2nd Annual CLS 5K race

Last Saturday was the 5K race at the school. For about ten straight days prior to the race, it had been raining....a lot. So much so, that an alternative course had to be designed. The forecast for Saturday morning was more rain, but God held it off and it was a beautiful morning! David ran for our family. Todd and Ben were course marshals, and I worked at the registration table. The above pic is of some of the course marshals.


Go David! He had a good time. I think it was 26:?? He had zero training, so his dad was pretty proud of him.

This year there was a Tot Trot. Hannah was so excited to be part of it. For days prior to the race, she would "practice her running". She would put on her race shirt and her shoes and run through the house. She couldn't go outside because of all the rain.
I just love this picture. Here she is assuming her "start position". She is ready to run!
Coach is here giving some final pointers.
And she is off!
Getting her ribbon and balloon at the end. She had asked me a few days before if she was going to win the race. I told her that no, she probably wouldn't win. She looked a little dejected. Then she said to me,"Mommy, will you still tell me that I did a great job even if I don't win"? So here we all are telling her she did a great job. I love my little girly.
Rachel and Sylvie. The whole Somerville family ran the race. It was inspiring. I think the Keelers should do the same next year!

When Worlds Collide

When my parents were here a few weeks ago, I had my dad bring up some Maurice's BBQ sauce. You cannot find mustard based BBQ sauce here anywhere! It is truly Southern. Well, Dad brought up a half gallon jar! It is the BEST sauce!!! So I decided to make BBQ while Tim and Sumi were here. Tim was quite excited because he can't get this in Japan, and of course Sumi had never had any.

Sumi's first BBQ sandwich! She loved it!!!

More fun with Tim and Sumika

While Tim and Sumika were here, Sumi(my nickname for her) wanted to cook some Japanese food for us. One day Eloise and I took her to the Asian market. It was great having her there to explain what certain foods were! We got an education!
This is one giant cabbage!
Thankfully she didn't buy this.
Sumi is here explaining to Eloise what to do with dried anchovies.
Sumi was on one side of the kitchen making a yummy Japanese dish. And Eloise was on the other side cooking our favorite Thai dish. I was taking pictures!!

I wish I could remember what this was called! It was like two pancakes(but not that sweet) and in the middle was chicken, bacon, and "assorted seafood", and cabbage. It was delicious.
Chopsticks in hand and we are ready to eat!

David was thrilled to find some octopus in his meal. He loved it.

Pilgrim!

Ben and Rachel just finished participating in the Youth Ministry production of "Pilgrim". Ben was cast as a lion and Irish shepherd. Rachel was in the crowd scenes and on the set crew. They both had a fantastic time being a part of this production.
Ben as the Irish shepherd with Riley who was Giant Despair.l

Vanity Fair
Rachel as a mannequin.
Alex did a great job playing the very evil prince.
Me and my lovely lion.
Friendships were made and strengthened during these months of rehearsals!
Faithful enters Heaven
Time for Irish step dancing!

Goodwill and the shepherds



What an amazing experience for us all! Everyone worked so hard! God was greatly glorified through this production. Cathy Mays and her assistants are to be greatly commended for the countless hours and the incredible sacrifice that they made. The students onstage and behind the scenes all worked to glorify the Lord in their work and in their friendships with one another. They greatly encourage me and spur me on to love Jesus Christ more. I am so grateful for them all.

Surprise from Japan!!!

Last night we all got a HUGE surprise when Tim walked through the door at midnight!!!!! He and Dave and Eloise had been scheming for several months for a surprise trip. The rest of us were in the dark about the whole thing. So last night at 8:30 Todd and Dave left to go out. Todd had no idea where they were going......his curiosity was growing by the minute though. When they got to BWI he was starting to wonder if Tim was coming. His thoughts were confirmed when he saw lots of Japanese people at the baggage claim. Meanwhile back at home, Ben,Rachel, and I were at Pilgrim dress rehearsal. We got home at 11pm and wondered why David and Jonathon were still up. Eloise was being so sneaky!!!! Ben thought he had an idea about what it all was, but was trying very very very hard not to get his hopes us. The above picture is of him hearing the sliding glass door open after Todd and Dave were already in the house......knowing that is just HAD to be Uncle Tim.

They just won't let go!


These are happy kiddos!!!
Having Uncle Tim here was thrilling, but there was also another surprise. Sumika was still outside waiting! She came through the door and there was more excitement!!! Face to face with Sumika!!!


We didn't fall into bed until 2am......sat around talking and opening fun Japanese gifts for everybody! Green tea Kit Kat candy bars are high on my list of new foods to try!!!

We are so excited to have them here AND that they will get to see Pilgrim this weekend! God is so kind to us!!!

creepy smile

creepy smile
Originally uploaded by ~ Pilgrims Progress ~

Another great pic! By the way, all photo credit goes to Clara Price.