Playing in the Fall!

Here we are all playing in the leaves. Fall is officially here when the leaves fall from the trees...this also means work for Daddy and fun for Tyler. Last year some of you may remember the "leaf monster" video, and rest assured we did not scare Tyler this year. He loved the leaves and running his jeep through the big pile.

Belay On!

Belay On....On Belay! Thats us...professional rock climbers! We even know the rock climbing lingo! My girlfriend Amanda (from school) and I went to "Climb Kalamazoo" tonight and had a blast! We had our instruction and then climbed for 2 1/2 hours. What a great workout, I can't even begin to imagine how sore I will be in the morning. I left exhausted, with achey muscles and a horrible knot on my shoulder from slamming against the wall. I wish I could expain how much we laughed, so much more fun than just doing dinner and drinks. If we didn't have young children and husbands at home we would be doing it every week!
Not quite sure I am ready for this...its higher than it looks!


Now that is a pretty knot...but the nails aren't the best to climb with.

Amanda and I ready for dinner and a beer!

My wonderful war wound...it is much worse than it looks in this picture. It is pretty colors and hurts like crazy!

Freshwater Church!

I have been wanting to get back involved with church for months but I was wanting to find a new church and didn't know where to begin. I wanted something that was fun, new and a young crowd. Someplace that I would want to get involved. I didn't want traditional thats not me nor is it my kids. I was determined that iy was going to be a church my children would LOVE to grow up in.
I have such fantastic memories of church choir, youth group and all the retreats, I want the same for my Tyler and Sam.
Last Sunday I woke up turned on the tv and on channel 12 (our local station) was Freshwater church. THis church is just three doors down from Kristi my daycare provider...so I pass it everyday. It was great...the minister had jeans and a polo shirt, and I noticed our neighbors Mike and Lisa Stephyns in the crowd. That was it...I dressed the kids and we hit the road.
I can't even begin to tell you the wonderful experiance we had. We walked in the door to feel so welcomed by everyone. The band was up front, rocking out! Seriously, I had to bend over for Tyler to hear me! Lisa saw us walk in and snatched me and the kids up and lead us directly to the toddler room where there were all kinds of kids and toys. Even more...there is a coffee bar that you help yourself to throughout the service...yes that is right a church with a coffee bar! MY KIND OF PLACE! It is comfortable, a yound crowd, and a rockin' minister. When Troy spoke you couldn't help but listen. He spoke the bible in away you could relate...he was funny, entertaining and made you think. You walk in to this place and you feel GOD everywhere...in the band, the people singing, dancing and just drinking COFFEE...corny I know...but it was awsome!
It was a wonderful experiance that I can't wait for again. I have found our CHURCH!

When I was on the website: www.freshwatercc.org this is how they describe the church and Pastors: LOVE IT

a different kind of church experience...

*We don't have a dress code.

*We like to laugh and have fun.

*We keep our coffee bar open during worship.

*We keep the message real and relevant.

Relax and make yourself at home. Fill out a connection card and drop it at the Connection Center for a free gift, just for being our guest. (I got the free coffee mug and bible)


Troy Gentz - Lead Pastor

I really don't like the title Pastor- probably because so many people think Pastors are so different than the average Joe. I have toyed with the idea of changing my title to Spiritual coach. I have been mistaken for a beer delivery truck driver and a hairstylist. Come on in to Freshwater and see what we are all about. Hopefully, you will see I am a regular guy.

Jason Bull - Executive Pastor

I am much taller than Troy, I have much more hair than Troy, and my eyes are bluer than Troys. If we are discussing intellectual level, Troy is light years ahead of my diminutive knowledge. Make sure you direct all questions to him.

Paw Paw Homecoming 2008

Last week we got to go to the Lawton Homecoming Parade, this week we got to be IN the parade. Paw Paw's homecoming was this Friday. The PPEA tries to get as many teachers and there families to walk the parade and throw candy. Dan, I and the kids...including Caysee all joined in. Tyler brought the jeep while Caysee ate the candy. It was fun for the kids...while Dan and I enjoyed watching them.

I was brave and brought Caysee back to the house and Tyler had his first slumber party. This was the converstation between Caysee and Tyler when they thought Kristi and I weren't paying attention.
Caysee: Tyler, can I sleep in your bed
Tyler: yeah...Cays!
Caysee: I like to snuggle....
Tyler: Okay Cays.
It was so darn funny. It was a good night but I don't think I could do it again for awhile...The two kids slept in our bed while I slept in Tylers...how the heck did that work? But there was NO snuggling.

I don't know the score but I do know...Paw Paw kicked some booty in the game against Three Rivers! Nice Job redskins!

Uncle Jim's home

Uncle Jim came home from the mountain and no-one absolutely no one could have been happier than my Tyler Bret. He loves his Uncle Jim...I think it is because Jim is truely a child at heart. He plays and has an imagination as if he is still 3.
I wish I would have taken my camera and followed the two of them around.
Uncle Jim read books, played cars and wrestled like mom could never do. They played bumpin' bellies at grandma tonda's, yes...they put pillows under there shirts and rammed into eachother at full force. Dan tried to get involved but it was all about Uncle Jim. The laughs that were coming from tyler were contagious. This went on for a good 30-45 minutes. Tyler slept good that night!
Yesterday out at the farm they made the greatest dinasour wilderness site with linkin logs, they rode the tractor together and they had to eat dinner next to eachother. Tyler just wants to follow Uncle Jim everywhere!

Jim, you are so important to my little man. I appreciate the love and time you have given to him over the past week. He loves you and is going to miss you so much. He will be counting down the days until Christmas!

Also, Dan and I both agree, you are lucky to have Rachelle...don't let her get away!

I am going to try and locate pictures from Tonda and Starr.

Jollay Orchards, Coloma

Every fall we have to make a trip to Jollay Orchards with the browns. WE always have such a great time. Dan had to work the night before so he stayed home to sleep but the kids, I and grandma Tonda went and got apples.
Tyler was happy, not only did he get to grab apples but he got a donut on the way out.