In Whatever Situation

School Begins

2011-09-09T18:23:00.001-07:00

This week we began another year of school with Molly as the headmistress.
Grace is in 3rd grade
Paul is in 2nd grade
Elijah is in kindergarten

Barna and Mary are pre-school

I am not sure how molly does it.
Please pray for us.

The playpen

2011-02-03T21:13:00.000-08:00

Barnabas and Elijah have become accustomed to being penned up in the playard while I attempt to teach Grace and Paul to read, write, add and subtract in the dining room next door. It's my attempt to contain them for an hour or two while I'm occupied so the house doesn't get destroyed totally every day. Sometimes it works great and sometimes it doesn't, but here's a good day (or 5 minutes).

Elijah and Grace enjoying the snow

2011-02-03T21:07:00.000-08:00

We have enjoyed a very snowy, wintery winter here in Minnesota. The kids are trying to shovel off the patio in order make to speed and welcome the arrival of spring. The patio has remained buried under piles of snow since early December. They succeeded in unearthing it in a few places, but their efforts were in vain as another 3-5 inches of snow filled in the open places (and all the abandoned shovels) a few days later.

Barna and Mary

2011-02-03T20:59:00.000-08:00

Barnabas does love little Mary, though every once in a while will ask if he can step on Mary. Huh???

Bright-eyed Mary

2011-02-03T20:58:00.000-08:00

Mary is such a good baby. She is getting a lot more expressive, smiling a little and making little cooing noises. She slept 7 hours last night and is in a great pattern of eating, taking in the world around her and sleeping. She is a delight. All the kids laugh at her baby faces and think she is so cute.

Paul and Barnabas

2011-02-03T20:54:00.000-08:00

Paul is reading to Barnabas - so sweet.

Mary - 7 weeks

2011-02-03T20:53:00.000-08:00

Mary sleeps in the pack 'n play in our dining room where we conduct all of our homeschool affairs. It looks like she was trying to tell us to be a little quieter while she fell asleep.

Introducing Mary!

2011-02-03T20:49:00.000-08:00

Here she is - our sweet Mary Noelle. By her face she looks like a hefty girl - big, rosy cheeks and a double (sometimes triple) chin. Pictures don't do justice, then again all newborns always look, well, you know, 'newborny'.

Mary and me

2011-02-03T20:45:00.000-08:00

The official spec's are: born at 8:35 a.m., weighed 8lb.8oz., and 19 3/4 inches long. She has great color and an impressive triple chin (she got that from me). We can't tell who she looks like exactly, but we see a mix of Elijah and Grace (and me - in the chin area).

Dr. Patz OB GYN

2011-02-03T20:42:00.000-08:00

Here's the Dad of the year! When he realized that we weren't going to make it to the hospital (like, I was in the bathtub saying "Pull it out!!"), he rolled up his sleeves like a pro and pulled her out! I'm still being suprised by this guy after 9 years of marriage. (What's more, he helped Grace throw up by sticking his finger down her throat a few weeks later - what..a..guy!!)

Big sister, little sister

2011-02-03T20:35:00.000-08:00

Grace holding her new baby sister. I think she's glad for a sister. She and I were preparing ourselves for another boy, though, of course, we'd be thrilled with girl or boy. We love Mary and are so glad she's part of our family.

My 5 children!

2011-02-03T20:32:00.000-08:00

Here they are! Five arrows in the quiver: Grace Elizabeth, Paul Stephan Lewis, Elijah James Edwards, Barnabas John Calvin, and Mary Noelle. What a great gift and a great responsibility. Father God, please help us to raise these children to be whole-hearted followers of Jesus and to raise these children for the kingdom that is not of this world. May your name be hallowed in our family and in the generations of these children.

Big Brother Elijah!

2011-02-03T20:28:00.000-08:00

Elijah has such a tenderness and gentleness with little ones. Here he's holding sweet, little Mary.

Elijah - my knight in Thomas underware??

2011-02-03T20:26:00.000-08:00

My little soldier has been stripped of his armor! At least he still has his gun.

Elijah - my knight in shining armor

2011-02-03T20:24:00.000-08:00

Elijah, may God use all of your wonderful zest and energy and enthusiasm for life to slay many a foe and rescue many a soul in God's kingdom. May you follow Jesus, your commander-in-chief, well, and lead the Church to great victory.

An educational activity

2011-02-03T20:19:00.000-08:00

We made a ziggurat out of cake - another one of my great attempts at being crafty. It was delicious (even after Barnabas dumped it upside down on the floor).

Elijah - breakfast helper

2011-02-03T20:15:00.000-08:00

I love having helpers in the kitchen - especially cute little boys without their shirts on.

Future Women

2011-02-03T20:13:00.000-08:00

Here's Grace and I sporting our lovely pink Future Women t-shirts.

Future men

2011-02-03T20:12:00.000-08:00

Another Future Men night. Here's Buddy (Paul) and a neighbor of ours, Preston.

Future men 2010

2011-02-03T20:10:00.000-08:00

One of the highlights of the summer in 2010 was hosting a VBS an becoming Future Men and Future Women. Here's Barnabas and Elijah with their Daddy.

Packer fans

2011-02-03T20:08:00.000-08:00

My boys have no hope of escaping the shaping influence of the Packers. Their blood runs green and yellow.

2011-02-03T20:06:00.000-08:00

Here are some random pictures that I took off the camera that I thought worthy of posting. This is Barnabas in the summer of 2010

Grace times 2

2011-02-03T19:56:00.000-08:00

Grace blessed me so much today. She made lunch for everyone (Mac 'n Cheese and carrots sticks with dip), cleaned up Barnabas, read him a story, put him down for a nap, and then she proceeded to clean up the whole kitchen which included loading the dishwasher, putting away the leftovers, wiping the counter and table, and sweeping and washing the floor. I asked if she wanted to do something with me, but she said she couldn't because she had to much to do (I wonder if she's ever heard that before :( ). Then she started cleaning the bathroom! Yeah! Scrubbing the shower and inside of the toilet!! What a girl! God in His wonderful wisdom gave me a girl as a firstborn. I'm so proud of you, Grace. If you do all this at 8 years old, I can't wait to see how God's going to continue His work in your life as future woman of God. I love you.

2011-02-03T19:47:00.000-08:00

I'm not a very crafty person, but the kids have no idea! They thought painting paper plates was the funnest thing around. It's the simple things in life....sigh.

2011-02-03T19:38:00.000-08:00

What a happy ending to 2010 with the birth of Mary Noelle - December 9th, at home, in our bathtub. 2011 is sure to be filled with even more wonderful craziness with 5 vibrantly alive children bouncing around. I can't thank God enough for all His goodness and blessing. He blesses us like crazy!! Lord willing, I am going to attempt to record God's wise and sovereign mercies in our lives in a more intentional way through this blog. I entitled it "In Whatever Situation" because of the verse in Philippians 4:11 "Not that I am speaking of being in need, for I have learned in whatever situation I am to be content." I hope to capture many of the situations that God gives a mother in which He calls her to happy contentment. To God be the glory!

Pumpkin Picking

2010-10-19T20:02:00.001-07:00

Yesterday we went to Lendtis Pumkin farm in Wyoming with my parents.

Barnabas is One Year Old

2009-06-06T05:49:00.001-07:00

I praise God for His grace in my life. Today marks the one year birthday of my fourth child and third son - Barnabas John Calvin Patz. He is mostly walking now, he has teeth, he eats everything except baby food, he gets a new bump almost every day, he has adapted to life with three older siblings (ages 6, 5, and 3) and he has potty trained himself (just kidding -- just wanted to see if you are paying attention).

Click here to view album

Barnabas 1 year

Here is what I posted last year at his birth:

Thus Joseph, who was also called by the apostles Barnabas (which means son of encouragement), a Levite, a native of Cyprus, sold a field that belonged to him and brought the money and laid it at the apostles' feet. (Acts 4:36-37)

I praise God with amazing wife, Molly, for the healthy birth of our third son (and 4^th child), Barnabas John Calvin Patz, who was born at 8:47 PM on Friday, June 6^th 2008 at the Fairview Hospital in Wyoming.

Barnabas was a hefty 9 lbs and 10 oz and was 21 ½ inches tall. Both the mom and boy are doing great (oh, and dad)!

Here are a few pictures and a video clip:

Molly this morning:

Vacation Last Week

2009-06-02T09:26:00.000-07:00

Last Friday, Molly, the kids and I loaded the van and headed for eastern Wisconsin where my parents live (Dunbar, WI - near Northland International University). We had a very restful and encouraging weekend. We returned to Minnesota on Tuesday morning.
I am thankful to God for all the little blessings that He gives us to enjoy.
Here are some highlights that I thank Him for:

Friday Night

Celebrated Paul's birthday (which is Saturday, May 30th - he will be five)
Watched the NBA playoffs with my three brothers

Saturday

I was able to enjoy a good run through the country.
Went to a family run zoo in Wallace, MI (the UP of MI). The kids got to pet a tiger cub, baby coyote, kangaroo, and we watched the tigers and lions getting fed. Here is the zoo website.
We had a feast at my grandmother's house.
We watch more NBA basketball.

Sunday

We worshiped at my parents church (where I grew up) - Faith Baptist Church in Pembine WI.
I enjoyed several walks by myself, with the kids and with Molly.
The VanAckers stopped by my parent's house on their way to MI. We enjoyed supper with them.
We watched more Playoff basketball.

Monday

Went on a four-wheel ride with Elijah and saw a bear with her two cubs. Got some good pictures (see above). We got very close. It was crazy to be so close to a bear in the wild.
Enjoyed a tasty grill-out of burgers and brats (it's Wisconsin).
Went miniature golfing with the kids.
More four-wheeling.
Watched Star Wars Episode 1 with the family.
Watched basketball.

Tuesday - Returned home via McDonalds playland in Ladysmith, WI.

Saturday Paul Turned Five

2009-06-02T09:24:00.001-07:00

Five years ago my first son was born into this world--Paul Stephan Lewis Patz. I thank God for this gift of His grace and at the same time recognize that this boy is not mine but God's. I pray that God would pour out His Holy Spirit upon him at an early age and give him a life of faithful and dedicated service to the King of kings and the Lord of lords.

Happy Birthday Buddy!

Fall pictures

2009-01-27T20:24:00.000-08:00

Together with the Johnsons

2008-09-11T00:15:00.000-07:00

The Johnson Family came over for the evening on Sunday.
You can see many pictures at this album.

Katie's Blog - Beanstalk

2008-09-04T12:14:00.001-07:00

You need to check out my siter Katie's blog - Beanstalk.

Here is a picture of her two boys - Luke and Simon!

Michelle Bachmann at the RNC

2008-09-02T14:05:00.000-07:00

Michelle Bachmann is scheduled to speak at the Republican National Convention tonight (see here). Michelle is the congress women from our district (Washington County) and visited our church two years ago (as seen in this photo).

Buddy's First Fish

2008-08-28T13:40:00.001-07:00

Needless to say, I am not a fisherman so it is not Paul's fault that he has not caught a fish before now. This was his first time fishing and he caught a whopper.

Ya got to love Minnesota Wild!

New Grace Church Website

2008-08-28T13:39:00.001-07:00

Check out the new church website. We will work hard at keeping it up to date with headlines, church news, coming events, etc.

www.gracewyoming.com

Tacky Church Billboards

2008-08-26T21:14:00.000-07:00

OK, if you know me you know I love the Green Bay Packers. But I like to think that the zeal is under control and in the right perspective and order in life. However, Packer fans have a way of making their team their religion.

I think church boards that give tacky messages are exactly that -- very tacky. But this is going overboard. I thought you would enjoy a laugh--or cry...

Future Men

2008-08-26T20:39:00.000-07:00

Tonight, Buddy and I participated in a fathers and boys neighborhood VBS led and put together by our other pastor (Dave VanAcker) called FUTURE MEN.

See Douglas Wilson's book Future Men (Canon Press, Moscow ID).

Here is a link to the pictures for tonight.

My Wife Rocks!

2008-08-25T19:23:00.000-07:00

I am very blessed to be married to Molly. She is a tremendous friend and wife. It is very hard being a pastors wife because a lot of pressure is put on you and people-pleasing is an ever-present temptation. She does a great job picking me up off the carpet when I am discouraged and I thank God for the grace that comes to me in the form of Molly Patz. Oh, by the way, she is doing a tremendous job as a mom of four spirited children.

It's a Boy - Josiah James Williams

2008-08-25T06:21:00.000-07:00

We received a call last night from Sarah (Molly's sister) that their baby has arrived. Josiah James was born on Sunday, August 24th. He was a small baby at birth but I don't know the details yet.

In case you were wondering - this picture is from 2003 and is of Grace Elizabeth. I will have pictures of Josiah on this blog once I get some.

Last Night - Birthday Party for Tim and Amy

2008-08-23T20:15:00.001-07:00

Last Night we had a birthday party at the Williams house (Justin and Sarah). Here are some pictures from the festivities.

"Bad Guys Are Good, Right Dad?"

2008-08-23T20:13:00.000-07:00

During family devotions tonight, my four year old son (Buddy) brought up the "bad guy" theme again (see "Are Bad Guys Real") when he made the comment after talking about Jesus dying on the cross:

Buddy: "So dad, bad guys are good, right dad?"

Me: "What do you mean, son?"

Buddy: "Bad guys put Jesus on the cross, right."

Me: "Yes, so why is that good, Buddy?"

Buddy: "Because Jesus' dying on the cross took away our sins."

Me: "You are right, Buddy, that Jesus died on the cross is good news. But the bad guys were still bad for killing Jesus and they need his forgiveness."

Little four year olds are listening and thinking and believing.

Exciting News for Justin and Sarah Williams

2008-08-22T13:27:00.001-07:00

Molly's sister Sarah and her husband Justin are adopting a baby and it is coming soon. Here is a note from the Williams about the new arrival. Please be in prayer for this awesome couple who are devoted to Jesus:

We found out this week that Karry will be induced next Wed., August 27th, if she has not delivered before then. She would like us there after the delivery (she will be delivering at a hospital in Monticello, which is about 45 min. from the twin cities), so once we get the call that the baby has been born we will head on up there! We will be able to take the baby home with us as soon as the baby is discharged from the hospital, which is usually about 24-48 hours after delivery, assuming the baby is doing well. It’s hard to believe that in less than a week we will be parents!! Thanks to help from our family the nursery is mostly ready to go, so we are feeling ready for this baby to come! We are cherishing these last few days we have as a couple, too, as we know that life will never be the same once we bring this baby home! :) But we are excited for the blessing the Lord is bringing our way and look forward to the joy that this baby will bring to our home.

Check out Tim and Amy Fulkerson's Church Website

2008-08-21T14:55:00.000-07:00

Molly's brother-in-law, Tim Fulkerson, has planted a church in the New Market (MN) area with the Christian Missionary Alliance denomination.
You can check out the church website here.
Many have considered Molly and her sister, Amy (Tim's wife) look-alikes.

Please pray for Tim and Amy (and little Hannah) as they serve Christ and His flock south of the Metro.

50 Days of Running

2008-08-21T12:14:00.001-07:00

The U. S. Running Streak Association defines a running streak (not to be confused with "streaking") as:

...running at least one continuous mile within each calendar day under one's own body power (without the utilization of any type of health or mechanical aid other than prosthetic devices).
Running under one's own power can occur on either the roads, a track, over hill and dale, or on a treadmill. Running cannot occur through the use of canes, crutches or banisters, or reliance on pools or aquatic devices to create artificial buoyancy.

On July 1st (2008) I started a streak of my own and I reached 50 days on Tuesday. So far I feel stronger and less sore than running 3 to 5 days per week. I started running on a regular basis two years ago when on vacation in Mount Pleasant, MI (visiting Terry and Connie - Molly's parents).

I hope that I can make it at least through 1 year.

Grace and Barnabas - 5 1/2 Years Apart

2008-08-20T20:31:00.000-07:00

Can you see the similarities?
Guess what baby is Grace and what one is Barney?

Introducing Our New Family Website

2008-08-20T10:18:00.000-07:00

Welcome to our family website - "Son of Harold". Over the past half year I have enjoyed blogging at the church blog and have found myself wanting to put more personal, family, funny or just plain interesting stuff that wouldn't quite fit with the purpose of a church blog. I enjoy posting pictures and stories and like to send them to my friends and family. I plan to do that here.

I hope you like the name. Harold is a great and uncommon name. It also happens to be the name of my dad. We haven't given one of our sons that name yet but I thought I would highlight it with this blog. My dad is a godly man who takes many things very seriously but when it comes to himself -- he enjoys a good laugh with his kids.