Baptisms - the gift of receiving God's name and all that It gives!

Each year I am privileged to be able to baptize 10-20 people into the gracious name of our eternal God: Father, Son and Holy Spirit.

In two successive weeks in August (24th and 31st) we had these two babies baptized into God's eternal family.

It is not only a joy, but a solemn responsibility on my part and the congregation's part to nurture the life and faith begun in the waters of baptism. It regularly reminds me of my responsibility as a Christian parent to my children and God-children.

End of Summer Garage sale

It was a cold day as August was coming to a close. Beth rallied the troops and we got a bunch of "stuff" outside.

Staying warm was a part of the game today. With a nice sign up on 1st Street, we had various lookers and even some buyers!

Erica took a little time on the tree swing while Emily took everyone's money (smile). Actually about 4 pans of brownies, coffee and cool-aid were sold to help the bottom line.

Emily and Erica were having so much fun, they didn't know what to do....

Trial Senior picture time for Emily

Dad talked Emily into taking a few pictures to help her prepare for her senior pictures.

We went over to the church. Put up a few different bed spreads on the wall. And...

We took a bunch of pictures...

Emily put on a couple different outfits. Braces came off this year, just in time for senior pics!

August 20, 2008 Twins Game

On Wednesday, August 2008, all the Palmers from Hibbing along with Isaac's friend Wil Maki made the trip to the Metrodome in Minneapolis, MN

Binoculars in hand and the hope to have items like hats and gloves signed by the Twins, we entered the big Dome.

All the kids went down to the field to try to get a close up and possibly a signature.

Diana and Katlynn Ulring joined us along with Grandpa and Grandma Palmer. Some great "D" was played by the Twins as they beat the Oakland A's 3 to 1. Fun!

August Church Youth Camping at McCarthy Beach State Park 2008

Emily and Erica were troopers helping set up camp at McCarthy Beach State Park where 16 people in total gathered for the camping and "park" fun.

Of course one of the great wonders of camping is enjoying a camp fire. Erica is showing her relaxation techniques with the kick back and enjoy life mode.

Isaac and friend Jared are waiting for the blueberry pancakes to get done. Thanks to one of the parents who sent the blueberries! One morning we had eggs, blueberry pancakes, yummy fish that were caught the night before and peaches! Really roughen it!!

About 30 miles were put on the boat in only a few days of fishing, tubing, skiing, knee boarding (here Isaac is showing you his being in total control) and going for a four lake tour that the State Park is connected to. We also took time to go hiking and enjoying the super beach!

Miriam B's 50th Suprize Party

Beth and all the kids except Erica who had a tennis tournament in Staples and then in the Twin cities drove to Waukesha to celebrate and join in on the festivities of a surprize 50th birthday party for Beth's sister Miriam B. Miriam's husband Bruce and daughter Carolyn, along with Miriam's sisters Beth and Kristen pulled off the surprize bash!

Here's a pic of a history collage of Miriam's life put together by her mom, Elaine Boettcher.

Miriam was totally in the dark as she arrived home to a large gathering of friends and family. Oh so fun!

With great glee, Kristen had reason to smile in that the secret had been kept! Happy 50th Miriam!!!!!!

Days with the Bonks August 2008

During the week of August 10-14 we gathered at the Bonks. Beth brought Anna, Abigail and Isaac with a large group of the Bonks blueberry picking. Great additives to muffins and pancakes and delicious by themselves. Lots and lots were picked (and eaten!). Emily and Erica had to return to Hibbing to begin Fall sports practices of swimming and tennis.

The kids LOVE the pool!

Monday evening John, Linda, Mark & Beth went for a 30 mile boat ride down Birch Lake. We tried to stop and catch a northern, but no luck. It was a goreous evening!

On Wednesday, Mark, Isaac, John, Joshua, Tommy & Reuben portaged two canoes into Lake Isabella where they caught 29 walleye, two perch and a few more small northerns. The fish fry that evening was mouth watering - yummy!!!!!