From the rising of the sun to its going down
the Lord's name is to be praised!



Tuesday, November 27, 2007







Thing One and Thing Two... Inspiration

Thing One and Thing Two
Always know what to do!
They are busy, so busy,
They make their Mom dizzy.

In the wee morning hours they hop out of bed,
And what should they land on but their own mother’s head.
She moans and she groans but it’s not from the pain.
Oh no, it's not from the pain!

It’s from the sheer wonder at what they will do!
When it’s only begun it sounds like a zoo.
They jump up and down and beg to go walking
They scatter their toys and never stop talking!

And just when you think that they couldn’t do more,
They beg for the box that you got from the store.
It once held diapers but now holds delight.
They enter the opening and are then out of sight.

Who knew that garbage could be a toy!
Leave it to children to find such a joy.
For kids who have all, will never expand,
The horizon of exploring a simple box at hand.

There is contentment in simple things,
And little ones will shout with the fun that life brings.
So parent’s take heart when the dawn starts glowing,
Thing One and Thing Two’s laughter will start flowing.

Be sure not to stop it, no let it resound,
For that is the reason God makes us abound.
Rejoice in the Lord always is the decree
Our children don’t hesitate so why should we?


Mel VanDyk





Thing Three...is catching on quickly!

Monday, November 05, 2007

Zoo
The Animals




The Kids




Tuesday, October 23, 2007

Pete & Sabrina's Wedding

The Cake
The Couple
Beautiful Natalie!
The Groom
Joel & Lynnette

Becky & Scott

Dan & Mel
Becky & Keir
Picnic in Port Stanley

Last Thursday we went to Port Stanley with A. Emily, A. Elise, and A. Shaylynn. It was their last day at Taun's and my house so in order to appear 'unborring' we decided to do something fun-an picnic in Port. We had pizza buns for lunch with cinnamon buns for dessert. Afterwards the kids had fun running and rolling down a hill.

Sweet, sticky Sen!

Hill Rolling

Esmé-8.5 months Tiana
Ksena and Tiana

Monday, October 15, 2007

Pumpkins n' PJ's!
We went to Ferguson's on Saturday night to pick pumpkins. The girls were already in their PJ's but we went anyway...lazy or efficient parenting? Who says being practical can't be fun! :O)
Elise and Ksena...my two youngest sisters are over while my parent's are in Tennessee for their 20th anniversary. We are having a great time together.
Thrown into the sunset. Catch me Daddy!!
This one looks good!
Shaylynn, Mia, Ksena & Elise
Apple Orchard
We went to Farmer Jack's apple orchard on Thanks Giving weekend with Nana and Papa.

Nana helping Esmé with her apple.
Mia enjoying her apple
Ksena picking an apple

Friday, October 05, 2007

Compelled to Pray

Remember Sunday's sermon about Job? These people are living out the truth that God is there amidst the worst pain this sinful world brings. This story will move you to tears and impress you with God's love for His people. I was struck with the comfort they are reaching out for despite the suffering they are going through-only God can instill this kind of peace and faith. What a comfort to know that God provides strength for His children!

Thursday, October 04, 2007

Flowers, Perfume, and Muffins
What do they all have in common? Nothing. I got a pink Gerbera Daisy plant for my birthday and my favorite perfume from my sweet husband. :o) As for the muffins, I just thought I'd share the recipe-I got it from www.allrecipes.com.

Flowers
Perfume
Muffin
Chocolate Chocolate Chip Muffins

2 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
1 1/2 cups white sugar
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
2 teaspoons baking powder
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 1/4 cups milk
1 egg
2 tablespoons vegetable oil
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 cup semisweet chocolate chips
3/4 cup chopped walnuts (Mel: Did not include)
1/3 cup whole almonds
(Mel: Did not include)
4 tablespoons white sugar

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Grease muffin cups or line with paper muffin liners.
2. In medium bowl, Sift together flour, cocoa, sugar, baking powder, baking soda and salt. In large bowl stir in milk, egg, oil and vanilla. Mix dry ingredients to large bowl; beat well. Add chocolate chips and walnuts, stir well.
3. Fill muffin cups 3/4 full. Poke almonds into tops of unbaked muffins. Sprinkle muffins with sugar.
4. Bake for 20 to 25 minutes, or until toothpick inserted in center comes out clean.
(Mel: I baked for 27 mins)

Wednesday, September 26, 2007

White Pine Lodge
Well, we're back from our backwoods cabin experience. It was a blast but a lot of work considering it was a holiday. This here blog post will give you a glimpse of our time away which included fishing, boating, bear hunting, a lure in the thumb(NOT DAN!), a baby (Trenton) with an earache, hiking, a trip to WalMart (too keep the women sane) , enjoyable company, and a wonderful look at the beauty God created. That there first picture is of the whole lodge with a view of the drink which no one fell into amazingly! As you can tell I learned a few new phrases while we were up there.


The wagon is loaded up with all our stuff and ready to be hauled up to our cabin. The lodge is situated on a rocky incline.
Our throne-upon which Brookie sang "I'm the king of the castle, you're the dirty rascal!" every time she used it. That bucket behind it is full of peat moss which you scoop onto #2 to reduce odors. How nice.
Our Cabin
Brookie in the sandpit.
Nice try girls!
Little Friends

Ksena
This is how Mia fell asleep her first night-backwards in bed with no blankets and using frog for a pillow.
The Hunter
Ducks on the Dock


Paddle Boating
The engaged couple!!! Congratulations Gary and Ashleigh!
Wet Fishermen

The kids are looking at maps Veronica made trying to find their way to the North Pole.


Lounging around-with a Gideon Bible no less!
YES, that is two fish on one line!-this happened just when Brian was about to give up and try a different spot. And as good as he is, he's the one who ended up in Emerg with a lure up his thumb!
MMMmmmm...the fish fry.
Some colors we saw on our way home.

"While the earth remains,
Seedtime and harvest,
Cold and heat,
Winter and summer,
And day and night
Shall not cease." Gen 8:22