long time coming.

We've been in our home for six years and I have selfishly wanted our backyard done since day one. Though its our least favorite feature of our home (because of the size), I still wanted a safe place for the kids to play outside. Since Dave has experience in landscaping he had grand plans and I'm so glad he took the lead. Its been a long time coming, but I'm glad to see it finally complete!

We began excavating back in March. Dave spent his spring break diligently digging up a ton of dirt in the back and the kids were glad to help.

Footprint of the extended patio.

Dave created a small mountain of dirt that the kids were super excited to climb.

Step 2: refinish our concrete slab. We choose a graphite blue color to stain with.

Step 3: Begin building patios out of pavers...stone by stone.

The beginning of the firepit.

Probably 1/8th of the pavers Dave used...and hauled back and forth.

Laboring brick by brick.

Finished Patio + Firepit #1

Finished Patio #2 + Planter

Step #3: Add grass synthetic grass. (we do live in a desert)

Finished product! (plants to come)

 And of course we let the kids out back once everything is done..and they found a dirt pile to play in. :)

adventures in arizona: pima air & space museum

I have a regular customer who drops in passes to the Pima Air & Space Museum every once in awhile. Since most of my partners are near college age, you wouldn't think these were hot commodities, but my partners really do fight over them! I was lucky enough to grab one and took Beniah out on a mommy date.

Beniah taking in the ginormous planes that tower above him.

He was so impressed with this giant of a tire!

Tia Domi came along even though she was uber excited about it...but this helicopter
cockpit won her over. Beniah and her were playing in there for a good 10 minutes!

I was most impressed by the Phoenix Mars Lander. I remember when they launched
this to Mars while I was a student at the U of A. Come on...this was on Mars!!!!

my stud.

He loved all the gadgets, dials, and gizmos.

We unfortunately only had a short time there, but he loved every second of it. Next time we will definitely plan for more time-as in most of the day! It is a great hands on experience for kids and has tons of information for curious minds and honestly is not that expensive considering all there is to see. I'd highly recommend it for inquiring little boys.

what commitment looks like

The following is from my mothers last news letter and it's all about the man who taught me what commitment looks like, thanks dad.

LEPEAU FAMILY NEWS

What fun to celebrate Andy’s 40 years with InterVarsity Christian Fellowship this past week! Andy grilled 22 steaks (and they were perfect) for those who came to celebrate with him.

On August 15, 1973, Andy began his adventure with InterVarsity.  He started as campus staff at Washington University in St. Louis and SIU Edwardsville…yes the campus where I will serve this fall. 

Paul Woodard (pictured with Andy below left) who hired Andy for the campus job writes:

I still remember sitting in the upper lounge of the dining hall at Bear Trap Ranch in June of 1973 interviewing a young graduate from Denver University. Andy LePeau was interested in joining our staff team in St. Louis. In that one conversation I was convinced I wanted him on our team. Then as we worked together, immediately I was impressed with his strategic vision for ministry among students. 

He surprised us all by quietly turning a good friendship with our Nurses' Christian Fellowship staff, Phyllis Strong, into a marriage proposal that has turned into our closest friendship over the years. After InterVarsity Press "stole" Andy from us (with my permission, knowing his interest in editing) we have continued this friendship and have enjoyed regular times together. Kathy and I love Andy and Phyllis, and their children and grandchildren.

In May 1975 Andy accepted a position at InterVarsity Press, his dream job.  For the past twenty-eight years he has supervised the editorial department.

Jim Nyquist, (pictured below right with Andy) who hired Andy for the job at IVP writes:

Andy is one of those key people whom God called to InterVarsity Press for the long haul.  The contribution Andy made goes far beyond the volume of significant books on the market today. He has consistently cultivated the creative and cooperative ethos of the IVP team which makes coming to work a joy and privilege. His letters to authors communicate effectively that they, too, are a vital part of the IVP team. Andy is a leader who naturally implements the vision for building God’s centrality in the hearts, souls, minds, and strength of university students and faculty. His teaching in IVCF conferences benefits generation after generation of students, and keeps him in touch with the university. Andy is a living demonstration of the Lord’s ability to equip and enable those whom He calls. Thanks be to God!

Jim Nyquist ~ Andy LePeau ~ Paul Woodard

I cannot be prouder of or more grateful for Andy and the influence he has had over these years at the Press and in our family.

ALL that said…All that was celebrated.  NOTHING compares to the other 40^th anniversary that we celebrated.  On August 9, 1973, Andy met ME under the bell at Bear Trap Ranch in Colorado. His life has not been the same since…nor has mine. 

Thank you Lord. Thank you, InterVarsity. Thank you, Andy, the love of my life.  It has been a magnificent ride.

Blessings to all,

Phyllis