Late Summer Memories

 

 

~Fun Summer Memories~ 

 

 The girls had a ball playing in Nana and Papa's tent which remained

set up in our back yard for a week or so! The boys had fun sleeping out there at night.

 We had a fun picnic with Grandpa Mark and Grandma Barb.

We have so enjoyed spending time with all the grandparents

this summer! The kids missed them all so much while in BZ!

 

 

Fetchin' some sticks for s'mores..

Grandma Barb is the S'more queen! :)

 

 

The girls enjoying time together in our temporary rental

 

 

We have been so blessed with all of the things that have been given to us!

We have a house full of necessary household items.. we are so grateful!

♥

A bountiful box of yummy plums that we were given!

We have been so blessed to have gotten lots of garden left-overs from friends this year!

 



Ashley and Susanna at their work picnic

 

Mandy and Susanna

Ashley's boss and co-workers.. all are such great friends to her!

Ashley has since stopped working there.. she

misses seeing the ladies but does NOT miss the hard labor and chemicals! :)

 Amanda and Ashley with some very special friends

 

♥Best Friends♥

P*R*E*C*I*O*U*S Baby Girl!

We had a fun summer, checking out many of the local parks

 

Playing Frisbee!

Watch out Daddy! Mama is throwing this time!

 

 

 

 

Our boys! Such wonderful blessings from the Lord

And, they're off!

 

The Lord bless you and keep you--the Lord make His face shine upon you, and be gracious unto you; the Lord lift up His countenance upon you, and give you peace. Numb. 6:24-26

 

                                                                              

♥Happy 21st Birthday Ashley♥

Our Dear Ashley Elizabeth

Born October 15, 1991

 

Dearest Ash, on your birthday this year, we have been reflecting how much you have grown, both spiritually and in responsibility. It was such a blessing to serve with you in Belize and we look forward to making more memories and serving alongside you once again in BZ in the future, Lord willing. Your love of others, especially those who are hurting and hungry (both physically and spiritually) is such a testimony of your love for your Lord Jesus. It is infectious! Thank you for serving our Jesus by serving others..

As you enter this 21st year of your life we as your parents praise the Lord for you, our precious firstborn. As we watch you grow in the Lord, you continue to be such an encouragement to us.. So we would encourage you, dear daughter to' press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus.' Philippians 3:14

 

Sister Mandy making a delicious strawberry pie for her favorite friend and sister!

~Best Friends~

 

After our meeting, we had a birthday celebration with the Sebens!

 

The girls braved the icy Washington rain to pick Ash some birthday grapes right off of the vine!

 

 

 Mandy's yummy Strawberry Pie

 

 

♥Our Birthday Girl ♥

 

 

She had so many candles this time, it took our three men to light them all!

 

Gracie got to help blow out the candles!

Many Birthday Blessings to a Very Special Young Lady!

We LOVE You! Happy Birthday!!!!

 

 

 

 

Ashley's Trip Back East

3 weeks ago, we received word that our very close friends who now reside in Pennsylvania had given birth to a precious baby boy at 29 weeks. Amie had to deliver via C-section because baby was breech.  Noah was very healthy at birth but had to be flown to a hospital 2 hours away who had a NICU unit that was equipped for such a young preemie.

Noah Matthew Gray

 

 

This family is so special to us. They, the King family and our family started our small fellowship back in 2008. They walked along side us for quite a few years and we have become the best of friends. Ashley and Amanda were priviledged to go and help out quite a few times after their precious babies were born over the years while they lived in Washington.. so it was decided that it would only make sense that one of our girls should fly out to be with the 7 children while Don and Amie spent time at the NICU unit with Noah. Ashley felt honored to go and serve there for almost 2 weeks. Our children love their children so much.. Ashley had a VERY hard time leaving them! I think the feeling was mutual.. You can see more pics from her trip on her blog at: http://servantforjesus.blogspot.com/ 

 

 

 

Bella, age 1 1/2

 

Chloe, age 3

 

 

Abby, age 4

 

Elijah, age 6 (Happy Birthday Elijah!)

 

Aden, age 8

 

Hannah, age 11

 

 

Brodie, age 13

 

 

 

Now Brodie is an amazing child. He is so responsible and basically can run the Gray's whole house.. but having Ashley there as back up proved to be a blessing and help for them. Ashley enjoyed playing and spending time with these precious children. It made her and us miss them even more!

 

 

Their beautiful home is located right in the heart of Lancaster County.. Amish country. One neighbor closest to the Gray family are Old Order Mennonites who do not use electricity and the neighbors on the other side of them are Amish.

Amish would rather not have their pictures taken.. but Ashley hid behind a curtain to get this photo!

uh hem Ashley.. naughty!  :) 

The neighborhood Amish school

Beautiful Pennsylvania Farmland

 

 

 

 

 

An Amish Scooter.. Ashley even got to take a ride on it!

 

 

 

 

A baby bunny! The children named it Noah Star Gray  :)

Bird Watching

 

 

Brodie enjoys raising monarch butterflies

 

Ashley and Brodie held down the fort at home while Mama and Daddy were at the hosptial, spending time with little Noah.. Thankfully, it wasn't too long before the baby was able to be transferred to the hospital just 4 miles from home.. unfortunately there have been some serious issues with the staff and general environment at the NICU. His parents have spent many hours advocating for him, trying to make the situation better for Noah . Please keep them and him in your prayers. Praise the Lord, Noah is very healthy and growing stronger daily.  They are praying he can come home by day 40. After all, his name is Noah! :) Today is day 21.

 

 

Look at that smile! We are praying for you to come home soon Noah!