Part of my anniversary gift from Michael

Below the Oak

Does the stately oak
in its Autumn grandeur
arrest, silence, and invoke
a sense of rapt wonder?

Does its intricate leaf,
rich in death, provoke
praise and heighten belief
in the God who spoke?

Does its lofty height inspire
peaceful humility?
Do you unconsciously admire
its graceful sublimity?

If you gladly offer praise
for the beauty of the tree,
think, ponder, then appraise
the source, the root of all you see.

Beneath the soil, unnoticed,
overlooked, unthought of,
roots toil, providing ballast
and nutrition for the tree above.

Likewise, if you admire a man
of praiseworthy reputation-
one who carries out his plan
and excels in his occupation.

If you praise his stability
and his wisdom commend.
If you envy his family
and long to be his friend.

Look beyond, look beneath,
observe the helper's role:
the source of his strength,
the root of his soul.

Her loyal love bolsters
him in life's oft turbulence.
Her confidence nurtures
despite the world's violence.

7 Years

We're celebrating 7 years of marriage today! "Happy Anniversary" to my wonderful Michael and "Thank You" to my wonderful God.

Farm Song Medley

Viviane had been singing "Jesus Loves Me" before the arrangement and performance of this Farm Song Medley. That should explain the beginning. I've gotten loads of good laughs out of this one :-)

Viviane, the Hat, and the Cow

Viviane LOVES this baseball hat that her cousin Micah gave her...she also thinks cows are pretty neat. So, wearing the hat to go on a walk with Daddy to see cows made her day!

"Sweet Adeline" (Hey, that sounds like a song...Oh, wait, it is! The only problem is, we pronounce her name A-da-lynn NOT --line. :-) )

Here's our big 5-month-old!

Sisters Laugh

Happy Birthday to our Vivacious Viviane!

We love you, sweet Viviane. You are truly a gift from our kind Heavenly Father! Have a wonderful day celebrating your 3rd Birthday!