Wednesday, October 15, 2008

Ryan Barlow Show














A couple weeks ago we went to Its a Grind to see Mark perform some of his songs from his band, "Ryan Barlow". We had a great time! I went a little picture crazy since I realized that I haven't taken very many pictures this year.

Monday, September 22, 2008

Happy Birthday Joanne










Ok - so I know I'm a little late :) - but we celebrated Joanne's birthday on Saturday the 6th! We had an amazing time! We also met their Japanese exchange student "Kase-K". Poor guy was a little nervous meeting everyone - but he warmed up quickly! Anyways - we hope Joanne had a great birthday!!!

The Burbs






This past Saturday we had our 2nd "Blue Wallet Cinemas" in our backyard. To kick off fall, we watched a Brown classic "The Burbs". We had a great time! Another Brown tradition - when the Klopeks offer pretzels and sardines as an appetizer to their neighbors - we then paused the movie and attempted to enjoy a sardine and pretzel as well (I have to admit, I did not partake in this lovely tradition!). I forgot to take a picture once everyone arrived, but you can get the idea of what the backyard looked like :) We had candles lit, Allison baked delicious cookies for all of us, we enjoyed popcorn & candy, plus it was a bit chilly (yeah!) so we had hot chocolate to keep us warm. I also had to include a picture of the boys zoned into X-Box! Can't wait for the next movie!

Fall Ball



Its that time of year again!! Fall ball is here! Blake is on the same team with most of his friends from All Stars - so he's having a blast! Its very low key, so Jake and I really enjoy going to the games.

Wednesday, September 17, 2008

Remembering David


Today would have been my brother, David’s 24th birthday. I can’t believe that it has been almost (6) years since he passed away. I can’t help to think what it would have been like to still have him around. Would we have been close? When he passed away, we still lived in Maryland, so we only saw him once a year. Would we still be living in Maryland? Would David have been married already? What type of career would he have been interested in?

The past 11 years of our lives have been full of wonderful blessings and as well as trials. God has always made it clear to us, where we should go and what we should do. Jake and I have lived in (3) different states and moved (7) times! Within the past (6) years we have lost my brother, father-in-law and my dad. Through all of this, God has always comforted Jake & I and protected us.

The pain of David’s passing is no longer fresh. We are now able to look back at pictures and talk about him without constant tears. I found this verse today that is a real comfort to me:

2 Corinthians 1:3-5 (New Living Translation)
“All praise to God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. God is our merciful Father and the source of all comfort. He comforts us in all our troubles so that we can comfort others. When they are troubled, we will be able to give them the same comfort God has given us. For the more we suffer for Christ, the more God will shower us with his comfort through Christ. “


I am so thankful for my wonderful husband. He has been there for me through everything without complaint. Through all of the happy times and the trials, God has made our bond together even stronger. I am so blessed to have him!

If I could share one thing with each of you it would be…don’t hold grudges and don’t let petty things get in the way of your relationships with your friends and family. Always be thankful for what God has given you!

Thursday, September 4, 2008

Bocce Ball League




Jake, Mark & Jeff have joined a Bocce Ball league with a friend of theirs. They go all out - and dress the part - since bocce ball has Italian roots, the guys dress "old school Italian" with khakis, white collared shirt, white shoes, pipes & hats that snap on the bill. They have two games every Friday night and are really having a great time. Anyways here are some pictures from the bocce ball website. Enjoy!

Wednesday, September 3, 2008

First Day of School

Summer has officially come to an end...today was the first day of school! Mackenzie is now in the 5th grade (CRAZY!) and Blake is in the 3rd grade. They both go to the same school and are really excited to spend time with their friends again.







Mackenzie looks mad - because Blake just knocked her over - this is also the same reason that Blake looks so pleased with himself!