Corn Maze

A couple of weeks ago, we went to a local corn maze. Greg was visiting for the weekend, and Alyssa tagged along too!

We split into three groups and tried to find our way around the maze. It was challenging because we had no idea where to find each of the checkpoints since they weren't marked on the map.

Once we did find a checkpoint, we stamped that section to show we'd been there. Our cell phones came in handy as it was getting dark at the end of our time. Since Mom and Dad had finished first, we just called them to find out where the last few checkpoints were...

Team #1

Team #2 is looking a little confused.

Actually, we did alright once we had a map. We started off without one at first and soon realized we needed to go back and pay for a map. ;)

It was a perfect evening, and we had the whole maze to ourselves!

Fun was had, and God's creation was enjoyed!

Exciting News!!!!!!

My handsome brother...

asked this beautiful girl...to marry him!
She said, "Yes!"

Their life together will never be boring!

A look of love!

May the Lord bless and guide you as you serve him on your journey together, Jason and Alyssa!

Yes, we know, it has been ages since we've updated the blog! It's not that we haven't done anything interesting - on the contrary, we've just been so busy with everything!

Faith, Alyssa and I have been working for my brother's company, Mirror Landscapes, this year. He's had us weeding, spreading mulch and trimming bushes. The extra income is nice, but some of these days of working have been HOT!

Recently, after one sweltering afternoon's labor, we decided to cool off with a water fight.

We didn't bother with water balloons; our water jugs suited us just fine!

Faith is poised to strike...

Oops, water in the eyes!

Ah, it was so refreshing!

Fe and I decided to have a face-off. Back-to-back, count, take 10 steps and throw the water....That was what I told her anyway...I know, I'm devious!

She barely made it past, "One...two..." And I whirled around and dumped my jug on her! Heeheeheee... (that's my wicked little chuckle)

Of course she chased after me yelling, "No fair! Cheater!"

When Jason arrived we decided he needed to participate in the fun - whether he wanted to or not!

We had him sit in a chair while we ever...so...slowly...poured ice cold water over his head!

I love his facial expressions in these pictures!

"Ahhh!! That's...COLD!!"

What a fun way to cool off on a sweltering summer day. :)

Art 4 Art's Sake

This spring I participated in a fundraising event for our local art gallery, The Next Picture Show.

Over 40 area artists donated their time and talent for this event. During the day the artists worked on a painting; in the evening the public was invited to come and watch the artwork be completed. Each painting was then auctioned off with the proceeds going the The Next Picture Show, which is a non-profit gallery.

I spent most of my day in front of my own painting trying to complete it in time, but I also enjoyed walking around watching the other artists work. There were so many unique styles... Hard at work...

I started painting at noon and finished by 6:00. Our delicious lunch and dinner were catered for us, but around 3:00 Faith brought me...sustenance! Lindt Excellence - "Intense Orange". Mmm...rich, dark chocolate, slivers of almonds and a wonderful hint of orange!
There were so many talented artists that participated in this fundraiser. The evening's auction was quite successful!

Most pieces were done in acrylics, but there were a few watercolors, colored pencil, pastel, and pencil drawings.

This is actually a scene from Dixon's Main Street...

I wasn't sure if I could complete a painting in one day and be happy with it, but it was a really good challenge for me!

I took a few pictures of my work as it progressed step-by-step...

As the day wore on, I was so focused on what I was doing I didn't stop to take any more pictures!

...And the completed painting!

I really enjoyed working on the sunset and the putting lots of color into the water.

I was definitely worn out at the end of the day, but it was a fun experience. I'm already looking forward to joining in on next year's Art 4 Art's Sake!