God's Gift To Us

For at least two years I had prayed that God would open doors so that somehow and in someway we would be able to take a family vacation. Since our family dynamics have changed so much in the last few years and we've only had 3 vacations as a family, this was very important to me.
I also prayed that we would be able to take that vacation in Florida as the kids had never been to there nor seen the ocean (that they remember).

Nobody knew my prayer, just God and me.
I didn't pray consistently or fervently, I just asked - it seemed so unnecessary when there is so much suffering and lack of even good hygiene, food and water in our world.
But...it was a longing...a time to make special memories....

And then - out of the blue - we were given this Florida vacation
Special thanks to those that gave....not even knowing of the prayer....

I don't have one of these at my house! :)

The grounds at this time share were gorgeous!!
I loved taking my morning walk here!

The view of our balcony - third floor on the end.

View from the balcony.

Some very high guy insisted that this bird sit on the shoulder of Alicia.
Then he said he wanted $5 since we took her picture!

David ... his job is getting to him...

Love these guys!!!

Love these girls!!!

These are just a few pictures...what a great time!
God provided enough for lodging, gas, van rental, food, and freebie sightseeing.
We were so blessed and so happy!!!

Kenwood Kidz - Jesus to the Rescue

The Kenwood firehouse

Learning Bible verses...

Enjoying a snack of animal crackers after Mrs. Noah
came and told her story of God's rescue.

Our friendly fireman

Tara and ER teach the children a lesson

Carrie helps Tara

Ready for a rescue

Kenwood Kidz welcomes you to Narnia

Such a fun theme....was amazed at how even the youngest children picked up lessons to be learned from the story of "The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe." The Kids loved the entire story and all of the activities. The staff did too!

I told the story with a very small amount of visuals. However, one of the three year old girls, who obviously can't read, recognized a book at the library as being about Narnia and the lion! Such a bright child that little Elizabeth Miles!! =)

Dad and Mom Frederick's 50th Anniversary

50 years ago on this very day, February 6, Dave's parents said, "I do!"

...as a result Dave Jr. and Lori came along...

No one knew which camera to look at ....
(L to R) Lori holding her youngest, Cole, Char, Dave,
Dave, Rosalie,
Karen, Aunt Pearl, Uncle Fred

Mom's sister, Pearl and husband Fred

Dad was from a family of 12 children - he was 2nd to youngest - his sister, Becky, was one of the older siblings and they are the only two still living -- kinda sad...

Mom sees her cake for the first time

The original cake topper of 50 years ago

This cake was gorgeous!!!!
It was also delicious - wonderful, perfectly balanced in taste and texture pound cake ---
ooohhh, so good!!!!

These two cousins are quite the pair -- even in "old age" they are still craziness together!


Even though we were anticipating about 150 or more by RSVP only about 60 were able to attend because of the big snow storm that hit the area dumping about 2 feet or more of snow. The men of the church came together and plowed the church parking lot and mom and dad's next door neighbor plowed us out. The food was plentiful let me tell you!!
The snow was beautiful despite the destruction to our well laid plans.

Christmas was lovely

We saved the girl's most hoped for gift until the very end -- until they saw no more packages -- then pulled them out -- thanks to David and his early Black Friday shopping - they received the hoped for I-pods.

Dave received a new fire pit -- he's looking forward to spring.

The box was big -- the gift -- a new patchwork quilt.
David was all about warmth - notice the scarf he received from Christi -- there were also
sweaters, socks, ....

Ank received things you "need" to have fun --
bicycle light, lock, and wireless speedometer, basketball, special ski socks, ...

Before or after - I call it "reflection"


Aw, so much fun to give gifts to our children...
"How much more does your Heavenly Father love to give gifts to His children?"

Kenwood Kidz Catch Up

Carrie and Sammie (our little lamb)
I'm so happy to have these girls join Kenwood Kidz - they add pizazz!

The Neff Brothers -- Daniel is holding a bag containing the tooth he lost the day before -- I have a close-up shot of it as his request. Would you like to see it?

Karianna was our puppy - so cute!

Maddie enjoys the Christmas party
She is always the little lady - just love her!

Fall Set at Kenwood Kidz
and
I FORGOT to take Pictures of the Christmas Set. It was so pretty!


These are pictures of our theme and set before the holidays began.
This was such a fun theme. I combined the OH Bible Methodist Missions theme and another downloaded from one of my favorite sites. At the end we had a big ice cream party.
I was prepared to buy all flavors requested -- I did -- Chocolate, Vanilla, Cookies and Cream!

Adding dips of ice cream each Sunday to their cone

Giant Lollypops

Front Stage

Gingerbread House

Giant Candy Land Game Board