Katie Conference 2010

Stefani attended her first Pastors' Wives Conference. It is called the Katie Conference.  For those of you that are not Lutherans, we will explain who Katie is...Katharina (Katherine) Luther is the wife of Martin Luther. Real complicated, eh? Therefore, we have a conference in honor of the first Lutheran pastors' wife.

The theme of the conference was "Building Each Other Up" based on I Thessalonians 5:11. The main speaker was Terry Kieschnick. Terry is the wife of the president of the LCMS, President Gerald B. Kieschnick. Our Saturday night entertainment was Elaine Bickel. If you ever get a chance to listen to her speak, go! She is hilarious! Our worship service was led by the President of the Michigan District, President David P.E. Maier. Stefani had the privilege of eating Sunday morning breakfast with him and his awesome wife, Pat. The conference took place at The H Hotel in Midland, MI. It was a very nice hotel. Stefani will be back there when she attends the North and East Michigan District Pastors' Conference with Joshua. 

One of the many ways the theme was carried out was through Legos. Lutheran preschools through out the state were asked to build table centerpieces out of Legos. They could be a Bible story or a representation of the theme. Preschoolers are creative! Here are few:

These are Lego dudes building a person.

This is a representation of the disabled man being lowered through the roof. This one won first place in our competition. Which was a $100 Visa gift card.

This one is the Crucifixion. Notice the cowboy criminals. This won second place and received a $50 Visa gift card.


Friday we had a Pajama Party complete with a slipper contest. Saturday we heard Terry Kieschnick speak. We had a some free time to explore Midland. Stefani, of course, went shopping. Saturday night there was a delicious banquet. Where Stefani said the prayer in front of everyone! After dinner and the entertainment, there was a meeting to plan next year's conference. Stefani decided to join. So, she will have a hand in planning for next year. 


It was great weekend with some amazing women. Can't wait for next year!


God's Blessings,
Joshua and Stefani

Stefani's 27th Birthday

We decided that after a long Lenten season that Stefani's birthday was the perfect time to take a day trip. We headed to Traverse City. We started out visiting consignment shops in the hopes of finding a bookshelf. Our mission was successful. 
Then we had lunch at a Chinese place. Here was our view...

After our yummy lunch/dinner we went to Target! Stefani's favorite store. She even took a picture.

There should be a beam of light shining on it. 


When we got home Joshua had some great gifts for Stefani. She received grown up coloring books. One of her favorites has patterns to color. Which can be made to look like stain glass.


All in all it was a great birthday!


God's Blessings, 
Joshua and Stefani

Easter 2010

Our Holy Week did not begin under ideal conditions. Stefani was so kind to have past on a nasty cough to Joshua right when Holy Week began. With the help of medication and lots of rest, Joshua made it through the week just fine.  The services went smoothly and everything fell into place nicely.

After years of planning to dye eggs we finally were able to make it happen. Stefani was tickled pink!

 Before

 After

On Easter Sunday we received a few invitations for dinner. We decided to take the Siebels up on their offer of a delicious steak dinner.  They live on Black Lake. We had to take a picture of the view.

The view of Black Lake, which is about 15 minutes from our house.  Beautiful!

We hope you and yours had a Blessed Easter! 
He is Risen!!!

God's Blessings,
Joshua and Stefani