how hard it was to get around years ago and how much we take our modern roads, tunnels etc for granted! We are in coal country and have learned a lot about the hard life so many here have lived. The towns here are dying as the mining has changed over the years. So sad to see towns so vacant and falling apart.

Wednesday Project:
#1 Paint bedroom at home of the C's

WORKERS: Q family and Mr and Mrs C
STATUS: completed!

We were blessed to help an elderly couple today paint two rooms in their home. As we worked the children were thrilled that Mamaw (Mrs. C ) kept offering kool-aid and cartoons! They were great painters too. We got both rooms primed then painted (bright cheery colors i might add!) in less that 5 hours!

#2 Paint family room at home

WORKERS: Q family and Mr and Mrs C
STATUS: completed, with the exception of some trim which needed to be painted white yet - Mr C will finish that another day

The kids enjoyed helping but didn't mind when they got to take tv breaks -- a very special treat as we don't often watch them. Here they are showing off their work -- though this room was almost entirely painted by Mr C. He was such a hard worker! We could hardly keep up with him. What a lesson in hard work -- he has breathing issues (from years of working in the mines) but he wouldn't sit down and take a break! Perseverance we saw demonstrated before our very eyes today!
this is an old tool used long ago in the mines - Eugene or "Huber" as Mr. C called him :) worked hard to "dig" down with it, he did well too!
Here is the work crew. Mrs C loved having some girls in the house. We made some news friends today. We were there to bless them but their hearts and kindness blessed us!
Lord may we be thankful for what you have blessed us with, family, health and so many earthly possessions. May our eyes not get stuck down looking at all our stuff but may we look up to you and give you praise and honor and glory for the things of heaven which really mater! AMEN

Encouraging Others - DAY 2

2010-11-09T20:16:00.000-06:00

When we moved we were blessed to have overwhelming assistance -- family, friends, new coworkers, not only to move but helping with the unpacking.

Today we were able to bless a family who is trying to uncover the floor from the myriad of boxes which are still covering it since recently moving! This lovely family has 7 children ranging from 10 months to 10 years and a wonderfully resourceful mother who homeschools them all.

Tuesdays projects:
#1 Complete painting of front porch

WORKERS: Steve and Chuck
STATUS: scraped, painted DONE :)

#2 Assist Mom as needed with unpacking

WORKERS: Amy, Tutu, Ria
STATUS: Amy was able to help mom sort clothes and we made some good headway! Getting things sorted by size and put in the correct room (clothes get overwhelming for me with only 3 boys and they have 5!)
STATUS (GIRLS) they were able to help the 2 girls in the family organize their room also sorting some clothes. They had plenty of breaks to just have fun and play as well!

#3 Keep 5 boys busy so the rest of us could get things done :)

WORKERS: Bernie and Eugene
STATUS: Enthusiastically completed! They had lots of fun on the tramp, tire swing, with Lego's and Nerf guns, with squirt guns and exploring, and even sledding ~ no there was not snow but a GREAT hill and it worked fine even without snow!

When asked how their "work" was today, they replied "We didn't work today, we got to play"!
We made some wonderful new friends today. God reminded me that often its just as much about getting something done as it is about encouraging one another. We pray they were encouraged by our time together ~ I know we were!

³ “Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.

⁴ Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted.

⁵ Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth.

⁶ Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled.

⁷ Blessed are the merciful, for they will be shown mercy.

⁸ Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God.

⁹ Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God.

¹⁰ Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.

¹¹ “Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me. ¹² Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you.

Matthew 5:3-12

Serving others - DAY 1

2010-11-08T18:17:00.001-06:00

Well, day 1, here we are, up early and ready to SERVE.... and wondering how we will be used this week. The organization we are working with is called Community Crossing . We are here as a family to see what mission trips can look like for families (verse the typical trip of youth groups). Here we are with 6 kids who traveled more than a days drive to serve, wondering can we really get anything done to be of blessing to anyone?

YES WE CAN!

Monday we had 2 projects to complete:
#1 Finish some painting and replace baseboards after painting at the "club house" where we are staying.

WORKERS: Steve, Chuck and Tutu
STATUS: painting - done, baseboards - in progress

#2 Help with some winterizing at a neighbors home.

WORKERS: Amy, Ria, Bernie, and Eugene
STATUS: discovered lack of some supplies at work site, modified plan did some cleaning, organizing and fellowshipping with the Grandmother and Great Grandmother.

Blessings went both ways!

Our evening was a time for family fellowship, fun and games.
this is our "mess hall" where we eat, play and share.This is our sleeping quarters - where we yes sleep! plenty of top bunks so everyone can have a TOP well not Dad, Mom or Baby!
¹⁴ “You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden. ¹⁵ Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. ¹⁶ In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven." Matthew 5: 14-16

Praying our light will shine and as we love the people here they will be not only blessed but encouraged in their faith walk!

On the road again but this time on a MISSION

2010-11-07T20:51:00.000-06:00

We are setting off on an adventure... its been our desire to do a family mission trip for a while now. And God has finally brought all the pieces together! We are heading off to serve a poor community by ministering to the people through varrious small projects we can do as a family.

We were able to spend some time on our way there marveling at God's amazing creativity! We stopped at this natural bridge.... It was a nice hike to stretch the legs a bit! This is the view from below, over 85 feet high sits a 65 foot rock bridge.

The amazing ~and scary~ part is you can walk right over top of it....

and sit on the edge!

(OK, just so you know there is a small ledge below the children I WOULD not let them sit right on the edge!!!)
This was back at the base, it was incredible to enjoy nature all around us and marvel again at how God has created all things for his glory. How far and wide is His love for us!
We are so blessed to have this opportunity to grow as a family while we serve the Lord. More updates soon!

"What does the Lord require of you?
To act justly,
to love mercy
and to walk humbly with your God."

Micah 6:8

a visit from the newest cousin

2010-10-24T17:23:00.006-05:00

We were so blessed to get to spend the weekend with Uncle D, Aunt Kira and Emmry, (3 months) the newest K cousins, over the weekend. we ALL really enjoyed getting to know Emmy more!

We had only seen her a few times soon after she was born, when we were up over the summer. Of course we enjoyed time with Daryn and Kira too :)
Also hanging out in the great outdoors with Uncle D -- I think some hunting lessons were going on! I heard some duck calls a few times. The kids were slightly disappointed that Kimber (the dog) wasn't able to come for the weekend too -- next time they come I think Kira may bring him to stay :) sorry didn't catch any pictures of them outside ~ busy with the babies!
We enjoyed playing games of Ticket to Ride (thanks Gr and Gr for that gift!)Hopefully we didn't overwhelm them with our crazy lifestyle of a family of 8!!!
We had 5 soccer games, plays, and of course normal kids chaos around the house :)
The boys finally got up the courage to hold her before they left.
Even the crying didn't deture Eugene -- he is used to a few tears!
We were just as sad as Emmy here, when they left! We are so blessed to have wonderful family willing to come all this way just to spend a little time with US! THANKS D and Kira (AND Emmry!) for making the drive WE LOVE YOU!
The Q fam

A day in the life of a homeschool family

2010-10-16T21:49:00.004-05:00

We are into our 11th year of educating at home! And I was one who said "I would NEVER homeschool...." Interesting the roads God brings us down! (It was mainly because I was worried my children would turn out like THIS:)

He enjoys doing this to annoy me but he's so cute :)

As we begin a new year of school thought we would share a bit about what we are learning. (well, I had hoped to get this up awhile ago we are starting week 9 in school ~ but here is the overview anyway!)

The middle 4 "Tutu, Ria, Bernie and Eugene" are enjoying traveling around the world! The curriculum we use for school is called Exploring Countries and Cultures and as we travel around the world we learn about the people, the places, the biomes and various other interesting things in each continent. oh almost forgot art and music too ~ call our home phone and you can hear HELLO in 10 different languages!

a world map made by Eugene

a nature notebooking day -- learning about deciduous and coniferous forests

We are also studying the book of Matthew, praying for people around the world with an amazing book Window on the World and reading missionary biographies which are very inspiring! Yes to all you teachers they all do the 3 R's too (Reading - love the library!, wRiting and aRithmetic for all you non-teachers:) )

The day they received their passports in the mail -
great timing as we were "traveling" to Mexico later that day!

The youngest learner in the bunch is learning to sign as well as say lots of words, "read" books (she LOVES looking at them!) play with toys and so much more!

Our oldest "Chuck" began high school at home this year (yeah its almost unbelievable!) he is using a program called Ancient History and Literature for Bible, History and English, Jacobs geometry and Exploring Creation with Chemistry, and German with Rosetta Stone. He is starting week 10 and he and his dad have a healthy competition staying ahead of one another in Taking the Old Testament Challenge daily bible reading! He is working on starting his own blog to share more thoughts with you -- we'll let you know when its live!

here he is doing some reading

Well that about sums up our school schedule -- add some extras like piano, violin, volleyball, soccer, lego robotics, chess club, and co-op and it makes for a busy schedule! (more posts on all those to come!!!)

Oh, the kids didn't want me to forget about home ec -- cleaning, laundry cooking and child care are all in our daily routine too!
So there is a glimpse into a day of our homeschool family ....
and if you haven't seen the homeschool family video by Tim Hawkins here it is ~ enjoy! (we have watched it tons of times and still laugh!)

Blessings
Amy Q

Half way around the world....

2010-10-14T14:49:00.004-05:00

...2 children may not even know that there is a family working very hard to bring them HOME into their forever family! Our dear friends are nearing the end of the 16 month journey to adopt 2 children from Russia.
You can see more at this link http://www.qadoption.myevent.com/

Your prayers for them are much appreciated!

Happy Birthday Burnie!!!!

2010-10-05T18:18:00.011-05:00

We had a birthday party for Burnie!!
The theme was U.S. military,
they got to do a treasure hunt --
had to follow directions they did well for the most part!

because it was his 10th birthday he got to have 10 friends over

we had a cook out around the fire it was just a little bit cold

This is last years picture but its so cute!

and he needs a hair cut REALLY bad now so I like this one better :)

happy birthday bro
~ Ria

A day at the soccer fields

2010-10-05T18:02:00.007-05:00

Chuck and little one

Burnie and Jack, ready to play!

Tutu staying warm and listening to music

Ria and cutie in the wind

ME playing goalie, really I'm ready =)

Posted by Eugene

High School at Home

2010-09-24T16:12:00.007-05:00

At our house we have a school room but only two of us kids are currently doing school in that room. I'm doing school in the basement so I can work without being disturbed, the boy's are in the dining room and the girls are in the school room. My mom made us a schedule for this school year, I tweeked it so it would work for me. I wake up, then I exercise, take a shower and get dressed, I eat breakfast, then start school with Bible, History, and Chemistry. Then I have Geometry, do some chores and then eat lunch. After lunch I practice piano and violin, then I do my English (Writing, IEW, and Grammar). Homework and exercising is next, (with the family). then I have free time until dinner.

These are pictures are of me from last year while I was doing school.

More Soon, See ya'll later
Gabe

Old But Cute

2010-09-12T15:28:00.003-05:00

Getting cold in the water!

Happy 4th of July!

Mighty Man on the rocks

Happy Easter

Happy with Monarchs
I just decided to do the old pictures instead of the new ones
Hope you have a super week!
~Ria~

BACK TO SCHOOL

2010-09-01T21:38:00.003-05:00

We are off to a very late start to school this year, due to working an August convention and a vacation trip to spend a week with family, all in all it will work out! We have been meaning to update our blog, but well we have just been too busy! Please forgive us :)

August was a whirlwind and we hope to get more pictures up soon; from visiting our new niece, a quick trip from Gr and Gr K and celebrating a little ones FIRST birthday! enjoying beaches, going to an amusement park, lots of fun with friends, its been BUSY!

Well just wanted to let you know we are here and look forward to sharing more with you all soon. Our family enjoys Keys for Kids for evening devotions (you can sign up for online devo or free monthly devotions mailed to you on the link) tonight was one of my favorite verses:
Jeremiah 29:11¹¹ For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.
then we read 2 more verses which were even more of a blessing to me: ¹² Then you will call upon me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you. ¹³ You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart.

God has a plan for YOU~ call upon Him and seek Him with all your heart TODAY!

High in the sky

2010-08-11T23:17:00.000-05:00

The campground has a wonderful new feature this summer... a high ropes course which was enjoyed but all but the youngest and oldest (who is not so thrilled with heights as stated in a previous post!)

It was hot but they didn't want to come down!

their courage was amazing to watch!

stepping out in faith comes to mind

what a fun free activity for the kids!

even Eugene was having a blast amidst not being tall enough to reach some of the support ropes he ventured all over it! Already getting excited for next summer :) Anyone want to join us for a week of camping????

Summer Memories

2010-08-10T22:56:00.000-05:00

Another plus of a meet the new cousin trip was we were able to celebrate Grandpa K's birthday with him, the Sandy Pines Ice Cream is the BEST! Dad doesn't usually get to enjoy the best ice cream store ever but our quick trip up allowed him to indulge with us~ he was pretty happy (he didn't eat both, one was mine and he did give it back!) Yeah for Mackinaw Island Fudge! Lots of fun playing with cousins and friends at the park
We hit the right week ~ Vacation Bible School ~ with over 300 kids there its tons of fun to enjoy. The only hard part was Grandma couldn't fit them all on the golf cart, the boys were thrilled to ride scooters there (amidst Grandma's safety concerns they did great!)
This was our home sweet home -- a little cabin with just enough room to sleep most of us, Grandma kindly invited the older girls to her trailer to enjoy sleepovers with the cousins!
So thankful to enjoy a few beautiful days on the beach and spend time with family. We ended up leaving Ria and Eugene there - NO we didn't forget them! Then they could enjoy the rest of VBS and summer fun for a week while we went back to work another convention! Gr and Gr brought them back home for the big 1st birthday party... more on that later!

Blessed to have cousins

2010-08-09T15:47:00.003-05:00

We are so excited to welcome another cousin on the K side!!!
(even though its another girl the boys were still pretty excited:))

My youngest brother Daryn and his sweet wife Kira had their first child, a beautiful baby girl Emmry Ann ~ we couldn't resist getting up to meet her, so between conventions we snuck a "little" side trip in (whats a few more hours in the car?!)

Sweet little blessing!

she'll have lots of cousin fun in years to come I am sure!

We are thankful to God for each life He gives. And we treasured the moments we were able to share with her ~ we'll have to get back soon as I am sure she won't remember meeting us!

Welcome to Whit's End

2010-07-12T08:07:00.008-05:00

If you aren't familiar with Whit's End then you have never listened to Adventures in Odyssey! From the time we talked about working the CO convention the kids were hoping to visit Focus on the Family while we were there, thankfully it worked out! We ended up spending almost 5 hours there! Into the IMAGINATION STATION (aka elevator!) when we got out we had traveled to a wonderful place.... Whit's end :)
There was a great toddler room where the little one had lots of fun too!

Here the kids are in Whits office

One of the highlights was getting to record their own Adventure in Odyssey
(about a mystery in Whits office)!

Here is CASEY one of the characters in the storyAnd this is JAMIE they both did a great job with the help of the sound crew who, got to make lots of sound effects: horses galloping, doors shutting, drawers, pencil sharpeners, sidewalks, gravel and more!
They would be happy to let you borrow "their" CD anytime ~
(then we could listen to something else!)

We also got to go through the wardrobe....

Into NARNIA!!! thankfully we found the lamp post so we could get home!

And last but not least was a stop at the Soda shop -- Y U M! Tutu even got the got the "to die for" Wodfamchocsod :)
(though we must not have gotten a photo of it - guess we were all busy eating!)
and if you are wondering....it stands for World Famous Chocolate Soda.

Make Your Own Wod-Fam-Choc-Sod

Eugene -- meet Eugene :) We were happy he just ate and didnt talk our ear off YEAH!

Yes, we shared a Sunday which made for a scrumptious end to a wonderful day!

We are so thankful for organizations that support families in a time when so much works to tear them down. Praying God blesses your family today too!

Joshua 24:15

¹⁵ But if serving the LORD seems undesirable to you, then choose for yourselves this day whom you will serve, whether the gods your forefathers served beyond the River, or the gods of the Amorites, in whose land you are living. But as for me and my household, we will serve the LORD."

funny .... i am not sure what to say!

2010-07-09T22:42:00.003-05:00

I keep thinking I should post about something, but for me when there is too much to say, I dont know where to begin! Actually when there is too much to DO, I don't know where to start! With all of our traveling this year and a baby keeping us busy I haven't gotten school "packed" up as I like too yet. This week I have pecked away at it, however the mountain is still pretty high! A friend had 4 of the children over for the whole day a few weeks ago, I just had the oldest and youngest.... you'd think that would mean LOTS would be accomplish.... well I realized how much all the others help! and what a horrible procrastinator I am! I did get through lots of books made a give away pile of ones we have outgrown or have doubles of, reorganized all the new books for this school year and moved out all of last years. this is where I really miss my sister Jill! She is an amazing de-clutter! sorta scary when she comes over I am afraid of what she will want to throw away but its a great balance for me the packrat! (still not sure how we are related :) )

well, thanks for letting me ramble... just had to get it out of my system I guess! Since starting this post we got the school room painted and are beginning to get it reassembled :) Feels good having a green room (instead of pink with floral boarder!) green should GROW creativity at least its more calming :) Well more of a sensible post soon just had to let you know we are still around just too busy with working, sorting and raising some great kids. Going to get my iced tea and attack the school room once again!

Blessings on your summer days
Amy Q

Thankful to be Americans

2010-07-04T08:25:00.005-05:00

Thankful for the many freedoms we are able to enjoy today in the good ol' USA.the right to raise our children to know the one true God,
The right to gather with believers and worship our Lord,
The right to have our voice heard,
the right to go where we want to go
the right to smile freely :)
the right to wave the American flag
which stands for freedom
and we won't forget the men who died to give that right to us
And we'll gladly stand up next to you and defend her still today,
cause there ain't no doubt we love this land,
God Bless the USA!

Rocky Mountain Splendor

2010-06-26T10:59:00.001-05:00

Wow. That is an understatement, in trying to sum up how blessed we have been traveling around this great country God has made! To see the mountains erupt from farmlands and then come down from the tundra of the mountain tops to the sun scorched land in the south was truly incredible to witness God's creative hand all over this great land.
We traveled to Denver CO, the mile high city, while there we squeezed in a trip to the Denver Mint getting a tour of the only US government department that MAKES $ (ha ha) We also toured the capital building, including a tour of the dome (yes up there ~ see the tiny spiral staircase? no we didn't climb that but we were right next to it!) From there it's an amazing view of the mountains!
After the homeschool convention, we spent Father's day in Rocky Mtn national park.
This had been a lake higher up on the mtn which broke through and is now a river; amazing the power of water, the boulders it moved were HUGE!
Ahh the view is just spectacular ~ yes I was just a wee bit nervous ~don't worry there was more of a ledge beyond them :)
Even Chuck did pretty good being up so high As we climbed higher and higher we were so thankful for a vehicle that could transport all of us. The thought of being in a covered wagon and attempting to cross these mountains is about impossible!
We made it to the highest point 12,000 something and enjoyed the snow at the top :)
Yes, snowballs were thrown and no, I did not get hit since I stayed in the van on baby duty!
And the camera specialist went for a few more optical illusions:
Lean on the mountain.....Hang on for you life! as we began to descend many of us suffered from the usual altitude dizziness and headache however when we got down everyone was feeling fine, with the exception of mom :( Maybe it was being overwhelmed with gratitude for all the modern conveniences that we have, or the grasping of this incredible blessing our family has to do all this traveling in between working or maybe it was just a plain old case of altitude sickness but I was knocked out the whole ride back to Denver, moaning along the way and wishing we had a bed in the van! when we finally reached the hotel the kids enjoyed dinner and a movie in the hotel "living room" while I crashed in our room! Didn't wake up really until morning at which point I felt MUCH better!
Especially knowing the history of this song.... it seems very appropriate to close with it.

O beautiful for spacious skies,
For amber waves of grain,
For purple mountain majesties
Above the fruited plain!

America! America!
God shed His grace on thee,
And crown thy good with brotherhood
From sea to shining sea!
(to see more verses click the link on the first line)

A Little Bit of History....

The lyrics to this beautiful song were written by Katharine Lee Bates (1859-1929) an instructor at Wellesley College, Massachusetts, after an inspiring trip to the top of Pikes Peak, Colorado, in 1893.

New every morning

2010-06-12T22:09:00.005-05:00

It's been awhile since I have shared any devotional thoughts ~ there are alot of ponderings in my head so bear with me as I share some of them!

Because of the LORD's great love we are not consumed,
for his compassions never fail.

They are new every morning;
great is your faithfulness.

Lamentations 3:22-26

~A year ago today a 17 year old, Nathan N was taken to his heavenly home - as we grieve for his family, who feels the loss every day, we cling to the promise God gives, of new compassion each morning.
~We celebrated with Zephan and Katie who were married today - May your new life together be covered with God's great love and faithfulness.

"He has made everything beautiful in its time. He has also set eternity in the hearts of men; yet they cannot fathom what God has done from beginning to end."

Ecclesiates 3:11

Years ago Steve and Tutu (who was about 3) shared this verse in our church's advent service and talked about a tapestry. Our lives can look like a bunch of strings all messed up.... but from God's heavenly view... its a beautiful tapestry all woven perfectly.As we make plans for tomorrow and look forward to our futures we cling to the hope we have in Christ. Sometimes things around us seem so normal or routine and we long for excitement and change ~ look to the Lord and seek HIS plans for you! When times are hard to understand, lack of direction, loneliness, loss of moms or dad in their prime, loss of children and babies, lack of work, orphans longing to have a forever family, lost souls seeking pleasure and peace in earthly things~ hope in the Lord and allow his grace to cover you!

"Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have gained access by faith into this grace in which we now stand. And we rejoice in the hope of the glory of God. Not only so, but we also rejoice in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope. And hope does not disappoint us, because God has poured out his love into our hearts by the Holy Spirit, whom he has given us."

Romans 5:1-5

Today, I am thankful that each day is a new gift from the Lord ~ that whatever comes my way I can choose to serve Him with a joyful heart so He receives glory and honor and praise! We don't know what tomorrow holds.... but we know WHO holds tomorrow! :)

A simple prayer to start your day:

Good morning God,
This is your day
I am your child,
Show me your way

Find us Faithful (an older post you may enjoy)

H2O

2010-06-10T14:12:00.006-05:00

1 John 5:6 This is the one who came by water and blood—Jesus Christ. He did not come by water only, but by water and blood. And it is the Spirit who testifies, because the Spirit is the truth.

John 4:14
But whoever drinks the water I give him will never thirst. Indeed, the water I give him will become in him a spring of water welling up to eternal life.

The Deeper Meanings of Snoopy 2...

2010-06-10T13:16:00.008-05:00

Do you know a Linus that seems to know everything?
In 1 Thessalonians 2:4 it says We speak as men approved by God to be entrusted with the gospel.
We are not trying to please men but God, who tests our hearts.

(Zeke)

Do you have a Sally in your life? Someone who watches you and tries to act like you? Do you set a good example for them? In Proverbs 20:¹¹ Even a child is known by his actions,
by whether his conduct is pure and right.
Make sure that you are acting in a godly manner.

(Tess)

Do you have a Patty in your life? Someone who wants to spend time with you? ( not just girls for you guys, or guys for you girls) . Do you give them a good example of friendship, by being friendly to others. In Philippians 2:1-3 it says
¹If you have any encouragement from being united with Christ, if any comfort from his love, if any fellowship with the Spirit, if any tenderness and compassion, ²then make my joy complete by being like-minded, having the same love, being one in spirit and purpose. ³Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit, but in humility consider others better than yourselves.

(Laura)

Is there a Schroeder in your life? A Person who is very talented in many areas? Peter says

^"11If anyone speaks, he should do it as one speaking the very words of God. If anyone serves, he should do it with the strength God provides, so that in all things God may be praised through Jesus Christ. To him be the glory and the power for ever and ever. Amen." 1 Peter 4:11
don't look at others and judge them or yourself, look to God and believe in yourself and do your best to encourage others, and to better yourself.

(Joel)

The Beauty of Nature

2010-06-08T16:57:00.007-05:00

The heavens declare the glory of God;
the skies proclaim the work of his hands.

Isaiah 40:6-7
⁶ A voice says, "Cry out."
And I said, "What shall I cry?"
"All men are like grass,
and all their glory is like the flowers of the field.
⁷ The grass withers and the flowers fall,
because the breath of the LORD blows on them.
Surely the people are grass.

Chuck

A day of work

2010-06-07T11:13:00.000-05:00

Here is a picture of our family in front of the My Father's World booth -- that is what we do! Drive the van and a trailer to different homeschool conventions, set up the booth (its like a puzzle!) share with customers, and then drive home or onto the next one!

This year Chuck assists Steve as a second cashier what a help!

One of our helpers, Kim Reiffer, getting her order before the doors open

Eugene likes showing the demo of the foreign language program Rosetta Stone

Here we were at the Naperville, IL convention.

We are thankful to be a part of a company that has the mission of RAISING UP GENERATIONS OF GODLY FAMILIES WHO SEE THE WORLD THROUGH GODS EYES AND LIVE ACCORDING TO THAT KNOWLEDGE. Its a blessing being a part of something that is an encouragement to so many families and is also passionate about missions!

After a long day of work it feels great to sit down and eat some food! Cracker Barrel is one of our new favorites. Thanks to many of you who bless us with home-cooked food while we are on the road it is a much appreciated treat!!!

We are happy to be home for a full week! As I am wondering why I feel so busy, I realize that we are squashing into one week all the stuff we usually do in a month! It makes for a busy season but we really enjoy it! -- well most parts of it :) As we prepare to head to Denver,CO and then Austin, TX for over 40 hr in the car the next two weeks ....the driving part we could skip!!

We appreciate prayers for safe travels and that we would be an encouragement to the many homeschoolers we come in contact with!
THANKS! the Quak Flock

Felt like just yesterday....

2010-06-03T08:22:00.001-05:00

Both Steve and I grew up at a campground called Sandy Pines. We were blessed to be able to spend Memorial Day weekend there with family and friends! So good to spend time with old friends and just relax for a while! The kids enjoyed the water and Steve took the little boys out in the row boat which they enjoyed. Jumping off the dock is hours of fun :) especially when the water is so warm.And always fun playing games with Grandma! Chuck had spent most the week there working with both Grandpas, getting his golf cart license and hanging out with friends! WOW is he getting old! Its been a long time since the water has been this warm on Memorial day weekend -- really felt like the middle of summer instead of just the beginning! What fun to have a few days to really relax, we enjoyed a few really nice sunny warm days (which we made good use of the beach and water park!) and a few rainy days which made for good game and movie days :)

All the K cousins what a crew! looking forward to another on in the mix next month when my brother and his wife have their first! YEAH! That means another trip to MI to meet him or her soon! Tutu with a piggy back (Sydney) and piggy front (Molly) Eugene and Grey enjoy playing BOY stuff!

Ria is the bottom of the sandwich with Raleigh, Brinley and Sadie on top! Even though the weather wasn't great we did get to the water park with cousins for a bit, some of them did a round of mini golf then we hung out in the trailer (all 20 of us!) COZY! Thank goodness Grandma keeps good snacks and lots of games! and sports on tv keep all the big boys (and dads) happy!!!

We were glad the Cuthbertsons and Snoeyinks could join us for an afternoon Tuesday which turned out to be a GREAT beach day and that meant a stop at the ice cream shop. Sad I forgot my camera :( sorry no pictures of the yummy delicious ice cream! (Karen if you got any send them over!)
A stop at the Regans before we left was a real treat for all of us! The boys enjoyed a grass fight exploring the barn and just being with friends, the rest enjoyed being with friends, the smell in the barn (just kidding!) helping with chores... well they were willing anyway! And we enjoyed some adult fellowship!

So that was our side trip we squeezed in before heading to Chicago area convention, a few more hours in the car -- they all blend together!

"May the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God,

and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with you all." 2 Cor 13:14

Life on the road...

2010-05-28T17:42:00.000-05:00

After 2 weeks on the road ....the van is pretty messy and kids are pretty tired!

Going from MI to WI via the U.P. where we were blessed to visit old friends, Cuthbertsons - THANKS for a fun night and a MUCH nicer "hotel"! A neat but fast trip.Our hotel in WI was very nice and clearly also a MESS! -- I guess I should say lived in :)
As we were trying to figure out where 2 cots and a portacrib were going to fit Tutu toured the porch and said "how about out here?" It worked great... well until it rained .... they only got a LITTLE wet! It was very nice to have the hotel attached to the convention center so the baby could get some good naps!

After our two weeks out we returned home for 5 days. On the way back from WI we had met Gr and Gr K who picked up Chuck for a week with of fun and work! It was different not having him around for the week!
More on our adventures to come!
Grateful to have the opportunity to travel and visit new places and meet new friends!

Can you picture rocks?

2010-05-26T22:36:00.000-05:00

Pictured Rocks ....is an amazing display of God's beauty in nature located on the northern shore of the U.P (upper peninsula if you didn't read the last entry!) We had an AMAZING time hiking around and enjoying nature. Nice trail hiking from the first picture above to the 2nd then all the way down to the beach! (this is looking back toward the first picture and where we hiked down from!)
We enjoyed all the flowers which were blooming along the way and just being outside on a warm spring day (they had snow the week before!!!) We were so thankful God blessed us with such a lovely day.Lovely cool breeze refreshed us as we headed toward the waterfront - just amazing!
The hike down was great, thankfully Steve took the baby on the way back up!

My how Eugene has grown :)

Finally at the BEACH!

the water of Lake Superior was refreshing but that didn't slow the boys down, however they didn't ask to go swimming once the felt it :) just wadded.

a beautiful group of children

²² Because of the LORD's great love we are not consumed,
for his compassions never fail.
²³ They are new every morning;
great is your faithfulness.
²⁴ I say to myself, "The LORD is my portion;
therefore I will wait for him."
²⁵ The LORD is good to those whose hope is in him,
to the one who seeks him;
²⁶ it is good to wait quietly
for the salvation of the LORD.
Lamentations 3:22-26

in Da U.P.

2010-05-25T09:59:00.007-05:00

Ok for all you who have no idea what that means :)
da = The U = Upper P = Peninsula (of Michigan)
In my humble opinion the rest of the U.S. does a VERY poor job teaching MI geography!!!

we were blessed to travel over the Mackinac bridge to the UP. The weather was amazingly warm for that time of year which made wading in the water refreshing!

Our family by the 5 mile bridge that connects the lower and upper peninsulas

have you ever held a lighthouse in your hands?

3 cute boys loving finding rocks on the lake!over the bridge we go
(the kids were very worried it would be too windy and we would blow off! It wasn't) We spent the night at a hotel right on the Lake Michigan.
We walked down the lakeshore road from our hotel to dinner WONDERFUL!

Sweet Ria enjoying the lakeshore at sunset

Eugene and Tutu wading out to the sandbar to investigate! Breakfast on the beach how fun!
So long as you don't let the seagulls get your food you're good :)

It was a wonderful start to our day which lead to hiking at Pictured Rocks on Lake Superior,
a post on that will be coming!

We're in Michigan!

2010-05-16T10:56:00.003-05:00

What a blessing to see family and friends while we work a convention! We enjoyed the INCH convention in Lansing with lots of great helpers!!!

Encouraging moms with little ones is one of the things that I am so thankful I am able to do as we travel to these homeschool conventions. This convention I shared the HOMESCHOOLING WITH LITTLE ONES IN THE MIX session. God has been gently reminding me once again with a little one around that all my ideas are easy to share but hard to do! But to encourage moms with new ideas and reminding them that each of these children are a blessing from the Lord helps ME too! One of my favorite new lines is

"The days are LONG....but the years are SHORT!"

this was from a Proverbs 31 daily devotional and it really hit me we do so often wish the days away then suddenly wonder where they have gone. I end the session with a verse from Isaiah 40 which was like a hug from the Lord right to me for so many years!

vs11 He tends his flock like a shepherd:
He gathers the lambs in his arms
and carries them close to his heart;
he gently leads those that have young.

So if you have little ones (whether or not you are homeschooling) know that you are being gently lead by the Lord!! May you be blessed today.

We'd appreciate your prayers for safe travels as we head onto WI one of these days for the next weekend! THANKS
Amy Q

Random Photos

2010-05-10T14:15:00.005-05:00

Lots of random pictures in our photo files, because everybody wants to use the new camera

Enjoy!!!

Our camera has a setting that makes everything look blue :)

Hair + Boys = ???

2010-05-10T13:16:00.008-05:00

We got hair cuts from the best barber in the neighborhood! aka my mom :)

Then we did our hair and had a couple of cool guys showed up at our house.

Before the hairdo,

After the "do"

Before...

During...

The end result

Here is some of the 'cool' guys that showed up Dad got a haircut too, but didn't want to pose for the camera

Caught'cha paying the barber LOL!
~Chuck~

Tea For Two...

2010-05-10T11:40:00.002-05:00

I told Eugene he had to get "dressed up" so this is what he thought was
"dressed up" he is just sooooo cute!!
being goofy for the camera
tea and snacks were great
he was a extremely sweet gentleman
the tea party was great for him he loved it!!!!
~ Ria

Happy Mothers Day!!!

2010-05-09T21:54:00.000-05:00

My Mother,

isn't she Purty :)An Ode to Mothers
My mother is so sweet
She knows how to make good things to eat
She keeps the house so clean
And is cool even to a teen :)

She has love enough for us all
In Winter, Spring, Summer, And Fall
She teaches us School
And helps set up our pool

We Loooooove you mom!!!

Chuck & the rest

Tutu and Ria singing in the car

2010-04-29T21:06:00.007-05:00

Are they related to me??????

VIDEO:
We are experiencing communication problems.... apparently not all contracts were signed before this went public.... so until further notice this video will no longer be available (sorry!) If you would like to see the video returned kind encouraging words to the singers would be helpful!

Yes it was a long ride to Atlanta, GA!!!
Does this qualify as a JOYFUL NOISE?!?!
~ Chuck

We made it safely ~ and got the booth all set up today with enough time to relax in the pool for awhile tonight. Two busy days of working then tear it all down and head home.

We're in Georgia!!!

2010-04-29T20:40:00.010-05:00

It took 13 Hours of driving but we made it here about 10:00 PM Eastern Timezone
(9:00 PM Central Timezone).

We took turns keeping the baby "happy" or fedThe best driver :) the BOYS row busy having fun! The GIRLS row busy working on somethingTutu taking good care of the baby
We drove through Tennessee on the way and got some cool photos of the scenery :)

Psalm 19:1 The heavens declare the glory of God;

the skies proclaim the work of his hands.

~ Chuck

P.S. Someone had these all ready at the hotel but mom never got them posted! We arrived safely back home tonight and are greatly anticipating a good night sleep in our own beds!!!

Clouds

2010-04-24T12:23:00.013-05:00

I see a... Camera!
There's been a lot of clouds lately and I had a camera to take pictures with,
so here's what I SEE :)

I see Michelangelo's Painting of Hands...

I see two armies charging into battle...

I see a wave crashing onto the seashore,
waving at me
WHAT DO YOU SEE?

I see that I need help on this one

I see fluffy, cloud of bright pink cotton candy...

I see the moon way up in the clouds
WHAT DO YOU SEE?
~ Chuck
I was gonna say ....nevermind!

a year older

2010-04-23T23:09:00.007-05:00

for 2 of the Q kids in April ~ Tutu and Eugene

A happy birthday to you a happy birthday to you
May you find God near every day of the year!
A happy birthday to you a happy birthday to you
And the best year you've ever had!

(thanks Alvaros for teaching us the best birthday song!)

Tutu celebrated turning 13 in 3 states as we were traveling!!! we were able to find a cake ~ imagine that the sell them all over!!! and celebrate in NE with the Kelsey family FUN!
Then her sister made her a cookie cake when we returned home, which was very SWEET! (pun intended)
Then the baby - well MY baby turned 7! He is growing up so fast!
very excited Gr and Gr Q treated us to our favorite restaurant for birthdays! THANKS! And glad the birthday spankings were completed! Amazing with all the practice Grandpa gets he still has trouble counting :)

Gr and Gr K arrived to celebrate too - more cake to come I am sure!
Birthday treats for all the actors and actresses at Snoopy!
just DON't ask Eugene to show you how he cracks his hip OK?

You are both beautiful blessings we are so thankful God has placed you in our family! May you grow closer to HIM every day and live each day giving God all the glory!
LOVE YA!