Fun in the Kitchen

All our girls were home for Christmas!
We took some time to bake Christmas goodies together.
Flour on the nose is always a must when baking with the Hartzell girls!

Erik Plays Goalie for Valley Christian School

Even 'though there is now snow on the ground, I wanted to post a picture of Erik playing soccer. As a freshman, he joined the Valley Christian soccer team and played goalie. Being a hockey player, Erik has not had much experience with this sport but he put his heart (and body) into it and finished the season as "Rookie of the Year".

Oregon for the Weekend

After seeing our Lissa, Beth & Tanner and
our new granddaughter in Colorado,
it was time for a visit with Monica...

So the boys and I drove 10 hours to Newberg, Oregon
where Monica is attending George Fox University.
We then drove another 2 hours to the Pacific Ocean.

We spent 2 short nights in Depoe Bay
but the trip was well worth it!
We watched massive waves build up, break and crash against the rocky shore.
We saw otters playing in the foam and we got to be with.....

MONICA!!!
Who is doing great, by the way.

Two short anecdotes that have to do with William:
When we arrived at George Fox to pick up Monica, she had to quickly run to the anatomy lab to get something. Will and I went with her. In the lab, a student was just closing up a bag holding a cadaver and asked us if we would like to see it. So....7 year old William witnessed his first dead body. If you have read Monica's facebook posts, you will know that this cadaver has nail polish on her toes. It's true and it is a bit creepy.

Secondly, in the car we endlessly played
"I'm thinking of an animal and it starts with the letter___"....
It was Jim's turn and he chose a bird that began with the letter "M".
We quizzed and quizzed him but could not guess his bird.
Finally we all gave up.
"I was thinking of a mongoose." Jim exclaimed.
We all laughed but it was William who spoke up first:
"Oh, Dad! A mongoose is not a bird!"
Jim defended himself, "But it has the word goose in it!"
That made us laugh even harder.

Aunt Lissa's Song to Tyler

"Wake up, wake up! Tyler Elizabeth Joy
Wake up, wake up! That's right, you're not a boy!
Wake up, wake up! There's so many fun things to see
Wake up, wake up! The funnest of all is me!"

Tyler's First Trip to the Mountains

On Saturday we drove into the Colorado mountains - Beth, Tanner, Lissa, Tyler and I. The snow covered peaks were stunning. Beautiful blue sky, crisp air and views all around us...a beautiful day!!

On Wednesday, October 7, 2009,
weighing 6lb. 8oz.,
Tyler Elizabeth came into our family bringing joy and celebration.

Beth and Tanner are now the amazing parents of a baby girl!!
And they have made Jim and I grandparents.

"I praise you, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made....My frame was not hidden from you, when I was being made in secret, intricately woven in the depths of the earth."

Psalm 139:14-15

WELCOME TYLER ELIZABETH JOY PEAKE!!

WE LOVE YOU!

"Spend the afternoon. You can't take it with you.” Annie Dillard

A freshly brewed latte with just a touch of sweet Italian cream....the sun causing my eyes to squint as it pours through my east dining room window....the promise of an absolutely stunning early autumn day....blue sky, thriving potted flowers, a very slight breeze....we live in an amazing place. The boys are at school. I am missing my girls - now in 3 different cities. Jim is at work - in the midst of a big expansion with his business. Snippets of Stravansky's Firebird Suite are running through my brain. We began rehearsals last night and these snippets remind me that I REALLY have to practice!!! I have not updated this blog since May and my friend (thank-you, Kylie) keeps telling me I have to blog!!! So....I'm back. Much will be happening this fall as we enjoy our boys, now a freshman in high school and a 2nd grader. Monica is in college on the west coast and I will love going to visit her (and maybe take a peek at the Pacific Ocean!) Melissa is thriving and growing in Bible School. I get to see her on a web stream regularly which helps to keep me connected. I will be travelling south to welcome my new granddaughter next month. That will radically change my life, I know. And Peter and Amanda are here in town, living very full, purposeful lives - continually amazing me at how God is shaping and using their passions for prayer and worship. I sit here overwhelmingly blessed. Thank-you, Father. And, Kylie....this blog's for you!!!!!

Erik with his Grandma Pat this May when he graduated from the Eighth Grade

A few moments from our wonderful summer

Monica Plays a Senior Recital

On Friday, April 24th Monica presented her Senior Recital.

She played the Bach Violin Concerto in A minor,

some fun lighter pieces and a lively Polish Dance.

Monica dedicated each piece to someone special in her life.

Next big event....GRADUATION!!!!!!!