Catch 22

PKs. Images comes to mind,stereotypes of the typical Pastor Kid. Somehow these children are deemed "more wild, more disobedient" than other children. They are restrained, restricted, judged so much that some day they flee the nest and church in a burst of freedom from hypocrisy and rules. We all know them. Overlooked, but very present, are the other PKs. The ones living within the church as pharisees, trying hard to keep all the rules and earn approval based on their good works. Knowing truth, trying to obey in their own efforts, but hearts far from the Lord. We all know them.

It changes when you are raising them.

Next time you starting thinking negative (judging?) your pastor based on the actions and attitudes of his children - consider this, it's a catch 22. If the pastor's children are sitting quietly and responding to questions of great spiritual depth, it's no surprise - right? They are the pastor's kids. They are supposed to be super spiritual and well- behaved. Timothy clearly outlines the elder/pastor's home management. Somehow we read this and assume a well-managed home is completely obedient children. Free from sin and childish behavior. I think at times I do. No, a pastor (and wife) who are diligent in this area recognize all too well that their children are born depraved and fall short of the glory of God. They recognize that their children, because they are children, are prone to foolishness and childishness and because they are sinners, are destined to sin.

So while we should train our children to sit quietly and behave in church, we recognize that quiet children are not the goal. Listening children, actively engaging in the proclamation of the Word and being changed is the goal. Children move, they ask questions, they even speak a bit loud. Is our children's consecretion more important than our concentration?

When you see PKs - pray. Pray for God's grace in their lives as they live under an unspoken burden of expectation and approval, knowing that their father's job is on the line because of them. Pray for grace. A pastor can no more save his children than he could save himself. Pray. Pray for mercy, that God would save this next generation, grant them a HUGE view of Himself, and sustain them to proclaim His glory to the ends of the earth. Instead of critiqueing - PRAY.

Marking Manhood

My boys. How quickly they have grown. And I was concerned they would fall off the horse. . .now we have weapons.

Sarah and Gray Gray welcome little Boo! Sarah was hoping for a sister:)

Marking manhood in the Micu home usually involves weapons! Jonathan prefers more unconventional weapons and is enjoying a new bow set. The last one he received was a bit too manly - he'll have to hit 18 perhaps!

When the boys have turned 13 we have then sent them into the wild with their weapon of choice to hunt, kill and provide food for their party that evening. Ok, not really but it sounded cool. Jon's favorite food is pizza, but Paul did feel the manly thing to do was to BBQ - so burgers and dogs it was! (hotdogs, that is.) The fathers of his closest friends and significant men in Jonthan's life enjoyed gourmet burgers and then it was fireside time. The fire pit installed in time for Josh's big 13 was lit and the men enjoyed time around the pit as the older men ushered Jonathan into manhood. I'm not part of that time. The girls and little Joe hung out inside getting the birthday dessert ready - dirt cake complete with gummy worms.

Paul reported it was a special time and I don't doubt our boys will remember the evening that marked their manhood. Why 13? It's just an age we have chosen to officially mark the end of childhood and the entering of manhood. I've always enjoyed the line from the movie Courageous - "when did you know you were a man?" The one response - "when my dad said I was." Many chose other ages. Age 16 with the acquisition of a driver's license, age 14 entering high school, etc. However, we noticed that the ntertainment industry marks the age 13. Children's meals and tickets and reduced prices are for those 12 and under. There is not a teenage price. You are a child or an adult. The rest of the society has difficulty with out this plays out - allowing for young men to remain children in their thinking and actions until way past 13.

Manhood. The training takes on a new urgency. My son's role to provide, protect, care and lead is called out. He is to sacrifice. He is to serve. He is to submit. He will be called to suffer. He is to put off childish ways and embrace becoming a man. As a Mama, this is huge. Moms struggle to let their boys become men and often handicap them in their manhood, keeping them their "baby boys" far too long.

We were thrilled on September 21, 2000  - a Thursday - to welcome a baby boy into our home. Joining 3 year old Sarah and big brother, Joshua (18months) it was a joy to have our Boo-Boo. Jonathan was unexpected. In fact, having to take some medicines early in the year, I was given a pregnancy test prior and told it was negative. So, not having avoided hot tubs, snow skiing and other dangerous activities our Boo Boo was born.

Of all births, the day of Jon's was the most relaxing. Due to contractions on and off in the morning, Paul came home and the two little ones went with family. We enjoyed lunch out, time to wash cars and afternoon nap before leaving for the hospital around 4:30. We even stopped by a friend's home to have a photo taken:). Jon's birth and delivery were uneventful. A beautiful son.

A week later that beautiful boy had a 105 fever and was being rushed to Children's Hospital. . .what a time. While we know each child is a blessing and gift from God to be enjoyed for the time He allows, this cemented our faith in our Sovereign Lord. If we only had Jonathan a week it was enough and God was good. The meningitis left a toll - hearing loss and seizures. Speech therapy. Learning struggles. But we were allowed to enjoy our son 13 more years - a precious gift. His role in our family is unique. Laughter, wit, humor, creativity, intelligence, musical. . .sound like Paul?! Jon is his father's son.While Josh shares many other aspects of his father, Jonathan is the closest in personality leading to interesting conflicts at times between these two "show stoppers." If Jon is gone, the house seems dull and quiet. What would I do without all his inventions on my counter. He loves making treasures from trash.

Jonathan Samuel Micu. Named not only for the two outstanding men in the Bible but for the two oldest uncles on both sides of the family. Paul's oldest brother Samuel and my older brother Jonathan. May he continue to grow into men like these.

Enjoying his special day!

Chick-fil-a Date with Daddy

Chick-fil-a hosted a lovely "Daddy/Daughter" date night a few weeks ago. Paul was able to reserve a time with the girlies and enjoy some daddy/daughter time. He thinks he won "most girls" contest! A few dads came in with four daughters, but six is pretty special!

Excited for their special date with Dad!



Special treatment added to the fun, memorable night.

Nice that to have a photographer:). Thanks, Sarah! Bekah is a bit unsure about the crown thing. She came straight from soccer which is more her comfort zone.

Ok, is Nay Nay hysterical or what?! What a face!

 I loved reading Little Women, Pride and Prejudice, and other novels involving groups of sisters. I always wanted a sister. So blessed to have these girls in my life. I love watching these sisters be sisters!

Wow. That's all I can say. Wow.

Pagosa Springs

Having fun in the creek

We enjoyed Monday with the cousins before they pulled out Tuesday morning. A local told us about the hot springs downtown which flows into the creek. While the creek was cool, the day was warm and the hot springs a bit hot for even me!  The kids, and Paul, could have done it for days.

Warming out feet in the hot springs.

 After cousins left, we enjoyed a few more days of family time.

 A few games of golf:).

 The timeshare also had a number of crafts for the kids. They enjoyed several painting activities, including this birdhouse. Hmm, how to travel with six of these... so much for keeping the van uncluttered!

Colorado Continued. . .

After a nice (but extremely long) birthday breakfast at Dennys, we continued traveling on toward CO. We made the stop at Four Corners which has turned into a mini-enterprise and we did feel "ripped off"  by our fellow countrymen who forced us to pay to see this site which all Americans should have free access to, in my opinion. Or, at least pay for National Park fee. . .but this was ridiculous. As if we aren't already supplying money to this group of people . . . well hold off on those views.

So, here's the photo. :) A once in a lifetime stop - the next time the kids can do it on their own . . .

I had hoped to stop in Mesa Verde, but time didn't allow. We pulled into the timeshare later than we hoped, but was nice to have Tim, Hannah, and girls ready with a nice dinner! They were kind to let us follow them out to CO and invade on a bit of their vacation prior to the reunion. We overlapped a day and the cousins enjoyed time together.

Our  view from the timeshare at Pagosa Springs, CO

Golfing with AR cousins! Golf Team 1

The styling golf Team 2!

Daisy

Farmer Paul with his new girl!



Bekah and Miri give a squeeze!

  This photo was taken at the fair. . .but is utterly coming true. Some husbands bring their wives flowers. . .I guess in a way mine did, too. He brought me a cow named Daisy! We've never been your conventional family so I'm not sure why I even get surprised anymore. But I was.

So, we have a new farm animal who is cute as can be. Since neither of us know much about Holsteins, I'm thankful for u-tube. She's still young, so it will still be a while before we get some fresh milk. And research purports that babies learn the most in their early years. . .I bet they didn't research city folk who move to a farm! :) My learning curve remains way up.

As far as Daisy goes, we're more of a Tulip family so we're considering more traditional cow names. Elsie, Bessie, Pattie, and Angus are a few thrown out. (Can you guess the male choices?)

Picture pending. . .Sarah now has a phone (finally! making her no longer the last/oldest child in church youth group to have a phone. . sorry other parents who loved saying "well, Sarah Micu doesn't have a phone yet. . .!") and is the family photographer/instagramer.

Lovin on Bess
While she needs another year or so before we can milk her, she is a cute addition to the farm. While known more for their milk production, perhaps we can have other fresh milk products eventually. Raw milk is the one milk that Hannah can tolerate:).



Bess! Our new Holstein. . .and hopeful milk source!

 Papa is going to have to give us lessons when he's out on calfing, milking, and cows, in general. Growing up on a dairy farm, I'm sure it will all "come back" to him.:) In fact, my maiden name means "dairy farmer" so I guess we're just carrying out the Senn tradition. So this little girl is not for eats, my Filippino friends and family! Maybe she'll have a son and we can also have some nice steaks. . . not too soon to start planning for wedding feasts in the next 5-10 years!

Birthday on the Road



Sporting Clemson at the Canyon! We are proud of our Tigers!

The next day we left Vegas (we also love to visit the Bass Pro Shop there) and headed to the Grand Canyon. We planned on sightseeing the Southern Rim, like most tourists. However, as providence had it, we were surprised to find ourselves at the Northern Rim. It was beautiful and reminded us much more of Yosemite. We decided to save the Southern Rim for another time:). It was quite a drive down the old Route 66 (from Cars) and we finally made it to Flagstaff for dinner with Gray Gray and Papa . . . the kids even had time for a late swim.

The beautiful North Rim

Taken while driving Route 66, a double rainbow. It was a beautiful drive.

Hannah turns 9!

My folks were staying at a timeshare in Flagstaff and were gracious to let us barge in on them for a night. They had a nice two bedroom unit on three levels and was fun to see them and Hannah was happy to have grandparents celebrate her birthday with her. Not quite breakfast in bed, but the chair was pretty nice.

Josh and Hannah

Funny. At the timeshare, invading Gray Gray and Papa's room:) Sarah makes herself at home on the pillows!

Sarah's instagram of the Canyon! Jael is so goofy:)

Hannah Esther Micu, born August 4, 2004. She was due in July. . .but like many of her siblings decided to wait a bit. It was a stressful time in my life. We decided to try the market and put our "starter" home up for sale in July while on vacation. It sold immediately and was due to close August 24th. My last months of pregnancy were full of packing and crying. Crying because although we sold high, we couldn't find another home. We still had no home options the day she arrived. She was a little girl, 6 lbs. 12 oz. She beat her big sister Sarah's birth weight by two ounces but that's it:). She and Sarah are very similiar in build, both in the 80% for height and under the 10% for weight (Sarah is finally enjoying it!). Due on July 23rd, I finally went in for induction on that Wednesday the 4th. It was a long day. Hannah arrived around 4:30pm and was a more difficult delivery. Her position was off and she was delivered opposite of what babies are usually, I forget. Her shoulder also got hung up and she ended up arriving fairly bruised and battered. But beautiful. She was a very fussy baby and her eyes are red in most pictures, or she is crying:). I blame it on the stress hormones - but she also did not tolerate milk. She still doesn't. The extra crying that first year was totally worth the sweet little toddler and delight we now enjoy. She's my miracle of mercy. Not planning on having more after four (initially - another story), God displayed incredible mercy by giving me a 5th child who was "normal." She's my only child who actually sat and stayed and didn't color on the walls(all Micus), jump off high things (Joey), climb counters (Josh).. . pull chairs to open doors to get outside (Miriam), tear apart cribs (Bekah), throw major tantrums (Jon and Naomi), or wander (Jael). Hannah is the only quiet child in our home. She's so quiet and still that she's been left several times - I am always keeping my eyes on the wild kids. Hannah has a beautiful quiet and gentle spirit that I love and admire. She is lots of fun and her giggles are contagious. She loves animals and most come to her easily. She is a wonderful artist and is growing in her cooking and homemaking skills.

What a welcome addition to the family. Child of grace.

And so we continue. . .

We left Fresno on Joey's birthday and pulled into Las Vegas that evening. I'm not a real big fan of Vegas. We don't gamble, smoke or drink. I don't really like walking around having my children avert their eyes. You can't even look down for all the porn litter all over the sidewalks. So, why Vegas? Typically, we would try to drive further on the first day of a trip, but Vegas does have a nice family timeshare-off the strip that we have come to really enjoy. Palm Desert Wyndam is a wonderful place to stay, thanks for my folks:). Not only is the price right but it beats hotel rooms. So, even a brief stay makes us feel spoiled and on vacation.

Although Hannah's birthday wasn't until Sunday, the 4th. She became the providentially lucky birthday girl on the trip! Yep, that's Ben Franklin! She found this lying on the ground in the bedlam of Vegas.


No worries, not in a casino but in M&M World! Yes, we tried to locate a crying, frantic person who might have lost money. . .but no results. . .so Hani was blessed:). Despite some envy, no doubt (speaking for myself), everyone did a great job rejoicing with Hannah.  

What better kid to find $100 than our Hani?

Not exactly Disneyland, but they were excited to see Mickey and Minnie out on the town. Joey's typical "excited" face.

Packing Skills

Following Joey's birthday breakfast (we waited on the scooter gift until we returned home. . .how brutal would that have been?!) it was time to head out for the trek to the family reunion in Estes Park. With the dates being later, we took a few extra travel days to stop by some national parks and enjoy some family time on the way....

The Popster taught me well! Not bad for a family of 11 traveling for two weeks. 5 suitcases, a pack-n-play, umbrella stroller, small cooler, swim bag, shoe bag and some groceries. . .we pack less for 11 than we did when we just had Sarah!!

(Get used to the outfit. . .packing light results in wearing clothes several times:))

Joey turned 3!

It's hard to believe that our baby boy turned three on August 1. He chose to have his breakfast in bed on sitting up:)

This is a face we know and love! It's Joey's "happy face" where he is trying not to smile and show he's happy, but just can't quite contain himself.

Our precious boy. So easy to please at age 3!

Joseph Daniel Micu was born August 1, 2010. He was the first child born while living on the farm. We had just attended to the Modesto Homeschool conference that Friday night, drove home Saturday evening and enjoyed the evening with my folks who were visiting. He came quietly at night:). Born around 2am, just shortly after arriving to the hospital.

He's been bringing his little boy joy into the home every since. He is doted on by five older sisters and adored by one younger sister! Plus, two older brothers who love to make sure he knows he is a boy!

Joey mastered the scooter at age two - so that's what he got this birthday. A new scooter and helmet. He loves Yo Gamma Gamma, Barney, Mickey Mouse and balls. He lives for gummy bears. While he's a bit of a "mama's boy" it's daddy he cries for every morning when the car pulls away. :(

He still loves to snuggle, have his back rubbed, read books, swim, and can be very very silly. We pray God will do much in the life of this little guy who was named after two godly men in the Bible. We love you, Jo-Jo!

Punish Who?

Here I am awake again when I would prefer to be sleeping. I suppose 16 years of waking to feed babies creates this sleep pattern! So as I'm trying to empty my mind of worries to go back to sleep, here's one I'm thinking through....

Why do we punish children who can't drive for being late?

The public schools do this. I never really liked it as I would watch little kids rush into the classroom only to be reduced to tears at another tardy slip. I wondered if there might be a better way to make parents on time rather than punishing 5 year olds.

I'm still wondering this today and curious why the church copies that philosophy. For starters, I like to be on time. It's no longer my god, but I still like to be on time and was raised that it honors and respects  those who have set those boundaries. I understand the need for time and the chaos that might occur in schools and churches without time boundaries imposed.

I also have no problem disciplining children for foolish behavior. So, kids who are late due to their foolish choices (wandering around the campus, etc.) may need that thrust of pressure to ensure their timeliness. It's a way of learning that "life isn't all about me." 

So here we are after two days of VBS and my kids have had to drop push ups.... none of them legally capable of driving yet. Here's a mother, up at 3:30 am this morning, who some how can't get her kids there before the 8am start time. 8am is actually too late, as I found out this morning. 

Yes, we live further out in the country than most. No problem, Monday we loaded the car at 7:30am - plenty of time! Unless you get have a flat tire. After frustrations (mine included) we did engage in discourse on God's sovereignty over all things. Obviously, this includes push ups.

I keep thinking back to the question posed, why do we punish children who can't drive for being late?

To develop "insane mommies" who run around yelling at their kids to get their stuff and get in the car so they aren't late? To create "guilty moms" who continually feel discouraged as they succumb to their failure as a mother? To create "speeding mothers" flying down the freeway while putting on make-up, trying to change a diaper, while talking to their hubby? 

I'm a fairly organized mom. Most evenings clothes are laid out for the younger children, shoes are paired and set out, cereal is on the counter for the kitchen crew, diaper bags/backpacks are checked and ready by the door, some items have actually been already preloaded into the car. . . BUT no matter how organized I am or how early I arise life happens. 

Does the youth pastor really want the baby to sit in her excrement for 20 minutes? Sorry, kids, I need to change this one so it's push-ups for you! I know, the two year old needs some cuddle time this morning before being thrusted on a crazy schedule for the day due to large family logistics. . .yep, you might be late. And so life goes. . .

This is where God's sovereignty intersects with daily life and sometimes it hurts.

Long-term Vision...do you have it?

One has to develop a vision for the future in order to put the steps in place to accomplish that goal or vision. Corporations, businesses, schools all seem to understand this concept. In some aspects, so do parents. They choose the best preschools, make sure their child has the best teacher in the best school district, place them on the college prep course with AP classes, and then push them on to the university of their desire  - especially the one which provides the coveted degree from a prestigious place. All for education. We could go through the entire scenario and replace it with sports. At least education is predominantly used. Sports are almost worthless or detrimental for over 90% of those children whose lives revolve around rushing to one sport or another. The money spent on sports to develop a scholarship hopeful would have, in many cases, paid for that child's education if it had been saved! Don't get me wrong, I enjoy sports and our kids benefit from aspects of sports....but it's not my long-term vision for my kid. Neither is modeling. . or acting. . .

If only parents would consider mature biblical manhood or womanhood as the long-term vision. Perhaps we would make different decisions if we really want our precious children, by God's grace, to reach maturity in Christ. Men and women are not made over night. Nor does the magic number bring maturity of thinking. They are not developed unto godly men or women by hours of mindless and indiscriminate television/movie watching, video game playing, social networking, peer engagements, shopping frenzies or self-absorption.

A child doesn't gain self-esteem because every kid in the league goes home with a trophy. Self-esteem is attained when maturity and responsibility is honored and admired by those training them. "Good work, son" from a father after a hard task is completed well is better than a hundred stickers or ten trophies that everyone else gets, too.

The Baby Boomers had parents who lived the Great Depression. They grew up working hard and saved each penny. That Baby Boomer generation gave it's children (my generation) every opportunity possible. They limited their families (not due to biblical understanding, but social pressures) in order for their one son and one daughter to take all the classes and receive all the education they needed to be spoiled brats, I mean successful brats. So here's my generation - leading the way into the recession. Unable to save. Living on credit. Spending more at Starbucks yearly then we tithe. Raising another foolish generation absorbed with self and wanting it all  - only faster. For example, no more "starter homes." We need the big, fully furnished home right now. Even if both parents have to work long hours for life to "enjoy" it.

Men and women, pastors, missionaries, elders, wives to great men are made by God at the knee of their parents. Parents, who by God's grace, point their children to a great and glorious God. A big God. A powerful God.

A big view of God can only result in a small view of ourselves. A child who sees themselves rightly will see themselves humbly in light of this holy Triune God. Each day God provides many opportunities for us to use our failings to point our children to the hope we have in Christ. Don't lose sight of this vision! All else will fade away. Sports will end. Education/degrees we no longer be necessary.

Godliness is of eternal value.

Jocabed's Trial

Jocabed. I'm not sure if her name is even mentioned in the Bible or if we must look to historical documents to find this woman. She is commended for her faith, along with her husband, for hiding her child from the hand of the Egyptians.

I love the story of Moses for many reasons. As a mother, I can't help but read the Bible through "mother" lenses. Having just taught some of the story in my son's two-year-old class, I am struck by the typical truths conveyed. Moses' mommy trusted God. She put Moses in a basket in the river. God kept him safe. The princess found him. Moses saved God's people. It all seems to have a happy ending - except perhaps for Jocabed.

Yes, her son lived. She was blessed to train him up until the age of probably three and then he was gone to all the riches, wealth and influences of Egypt. Yes, she probably enjoyed seeing him here and there during the next 40 years. We really don't know what relationship might have continued with his "wet nurse." Was her faith stretched, wondering why God spared her son only to become an Egyptian?

I only imagine her mother's heart cry when she heard he stood up for his fellow Hebrew brothers but killed an Egyptian. Then, his exile. 40 years of silence. Gone. The Bible does not choose to tell us if Moses' parents were alive at his return around age 80. No such celebration is noted. We know his siblings were alive and part of his return as redeemer. It is likely that Jocabed never saw the fruition of God's decree. Her trial was far from over when she, by faith, placed that three month old baby boy in a basket in the Nile. Her trial was merely unfolding.

By faith we deliver our babies, despite the world's voice to kill them. Be faith we raise our sons and daughters in the Word, pointing them to the One Moses foreshadowed, Christ. By faith, we pray and weep and pray trusting in God's good hand to bring about His sovereign decrees for our sons and daughters. Do not despair, oh mother, in the years of desert and exile. God's plans will not be thwarted.

By faith, Jocabed....

July 4th

Over 7 days in the triple digits - with the entire week almost over 110... ice cream tastes great!

 With the young adults at a 4th celebration. Young adult men + micu children = craziness

 Wish the nice resolution was due to my camera. . .alas, no.

 Great Grandpa always participated in the July 4th parade so JJ decided to keep up the tradition.

She's just soo cute!

Since moving to the country we have enjoyed fireworks from the back porch watching Wild Waters...not just on the 4th but several days prior and after. . .

The Ranch: Where Boys Become Men

We said more good-byes today. While we knew our old sheep Job was probably not going to see the year end, we were not ready for his sudden demise. Yesterday seemed fairly normal - regular chores in the morning and evening. We didn't hear anything or sense any distress from the animals. We even hosted friends, so people were out and about in the back. But sometime in the afternoon, there was a coyote attack. We didn't determine that until this morning.

I took the girls to their Keeper of the Home session along with mascot Joe at 6:30pm. With the majority gone, Paul and the boys had the opportunity to fish. In the twilight they spotted Job floating in the pond. He was gone. We almost lost a goat to the pond in May; I suppose this is why these animals are referred to as the "stupid" ones. They like to step out into the grasses and reeds where it "looks greener" literally and they lose their balance and get over on their sides. Without a steady ground they are unable to right themselves and are vunerable. Hannah and Naomi spotted the goat earlier in the summer and we were able to rescue her - basically pull her up enough for her to get her footing and tear out of there! But with Job, we assumed the poor old man just couldn't right himself in time.

This morning provided different answers. Josh and I took the boat while Paul and Jon took the land. While paddling out to pull Job out we spotted another pond victim! One of the white ladies (we call the three white sheep who always stick together the "white ladies") was on her side and tangled. With the help of the four of us we got her up and out - but there was blood and wounds. While Paul attended to her, Josh and I went to pull out Job. That's when we realized he didn't just lose his footing. Poor Job had been attacked and killed by a coyote(s). The markings were undeniable. We've come to recognize the work of various villians now living out here. What parts the racoons take versus the fox or the coyote. Even a cat will leave a unique way of dissection.

We lost Tina, our faithful Alpaca, to old age last year. It's hard to lose her best friend Job. Death comes on the farm more than I'd care to meet it. It's difficult to lose an animal. It's man-making to have to put one down. We worked on the white lady all morning. I never thought I'd be tending to sheep wounds. At first, it appeared that she was responding fairly well given the shock of her attack and pond experience. As the day went on, we had to make the tough call. She was unable to move her back legs and it appeared that her neck was broken. It was time. My boys have become men out here on the Ranch. In the past three years I've seen them rise up to do the hard things Ranch-life demands. They have buried many an animal, nursed many an animal, and now put one down (and not for eating - there is a difference). I'm thankful for young men who are learning the value of life and the mercy of death.

Still, it's been a hard day. I suppose the girls are learning life lessons, as well - they just aren't present during the difficult parts. Now, sons, it's time to kill a coyote.

(Don't worry, no one 10 and under is allowed out back without an adult.)

Glacier Point

Ok, here's a little more positive of a post! I could write a book on the disappointments of youth ministry - but there isn't anything wrong with fun times with friends. Sadly, all too many youth events end there. No Gospel, no spiritual discussions, etc.

Anyway, Sarah and Josh did enjoy time with friends and admiring God's creation on last week's hike up to Glacier Point. I thought Josh would want to go, but when Sarah mentioned going on a 10 mile hike I knew her friends must be going! :)  Looks like it's the girls who take pictures, too.

Pre-hike photo! Big smiles!

Group is down to three now. . .

Becca, Jacoby and Sarah in Yosemite National Park

Sibs. Good to see they enjoy each other. Josh said he "waited two hours" for the group to all get to the top:).

Another break?

According to Sarah "last hike ever!"