Sweet Jullian Deneau braving the cold for her first Easter Egg Hunt. 
Our church hosted a community Easter Egg Hunt on April 7th in a foot of snow. The temperature was around 23 degrees and I'm not sure what the wind chill was. The wind sure picked up speed as it whipped across the field. This year we increased the amount of eggs to over 10,000 and the numbers in attendance dropped to somewhere around 150 kids. All the eggs were picked up and I saw a lot of full baskets and smiling faces. Needless to say, it was a short and sweet hunt. No frills, just chills!!!!
March 31, 2000 Lyle and I received a blessing wrapped up in a little girl. We never would have dreamed that God had such a blessing in store for us. We thank Him and praise Him for chosing us for this task. It's hard to believe it has already been 7 years.
Shawny asked for a camera for Christmas. Lyle and I weren't sure we wanted to spend the money for a camera but one night Shawny and I were saying bedtime prayers and Shawny asked Jesus for Santa to bring him a camera. He brought in the big guns. Well, needless to say, Santa delivered and boy has Shawny had fun taking pictures. He does a nice job but here are a few pictures I had never looked at from a 5 year olds point of view.
Our beloved Santa. Beloved by the kids I should say. You know the one in Walmart that dances and sings. The kids just love him.
Cousin Patty. I just love this picture!!!
There were several pictures that looked something like this. What an angle. You should see the one he took of me. Not my best angle. Sorry Uncle Forest, Lyle's brother.
While at my mom and dad's for Christmas Shawny took this picture. It took me a little while to figure out what it was of. Grandma Joyce's kitchen sink, a cup, ceramic figurines, a faucet, poinsetia, window and bird feeder. 
Sierra and Patty in Sierra's room.
Two weeks ago our family enjoyed the dedication of my nephew Isaiah Black. Grandma Black was there and she was so sharp that day. She was so full of joy and life, it's hard to imagine later that same day she would become very sick, enter the hospital and a week and a half later she would be in heaven. Grandma was precious to me. She was gifted in so many ways and many of the talents she developed started when she was over 70 years old. She loved to sing, play the organ and accordian, paint, sew, crochet, write poetry, travel, garden and the list goes on. She was deeply devoted to her husband, Larry and she loved her children and grandchildren dearly. I think the greatest legacy she has left is her faith in God. She and my Grandpa were part of a church plant 50 years ago in Greenville Michigan. They believed in their mission so much they morgaged their house to build the church. 50 years later my husband and I have the privilage of being a part of a church plant here in Traverse City. I want those who follow behind me to find that I have served my God faithfully as well. Grandma often said, "To love God is to serve Him." I guess that about sums up her life.
Shawny and his Kindergarten teacher, Mrs. Wright.
Sierra and her first grade teacher Mrs. McMellan
Last weekend we were priveldged to spend it with Lyle's brother Chip's son Bryan and his wife Suzanne and their busy little family. 4 kids 6 and under. Now that's a busy mom. We had a lot of fun and took some cut pictures to share. The cousins had a great time playing together but boy were they all tired after all the fun.
Daniel with his sweet smile.
First Day of School Sept. 5th 2006. Sierra entered 1st grade and Shawn entered Kindergarten. It was so exciting for them to get to go to school together on the big bus. They are growing and changing so much. I have so much to be thankful for. God has blessed me with a precious family.
The traditional picture on the front porch name tags and all.
Shawn & Sierra play with their friend Jon Michael almost daily. As you know we live in the country and the kids have been discovering new worlds, Sierra's world, Shawny's world and so on. One day the kids came in and announced that they were going to camp overnight on the hillside to the east of our garage. They built a pretend fire pit(top picture) and a bear trap (pictured below). Long story short, they got all set up to spend the night and after about 30 minutes got scared and came in. They made it until 8:30 PM.
I will never forget the phone call from my dad. "It's a boy!" We were so happy. I was hopeing Sierra would have a brother. A girl would have been fine but haveing a little boy seemed to make our home complete. Since that day he has grown into a boy I am extreemly proud of. He is kind to others, full of a love for life, smart and he gives the sweetest bubby kisses. Today we invited a few friends to celebrate with us. We went miniture golfing and enjoyed a petting zoo at the Lake Ann Baptist camp. 
Following our time there we went to Bertram's for pizza, arcade games and cake. We had such a great day. 
Jerad was so sweet to give Shawny the stuffed animal her won. 
The Whole Family. I believe there were 47 in attendance. We met at the Almira Township Park north of Lake Ann. We had a great time.
From left to right. Back row: Sierra, Lyle. Paul, Kim, Samantha, Jamison, Brooklyn, Seth, Josh, Troy, Chip, Jay, Forest, Lynnette, Ben, Tim, Matt and Asa Front Row: Katelynn, Leanne, Shawny, Judy, Devona, Brittany, Yvonne, Linda, Patty, Amy & Iris.
Sisters. I had trouble getting them to behave for the picture. Dorcas still can't make mom behave, or is it the other way around?
Jamison and his twins were ready to eat.
After a wonderful meal we enjoyed a friendly game of softball. The twins were some of the best chreerleaders. Aren't bleachers fun.
Shawny even got in on the game. He got three hits and with a little grace, I mean a LOT of grace, he made two runs. He always has to get in on the action. I love to see his enthusiasm for life.
Chip with one of his 13 grandchildren. Iris is the third to the youngest of them.
Balloon flower
Gaillardia (blanket flower)
Monarda (Bee Balm) & Yarrow (yellow)
Purple Cone Flowers
Annabelle HydrangaAugust 5th we attended the wedding of my neice Charty Henderson & Andrew Thompson in Hart Michigan. Shawny had the privilage of being the ring bearer and Sier
ra was a flower girl. Andrew & Charity make a great couple. We couldn't be happier for them!
The morning of the wedding Sierra got her hair done. What an up do! She looked like a princess! I think she felt like one too.
She is on the lap of one of her favorite men, Grandpa Mel.
Shawny was given a toy magazine at Toys R Us a couple months ago. Yesterday I looked out in the livingroom to find Shawny reading his magazine just like daddy. Aren't they precious.
