Purdy Family Moments

Did She Kiss Elmo?

2010-09-23T10:40:00.001-07:00

Sesame Street recently produced a music video with Elmo and Katy Perry singing together. You know, Elmo, the high-voiced, cute and fuzzy, "tickle-me" puppet. You know Katy Perry, the pop singer who quickly became world famous by singing about how she "kissed a girl and liked it."

After some outrage about the cleavage she shows in the video Sesame Street has decided not to run the spot.

Is cleavage really the problem? It was no doubt a poor choice of outfits for a kids TV show. However, much worse is seen in many different public places, like the beach, public pools, weddings, and Wal-mart (you know it's true).

Rather than a lack of judgment on a person's wardrobe choice. I would question the choice of who the person is and what they represent. Katy, through her songs, interviews, and clothing (or lack of) tends to represent, embrace, and even encourage casual sex. The seriousness and depth of sexual intimacy is missing. The commitment of a marriage is nowhere. Sex is recreational and nothing more.

With a countless number of musical artists in the market, I'm sure Sesame Street could have found someone a lot less provocative, and a lot more age-appropriate than Katy Perry. Sorry, Sesame Street but I give you an "F" on that one!

Football & Cross Country

2010-09-10T11:38:00.000-07:00

The kids have started their fall sports.

Jessica runs cross-country. I'll have to add a picture later because
I can't find one right now. She has a real natural ability
with it and she enjoys running (can't figure that one out?).
She has a real quick season (only 8 meets).
So far she has placed 2nd for the girls in every meet.

Kyle has started his last year with the NVYFL.
He is super-pumped about it to say the least.
He has been practicing as tight-end.
He can't wait for his first game this coming Saturday.

School Pictures

2010-09-10T11:28:00.000-07:00

I have been told that I am way behind on blogging about family.
So here are a couple of pictures we took of the kids on the first day
of school. Jessica is 14 (8th grade). Kyle is 11 (6th grade).

Show That Knight Who Is Boss!

2010-09-09T11:35:00.001-07:00

I came across this clip for the upcoming Amazing Race.
I love the quote at the end. - "They don't call it the Amazing Race
for nothing."

By the way, this would be reason #6 why I won't go on a reality TV show.

Are you a Rebel?

2010-08-30T13:35:00.000-07:00

Our Youth Minister shared this song with the lyrics at a recent Teen Service.
I'm not big on rap music. But this is awesome!

Rebel by Lecrae

Thanks Robbie!

Muslim or Christian ?

2010-08-20T09:52:00.001-07:00

A recent pole shows that a significant percentage of Americans believe that President Obama is a Muslim. Despite his comments that the Muslim call to prayer, "is one of the prettiest sounds on earth," despite his apparent support or indifference concerning a Mosque being built near the site of Ground Zero, and despite his hosting of a Ramadan dinner at the White House, I'm still reluctant to label the President as a Muslim.

He has, in fact, claimed to be a Christian. He has said that he is a "committed Christian," and that he reads a devotional every morning and prays every day.

However, he also said that he "doesn't wear it (his faith) on his sleeve."

Maybe that is why so many are confused about his faith? He could be a Muslim. He could be a Christian. There are hints and evidence that would support either faith.

Perhaps that is his intention. According to the statistics Islam and Christianity are the most popular of all "religions." Wouldn't it be to his political advantage to keep one foot planted within each faith? It may be advantageous to keep the waters muddy concerning his spiritual views.

But I have to wonder if a faith that is watered down and unrecognizable is really a faith at all? Isn't your faith meant to be a driving priority, a central purpose, to your life? If your faith is such a minimal part of your life that you could say - "I don't where it on my sleeve" - is it really that important to you?

Muslim ... maybe! Christian ... maybe!

May our faith be so evident that no one could ever question what our faith is!

If anyone is ashamed of me and my words, the Son of Man will be ashamed of him when he comes in his glory and in the glory of the Father and of the holy angels. (Luke 9:26)

"No one can serve two masters. Either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to the one and despise the other. (Matthew 6:24a)

Haiti 2010

2010-08-04T07:43:00.000-07:00

Back in July, I led my 4th mission trip into Haiti. Once again, it was an amazing experience! It was such a thrill to be able to have Leanne (her 2nd trip), and Jessica (her 1st trip) along with me this year.

We had a total of 18 from our church participate. Our youngest was 11 and our oldest was 70. Most of them had been to Haiti before but 8 of them were first-timers. Here are just a few pictures and comments concerning our experience.

We spent the first night at the main mission campus.
But the first day we traveled to another campus site
called "The Bay." The full name of the town is
The Bay of Mosquitoes. While we were there we
led a VBS for the local kids. We spent the night on the
roof of the mission and the next day we purchased some goats
to be given to different Haitian families.

VBS at the Bay

This is the mountain top church where we distributed
some of the goats we purchased. The Haitian minister chose
the families to give a pair of goats to. He encouraged them
to pass the gift along and give away some of the offspring
of the goats. He told us that this was not a little thing but
a big thing we had done. What we gave each family was
equivalent to 6 months of wages.

Local transportation in Haiti is by "Tap Tap."
Basically you load up into the back of a small pickup truck.
This was our Tap Tap after we dropped off the goats.
We had about 10 people in the back of the truck and
it hit a rut in the road and got stuck.
Tap Tap rides are always fun!

At the orphanage we led our VBS program. We also had
to go two days without running water or bathroom
facilities. The group that came in as we were leaving
had ice. You would have thought they were nuggets of
gold the way we reacted to it. Thankfully they shared!

We went to Ansefelour (sp?) as well.
It is a beautiful drive along the coast.

Ansefelour is the voodoo capital of Haiti.
We led our VBS there for 200 kids.
Then we hiked up the mountain to a voodoo monument.
It used to be a cross that was placed by the Catholics
However, when lightning struck the cross and knocked
off its arms and a portion of the top the local Haitians
believed Satan was claiming the site. So now those
that practice voodoo will hike to the monument,
perform sacrifices, and pray. We gathered around
the monument and had a much different time of prayer.

Then we went inside the voodoo temple in town and prayed
in the same room as a group of people who were praying
to a porcelain baby doll that they believe fell from the sky
undamaged at the same time as the lightning strike.

It was sad to see the hopelessness of their belief.
It was a bit eerie to see the blood stained pole
where they performed their sacrifices and to see
a murky watered pool where they believe
they can receive forgiveness.

Back a the mission campus we chose to host our VBS
with the Gran Moun (the elderly). They always
enjoy singing and they liked our craft as well.

We helped paint some huts at the baby orphanage.

On Sunday I was able to preach at a Haitian church.
We had a short drive and then a 35 minute hike to
the church. I have never been so hot in all my life.
My interpreter was even sweating like crazy.
Right before we left I took my tie off and gave it
to the preacher at the church. I knew he could use
a new tie and I was too hot to wear it any longer!

Of course Leanne and Jessica loved being with the kids.

I really like this picture.

Back At It

2010-08-03T17:42:00.001-07:00

Okay, once again I am going to attempt to blog on a more regular basis. I've updated the layout and my current book and music widgets. Tomorrow maybe I'll update the family pictures and then add a recent post.

From Jessica: a few random things

2010-05-18T14:52:00.000-07:00

Okay so here are a few random things that have happened since the last post. *i would post more but for some reason it isn't letting me post pics any more*

We went to go see the Graber family and we got to go eat lunch with Griffin. Here is a pic of him with some of his friends. We also helped them unload baby turkeys but i don't have any pics of that.
This is Nana's 90th birthday party. We love you Nana!!
This is Me and my friend Jessica. We were nuns in the high school play "The Sound of Music" *we are trying very hard not to laugh because i think these pics were taken on the day we did the show 3 times in a row and we were tired of being nuns.*
This is Kyle on his 11th birthday, opening his presents at home.
Well since it won't let me add any more pics i guess this is the end of the post, sooooooo
THE END!!!!!!!

From Jessica: Its been a while

2010-04-10T06:15:00.000-07:00

Okay I know Dad hasn't updated in like forever, so I convinced him to take me to the church and update from there. So here goes. The reason dad had to take me to the church to update is because we moved houses and we don't get internet where we live now. But I still like the house. PROS AND CONS ABOUT THE NEW HOUSE CON: we don't get cable out there PRO: not having cable means we have to have to get dish which has like a million more channels. CON: the road is a mud road in the winter and a dirt road in the spring. PRO: we get to live on a gravel road in the summer. CON: there are woods behind our house which means leaves in the fall. PRO: its fun to explore those woods. CON: Kyle didn't get a bedroom that is bigger than his old bedroom. PRO: I got a HUGE bedroom. Anyway I don't have a picture so you'll just have to come see it for yourselves.

CHRISTMAS I have to update about that. on Christmas it was raining :( but we still had fun :)

This is a picture of Kyle ...... on Christmas......... with a football........ go figure!

This is me on Christmas sitting in my awesome zebra striped chair
that i didn't know i was getting

After Christmas at home we went to Gramma and Papa's house to celebrate with dad's side of the family
This is my little cuz, Alex. He was born the day after Christmas a couple years ago

and this is his lil' bro Max (above)

This is Kaylyn. She is my dad's cousin's baby so I don't know if that makes her my 2nd or 3rd cousin but whatever. Every one says she likes dad so much because he has the same haircut as her This is Alex eating his birthday cake. BTW, this is the face he made when I told him to "smile for the camera."

This is Alex eating his birthday treat btw this is the face he made when i told him to "smile for the camera"

Other stuff that happened that I don't have pictures of ....
Kyle turned 11.
I was a nun in the sound of music and Kate played "Brigita"
We went to Susie's house over spring break and helped them with their 15,00 baby turkeys
Susie, Megan, Natalie, Griffin, Cassie came to our house over their spring break
Me, Kyle, Megan, Natalie, Kate, and Andrew played basketball girls vs boys
(there were no fouls so it was fun to watch Andrew get "beat-up" by Megan and Natalie. He says he wouldn't hit back but it is still fun to give him a hard time about it)
We got a new 47 inch flat screen T.V.
Mom and Dad got old (they both turned 39 in March)
We had an Easter egg hunt at Gramma and Papa's
I lost my phone at that Easter egg hunt but Keith found it (thank you Keith)

Camp, Baseball, Swimming, Diving

2009-08-21T14:22:00.000-07:00

Neither Leanne nor I are very good about taking pictures or videos so we end up with a lot of memories without the evidence (I guess that may be a good thing). Anyway the kids were involved with a lot of things that we don't have any pictures from. For example . . .

Kyle played baseball. This was his first year in the Majors and it took a big adjustment for him. He went from playing 3 years in infield positions (catcher, 1st base, pitching) to playing outfield and sitting out part of the game (ouch!). We kept encouraging him and letting him know that it was only because he was the youngest on the team and next year will be different. None-the-less he still had a blast and a good season. He had a couple good catches in the outfield and it took a bit but his batting by mid-season was doing really well also. No home-runs this year though. That was another bummer for Kyle.

Jessica was on a summer swim team. She had a lot of fun with that and her times were certainly improving. She placed well in many events and some of the relays she was in took first. Individually I think she placed 2nd a couple of times.

Kyle took Diving lessons this summer. Of course he loved it. He's pretty good at back-diving now.

Both the kids also went to camp this summer. Kyle was at the regular (dorms) camp while I led the Jr. High Wilderness camp. Jessica (since she is now in Jr. High) was at camp with Leanne and I. Camp is always great! We had 33 Jr. High students roughing it in the wilderness without electricity or water. It was an awesome week and I really believe that the students had the opportunity to grow in their faith. It was really cool having Jessica with us this year to.

4H & The County Fair

2009-08-21T13:55:00.000-07:00

Once again Jessica was in 4H this summer. This year she chose to do "Dog Obedience" and "Cake Decorating."

This was the 2nd year for her and Jack. During her showing she got a bit of a surprise. The judge told her to take Jack off leash and do the routine. She had never practiced with Jack off leash and had never been told by her "coach" that she would have to. Jack did pretty good (although he did attempt to go through the fence at one point). The strange thing is no one else in her showing had to take the dog off the leash. Oh well she still did great!

This year they also had a costume contest for
the dogs. Jack was dressed as a Hershey bar.
Jessica wore a Hershey Jersey. When it
came time to judge everyone was declared a winner!

Her cake decorating came courtesy of her Grandma. Grandma Purdy has been decorating cakes for years so she agreed to teach Jessica. She ended up getting "Reserve Grand Champion" and therefore would have a cake to enter into the State Fair.

Her cake was a beach theme.

Kyle didn't enter 4H but he still participated in the pig wrestling at the county fair.

Myrtle Beach

2009-08-21T05:20:00.000-07:00

I know ... it's about time! Well better late than never I guess. I'm finally posting about our Myrtle Beach trip. This summer our vacation was spent with my parents and my brother's family. We all shared a condo at Myrtle Beach. Without a doubt it was a wonderful vacation that we thoroughly enjoyed.

Here are a few pictures.

The 3 bedroom Condo

The Beach. We had a wonderful view from our
condo. We even watched dolphins swim up shore
2 of the mornings we were there.

The condo also had three swimming pools,
2 hot tubs (which I spend a good deal of time in)
and 2 lazy rivers.

I think Jessica's favorite thing on the beach
was getting creative with the sand.

Kyle was all about fighting the waves.

My Dad and Keith buried Jessica while Kyle
and I were swimming. Then they placed a
bucket on her head. When we came back
I told Kyle to pick up the bucket. He jumped
when he lifted the bucket and their was his
sister's head.

Jessica and Kyle had a blast with
their cousin Alex. They love him tons!

We went on a "dolphin watch" Basically
we followed a fishing boat and watched for
dolphins feeding behind it. We saw several.

Mom and Dad

Leanne and Dawn

Alex, Kyle, Keith and Me.

We called Jessica "Hollywood" as she
kicked back with her shades on the
corner of the boat.

We went Jet-Skiing one day. Keith drove with
Jessica riding. I drove with Leanne and Kyle
riding. It was a blast! I did flip it once when
I cut behind Keith to jump a wave. I came
down broadsided into another and we all
went over. Keith finally figured out that
we were not behind him any longer and he
came back to find us. We were just getting
back on. Fun stuff (maybe not for Leanne)

We also went parasailing. That was kinda cool!
Leanne really liked it.

I got a little queasy when I was waiting on the
boat for our turn. So it wasn't the most thrilling
experience for me. But I'm still glad I did it.

I just don't handle bouncing around on the
waves without any air movement.

We stopped past a place called "Alligator Adventure."
Mom insisted you did not have to pay just to walk
around and look. We did pass through a turnstile,
but no one was there. After thinking about it later we
are pretty sure that somehow we were supposed to pay
and we didn't. We may have inadvertently "snuck in."

I've never seen so many alligators in one place!

Family picture

Everyone

It was a big drive. But we had a wonderful trip.

I'll post more about the summer in the
next few days.

From Jessica: PB+J Newz

2009-08-01T13:47:00.000-07:00

Me and one of my friends were really really really
bored one day and decided to make a news show
here is the very first PB+J Newz show. See if you
can guess what PB+J stands for. I'll tell you at
the end of this post.

This is the second official PB+J Newz show

Thank goodness you can delete on digital cameras.

BTW this is what PB+J stands for: My last name is Purdy (P). My friend's last name is Becher (B) and we are both named Jessica (J).

From Jessica: My 6th Grade Class Trip

2009-04-27T16:33:00.000-07:00

I had been waiting for this all year! We had our 6th grade class trip on Fri. the 24. Our teachers had been planning this and talking about this and warning us about this and getting us excited about this since...like... FOREVER! It was the best field trip ever! We had to be at school at 5:00 AM or we would miss the bus. The bus wasn't just a normal school bus it was a charter bus! It had a bathroom in it AND a DVD player and it was A LOT more comfortable than a school bus. which was great because we were on that bus for4 hours! which seems a lot longer when kids are screaming all around you. since we were on the bus from 5:00 - 9:00 we got to see the sunrise! Any way when we finally got to our first stop (the Slugger Museum) it felt like we had been on the bus FOREVER! and to make matters worse we had to wait on the bus for about 10 extra minutes because we got there early! Anyway when we FINALLY got in we watched a movie, then they took us out to the museum part of the tour we all just fan around and explored that part. then we split into 3 groups and went through the factory part no pics aloud :( then we got back on the turner bus and headed off to the Ohio river to go on a cruise. We ate lunch and since we were in Kentucky we had REAL Kentucky fried chicken yum-yum. After that we went up to the sky deck (I think that's what it's called) and hung out. Pretty soon the DJ started playing songs like Cotton Eye Joe, Macarania , Electric slide, Cupid shuffle, etc. that we all knew and we started dancing to them! It was quite a sight . If someone didn't know the dance to one of the songs every one else pushed them around untill they got it. It was hillarious!!! After that was all over we docked and got back on the charter bus and rode all of the way to Marango caves. We saw a lot of cool stilagtites and stilagmites. and about 5-7 creepy gross discusting and creepy bats. Can you tell I DO NOT like bats?! At all! Any way after that was over. We went to this thing-of-ma-bobbers that was supposed to be like you were crawling through a cave. The contraption was tiny and the sign on the outside said if you were closterphobic you shouldn't go through it. Well I'm slightly closterphobic and get totaally creeped out if something touches me and I don't know what it is you didn't have to go through it but Mom told me I'd regret it forever if I didn't go through (translation: you have to do it) so I was all like Oh-my-gosh-i-am-gonna-hyoervenilate-and-then-die! Well as you can tell I didn't die but that is something I would NEVER do again! After the caves most kids got back on the bus and went home but some kids rode with their parents. I rode with Mom and we went to Susie and Les's house to see Cassie at Prom but I'll Post about that l8er

Here is the sunrise I took it out of the bus window

This is a pic of the bus from the inside
That is Josie with her Long black hair

we FINALLY got to the Slugger Museum It felt like we were driving
FOREVER this is a pic of all of us in front of "the big bat"

here is me with a few of my friends from left to right :Jessica B. Me, Lindsey,
Nicole we have gloves on because the bats we are holding are some famous
people's bats don't ask me who I'm no baseball fan!

here we all are on board the Belle of Louisville
(by the way no one got sea-sick)

This is the view we had from the boat

yum this was our REAL Kentucky fried chicken

Me and Mother

The cave was dark this was the best picture I took

This is a video of the bus

Watch the pitcher

The Guys Camping

2009-04-25T07:13:00.001-07:00

Leanne took off Friday and went on Jessica's big 6th grade field trip. The students rode a chartered bus and went to Louisville to see the Slugger Museum, then they had lunch on a river boat, and finished the day touring Marengo Caves. Leanne and Jessica left straight after the trip and headed to Leanne's sisters to spend the night and Saturday with them (and get to see Cassie before prom)!

So, Kyle and Jack and I loaded up for a quick fishing and camping trip. We went to Hanging Rock, which is a Christian camp that a good friend of mine works at. It has a nice pond and some really good trails.

Cruising up 63!

Unloading

The tent is up!

Looking at our campsite from across the pond.

Ummm ... this was the only fish caught.
And I caught it on my first cast.

Fishing came to an end when Matt & Kara
showed up on their four-wheelers.

One minute Kyle was "posing" on the four-wheeler
and the next he had convinced Matt to let him
take it for a spin! Needless to say, Kyle was thrilled.

Hiking Trails

Jack was our "trail-scout."
He kept ahead of us on the trail except
for the occasional chasing of a squirrel.

See the little white dot? That's Jack.
He would run up ahead and then
he would come back to see where we were.
Then he would run ahead again.

When we left our campsite we heard a tree fall.
When we got back the fallen tree
was pretty close to our campsite.

Matt & Kara joined us for dinner.
Hot dogs, Brats, & Chips.

Later we had S'mores and Matt taught
us how to cook a "biscuit on a stick."

Kyle made his own that was filled with
chocolate syrup, whipped cream,
a Hershey bar, and a marshmallow.

We enjoyed a beautiful sunset!
Then Matt, Kyle and I played Frisbee
(with a "light-up" Frisbee)

In the morning, we packed up and then
enjoyed a quick breakfast of chocolate
mini-donuts on the tailgate of the truck
before we headed home.

Flush!

2009-04-19T12:32:00.000-07:00

Came home from the office a few days ago and this is what was sitting on my front step! A toilet with a purple seat and purple tank lid. The sign on it says, "Let's Flush Cancer Down the Toilet." The instructions taped to the seat lid told us that for a $10 donation to Relay for Life the toilet would be removed. For $20 we could choose to send the toilet to someone else. For $30 we could send it to someone else and guarantee that it never comes back to us.

By the way we did "lift the lid," just to see ... and neatly place within the bowl was a bouquet of purple flowers.

Creation Museum

2009-04-19T12:07:00.000-07:00

Well since it's raining and I have the time I thought I would update the blog. This past spring break we took the kids (and the Sheppard kids) over to Lawrenceburg, Indiana. We stayed with Leanne's Aunt Becky and Uncle Bill and we visited the Creation Museum just outside Cincinnati, Ohio.

The Creation Museum is a museum which promotes the belief that life is more than mere random chance and supports that belief with archeological evidence and intellectual reasoning. It's quite amazing to hear creationism thoughts such as purposeful creation, a young earth, dinosaurs and man coexisting, etc ...

We were told that a tourist package had been created that included tickets to the Creation Museum as well as the Cincinnati Zoo. When the zoo got wind of this they demanded that they be excluded from the package. They did not want any association with the Creation Museum because of the contradictory teachings the museum supports. Wow! I wonder who is more "close-minded?" It's interesting to me that if you are an "animal lover" and support nature wholeheartedly .... why would you be threatened by creationism? What makes an "animal" more special? Would it be that they just happened into existence and are nothing more than a random combination of DNA ... or would it be that God uniquely created them with care, intentionally, and with a purpose? So goes for you and I.

Anyway here are a few pictures.

Just Add Water

2009-03-22T14:51:00.000-07:00

Jessica just finished her first year on the swim team. Leanne and I were both extremely proud of her for trying something new. She seemed to enjoy it although she was a bit overwhelmed being so busy with practice and swim meets.

She competed with some of the relay races. Individually she competed in the 50 meter freestyle, the 100 meter freestyle, and the 100 meter breast stroke. She improved with every meet and actually took second place once for one of the freestyle events.

The team t-shirt said "Instant Athlete" on the front ... then the back said ... "Just add water." I'll try to post a picture of it later.

Next up ... She starts volleyball after spring break.

L8R

From JessiKate: Kate's Beat The Winter Blahs Party

2009-03-01T13:15:00.000-08:00

Kate talking = abc Jessica Talking = abc
O.k. People! SO Kate is over at my house and we didn't have ANYTHING else to do, so she asked her Dad if she could update the blog. Yeah What she said. SO Kate had a Party a few weeks ago and invited how many people Kate? I had 7 friends(not counting myself) and two adults(my mom, Amy, and Leanne). Mom and Amy Drove ALL eight kids to and from Indianapolis. Talk about full house!HA HA HA! Any way when we FINALLY got there we were ALL ready for a potty break! And off we went to the Not young but Old Spaghetti Factory! Very good food! And we hardly had to wait at all! But Emilee Farly thought we did! She kept getting our hopes up every time we saw someone with a food dish walk by. Thanks a lot Emilee! Yeah And when you are STARVING Doesn't help to have some one keep saying " Our Food is Here" "Our food Is here" Then We went back to the hotel for some water fun! When we were done we had a big surprise we got to decorate AWESOME flip- flops! It was sooooo Much fun!

Here are the three water slides at Caribean Cove!

After a GREAT breakfast at the hotel buffet we took a pic on the stairs

Here is me and Kate on this floaty snake thing-a -ma -bobbers

I'm going to let Jess explain this one. Thanks! Okay so there was this statue and .....well... it needed clothing. Sooo........

This One is for you Kate. O.K. so they brought Ketchup for our breakfast (I don't Know what for) and it had the best label ever! GO COLTS!!!!!!!! Ya' hear that Keith!

Well Now we have to go babysit Two Amazing kids. See ya'll soon!!!

From Jessica: I'm Lion-O

2009-02-17T17:19:00.000-08:00

All right! Two "From Jessica" posts in one week! This ROX! Any way ...... so on facebook Dawn sent my dad this Ipod quiz thing-a-ma-bobbers and I just had to get in on the fun (since Dad won't let me have my own facebook (darn!) ) Oh by the way I don't have an Ipod so I played the game with my MP3 player. It works with them too. So here are the rules.

1.Put you Ipod (MP3 player) on shuffle (random)
2.read the question on the computer screen(for example no. 1 on this quiz is "If someone asks is this okay? You say...)
3 .look at the screen on your Ipod (MP3 Player) and see what the title of the first song is
4. The song title is the answer to the question on the computer screen
5. ENJOY!

Here is mine from when I tried

1. IF SOMEONE ASKS IS THIS OKAY? YOU SAY …
pop princess – the click 5

2. WHAT WOULD BEST DESCRIBE YOUR PERSONALITY?
You Led Me –Barlowgirl

3. WHAT DO YOU LIKE IN A GUY/GIRL?
Never Alone–Barlowgirl

4. HOW DO YOU FEEL TODAY?
“Mirror–Barlowgirl

5. WHAT IS YOUR LIFE'S PURPOSE?
Stand in the Rain [Symphonic Mix]–Superchick ( Great My life's purpose is to stand in the rain . Who wants to do that?)

6. WHAT IS YOUR MOTTO?
Superstar –barlowgirl

7. WHAT DO YOUR FRIENDS THINK OF YOU?
I Learned From You–Billy Ray Cyrus

8. WHAT DO YOU THINK ABOUT VERY OFTEN?
The Other Side of me– Hannah Montana

9. WHAT IS 2+2?
It happened At 4 corners– AIO (Hey, it has the 4 part right)

10. WHAT DO YOU THINK OF YOUR BEST FRIEND?
More–PureNRG

11. WHAT DO YOU THINK OF THE PERSON YOU LIKE?
“ She’s no You–Jesse McCartney (Just a Little creepy)

12. WHAT IS YOUR LIFE STORY?
Girls Can Change the World–PureNRG (sooooo True)

13. WHAT DO YOU WANT TO BE WHEN YOU GROW UP?
Surrender–Barlowgirl

14. WHAT DO YOU THINK WHEN YOU SEE THE PERSON YOU LIKE?
Just Like You --Hannah Montana

15. WHAT DO YOUR PARENTS THINK OF YOU?
The Lion, The Witch, and the Wardrobe–C.S. Lewis (Audible)

16. WHAT DID YOU (OR WILL YOU) DANCE TO AT YOUR WEDDING?
This Is the Life --Hannah Montana

17. WHAT WILL THEY PLAY AT YOUR FUNERAL?
The Best of Both Worlds–Hannah Montana (seems very fitting?????? )

18. WHAT IS YOUR HOBBY/INTEREST?
Pumping Up The Party– Hannah Montana (soo True, But What is it with the Hannah Montana songs?)

19. WHAT IS YOUR BIGGEST SECRET?
Inside Out–PureNrg

20. WHAT DO YOU THINK OF YOUR FRIENDS?
She Walked Away– Barlowgirl

21. WHAT'S THE WORST THING THAT COULD HAPPEN TO YOU?
Harder Than the First Time–Barlowgirl

22. HOW WILL YOU DIE?
Who Said – Hannah Montana (Yeah Who said I’m gonna die)

23. WHAT IS THE ONE THING YOU REGRET?
13– The Rubyz (I’m not even 13 yet )

24. WHAT MAKES YOU LAUGH?
Average Girl – Barlowgirl (Yeah Ha HA HA ha Who Wants to be average )

25. WHAT MAKES YOU CRY?
Ain’t no Mountain High Enough– PureNRG

26. WILL YOU EVER GET MARRIED?
Horton Hears A who–Dr. Seuss (Audible)

27. WHAT SCARES YOU THE MOST?
We Got da Beat– The Rubyz (Yeah, It’s reaaly creepy whe you can’t spell “the” right)

28. DOES ANYONE LIKE YOU?
Staring at the Sun–The Rubyz

29. IF YOU COULD GO BACK IN TIME, WHAT WOULD YOU CHANGE?
Any Which Way–PureNRG

30. WHAT HURTS RIGHT NOW?
Like-PureNRG

31. WHAT WILL YOU POST THIS AS?
I’m Lion-O Relient K

Kyle is 10

2009-02-15T16:19:00.000-08:00

Okay so I'll blog a bit about Kyle's birthday. By the way for those of you that have complained about my lack of blogging (Mom, Cassie, Susie, Jessica, etc ...) I refer you to the very first blog entry. Please review that blog.

Anyhow. The night before Kyle's b-day he and I were wrestling and he got me in a headlock with all his weight positioned over me. He also happened to have his feet slide under the recliner. So with the weight and the leverage of the recliner he had me good. I couldn't move and I got to laughing. I had to give up. Kyle loved it! He beat the "old man" at wrestling.

So on the morning of his b-day I said, "Kyle, your 10 years old and you beat me at wrestling last night." His answer - "I beat you when I was 9."

Here's a few pictures from his b-day to go along with Jessica's blog.

Kyle and Andrew

Jessica and Cassie

Typical!

From Jessica: Kyle's B-Day party

2009-02-15T15:24:00.000-08:00

So Dad said he'd try to update the blog more often, but as you can tell he hasn't so I am... again
and I probaly will again.... and again...... and again...... and well, you get the picture. So today was Kyle's B-day and B-day party. Kyle had friends (David Becher and Andrew Sheppard, Micah Trusty, Charis Trusty, Josiah Trusty, Roz Trusty Kate Sheppard) and several family members come to his party(Cassie, Conner, Chloe, John, Mallorie, K.C. Megan, Natalie, Griffin, Susie, Brenda, Keith, Dawn, Alex, Baby Purdy, Gramma, Papa Grammy and Granddad, Me, Mom, and Dad) It was soooooo much fun . My Grandmother made an AMAZINGLY INCREDIBLY AWESOMELY COOL cake. It was like a castle and it was soooo AMAZINGLY INCREDIBLY AWESOMELY COOL. My grandmother is very talented!!!!! Kyle and his friends/cousins played football. (go figure) I think Kyle said his team won two times but the first time the game was more exciting. I'm not a big football fan. Now who's ready for some pics.

P.S. which happy face do you like better post a comment containing your answer
A : ) B .. C ,, D = ) E ll Please pick A, B, C, D, or E
U U U ( Sorry if they get messed up)
here is the AMAZINGLY INCREDIBLY AWESOMELY COOL cake my grandmother made
Here is my bubby opening his gifts
Well... Some of you devoted "Purdy Family Moments" blog readers have seen my Uncle Kieth. Well I just wanted you to know that this is what he looks like most of the time.

This is the end

Mini SLCC Reunion

2009-01-16T06:03:00.000-08:00

Last Saturday a small group of us from St. Louis Christian College got together for sort-of-a mini reunion. We met at Cayuga Christian Church and spent the afternoon together. We had a very enjoyable day reliving some SLCC memories (watching some old videos), and catching up with each other as we shared stories of our life experiences. 13 adults and 18 kids!

The Marron Family

The Greene Family

The Thomas Family

The French Family

Beckman Daniels Family

The Trusty Family

The Purdy Family
(minus Jessica who was MIA at the time)

Updates Coming Soon

2009-01-13T11:41:00.000-08:00

Just to let everyone know. My daughter does know how to spell her name. However, for some odd reason she likes to spell it with a "K." I think she does it just to drive her mother nuts considering Leanne is really annoyed when things are spelled in an unusual manner.

In an unrelated topic I want to let everyone know that I fully intend on updating the blog soon. And I intend on updating it more frequently. As they say "intentions never accomplished anything." But I will give it a noble try.

God bless
- Kev

From Jessika

2009-01-03T10:44:00.000-08:00

Hi!! This is Jessika. One of my cousins (Courtney Heller) made the comment on New Years day that Dad was horrible at updating his blog. And I completely agree with her!!!! So I convinced Dad to let me update the blog every once in a wile! So here goes........

On the Mon. after School was out Kate Sheppard, Andrew Sheppard, Charis Trusty, Micah Trusty, Josiah Trusty, and Roz Trusty came to our house to decorate cookies! Charis, Kate and I made a sleigh with Santa in it and
5 reindeer pulling it! Everyone made little Christmas trees out of ice cream cones and decorated them with m&m's and raisons and other eatable candies. We ate some and gave some to our neighbors, the Gebbhearts. We had a lot of fun!!

On Christmas Eve my grandparents on Mom's side came down and watched our church's Christmas program. Kate Sheppard sang a song called "Glory To Glory" and Kyle, me, and a few other kids from our church sang "Away in a Manger" during Kate's song. Kate did fantastic!!

At 6:30 on Christmas day, Kyle and I went bouncing into Mom and Dad's room. (It's the rule that we can't go see the presents under the tree until we go see Mom and Dad and read the Christmas story) After that we went out by the tree and saw all of the presents under the tree. Kyle's big surprise was a Brand new orange bike! He also got 2 Wii games, a toy gun, CDs, a magic kit, checkers, Narnia action figures, 6 pairs of jeans, gift cards, a jacket, and candy. I got a new bed spread, 2 books, a Nintendo DS and a game, a nail kit, a jacket, a pureNRG shirt and bag, and gift cards.That was just here! Next we went to Dad's parents' house.

On Dec. 26, 2008 we had Christmas with my Dad's parents. Kyle and I both got a lot of cool presents but the best present was seeing Alex's new shirt. It read "I'm gonna be a big brother"
That's right! In Aug. I'm gonna be a big cousin. (again)

On Tue. we went to Aunt Susie's house and celebrated the New year. And I am proud to say
(type) that I was one of the first people in this time zone to eat in 2009! I should be in a world record book! The next day was new Year's day and we celebrated the yearly Heller Christmas!
It was soooo much fun! All of my cousins on Mom's side were there! The hardest part was getting all 13 of us (ages 4 years - 20 years) to fit on one small couch!!! But it was still very very fun!!!

Now enough of my jibberish! Here are some pics!!

Heller Christmas

Christmas with my Grandparents on Dad's side

Christmas day at home

Kate singing "From Glory to Glory"

Our sleigh at the Christmas Cookie Creating Celebration

Purdy Elfs

2008-12-18T07:20:00.000-08:00

click the following link for a Christmas treat.

http://elfyourself.jibjab.com/view/DBPX7OBEAnffV8GKEz29
(viewable only till January 15)

Merry Christmas

from the Purdys

Squeak Squeak

2008-11-07T14:48:00.000-08:00

Okay so let me tell you how this happened. It's Friday and I was called to substitute teach today for a 5th grade class. Right before the first teaching session Jessica comes bouncing into the room. "Hey Dad, I've got a question."

The next thing you know the day has ended and we have come home with 2 rats named Tinkerbell and Twitchy. Yes, we are rat-sitting for the weekend. Our temporary (and I emphasize temporary) pets belong to Jessica's 6th grade class and apparently they absolutely needed a place to stay for the weekend.

I'll let you know how it goes.

Imitation

2008-10-28T14:46:00.000-07:00

I'm not quite sure where she comes up with these crazy ideas. I'm referring to my daughter, Jessica. Does anyone really know what goes on in the mind of a 12 year old girl? I'm sure I don't. Her latest stunt took place last night at the fall party for the church. I had asked Jessica a couple of days ago what she planned for her costume. She wouldn't tell me. So last night she shows up at the party dressed as … me! She had on an old pair of my tennis shoes, a pair of jeans, and one of my Harley Davidson t-shirts. She painted a goatee on her face and was wearing a motorcycle helmet because the bald wig she bought didn't quite work. Her friend Kate, came dressed as Robbie (our Youth Minister). She had a painted beard and wore a Chicago Cubs jersey.

Now I know what they say. "Imitation is the highest form of flattery." I suppose on some level I am flattered. But for the most part I just think my daughter's strange! (love ya Jess).

I guess I should be relieved because really she had to explain her costume to most people. I guess there aren't very many similarities between me and a 12 year old girl (even if she has painted a goatee on her face). That's a good thing.

None the less it got me thinking. We are called to imitate Christ.

"Be imitators of God, therefore, as dearly loved children and live a life of love, just as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us as a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God."

- Ephesians 5:1-2

Unfortunately, just like Jessica, I think our imitation falls way short. People look at us and go, "Huh, I don't get it." Then we feebly try to explain, "I'm supposed to be like Jesus." They smirk and say, "Oh, now I see."

Maybe we need to remember that looking like Jesus isn't about going through the motions and doing the right things. Looking like Jesus is more about letting his influence flow through our lives to the point that we are transformed into his likeness (2 Cor 3:18).

Could it be that as we spend an increasing amount of time with Jesus and as we continue to submit more and more to his lordship … that then, and only then, will we be such a reflection of Jesus that when people see us they recognize Christ?

That's a little bit more than face paint and creativity.

Superbowl Champions

2008-10-27T15:30:00.000-07:00

The North Vermillion 3rd & 4th Grade Falcons took the Superbowl title for the second year in a row! Congratulations Kyle, #29!

Sarah Palin

2008-10-18T13:34:00.000-07:00

So yesterday was something new for us. We loaded up the minivan and headed to Noblesville, Indiana for a Republican rally that VP candidate Sarah Palin was speaking at. The kids weren't to excited initially but when we explained that if McCain and Palin are elected she will be the first woman Vice President ever they were a little bit more impressed.

Leave it to Jessica to paint her nails red, white, and blue. Then spell out the letters for Sarah on one hand and Palin on the other.

Standing in line for almost 2 hours. 25,000 tickets were given away for the event. I think we were numbers 11,023, 11,024, 11,025, and 11026 (just kidding ... who knows! But there were a bunch of people in front of us and a bunch behind us)

We weren't super-close but close enough to see. This is zoomed at one-click.

Afterwards we tried to sneak our way a little closer to maybe get a handshake. Umm ... yes we did jump a railing and step over a couple of chairs (the Secret Service can't stop the Purdy family) ... but this was the closest we could get. Actually this is as close as Jessica and Kyle could get (they took the camera and got farther than Leanne and I ... I guess their is an advantage to being smaller).

Waiting in line.

When they announced Palin.

Playoffs then Superbowl

2008-10-18T13:26:00.001-07:00

Kyle's football team has gone undefeated in the regular season (one tied game). They won the regular season and will play a playoff game on Saturday the 25th (I'll have to miss it. I'll be in Cincinnati ... uugh). If they win that it'll be the second year to the Superbowl! They play it on Sunday the 26th. If they win it will be a second consecutive Superbowl win! Kyle saw most of his action in the regular season as offensive guard and defensive tackle. He practiced a lot as secondary Quarterback but only saw game action as QB for the first and last games of the season. He has had a complete blast!

Apparently I'm an Idiot

2008-10-06T08:17:00.000-07:00

In a 60 minutes interview yesterday Lesley Stahl interviewed Bob Lutz, the vice-chairman of General Motors. The topic was electric cars and during the interview she mentioned that Lutz has a “terrible reputation” with environmentalists. Looking down her nose completely aghast she referred to a comment he made concerning Global Warming.

“You don’t think there’s global warming? Is that really true?” Stahl asked.

Shocking isn’t it? How can someone deny the evils of man? I must be an idiot?

Listening to a radio talk show recently I also heard the host refer to those who deny evolution as “severely limited in intelligence.” Therefore I must be an idiot.

Several weeks back I heard a character in a television show refer to someone who had stated their disagreement with homosexuality. In a condescending tone He said something to the effect of ….

“He believes homosexuals aren’t born that way. But he also believes God created the world in 7 days and Noah filled the ark with animals.”

Wow! Tripple whammy! Believing homosexuality is a choice, believing God created the world in 7 days, and believing a man named Noah built an ark are all signs of a weak mind.

Perhaps I’m clinging to my religion. I must be an idiot.

Braces

2008-10-03T13:35:00.000-07:00

Jessica is experiencing something new. She's now wearing braces. In addition she has a thing that settles into the roof of her mouth called a fan. She has to crank it wider twice a week. So far she has done really well with the new additions to her mouth.

Thought I'd just throw this one in for fun.
Jessica is wearing her brother's football pads.

Fireproof

2008-09-30T13:36:00.001-07:00

I highly recommend the movie "Fireproof." If you are married, going to be married, have been married, or know someone who is married then this movie has much to encourage you with.

In case you are unaware this movie is produced by Sherwood Pictures which is actually a ministry of Sherwood Baptist Church in Albany, Georgia. Back in 2002, Alex and Stephen Kendrick (brothers and pastors on staff at Sherwood) read a research article claiming that movies have more of a cultural influence than the church. Wanting to gain greater influence in the culture they decided as a church they would produce a feature length film. Their first film, Flywheel, was released in 2003. Next came, Facing the Giants, in 2006, and now Fireproof.

Initially you will notice a little bit of an amateur feeling to the movie, but midway through you have invested yourself into the story of these characters. The real-life depth of these issues and the intense emotions drown out the "non-hollywood production."

A couple of quick background stories that make the movie even more special. The actors are all volunteers. Kirk Cameron (Growing Pains) is the only professional and he declined a salary for the role. In addition, Kirk had made a commitment to his wife to kiss no other woman (even for a movie role). Since he plays a married man and the movie was about their relationship he was concerned about this choice. The movie producers honored his commitment and created the kissing scene in such a way as to be able to use Kirk's real-life wife as a stand-in.

This movie needs to be supported. The issues that it addresses and the faith-filled values it condones are exceptional. Nowhere else in popular culture has a stand on these issues been taken like is taken in this movie. Please take the time, take your spouses hand, and go see this movie!

Pray for Haiti

2008-09-23T06:25:00.000-07:00

The names "Hannah and Ike" do not seem that threatening .... not like "Spike or Hannibal." But when they happen to be the names of hurricane's the threat is magnified. The northwest coast of Haiti suffered their wrath recently. The mission (Northwest Haiti Christian Mission) that I have served at in previous years happens to be on the northwest coast. My heart has been overwhelmed in considering the tragedy that has struck people who have so little to begin with.

Looking out the back door of the church at Ansefoleur. This church is located right on the ocean and the damage has weakened the foundation. The railing to the right of the church is for the stairs that take you to the 2nd floor.

A picture I took the summer of 2006 of some kids at "The Bay."

Damage from Hannah and Ike at "The Bay."

The mission's feeding station at the Bay
(minus the roof torn off from the hurricane).

Looking from the mission towards the church (with the red roof).
Yeah, the water isn't supposed to be there.

Inside one of the missionary couple's homes.

Looking out of the mission at the outside restrooms (blue building).

The road to the mission.

I believe this is looking off the mission roof at a truck
parked next to the mission.

The "living room" of the mission.

The mission is responding to the need of the Haitian people as quickly
as they can. They have begun distributing food and assessing the
damage. Janeil (the executive director) has determined that if 300
people could donate $250 he could rebuild 300 Haitian homes
(a home for as many as 14 people!). Right now families without
homes are living in the cemeteries.

Any help is appreciated. If you have considered it and would like to
donate CLICK HERE. And above all else please PRAY for the people
of Haiti and the missionaries that love them.

Busy Again

2008-09-07T15:35:00.000-07:00

It's that time again ... Jessica is running cross-country and Kyle is playing football. It certainly makes for a busy schedule between practices, games, and meets. Sometimes Leanne is with one kid at their thing and I'm with the other at theirs.

Jessica at the Chrisman "cow chip." (appropriately named because they run the race in a cow pasture behind the school and have to dodge the cow chips while they run) * notice the pile Jessica is standing by!

The "Cow Chip" is a huge meet and they run each grade individually.
Jessica ran with 6th grade boys and girls. There were somewhere in the
neighborhood of 65 girls. Jessica thinks she placed 21st.

Kyle is # 29 for the North Vermillion Falcons.
On offense he is a starting lineman (guard)
On defense he is a starting lineman (tackle).
He plays on the kickoff return team.
And he is secondary quarterback.

In other words ... He gets lots of playing time.

One of the few plays where Kyle wasn't in the game.

First game. They won ... 20 to 0.
Kyle QB'd the 4th quarter ... hurt his hand on the very last
play of the game. One of many football bruises I'm sure.

Weekend

2008-08-31T12:47:00.000-07:00

This past Saturday we got together with the Trusty's as well as Tim & Courtney Davis. Michael & Roz live close by now so we get to see them quite a bit more than we used to. Tim went to SLCC with us also and we haven't seen him in about 15 years! We had a great afternoon at Turkey Run.

Whatever !?!

2008-08-29T11:56:00.000-07:00

Okay ... so it's been a while since I've posted anything. Mostly because I've been playing around with facebook. If you happen to have a facebook page look me up. Some friends of ours talked me into it.

Anyway ... Right now I'm a little put-off by the whole political scene. I cannot get past the hypocrisy. Hillary campaigns against Obama and proclaims he isn't experience enough and not ready to be President. She labels his political plans as bad ideas and a danger to America. Then after he receives the nomination she applauds him and says he is more than ready for the presidency. I don't get it?

The church is accused of being full of hypocrites? Hello?

By the way I'm completely terrified about our nation's acceptance of homosexuality. When Hillary can announce that she will fight for gay rights and the applause level increases ... When a song by a female musician called "I kissed a girl" is number one for several weeks in a row. When that same musician sings it on a morning news show and pre-adolescent girls with braces are singing it word-for-word in the crowd ... When our very own rural school system has a same-sex couple walking hand-n-hand through the hall and into the same locker room together! I'm telling you it terrifies the crud out of me. Morally we are on a very slippery slope.

God help us!

Way Too Fast!

2008-08-14T15:33:00.000-07:00

Yes it is happening way too quickly. Jessica has begun 6th grade! (last year at the elementary school ... next year ... Jr. High ... PRAY!) Kyle has begun 4th grade ... Impossible!

B-Day Pictures

2008-08-14T15:20:00.000-07:00

Okay so I'm in a little bit of trouble because I posted the video below prior to posting any pictures from Jessica's birthday or the kids first day of school. Leanne said the video below was stupid.

Here's some birthday pictures

Yes that's Jessica's cake. My mom has always
made INCREDIBLE b-day cakes for the
kids. This year Jessica got a water slide cake
(complete with edible people on inner tubes)

The girls were getting and giving "spa" treatments.
Ask Kyle about his nails sometime.

It wouldn't be a party for Jessica without some
performance. Rock on Jess!

Battle @ The Office

2008-08-13T18:05:00.000-07:00

Cracked me up!

12 Years Old!

2008-08-05T16:54:00.001-07:00

I'm not sure how it happened ... but my little girl has turned 12 years old yesterday. Even though it completely terrifies me that she is growing up so quickly I am proud of the young lady she is growing into. She is really good natured. She is very smart and views things from many different perspectives. Because of this she usually has some creative solutions to problems (including any trouble she may have gotten into). She has a very sharp wit (like her mother) and often cracks us up with her little quips. Kyle won a magic trick on our vacation and he was wondering aloud if the trick where the sports car appeared on stage would be in the kit. Jessica very quickly said, "Yeah, like there would be a car in that box with the instructions just add water."

I'm very blessed to have such a wonderful daughter. She will always be my princess and though I would love to see time slow down a bit ... I look forward to all that God has in store for her.

Happy Birthday Jess! We love you!

Colts Camp

2008-08-03T14:09:00.000-07:00

This past Friday I took the kids down to Terra Haute to watch one of the Colts practices.

Anthony Gonzalez (wide receiver) getting some
catches from the passing machine right in front
of us. Gonzalez was a rookie last year and
he is one of mine and Kyle's favorite players
to watch. Kyle kept calling out his name but
he never looked. Practice is serious!

Coach Tony Dungy! and Offensive
Coordinator Tom Moore behind him.

Reggie Wayne (wide reciever) and
Joseph Addai (running back).
Right before this picture Kyle called out Addai's
name and he turned around and gave
the peace sign to Kyle.

Gary Brackett (linebacker) signing autographs.
Kyle and Jessica got Brackett's autograph as well as
Robert Mathis (defensive end), and Jamie
Silva (a rookie defensive back).

A video clip of Reggie Wayne and Anthony Gonzalez
catching some passes.

Preseason begins tonight! .... Go Colts !!

Vacation

2008-08-03T13:01:00.001-07:00

This year we spent our summer vacation at Wisconsin Dells. We rented a camper and spent 5 nights relaxing and 4 days of summer fun! We went horseback riding, went to a magic show where Kyle got picked as a volunteer for one of the illusions. He ended up dancing on stage and having a 12 foot colored ribbon being pulled out of his mouth! We went for a Jet Boat tour, spent an afternoon shopping, spent a day at the water park, and had time just to relax and swim at the campground. An awesome way to wind down the summer!

Kyle's horse was named Pistol.

Jessica's horse was named Charlie.

Leanne was riding Jet and I had Magnum.
Let me tell you Magnum was pretty stubborn.
We went through a tunnel and half-way through
Magnum decided he was done so he just stopped. No
matter how hard I kicked him or slapped his
rear he would not move. Finally the guide gave over
the lead position to Jessica and came back to coax Magnum
out of the tunnel. He also took his own detours off the path
occasionally and liked to ride me up close to a tree. I finally
figured out his game and pulled on the reigns really strong
prior to sideswiping the trees.
The kids got a big kick out of my adventures on Magnum.

This picture was taken after the Jet Boat. We chose
to go "Zoom Zoom" rather than "Quack Quack."
In other words ... we chose to take the 700 horsepower
Jet Boat for some fast action rather than the slow moving
ducks. Guess what? We got soaked - But had a Blast !!

The campground was on the Wisconsin River so
there was an area to do some river swimming complete
with some giant floating slides. They also had a pool
if you wanted a little bit "cleaner" swim.

You can't go camping without having S'mores!

Water Park Fun!

Jessica and Leanne took advantage of the
complimentary wet suits. It really wasn't that
cold but Leanne and Jessica always seem to be
on the chilled side.

Jessica said she felt like a super hero
in her wet suit. Go ... Spidergirl!

Kyle bought a slingshot and then turned around,
sold it to Jessica and then bought another one.
He also bought a pocket knife.
He's pretty proud of them.

All in all we had an excellent 2008 vacation!

Fun Up North

2008-08-03T12:28:00.001-07:00

While Leanne and I were at camp the kids got to spend time with their Grandma and Papa. They went to the movies and to the Indiana Dunes. For a special treat they went to eat at Medieval Times. The Medieval Times is a theme restaurant where knights joust and sword fight while you eat (with your bare hands) and cheer on the knight that represents your section.

Needless to say the kids had a great time with Grandma and Papa.

Mom didn't want this picture included because

it looks like she's scolding the kids when really
all she was doing was telling them to be careful
and stay close to the shore while swimming.

Actually ... I think pictures are worth a thousand
words and I think she was really giving it to the kids.
Kyle looks scared! What a mean Grandma!
(just teasing - love ya mom!)

The kids also got to spend time swimming
at my Uncle Jim's.

They also got to spend time with their Uncle Keith, Aunt Dawn, and their cousin, Alex. They LOVE seeing Alex and spending time with Keith and Dawn. Dawn is a really good photographer (I'm still saying start your own business, Dawn.) She took the following pictures.

In The Woods

2008-08-03T12:19:00.001-07:00

This summer I was in charge of a Jr. High week of wilderness camp. I had a great group of faculty helping out including Rick and Tammy Weir, Leanne, Rosalind Trusty, and Robbie Ketcherside. We had a great week. 5 days in the woods (no electricity or running water) with 33 Jr. High kids! This was the camps biggest week of wilderness camp.

Battle !!

2008-07-24T13:16:00.000-07:00

Hey what's summer without a good 'ole water gun fight!

Landscaping

2008-07-24T13:01:00.000-07:00

Yeah ... It's finally done! Our good friend Steve (the master gardner) planned out a landscaping project for the front of our house. He dug and planted. We shoveled rock! Jessica named all the plants after everyone in our family. When you visit she'll tell you which one you are!

Before (with the plants just sitting there
waiting to be planted).

Kyle was a big rock-mover!

Jessica smoothed out the rock.

After

A Full House

2008-07-24T12:50:00.001-07:00

Okay so Leanne likes kids! In case you haven't figured that out by now check out the following pictures. She was watching the Trusty kids, the Sheppard kids (along with their cousins), and our two! They had a blast!

Instructions on long posts ....

2008-07-06T19:14:00.000-07:00

Okay so there are several posts related to our 4th of July camping so you may want to scroll all the way down to "4th of July" and then read them going up the screen. That may be a bit more readable!

Zippin

2008-07-06T18:31:00.000-07:00

The Camp has a duel zipline (2 people ride down next to each other). It is the longest one in the state and quite possibly in the top 5 of the whole country! The camp policy is that students have to be in 5th grade to ride it ... but since this wasn't "technically" a camp and since the requirement by regulation is 50 pounds ... Kyle got to ride the line! Jessica had done it during her camp week but she went again. In fact - all of us did .... Yeehaw!

Kyle zippin down the line

Jessica zippin down the line

4 Wheelin'

2008-07-06T18:26:00.000-07:00

Matt let us borrow his 4-wheeler for some muddin' fun! Yeah - he's pretty cool.

Jessica said 4 wheelin was her favorite thing on our camping trip!

Water Fun and More

2008-07-06T17:04:00.000-07:00

The kids enjoyed hiking down to the creek to swim and splash around. The also stacked rocks to block the water and make waterfalls.

Of course the pool was also open when you wanted
a little bit cleaner swimming water.

Kyle, Abby, and I were going off the board and Jessica was
scoring our dives. Here's a clip of Kyle's 10!

Kyle joined the Austin family for some Bocce Ball fun!

4th of July

2008-07-06T16:57:00.001-07:00

Well Cayuga Christian Church hosted their first "Church Camping Trip" at our local church camp. We left Thursday after dinner and spent Thursday night, Friday, and Saturday at the camp. I spoke for the Saturday evening worship service.

We had an excellent time! It was nice to relax with friends from church. We had the privacy of the camp and didn't have to worry about rowdy or unruly campers (well except for maybe a few !!)

I'll post a few pictures here but then I'll have to add additional postings so keep reading ....

Matt & Kara Porter are some of our good friends. Matt just happens to be the associate director at the camp and since he was camping "at home" he let us stay in their camper. Sweet !!! It's the one in the center of the picture.

Jack joined us for our camping trip!

Check out the laid back Cabella chairs! Guess what's on my "gotta have" list?

Kids At Camp

2008-07-06T16:43:00.000-07:00

Jessica and Kyle both had their week of summer camp. Kyle was at the residential camp with Leanne as one of the sponsors. Jessica was roughing it out in the wilderness at a Girls Wilderness camp.

Kyle climbing to the top of the rock wall!
(not a huge surprise that this is one of his favorite things at camp)

Leanne only saw Jessica once at camp. It was when the wilderness
campers were at the residential camp for swimming.

Kyle was the only boy from our church that went
to this week of camp!

A good picture of Charis climbing the rock wall.

Bacon Anyone?

2008-06-23T18:25:00.000-07:00

The Vermillion County 4H Fair is in full swing. Kyle signed up with 3 friends (David, Evan, and James) for the pig wrestling competition. They got a bit muddy and had a great time! I'm not real sure if the pig enjoyed it though?

Before the Pig Wrestling

After the Pig Wrestling

Hosed off courtesy of the Fire Department

Misc

2008-06-20T18:26:00.000-07:00

Jessica wanted me to post a note about her haircut. In case you hadn't noticed on the postings she has a new hairstyle. She had it done while I was in Haiti. When I was walking up the terminal at the airport I saw this young girl standing their at the end of the hallway. It took me a moment to recognize her. She looks so much older. She's growing up way to fast!

Kyle wanted me to post that his baseball season has officially ended. He had his last game tonight. The tournament is next Saturday but they will have several players unable to be there so his team will not play. They won tonight's game and finished the season with only 3 losses (all to the same team). His whole team is eligible to play together next year so they should be a really good team next season.

Blue Ribbon Basket - Blue Ribbon Dog

2008-06-20T18:11:00.000-07:00

Jessica's 4H competitions were tonight. She received a blue ribbon on her basketry .... and her dog obediance received a blue ribbon and third place! Yes, she showed our dog, Jack. For all of those who thought we had a wild dog here's proof that he's a good dog and Jessica has done very well training him. He's a Blue Ribbon winner!

Gas Prices Up ... Who Cares!

2008-06-20T18:04:00.000-07:00

Yeah, I'm probably the only person who goes out and buys a bigger truck when gas prices go up. Well, my 94 Ranger had 130,000 miles on it and the kids didn't fit in the jump seats anymore so I was ready to move into something else. I tossed around the idea of getting a fuel saving car but I dreaded not having a truck. So ... I justify it by saying, "Hey, I do most of my driving locally anyway." Never mind that the day after I bought it I put 100 miles on it making a hospital visit.

Anyway ... It's a 2002 Ford F150 FX4 (Yeah, sticking with the Ford). It's a pretty sharp truck We'll see how it goes ... If I find that it sucks me dry on fuel cost it may be short-lived.

Purdy Girls Overnighter

2008-06-20T17:55:00.001-07:00

They Purdy girls had their annual overnighter a couple of days ago. This year Jessica was able to bring a friend so Kate joined them for the night. Since my nephew Alex is currently still nursing he was able to join the Purdy girls overnighter also. They went out to dinner at the Olive Garden and then back to the house to play cards. The adult women enjoyed foot massages and pedicures compliments of Jessica and Kate. The following day they went to the Fair Oaks Dairy Farm for a picnic lunch. Everyone had a nice time.

Down South

2008-06-20T17:37:00.000-07:00

While I was in Haiti Leanne and the kids took a trip with my Mom and Grandma to visit some family down south. They spent time in Kentucky, Virginia, and West Virginia visiting my Grandma's sister (Margaret), and my mom's cousins (Anita, Bill, Sandy, Brenda, and Cathy).

They had a nice time but the highlight of the trip was seeing Nana's eyes light up when she saw her sister. I guess its true that sisters have a special connection. Even the kids noticed the lights in their eyes when they were together.

Leanne and the kids made a stop on the way home to see our good friends the Rasor's.

Kyle's Baseball

2008-06-18T18:54:00.000-07:00

Right before I left for Haiti Kyle had hit a couple of balls that came close to going over the fence. I kinda thought, "Great- he's gonna hit his first home run while I'm in Haiti."

Well he didn't. But the first game after I returned he got it. A hard in-field bounce and then into right field. Home run! He was pretty excited. Except he pitched the last inning and hit one of the batters pretty hard right in the knee. It took some of his excitement away even when everyone was telling him it was okay and it was just part of the game.

He played again tonight and got another one. A line drive to the baseline that then rolled to the right field fence (can you tell he's a leftie?).

Here's a quick video clip of his last time at bat.

Kyle wanted me to include a picture of the bat that he hit the home runs with.

Back in the U.S.A.

2008-06-18T18:33:00.001-07:00

This is the group of 12 from our church that went on the Haiti Mission trip. We spent 2 weeks together on the north coast of Haiti.

Some children gathering for one of our VBS programs. We did VBS at LeBay, Beauchamp, and Ansefelour. This picture was taken at Beauchamp.

I preached at the church in Beauchamp. My translator's name was Jude. The church is a newly established church and the building isn't finished yet. The kids above our sitting on one of the church "pews." Two women came forward after the sermon and committed their lives to Christ. Jude said they were "moved by the sermon." One of the Haitian church leaders looked over at me, gave the thumbs up sign and said, "good preach." I didn't necessarily agree but apparently God was still able to touch a couple of lives.

Beauchamp is a new site in which the mission is establishing. It has a mission building that is somewhat close to being finished (minus running water, and bathroom facilities). In fact this is a picture of our bathroom. 3 plywood sheets, and a 4 legged stool with a toilet sit sitting over a hole dug in the ground.

It was market day at the big river when we crossed to go to Ansefelour. I wish I could post more pictures because it was a really pretty drive along the coastline of Haiti. Speaking of rivers ... the big river we had to cross on our way to Lebay and Beachamp was pretty high. It was up over the headlights when we crossed.

All in all it was a really great trip. I was missing my family and a little more homesick this time than on previous trips so I was really glad to come home. But what an experience it was!

Haiti Trip Coming Soon

2008-05-29T18:44:00.001-07:00

Many of you know that I'm going on a 3rd mission trip to Haiti. I'm leaving this Sunday and once again I feel completely unprepared. I'm leading a trip with 12 other people going (3 adults, 4 college students, and 5 high schoolers). If you would please pray for our trip. Pray specifically that all barriers may be removed and that the Holy Spirit can accomplish God's will in the hearts of our group. Without going into the details there is a HUGE spiritual battle taking place within our group and I'm hoping that this trip becomes a decisive moment in many lives.

Once again we will be hosted by Northwest Haiti Christian Mission (www.nwhcm.org) for our 2 week stay. We will be spending 4 or 5 days in a very remote area of Haiti that the mission is starting to build a presence within. We're leading a VBS program at several sites and we are hosting a 2-day youth revival at the mission campus.

I've got my bug spray and sun-block packed. I'll post some pictures and give a report when I return. Thanks for your prayers!

4H & A Friend

2008-05-29T18:32:00.000-07:00

Jessica worked all day on her 4H basket-
weaving project. She made this basket
that I thought was quite incredible.

Kyle had one of his "best friends" over to
the house just to play and hang out.

Cousins

2008-05-29T18:23:00.001-07:00

First - Jessica, Leanne, and Kyle all had a chance to spend the night
with their cousins (and Leanne's sister). Then Megan and
Natalie were able to spend a couple of days with us.

We hiked a trail at Forest Glenn. Everyone had to have
a "walking stick." Notice who had to lead the hike also.

Luckily no one fell in the creek.

What a good lookin' bunch!

Our Hearts Ache

2008-05-22T18:02:00.000-07:00

Many of you have no doubt heard this already. Wednesday a tragedy struck the family of Steven Curtis Chapman. Their 5 year old daughter, Maria, was accidentally struck by a vehicle in the family's driveway. The accident took her life. To add to the tragedy Steven's son was the one driving the vehicle.

Our hearts ache as we grieve for the Chapman family. We can find hope knowing that this faithful family will find peace in the assurance that Maria is now dancing in Heaven. We also find comfort knowing that their faith will undoubtedly give them the wisdom and the courage to help their son struggle through an extremely difficult pain.

Our prayers are filled with thoughts of the Chapman's ..... God bless!

Summer's Coming

2008-05-18T17:49:00.000-07:00

It's not quite here yet but summer is coming quick. We had a cookout today with the Trusty's. They recently moved to Indiana and Michael took a Ministry position at a church about 30 minutes from here. It's really nice to have some good college friends close by.

Jessica and Charis did their nails and makeup.

Kyle and Micah played video games.

Jessica and Charis somehow convinced Michael to be their fashion model (victim).

Lightsaber battles! I wonder who thought of that?

We had a great day!

Thumbs Up

2008-05-17T18:22:00.000-07:00

It's here! Chronicles of Narnia "Prince Caspian." We hit the theater opening day and caught a late matinée showing. Overall ....... Awesome! ... Two thumbs up! If you keep in mind that Aslan is supposed to represent Christ there are a lot of powerful lines in the movie!

Lean on Lodge

2008-05-17T18:02:00.000-07:00

Well ... I just finished a two-day retreat with the other Minister's on staff at our church. A wonderful man we know from Bainbridge, Indiana has built a cabin on his property that he calls the "Lean-On Lodge." The cabin is meant for people to come, stay, relax, and enjoy some time away. Ray is a good Christian man who has raised three daughters (all of whom have graduated from Taylor University). The funny thing is Ray told them if they all went to Taylor and graduated from there he would tatoo the school logo on his arm. Ray was showing his new tat when we saw him this week.

Anyway the cabin is incredible and it was nice to spend the time away from the office. We were able to really take some time to discuss the ministry of the church and we even got in a game of frisbee golf.

Here's a few pictures of the cabin.

Ray built this covered bridge out of a semi-truck trailer. Very cool!

Lots of stuffed animals and miscellaneous stuff all over the walls. You're being watched!

What kind of retreat cabin would it be without a HUGE flat-screen high-definition TV?

Yes the loft has a Tiger skin, a hobo manequin holding cards, a stuffed coyote, and a poker table. What's so unusual about that?

10 Days and Counting

2008-05-06T17:55:00.000-07:00

Kyle and I are counting down the days till the new Narnia movie is released. Can't wait.

Mother & Daughter Banquet

2008-05-05T14:31:00.000-07:00

My Mom and my Grandma came down for our church's Mother & Daughter Banquet. Leanne was in charge of planning the banquet. She did a great job! Kyle and I helped serve and clean up and I heard lots of laughter and saw many smiles! I was very proud of Leanne and the work she gave towards putting on a great program!

Volleyball Ends

2008-05-05T14:26:00.001-07:00

Hard to believe but Jessica's volleyball season is over. She had a great time playing!

It's not volleyball but Jessica wanted me to post this picture of her and Kate attempting to "share" the use of a pair of rollerblades.

In the Woods

2008-04-26T17:56:00.001-07:00

Today, the kids and I walked some trails in the woods. We had a great time.

We saw several deer.

Look how strong Jessica is.

Check out what was found on the trail.

Kyle and his treasures!

First Game

2008-04-26T14:00:00.000-07:00

Kyle had his first baseball game today. Here's a few pics. He had a single, was walked once, and had three doubles. His last hit was about a foot short of going over the left field fence .... maybe next time!

At practice he's been playing first base, pitcher, and catcher. Today at the game he played half the game at first base and then the second half as catcher.

I think he likes catching because he looks like Darth Vader!

New Wheels

2008-04-26T13:57:00.000-07:00

Kyle and Jessica just became the proud owners of a new set of wheels. Check 'em out.

Volleyball

2008-04-26T13:50:00.000-07:00

Jessica has been enjoying her volleyball. Its a pretty quick season. They only play the month of April. By the way ... check out her knee pads .... They are actually elbow pads! All the knee pads were to big! Hey, they work.

Carpet Cleaning Kids

2008-04-24T18:43:00.001-07:00

Jessica and Kyle did their Science Fair project together this year. They stained a carpet and then tested 3 different cleaners. Leanne was very happy that the cheapest brand also did the best job (I think it was a Wal-Mart brand). Anyway they earned blue ribbons.

We also have to give a big thank-you to their cousins Cassie & Courtney for suggesting the idea!

You Gotta Laugh

2008-04-24T18:34:00.000-07:00

Thought you might get a kick out of this.

Jessica's Fashion

2008-04-24T18:24:00.000-07:00

Jessica's youth group at church had a "Girl's Day" not too long ago. All the girls got primmed and prepped, and got to glam it up a bit. Here's a few pictures.

Giving it a Try

2008-04-22T12:03:00.000-07:00

Okay, despite some initial reluctance, we are entering the bloggers world. I have always held the opinion that those who blog are pretty self-centered. I mean something about writing about yourself and posting if for others to read just seems a little narcissistic. However, we have some family and friends who have begun blogging and we actually do enjoy "catching up with them" by reading their posts. Plus Jessica asked me to set one up.

So ... away we go! My guess is that the postings will be few and far between eventually fading into nothingness (we really don't have that exciting of a life that can be shared nor the time to share it).

Anyway, the following is our attempt.