Back to Music Education

When I was in high school, a lot of people would ask what I want to do in life. I knew I would be heading to college (that was a given for me), but I wasn't quite sure what I would do there. But the last couple of years in high school helped steer me in the direction of teaching - and specifically teaching music.

College arrived and I loved it. I loved the music education, I loved the activities (BSU), I loved the atmosphere. Unfortunately I hit a speed bump in the last year or so of college life - which changed things a bit. Fortunately, I was still able to get a degree in music. And the best thing was that it helped direct us towards serving in ministry in the Northwest. (Have we mentioned we love the Northwest?)

A few years of college ministry, a couple of church plants, and a seminary degree later, we are still loving the Northwest and excited about what the next chapter holds.

Well, I am excited to say that we know a little more of what that will look like. Starting this Fall, I'll be teaching music at Cascade Christian Schools at the Fredrickson Elementary campus. Elementary music! I love it! 250 kids, K-6. We're going to have a blast! One of the really cool parts will be working with the worship team for chapel services. I love developing worship leaders - and this is starting at the very beginning. It's going to be a great year!

I feel that in a lot of ways, I'm coming full circle. Getting back into one of the things I love, while still being able to serve God in the local church as well. I'm excited & we'll keep you updated on how things go.

Water slides and theme parks

On our family vacation this summer, we (re)discovered a fun part of traveling...water slides and theme parks. We decided to camp in a tent for most of our trip, but for one night, we splurged and spent the night in a hotel. It was in Fargo, North Dakota and the big draw for this Ramada Inn was the 150 foot water slide. After a long day of driving, it was so much fun to swish around on a fast slide and swim in a big pool! It was Ellie's first time on a water slide and she had a great time!! We felt like we were living in luxury with plush beds and a fancy bathroom (compared to the middle-of-the-night trips to the bath house at the campground). So, we definitely enjoyed our night at the Ramada!

On our way through Minneapolis, we stopped at the Mall of America to see Dora the Explorer and all of her friends at Nickelodeon Universe. What a blast!! Michael and I were expecting all kiddie rides (which there were plenty of), but there were a couple of roller coasters and some fun parent-friendly rides too. I'm including some pictures from our afternoon at the Nickelodeon Universe. If you're ever near the Twin Cities with kids, I recommend it!