Timber-lee 2009

Hard to believe it’s been TEN YEARS that I’ve been speaking at Camp Timber-lee – since 1999. While I’ve taken a few summers off, I’ve made up for it by speaking several weeks during a few of the summers, so I’ve spoken here at least ten times, if not more. Every time is an awesome experience! I leave every year praying I’ll be invited back! I just love the kids here and their eagerness to learn and the energy with which they soak up the teaching. I try to make the Chapels as fun and life-changing as possible. What a gift to get to creatively open the Word every morning and evening for an entire week! If you are a camper or camper parent, ToyBoxTales.com is the site your kids are probably looking for, though you are welcome to follow my blog as well! Here are some photo highlights from Timber-lee 2009: Happy Campers! Mom and Luke! Luke, me and Tricia! This year was extra special because it was the first year for my neice and nephew to come to camp! I got to hang out with Parker when he did the High Ropes: Parker ready to climb! Parker leaving…

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Sara Awarded Mother of the Year

In case you missed it on the news last night, Sara was awarded Mother of the Year 2009 by the National Maternity Society. Watch the video here: Be sure to send Sara a congrats e-mail!

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Fisheye Fun on Mom’s Day

Today is Mother’s Day! So, of course, we were celebrating Sara today! Luke even picked out his first present for mommy. (Actually, it was his first time going shopping to pick out a present for someone, and how appropriate that it be for mom!) After brunch at mommy’s favorite restaurant, we headed to the park to play. Dad brought along his new fish eye lens which he got for Yosemite Summit which is coming up fast! I had some fun experimenting with a fish eye lens, its very cool! The Bastian Family – Mother’s Day 2009 Luke at the bottom of the slide Whoa! That looks pretty intimidating! Peeking up over the side as the boy approaches Is that MY kid? What a cutie! A here is the official MOM OF THE YEAR in the Bastian House! and why do we love her so much? here are just a few reasons:

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My Favorite Subject

What is my favorite subject? Is it math? science? English? recess?! Nope – it’s not a school subject at all, its a photography subject: my little boy. Daddy and the Boy Today we headed over to Garden of the God (note: I leave off the “s” as it is not Garden of the Gods, but of the One True God and Creator whom I worship!) While Luke’s favorite thing was the toy cars for sale at the Trading Post, my favorite was getting to take pictures of him at this beautiful place! (not my first time here!) And it should be noted, that if I’m in the picture, Sara took the shot, and she’s not a bad photographer herself! (She’s a great photographer!) “Look Dad, a ROCK!” I love Luke’s curiosity and enthusiasm over the littlest things. Often I had to call him on to see greater things when he was content with a little stone or stick. I wonder if my heavenly Father ever is trying to lead me to more amazing things and if I get content with lesser things and nearly miss the greater? Luke in his “special place” Luke loves finding little places he can crawl…

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Puppets, Publishers and Peaks!

I know I’m supposed to be taking it easy and recovering from near death and all that, but today we planned a whirlwind fun day that was relaxing and enjoyable – both because of the people we hooked up with and the sights we saw! We started out in Colorado Springs (where we are staying) and went up to Littleton to have breakfast with Todd Liebenow, the Top Puppeteer and El Presidente of One Way Street, and #1 puppet and creative ministry supplier in the world. (for real) I’ve long wanted to see the OWS headquarters, and finally got to! Todd Liebenow and Karl The extra treat was that I had Sara and Luke with me and my little boy (who adores all my puppets) got to see “where puppets come from” with a tour of the factory. I could not photograph much out of fear of compromising industry secrets, but here is Lukey with some eyeless lambs: Luke among the Lambs After One Way Street we headed up to Loveland to the Group Publishing headquarters where I had a meeting with Christine Yount who, besides being executive editor of CM Mag, has a new official title I love: Children’s…

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