4th of July

4th of July started out pretty wet here in Central IL. The plans for the day were to go to the Sanford's home, have a cookout, play volleyball and other games, and enjoy an afternoon of fellowship. The rainy weather soon squashed those plans and we came up with a Plan B. So early afternoon, families of Providence gathered in the church fellowship hall. Tons of food was brought and the grills were soon fired up onder the church overhang.

The children gathered downstairs and played card and board games. The men and women visited. The little ones ran around having fun.

After dinner we went upstairs for some singing, the reading of the Declaration of Independence, and a short devotional by Pastor McDonald.

Soon it was dark and we headed into town for some fireworks.

Baling hay and eating smores

Friday night we were able to introduce our family to another new thing - baling hay! The Niesen's had a hay field that needed to be baled and we were available to help. So our family, along with the Evan's family, met up with the Niesen's last afternoon. The guys loaded up the pickup and drove down the road to the field. After the first load, the girls joined them out in the field.

The children played while the moms worked in the kitchen getting food ready. Then we took a walk around their farm and then over to the field to see how things were coming.

Before the food was ready, the guys and young ladies were able to get the field finished and loaded into the barn.

After work and dinner we had time for some more play and a fire for s'mores.

Justin turns 16!

Today our first born turns 16 years old. Justin Ryan Ryken was born June 11, 1993 in Gorgas Army Community Hospital, Panama. For many years Justin was very proud of the fact that he was Panamanian. He was equally heart broken to finally realize he was an American just with Panamanian citizenship (long story).

We are so proud of the young man that Justin has and is becoming. Even though he is still learning and growing, he has a heart for others and a deep love for Christ. He works hard and is learning patience as he teaches skills to his brothers. The love and tenderness he shows towards his sister in protecting them is very evident.

Here are some brief snapshots of Justin through the years:

6 mos old

10 months old and walking

Virginia - He worked allweek trying to remove the stick from the pile of dirt.

Virginia - not feeling well

Brookfield Zoo - playing follow the leader with Jesica

Ages 6 and 8

Hunting squirrel

Taking his brother, sister and cousin for a tractor ride at Grandpa's

Virginia Reel at Presbytery 2008

David, Jeremy, Garrison, and Justin

Justin playing with Sara

As tall as his dad at age 15.

Happy Birthday, Justin!

Children and Husbands

Recently I discovered a wonderful new blog - "At the Well - In Pursuit of Titus 2". Here is an excerpt from yesterday's post:

"Sure, out in public or via our blogs/social networks we talk all about how are babes are blessings. Uh huh. But how many of you are sincerely experiencing your children as blessings in the day to day? How often does the thought pop in your mind that your kiddos are burdens (shhh...don't tell!)? You don't want to think that way, but some days it's just so...hard to be a mommy. Don't worry, I can't read your mind, your secret is safe with God. He knows. He knows that so often we are exhausted, exasperated, and sometimes even lost when it comes to truly experiencing our children as being blessings, not just "in theory" blessings. He also knows that there is joy to be had."

To read more, click here

Today's post is just as convicting. How often do we nag our husbands and come up with excuses to justify ourselves? Here is an excerpt of today's post:

"How many times do I have to say something before that man will get up and help with the kids!?"

"Doesn't he realize how stressful my day is?!"

"How hard is it to put the towels in the hamper?"

"It would be nice if he would just do one thing without me needing to ask him...."

Have you ever said something like this to your husband?

Or maybe more likely, have you thought them?

To read more, click here