Maybe Later...

Are you putting your God-given gifts and talents to good use? Our assistant pastor showed this clip at church a couple weeks ago, and it's hysterical, but in a sad way, true. Just think what this world could accomplish if we all did what we are called to do. Watch it NOW, not later....

Back to school, Birthdays, and More...

This is always the most difficult time of year at the Crebbin household. Seems like we go from zero to sixty in no time flat. Complete flexibility to rigid schedule; if it's not on the calendar, it doesn't exist. Here's a rundown of the last three weeks:

The end of August brought volleyball for Toni, cross country for Kellen, and football for Josh. Squeeze Kellen's 17th birthday in there somewhere too! Of course, in most ways it's easier to plan a teenagers party than a 4 year olds. No themes to choose, no goodie bags to stuff, etc. The key is to just make sure you have lots of food around. Kellen actually had some buddies over for cake and then they all headed to the driveins. We are so fortunate to have some of the only driveins left in the state, Blue Fox Drive-in. It is quite the hopping place in the summer.

School started the day after Labor Day. I am still in shock realizing that Kellen is a senior. I couldn't resist taking a picture on his first day of his senior year. Everyone's school year is off to a good start. This is the first year where I am strictly teaching 6th grade all day long, and I am enjoying it. Mike is teaching full time math, which is a bit less hectic than setting up and breaking down labs all day for different sciences. Josh is a bmoc, at least that's what boys think when they are in eighth grade:) The girls were happy to get back into school and see all their friends.

Joshua's birthday took place the second week of school, and he celebrated with friends at our house today. I'm not sure which gift he enjoyed getting more, a cell phone, or a ticket from one of his friends to tomorrow's Seahawk game. He has become quite the football fan these days.

There's a funny story behind the cake. When Kellen was in 5th, 6th, and 7th grades, each year he won the school wide spelling bee and went on to the regional competition. We figured he was a shoe-in for his 8th grade year being all the experience he had behind him. Well the rule for the spelling bee is that you cannot correct a letter once you say it out loud, which is tough. At the school wide spelling bee that year, Kellen's first word was fourteen. So he quickly says "f-o-w," shakes his head, then turns around and sits down. Poor kid, he knew it as soon as he said it, but couldn't stop himself quickly enough. He was the first student out of the entire bee! Was a bit humbling for him, but now he can laugh about it. Josh got a kick out of his cake this year:)

Faces of Chaoyang

Here's the video we made to share at Church tomorrow of our trip to Chaoyang. It's set to the song "Give Me Your Eyes" by Brandon Heath. Hope you enjoy it. Oh yeah, make sure you scroll down to "Camping in Chelan" and click the speaker icon in the slide show to turn off the conflicting music. You definitely want to hear the words to Brandon's song, as they are very powerful.

Winding Down...

Our summer is winding down and about ready to come to a full hault. We have been blessed to have a jam packed summer with family and friends. I hate to admit it, but I'm sort of looking forward to getting back into a routine.

Last week Josh was at camp, but the rest of us headed down to Sun River, Oregon where we met up with Mike's family. We had a good time hanging out, swimming, and mountain biking. The mountain bike trip was quite the adventure, as the trails weren't marked well, so we ended up taking the "experienced" trail to our destination. It was actually a lot of fun, but I'm not sure Tonyia and I qualified as experienced mountain bikers! Mike gets a special award for sticking it out...he was pulling both girls in a trailer, and despite the trail being too small and rocky for it, and having to get off and push some, he triumphed. On the return trip we found the "family friendly" trail we had meant to be on, and as you can see in the picture, the girls fell sound asleep (by the way, it's hard to take a picture while you're riding a bike). The funny thing is, Kaia woke up when Mike was flying down one of the paved trails in town, and she began screaming bloody murder!

Finally, crib photos!

We finally received photos of the kiddos in the cribs that were purchased. Ummm, so where are the sheets we gave them??? I can understand not putting the beautiful quilts on right now, since it is so hot, but the sheet situation must be lost in translation. Also, notice the new buzz cuts. Chen-Chen looks so cute, but who would know that Jing, on top, is a sweet little girl:) Once again, thanks to all of you who sponsored the much needed cribs.

Midlife Crisis....

No, not me, at least not yet (I'm too young). Mike has wanted a tattoo for sometime now, and finally went out and got one. He almost got one while we were in China, and we even visited a tattoo shop, but after listening to that still small voice, he realized it was not the wisest decision. Besides that, it was just as expensive as in the US (okay, but maybe not as exciting a story). However, while there, he did learn the correct characters he wanted to use for God is Love.

Mike had his tattoo done at American Tradition Tattoo Shop here in town. The artist came highly recommended by a few people we know, so Mike went down last week to talk with her and to make an appointment. They came up with three parts to his tattoo. The top part reads Saved by Grace on a banner wrapping a cross. The second part is Romans 8:15 which he feels defines his relationship with God. The actual verse reads: For you did not receive the spirit of slavery to fall back into fear, but you have received the Spirit of adoption as sons, by whom we cry, “Abba! Father!” Lastly, at the bottom is the Chinese characters for God is Love, representing his connection with the Chinese people and that God loves every tongue and every tribe.

I am not a fan of tattoos, so don't expect to see a matching one on my arm anytime soon. However, the artist did a nice job and Mike is pleased. I did stop by to shoot some action photos. Yes, he is grimacing in pain in one of the shots. Of course, he claims the most painful part was while I was there, and it really wasn't that bad. I guess I'll have to take him at his word.

Camping in Chelan

So this year's annual camping trip was to our favorite destination, Lake Chelan. For the second year in a row, Auntie Julie and Ellie joined us, and one of the boys' friends made nine. We played in the lake, raced go-carts, miniature golfed, went to the water slides, sang around the campfire, and much, much more. The worst part about the trip was coming home to the rain. Guess it was a good week to be gone. Looking forward to next year....