New WEBSITE...

We have published a new website that we will now be posting to. This site will remain active at least for a while so you can access archived posts but all new posts will be made on our new site. So check it out, bookmark it, and let us know what you think! You can now find us at:

>>>>  www.laniertribe.com  <<<<

    

   

Watch out for Mother Bear!

We had a bit of excitement the other night. My parents had come over for dinner and my dad and Tim were outside working on Tim's motorcycle. Noah had been playing outside with them. Mom and I were in the kitchen cleaning up from dinner when all of the sudden I hear Noah screaming at the top of his lungs in the front room. I rush out to see Noah and a HUGE pit bull standing in the middle of the room! I look out the window to see Tim and my dad coming rushing in the house. My dad chased the dog away, giving it a solid kick in the ribs, while Tim helped me comfort Noah. I see my dad take off down the street and knowing that some neighbors had a pit bull I took off down the street after him. I was furious that some careless people had allowed their massive dog to follow my little boy into our house! And a pit bull no less that has the potential of being a very mean dog! I saw a girl get the dog into a small car down the road. Apparently they were out looking for the dog as it had gotten loose. I marched up to the car and told the lady (as sternly as I have even done in my life) that that had better not EVER happen again! Meantime, my dad was also giving her an ear full. Being a grandpa AND a police officer! My mom said later that when she saw me marching down the street, she said to Tim, "Uh oh, she's not happy. There is the Mother Bear instinct!" I had to laugh later at how true that is. If anything threatens my children, you better stand back. Mother Bear is on the Loose!

Yard Sale!!

For the last several months we've been slowly liquidating all our stuff as we're getting ready for our move to Papua New Guinea next January. This last Saturday we had a yard sale and got rid of the last bunch of our unneeded stuff. It feels great!

Noah had a great time visiting with people at the yard sale and playing with things he found. He even watched a customers dog while they shopped :-)

He found a hoof pick and after learning what it was for, 

he went around "cleaning" everyone's shoes.

Next, he thought he would try out an old luggage carrier with an old sewing box.

Then he made Papa carry him!

Tiffany, taking care of the cash box and trying to remember how to do basic math! :)

When the yard sale was finished, we took a picture of the inside of our trailer.

When we moved out from Missouri, this trailer was stuffed to the brim with stuff, along with our Jeep and Tiffany's parent's van. Now, look at what is left!!! It feels like a weight is lifted off our shoulders to be freed of so much. Although, now comes the process of gathering those things that we DO need for the field. Things such as solar panels and four years worth of underwear!!!

The Beach!

This week we were finally able to take the boys to the beach for the first time since we've been home. It was a cool day but still very nice. Noah had been before but this was Micah's very first time at the beach! After being gone for most of the last 4 years we appreciate the blessing of living only 20 minutes from the beach a lot more than before!

Nana and Noah are checking out all the little critters that are hanging out in the tide pool. There were lots of little tiny crabs of some sort, anemones, and many other little critters.

 
Mommy and Micah got to "hang" out together :-)  Micah was quite enthralled with all there was to look at.

Look at all that water!

It took Micah a while to even get to this point. He is still skeptical and not really liking this whole sand thing.

Daddy is giving some reassurance but it doesn't seem to help much.

Baby feet and sand make a very picturesque scene.

Finally he decides to dig in a little and see what this is all about.

We found a starfish. Noah thought it felt funny.

We found a cave... or a crevice is more like it... but to Noah it was a cave!

It is amazing what kind of cool and beautiful things we find in God's creation! 

How He Likes to Crawl...

Micah is crawling all over the house now and so quickly that he really keeps us on our toes! It is fun to see how every baby has their own personality and even their own way they like to crawl. Noah did this funny half crawl-half dragging one leg thing. It was odd. :) Micah on the other hand, likes to stuff his mouth with a toy and crawl around the house. He is very adamant about this and will stop repeatedly to stuff the toy back in his mouth if it falls out. Here are a few pictures to show you what we mean.......

I am so glad that God made each of us unique! He sure has a sense of humor. :) 

Wouldn't life be boring if we all crawled the same way?!

A Trip to Disneyland!

Last weekend we were given the chance to go to Disneyland! It was a late celebration of Tim and Noah's birthdays. Some family friends, the Swensons joined us as well. It rained that morning, but it was only a light sprinkle and soon the sun came out to make it a beautiful day. The plus was that the rain was enough to keep people away and the park was not crowded at all. We were able to walk right on to many of the major rides that usually require a long wait. Here are some pictures from our day.....

Noah walking into Disneyland with my friend Carrie.

 At this point he looks like a little bee in his yellow rain jacket.

Our group in front of Sleeping Beauty's Castle. 

(Usually this kind of picture is impossible because of the crowds!)

My dad with Micah is his little plastic covered stroller to keep out the rain. We were so thankful that he actually took naps while we were there! 

Micah and Papa getting ready for a ride to see Nemo in a submarine.

Noah in an A. :)

Getting ready for a ride on Dumbo! 

This was probably one of Noah's favorite rides.

Noah's other favorite ride....Autopia! He even got to help daddy drive.

This was probably the highlight of Noah's day. He got to meet Minnie and Mickey!

Enjoying ToonTown.

It's Been Awhile...

Well, it has been awhile since we have posted on here....mostly because there hasn't been a whole lot to say! We have enjoyed the down time being with our families and trying to get settled in. Although, it looks like we are up for ANOTHER move! It is wonderful to see how God once again provided for our needs. Some good friends of ours, Doug and Evie Swenson are allowing us to stay in their home for the next several months. They are staying in a small addition/apartment that belongs to another couple in our church and allowing us to use their house! We are overwhelmed by their generosity. Staying in their home will allow us to spread out and figure out what of our things we need to keep for the field and what to get rid of. We were also in need of a place that we can entertain people for meals as a way to reconnect with those in our home churches. Their home will answer these needs and much more. 

We are feeling overwhelmed by all that needs to be done in this time of preparation to go overseas and in raising support, but it is wonderful knowing that we can rest in God and his timing and provision! We are also looking for opportunities to share what God has laid on our hearts and about the ministry we hope to take part in. If you know of any small groups, Sunday schools, or churches, etc. please let us know!