My newest obsession

My latest addiction... knitting clothes for Isabel's new American Girl doll... Gabby (Gabrielle). Is she not the cutest thing? ... and she looks so much like Isabel. So far Gabby has gone to church, out to eat and violin lessons wearing her new wardrobe.

Every pattern I've made has been free off the internet and done with yarn I already have in my stash. I have a three ring binder full of free internet knit/crochet doll patterns. Do you have any idea what American Girl doll clothes cost in the store? Very expensive... Gabby will have an outfit for every week of the year at the cost of one American Girl outfit.

Gabby will be the best dressed of any of us here in this house :). Anyway, here are pictures of my two recent creations. More to come in the next few days.




Gabby wearing a knitted all-in-one sweater with matching jester's hat and leg warmers.



Jester's hat with tassles.



Tweed cape with matching fur muff.



Tweed cape back with hood.



Wouldn't this cape be too cute in Little Red Riding hood red?



Love how the hood frames her sweet face.

My Itzhak Perlman's

I know it's been awhile since I last updated my blog. I want to get better about that, but am very happy that I've learned how to download video (thanks to my techy - I mean sexy husband).

Isaac and Isabel both had violin recitals this past Tuesday. Isabel did very well and Isaac just blew me away. He was extremely nervous (really hasn't been in past performances). So much so, that he thought he had forgotten parts of the piece shortly before performing. He paniced... let me tell you ... HE ROCKED! He had overwhelming praise from many in attendance... it brought tears to my eyes. Isaac has worked so hard this past year and has really come to an appreciation of his Lord given talent.

Isabel performed a folk song titled Long Long Ago. It's not one of her favorite pieces, but one her instructor thought she would do beautifully... and she did.

Isaac performed Gossec's Gavotte. His music pieces are getting steadily more difficult and he always rises to the challenge. His auditory skills really are quite impressive for an 8 year old boy. He can hear a piece of music on the radio and then play the melody on his violin (and sometimes even works it out on the piano). He tends to like the pieces that have a serious beat (ex. "rock").

This violin journey is sometimes really tough financially and in time commitment/routine. But moments like these make it ALL worth the sacrifice.

Our new pastor

Our church is so blessed to have a new, dynamic young pastor. He is very unapologetic in how he preaches the gospel. I love his preaching style and as a bonus, he has a great sense of humor. His video sermons are now online on our church website. How awesome is that?! Our church membership is up 20% from a year ago. Here is a video from a couple of weeks ago, addressing a very familiar passage from the Bible, John 3:16. It's about 28 minutes, so if you have the time, use it as your daily devotional.




Here is yesterday's sermon on Psalm 1. Focusing on worldly "happiness" v. Biblical "happiness". I particularily love his second point on scripture. Very cool.

Scripture on Fear

Lately, I've been journaling regarding fear. Fear can saturate much of our lives. Fear of failure. Fear of the future. Fear of fear. Here are some of my thoughts and supporting scripture.

Give it ALL to God. He does not want us to suffer. He wants to help us in our times of need.

Why we Suffer?

We need trials to help us grow in faith.

Romans 5:3-5

Exult in our tribulations, knowing that tribulation brings about perseverance; and perseverance, proven character; and proven character, hope; and hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out within our hearts through the Holy Spirit who was given to us.

Trials bring us peace and righteousness.

Hebrews 12:11

All discipline for the moment seems not to be joyful, but sorrowful; yet to those who have been trained by it, afterwards it yields the peaceful fruit of righteousness.

Persecution reminds us our reward is in heaven.

2 Timothy 3:12

Indeed, all who desire to live godly in Christ Jesus will be persecuted.

God will be there through it all.

Psalm 27:1

The LORD is my light and my salvation;
Whom shall I fear?
The LORD is the defense of my life;
Whom shall I dread?

Proverbs 3:25-26

Do not be afraid of sudden fear
Nor of the onslaught of the wicked when it comes;
For the LORD will be your confidence
And will keep your foot from being caught.

Isaiah 41:13

For I am the LORD your God, who upholds your right hand,
Who says to you, Do not fear, I will help you.

God can turn what others do to you into something beneficial.

Genesis 50:20
As for you, you meant evil against me, but God meant it for good in order to bring about this present result, to preserve many people alive.

Redeemed,
Annette

David Crowder!!!

We are taking Isaac to his first concert on November 6!!! We will have artist section seats to see David Crowder & the band. Can you say "Excited"?! The concert is at our church which seats about 5,000. It will be great memories to share with our oldest.

Here are some cool videos of his music...sit back, relax, watch and listen.



"O, Praise Him"



"He is Our King"



"Never Let Go"

These pictures deserve their own post

Ok, as I'm updating my blog this morning, and contemplating what I need to pack for our afternoon of violin lessons, I get several loud laughs from upstairs. I rush to find this...









Any bets on how long you think it will before we have someone with a broken bone(s).

Update via pictures

What the school room looks like following a typical day of school. It warms my heart. I love learning with my kids.



Computer boy.



The kid's and I went to a small apple orchards several Fridays ago. We had so much fun.



Isaiah playing in the corn bin.





I know who I think is more cute... but you have to love the baby goats.



I love watching my kids enjoy nature.


Who thought $5 face paints could be so fun.



Kurt and I playing with Isabel's new face paints.