The Kohlmans

It's been a bit since my last post. I really haven't accomplished much since the big deck reveal. It's been hot, which is a really pathetic excuse, but it's my excuse nonetheless. My dog has started stealing and eating our tomatoes. This does not make me happy since it means I'm down a few tomatoes, but it's kind of funny at the same time. I mean, what dog likes green tomatoes? Maybe just mine... There are no more pictures in this post. The dog is all you get. Maybe next time.  I helped with Vacation Bible School at church this past week. It's nice to not be in charge, to be able to just show up and read from the worship leader book. The theme was Take me to the Water: God's Love Flows. I'm almost done with one of my more involved Pinterest projects. One of the reasons it's more involved is because I messed up a little and my OCD self couldn't stand it, so I ripped out quite a bit of it. Once I finish, I'll post some pictures...

The deck's a done deal. And we love it. Brad just commented the other day, after it had rained, that it's a little weird to see water on the deck. Before it had soaked into the wood immediately - pretty much no matter how much rain we got. Before... (yes, it was also full of junk, mostly belonging to our dog) After..... the steps and the balusters are a slightly different color because they are new. It was totally not purposeful, but we hear that "two-tone" decks are in. :) Yes, that Cheezit box is now in the recycling. It was part of some spray painting operations a while back. Sometimes I like to just look at it. Because, when I'm admiring the work we've finished, I don't have to think about all the work that's on my to-do list - like cushions for the deck furniture so we can actually sit out on the deck and enjoy it. One thing at a time, right?

I've been checking off a few things in the past few days. I'm not sure why we've had this table in our garage for the last three years, but with our deck overhaul, I decided it was time to put it to use. I was going to just paint it white, but it wasn't covering very well, so I pulled out leftover paint from our hall bathroom. It will tie in perfectly with the fabric I picked out for the patio furniture cushions. I even got out some sandpaper and distressed it a little.   I pulled this old organ stool off the farm. I've been working on it for three summers. I had finally given up hope and decided to give it a coat of stain, paint over it, and distress it a little bit.   Once I let it dry, though, the extra dark stain looked pretty good, so I decided to leave it at that. I'm not sure what to do with a random organ stool, but it looks pretty... The feet are still a little rusty, but I'm calling this one done. We also finished the ...

Probably. There's a lot on my mind, and I'm not really sure how to make sense of it all. I've not been good at the "faith" thing for many, many years. I had a thought today, and I'm not sure if it has any merit at all, but... maybe one of the reasons I struggle with reading the Bible, memorizing scripture, listening to sermons, and so on has something to do with how often this book is used to condemn, exclude, and hurt others. Even if, when those things happen, verses are taken out of context or the context isn't considered or they are picked and chosen for the occasion, they are still used for ill. I'm just not sure how to deal with that, how to answer for that. I do believe the greatest of these is love. And I have a hard time when we use the Bible to show exactly the opposite. And, if I'm seeking to understand and include and love others, how can I use the same book that is used to injure them? Won't I also be picking and choosing?...

Yesterday we celebrated Tyler and Shelby's wedding in Canton. (Tyler is Brad's cousin.) I had a lot of fun sneaking pictures... This picture deserves an explanation... this guy (the next door neighbor) was the least subtle wedding crasher ever. He enjoyed several beers and a number of cigarettes on his deck while he observed the vows. Congrats, Tyler & Shelby! We love you!

The season is moving right along, unfortunately. I always wish for summertime to pass slowly. It never does. I'm making some progress on my Summer 2012 list , but there are a lot of half-finished things... Things that are done: finish quarter round and trim (all that's left to do is punch in the nails and fill the holes... kind of counting on Brad to do this one) Brad finished this one yesterday. Hooray! I will not say how many years it has been since we installed the floors. (Jill, don't let this happen to you! Do it all now!) make an actual decision: will I sell crafty stuff anywhere? where?  The answer is no. I'm just not going to do it. I'll take "orders" if anyone wants me to make them something, but I think being crafty is just better as a hobby for me... albeit an expensive one, at least the sewing side of things. I am going to start soon on my goal of a handmade Christmas this year. The list of what to make is on the Kindle. So if anyone...

At our wedding, four years ago today, we asked our guests to write words of advice to us. It's my favorite thing from that day.... other than our marriage, of course. Brad and Megan -  A cheery "Good Morning" as you get up each day and a loving "Good Night" each evening before you go to bed will help to make each day go well.  Much love, Grandpa & Grandma Klaassen From Anne & Milo "A successful marriage requires falling in love many times, always with the same person." Brad, Megan will always be right. Megan, Brad will always be right. Owen & Heather Kindall Dear Megan & Brad,  After 65 years we can say you are off to a good start - you met at Bethel. May the years bring you even closer together. Winifred & Lester Ewy