One thing that is sure to bring many fun memories is a good family work project. All of the Waller Brothers were able to be together for the week of work. Two of David’s sisters were also able join in the fun. Priscilla took care of the children and did the majority of the cooking for the week.
David’s brother Derrick bought a investment home that was needing an internal makeover. After a chimney fire, and a few other issues developing, the house needed some work. The house layout was not the best with several additions to the late 1800’s log home, so a major internal overhaul was in order.
The bathroom was one of the first things that needed to be redone. So we started by stripping things down to the floor joists and then building a platform on top of them.
The former chimney pipe was removed and a block chimney was installed going from the basement all the way up through the roof.
Each of blocks had to be installed with sufficient mortar as well as installing the clay tile liner. 
David’s sister Lydia, posing with the five pound sledge, tore out several walls trying her best to save what lumber could be reused. 
Priscilla joined in as time permitted keeping the place lively with fun and all the workers refreshed with nice treats.
Several of the walls that needed to be replaced for a better layout were the old log portions. David’s younger brother Samuel was not to be outdone. 
The old stairs to the upper floor was removed so it could be stacked with the stairs going to the basement.
With all the existing sizes and thicknesses of walls, larger lumber had to be slightly ripped down to size or smaller lumber had to be added on to to match existing wall thicknesses.
Many of you are probably bored with all of the details of the whole project, but it was one of those memory building times.
Northwoods
The ministry David works for also needed some drivers to bring a group of young men up to the Northwoods Conference Center near Watersmeet, MI. That is only 200 miles from where we needed to be to do some remodel work.
David’s Great Grandmother lived in the upper peninsula of Michigan for many years. Every year when he went up there to visit her, she would have some hot cookies or some fresh pasties to pull out of the oven. For memories sake, since we were up in the UP we stopped at a cafe known for their pasties. Still not nearly as good as great Grandma’s pasties.
We also had the opportunity to spend a little time at the retreat center to rest up on Sunday before returning on Monday. At first Paul was very hesistant about the idea of going in a canoe, but once he tried it he really enjoyed it
We even took a short ride together as a family.
With Priscilla working with the children, David found it easier to paddle with a kayak paddle. What an enjoyable Sunday before returning to Chicago.
Bridal Shower for Derrick and Jennifer:
The day we returned from the Northwoods, we also co-hosted a bridal shower in Chicago. Here David’s mother works with several of the soon-to-be relatives to prepare some yummy finger food.
Almost the whole Wilkes family was able to drive from Virginia to be present for the special celebration.
David’s sister who lives in Canada was also able to drive down, so Paul enjoyed being with some more cousins of his.
Happy Father’s Day!
For Father’s day, we celebrated a day early by getting up early Saturday morning and going to the place where our church team was to play softball. 
Paul was excited and enjoyed batting a tennis ball with the bat grandma Keller had given to him. 
David had played with the church team last year, but this year calendar was too full and he would have had to miss more than half of the games so he was not going to play, but they were short a couple guys so he was able to fill in. What a treat for him!
One of the memories David has mentioned is how he used to “help” his dad polish his dress shoes. Now David is polishing shoes with Paul “helping” him. Paul loves these kinds of work projects!
First thing on the morning of Father’s day, Paul came running in to give David a father’s day present. Truly, “Children’s children are the crown of old men; and the glory of children are their fathers” (Proverbs 17:16). Praise God, we are blessed with a Heavenly father who is a father to the fatherless! We have so much to be thankful for!
Comments
What is the ministry David works for? Do they have a website?
How lovely to spend time catching up on your adventures. Oh boy have you been busy. I just had to share my thoughts on how you are an encouragement to others. I have had my struggles of feeling unworthy, of never being good enough, of always failing in so many respects in my life. However, catching up with you guys on your blog and reading of your own experiences, it has helped and encouraged me to seek the Lord more, to develop daily bible study, to have quality prayer, quiet time with Him. You are a blessing to your family, friends and people like me out there who are encouraged by you both. I know that life is not perfect, and we are not perfect, but we are Loved, Treasured & Worthy in His eyes. He loves us. Again, a huge thank you for sharing, caring & loving others. Blessings to you and your adorable family. Love Carol x.
I would love to see pictures of the finished product! And how awesome for the brothers to spend time working together! As we grow older and marry and have children, life gets busy and time with siblings seems hard to come by. I truly enjoy your posts and really look forward to each one. Thanks so much for sharing! God bless y’all!
Beautiful memories for years to come!
What a precious family! I enjoyed reading about all of your adventures. I would love it if Priscilla would be gracious enough to share some of her favorite recipes. She seems to have a talent in the kitchen! Blessings to the Waller family as you do kingdom work here on earth
Oh, me too!! I would love to have some of Priscilla’s recipes!! And I would love for her to video a tutorial on how she cuts Paul’s hair. That would be so beneficial! :O)
Hi David and Priscilla,
My family is thinking about coming to one of your family connections conference in Oklahoma. Is there somewhere we can learn more about that? Thank you so much. God bless you!
Laura B.
Hi David and Priscilla,
My family is thinking about coming to one of your family connections conference in Oklahoma. Is there somewhere we can learn more about that? Thank you so much. God bless you!
Laura B.
Yes, simply visit http://www.Family conferences.org to learn more about the forty plus locations we will have meetings starting Aug.22-Nov.14.