Sunday Reflections

Religion is, "I obey, therefore I am accepted." The Gospel is, "I'm accepted through what Jesus Christ has done for me, therefore I obey." Religion gives you control. That's why it's so popular. If I am saved by what I can do, then there's a limit to what God can ask of me. I still have some control. But if I am saved by sheer grace, then there's nothing He cannot ask of me.

--Tim Keller Accept one another, then just as Christ accepted you, in order to bring praise to God. For I tell you that Christ has become a servant of the Jews on behalf of God's truth, to confirm the promises made to the patriarchs so that the Gentiles may glorify God for his mercy, as it is written: "Therefore I will praise you among the Gentiles; I will sing hymns to your name."

Romans 15:7-9

Upstate New York Day 4. (part II)

Later in the day we went to visit a dairy farm. I was looking forward to this visit since I have never seen 60 cows being milked at the same time.Jo wanted to be a friends with every cow but I believe the calfs were the biggest hit with all the kids (well all but Emma she did not make it into the barn because she got scared by a big dog and could not get past it even when I offered to carry her).

The boys got to feed the little calf from a very big bottles.

Man, they can eat fast. Can you see the big bottle Nate is holding. The calf finished it under one minute.

We returned back to camp with 1 gallon of raw milk and we finished it in two days. My kids could not get enough of it. And let me tell you there is nothing like raw milk in your morning coffee:)

Upstate New York day 4. (part I)

On Wednesday we took a trip to Rome NY to visit Fort Stanwix. We drove by this fort last year and we knew it was one of those places where you have to stop with boys. We had the perfect weather for the visit and I believe we spent close to 4 hours in the fort (and around town).


I am not sure if you can see it from this picture but Alexandra was not pleased with our choice of trip at all and she let everybody know (she did calm down a little later and had fun as well).

Camping anyone?

I wonder what they stored in this barrel.

My two soldiers.

Lets see what we can destroy today:)

And while the adults were getting a history lesson ... .... ...

.... ..... the little ones were looking what they can take apart. I bet if we stayed a little longer their mission would be accomplished.

Josiah

I wonder what these two were thinking.

We had a great time at the fort but that was not the end of the day. Wait and see what we did next.

Upstate New York Day 3.

Another beautiful day in the Adirondacks. As you can see we spent most of the day by the water again.

Alexandra always looked so stylish on the dock (even with her drool).

It is funny to see the difference in the size of life jackets. The one on the right is Alexandra in hers and the one next to her is Sam's (the boys are growing up fast).

Jo having a blast in the water.

The always popular kicking and splashing water activity.

Why walk on the road?

My always (well almost always) smiling Emma.

Upstate New York Day 2.

We could not have asked for better weather on the lake. You bet that we spent all day on the deck and in the water (well Fil and the kids I did not get in once).

The ever popular canoe rides.

snorkeling in the lake (Nate)

boys and weapons

girls enjoying the water

Since there was no adult in the water Emma moved the crab into the kiddy pool. It fit perfectly.

The boys standing on a rock in the water.

I believe this was Emma's only canoe ride. Maybe watching Fil flipping over later in the day did not help much.

And our evening walks after dinner. Yes we did go with the Carpenter's and it was fun seeing how much the kids grew since last year when we were here last.

Penelope made this tutu (and one for Jo as well) and everybody who knows my Emma should not be surprised she wore it most of the day.

Josiah blowing bubbles.

Gabe and Alexandra (or Alexendria as my boys called her:).

The boys got some army stuff from the Carpenters and they had so much fun with it.

Emma posing for pictures on one of the docks.

I love this picture. There is something about a little boy in boots, a big bulldozer, and a girl in a tutu. You do not see that everyday.

I see a future farmer.

Emma helping Penelope with a stroller.

More pictures coming:)