Poker Fiends

On Saturday, we went over to Beth and Thad Curtis' home (as we frequently do) for a sort of date/hangout night.  We were joined by Collun and Sarah Ellis. We always end up talking, joking, and having a great time.
That night, Beth suggested we get out the poker set (since we had it in the car) and that's just what we did.

We had fun playing several rounds of poker and twenty-one, probably making up the rules as we went, since none of us are professionals :) Anyway, we also ended up laughing until we cried. You had to be there for it to be so funny but it went like this:

Thad had dealt out two cards to each player, and cards to the middle. I'm pretty sure at least two rounds of betting had taken place, and at least two people had folded. Then Sarah looked over at Collun and said: "Collun, you're only holding one card!?!"

Collun then quickly reached for his second card that had been sitting face-down below his hand and simply said "Wow." And we all started busting up! HAHA!

Parable of the Cherries

I bought some cherries at the store, so when I wanted something sweet, I'd snack on them rather than something less healthy... *Don't ask how much I spent on them, that's beside the point- AND a sore subject: WHY is junk food less expensive?* Anyway, they looked like this:

As I was enjoying a few of the cherries, I came upon one that had a blemish. Not rotten, not gross or anything, but it had an imperfection on the surface. I considered tossing it out: who wants something imperfect? But, I took a second look at that imperfect cherry in my grasp, then thought "Hmm, why not?" So I ate that imperfect cherry...

And it was one of the sweetest, most delicious ones of the whole bunch. 

Then it hit me: Often times people with imperfections are the sweetest, most enjoyable ones of the whole bunch. And in reality, none of us are perfect. 

Happy Birthday Dad!

Hi Web, Brenna here!
Tomorrow is August 22nd, aka: My Dad's Birthday! This is the first birthday he'll be a grandpa! I'm excited. We're going up to his house after church, and making homemade ice cream! (One of his favorites!)

Dad is a great guy, a wonderful Grandpa, and I look forward to seeing Eva grow up with him in her life. Here's why:

Dad taught me how to serve others. When he sees a need, he fills it. "Your Dad is probably the most service-oriented person I've ever met." - Jon

Dad loves to laugh.

He is a hard worker. But if there's an easier way to complete a task without sacrificing quality, he'll let you in on the secret :)

Dad is honest.

He is protective. When teenagers would speed down our road, he'd throw stuff out in the street to make them slow down.

Dad knows a lot about many things, and if he doesn't know it, he knows just the person who will. -He's my real-life MacGyver.

He is very positive, and has a good attitude.

He is supportive. He spent time with us as kids, be it homework, (except math or spelling: those were Mom's departments) sports, telling stories, enjoying nature, or just making us laugh.

He and Mom are a team: When we'd ask him for something, he'd ask: "What did your Mother say?"

He gives great gifts: One birthday he gave me a set of hockey gear. Another birthday, after I had a car, I got a tool set :)

His quirky sense of humor. Sometimes we just respond to him, "Oh, Dad!..."

Before I knew my ABC's, I could name all the North American game animals you could think of.

He wears the gaudy Hawaiian shirt I brought back from Oahu for him. It makes me smile every time.

Dad will bend over backwards to accommodate you and make anyone feel comfortable. 

He built his house, and taught me many skills during that process.

He spent countless hours with Jon remodeling our duplex.

His expression lights up whenever he sees you. 

Dad always has a smile on his face. 

-Love you Daddy. I'll always be your little girl.

Just starting

We are trying to get back to a simpler life, slower, but still informed. We'll try to break our Facebook addiction with blogging!