Rain Out

We were trying to get in another Hoppers home game before our busy summer travel season. Carter crashed hard in the car on the way there- that's what happens to 4yr old boys who give up their naps and double their activity :) He woke up in time for the game and we eagerly took our seats, unfortunately the weather had other plans.

After 5 innings, the storm clouds rolled in and the rain began to fall. We headed out before the big storm started. We drove home in the thunder and lightning and made a quick stop for ice cream- gotta love drive thrus :) The kids weren't too upset and made the most of our playtime at home.

I love their resiliency and ability to go with the flow. Life is unpredictable and plans change all the time. I pray they are flexible, positive, and resilient adults who look for God's purpose in whatever their circumstances. Their happy smiles and eager laughs were rewarded with an amazing sight.....
.......a double rainbow right in our front yard! It was awesome to watch. The kids were really excited. carter hasn't see one in a long time and it was the first one Julia has been aware of and able to appreciate it. I love that they understand the wonder of something like a rainbow.
Genesis 9:16 (NIV)

16 "Whenever the rainbow appears in the clouds, I will see it and remember the everlasting covenant between God and all living creatures of every kind on the earth."

Yearning for the Son

When I look out the windows, I see these flowers all spring and summer, on my porch. Their big, bright colors always put a smile on my face. I'm struck by the way they yearn for the sun. These days it seems they can't open wide enough. There is no question about what these plants want- to soak up all the sun's rays before their time comes to close and fade away.

It makes me think about my own relationship with the Son. I know He is all I need and He wants me to long for only Him. But do I do that on a daily basis? Sometimes yes, sometimes no- but it is definitely my hearts desire. I pray that my heart longs for Him even more and that my first thought is always of my Father. I was inspired by these verse and loved the way The Message presented them........

Philippians 4:4 (The Message)4-5

Celebrate God all day, every day. I mean, revel in him! Make it as clear as you can to all you meet that you're on their side, working with them and not against them. Help them see that the Master is about to arrive. He could show up any minute!

Philippians 3:12-15 (The Message) 12-14

I'm not saying that I have this all together, that I have it made. But I am well on my way, reaching out for Christ, who has so wondrously reached out for me. Friends, don't get me wrong: By no means do I count myself an expert in all of this, but I've got my eye on the goal, where God is beckoning us onward—to Jesus. I'm off and running, and I'm not turning back.So let's keep focused on that goal, those of us who want everything God has for us. If any of you have something else in mind, something less than total commitment, God will clear your blurred vision—you'll see it yet! Now that we're on the right track, let's stay on it.

I don't want to lose focus and I want to wear my cross proudly for all the world to see.......
........like Julia and her flower crown. Proud of not "who I am", but "whose i am".

Tickle Tackle!

It's such a joy watch our kids' friendships develop. It takes me back to all the ages and friends I've had along the way.....playing house, dolls and barbies, sleepless sleepovers, putting on plays, long bike rides, telling secrets, saying goodbyes, late night summer walks, long days at the pool, inside jokes, school trips, study sessions, competitions, oh the drama, the joys, the laughs the tears. The 18 moves over my lifetime brought many dear friends- each one holds a special place in my heart and memories. I pray that I pass the same along to my children to love fiercely, make the most of every opportunity, learn from those around you, and give every person a chance. As they grow I see their blossoming relationships and personalities and my heart melts to know they to have been blessed.

I was fortunate to be in the right place at the right time with my camera to capture this classic "tickle tackle" moment...

Watch out when these two get their driver's licenses. I love the way Hailey adjusts the radio station before she backs out- a girl after my own heart..

And these two.......

........spell trouble if you ask me :)

Happy Birthday Mommy!

I must say I had a fun birthday this year. I feel so blessed to have the life I do and birthdays just remind me of all I'm thankful for....my wonderful friends, my fun family, good health, a great house, an awesome church, a gracious God, and a blessed life.

We spent the day at the zoo with friends. the kids were adorable as usual and all well-behaved. Here's our little monkeys watching the monkeys....I love these two. I can't believe how big they've gotten! I'm now a mom of preschoolers- no babies in our house anymore ("een-more" as JuJu says). Some things have gotten much easier, I must say- less gear, less carrying, more flexibility, cute conversations, lots of pretending. On the flipside though there are tons more "whys?" and sibling arguments. But the good definitely outweighs the bad :)Mommy decided she wanted dinner at the Outback, mmmmmm! We had some delicious filets, tropical drinks, yummy sweet potatoes, and to top it all off a free sundae and some cute singing waiters- nice touch. The kids dove right into the sundae and we were all smiles as we polished it off.
Looking forward to all this year has in store!

Wordle

Thanks Chris Lewis for the cool link to www.wordle.net.....

.....it takes all the text of your blog (or whatever you want) and sizes it based on frequency of use. It's a cool insight into what you think and talk about.....a snapshot into yourself.

Signs That Summer is Here...

Nothing screams summer more than a slip 'n slide!

Wet N Wild smiles

Heat waves........is it hot enough?!

Cute summer attire...

Impromptu picnics...

Playgroup at the pool :)

Painting picassos

Sprinkler time!

Warm summer nights outside...

The beloved favorite- water table

Time for tee-ball again...

And the summer snack favorite.......popsicles!

Happy Father's Day

I know we don't say it everyday like we should, but we are so fortunate to have our Daddy. I hope the kids realize just how blessed they are to have such an amazing Dad- most days I think they do. It is a constant question in our house- "What day is it? Is Daddy home tomorrow?" "Where Daddy go? Back soon, in a minute?After nap?" They just can't get enough of him. Since they were able to move, they have rushed to the door squealing as soon as they hear the garage door open. Then they direct him to put his briefcase away and change his clothes (to ensure he's not going anywhere and he's ready to play).

I was thinking back over all the things he does and how much the kids love him and today was a perfect example...

Daddy's days always start early. He's trained himself to get up at 6:30 every day and that's what he does, no matter how much he'd like to sleep in. Carter always knows when it's the weekend because he gets up an hour earlier and beckons from the top of the steps, "I'm all done with my nap!", just to get a leg up on the playtime. Before he's even downstairs, he saying, "Daddy come play with me." And he always does. they're usually onto their third or fourth activity before Julia and I get up at 8:00.

Carter loves having Daddy all to himself because they're "the boys". They have their own jobs, responsibilities, and rituals that Carter has been honing for several years now. Daddy takes the time to explain and let Carter help, no matter what the task. They mow, take out the trash, change the oil, check the meters, change the filters, paint, go to Lowes, play sports, use the power tools, water the yard, play Wii and PSP, watch sports, , drink coffee, put in receipts, check email, ride in the truck, and of course..........shave

Then we enjoyed a yummy breakfast, which on most days Daddy would have fixed. he's an awesome cook, loves to chop, is happy to clean up the kitchen , and will make countless trips to the grocery store for that one thing I forgot. (He also faithfully does baths, playtime, and snacks every night with the kids. Which we all love him for!)
Daddy enjoyed reading his cards. Both the kids picked out their own, traced their hands, and "wrote" in them. Carter wrote his own name this year. Then he opened his gifts and it was time for church.

Daddy put the bags in the car and got everyone's shoes on (they'll happily follow him anywhere).


We had a great Sunday at church. The worship music was great and Pastor Rick gave a great sermon on the role of dads. He emphasized that fathers should:

1. Show fond affection.
2. Share their lives.
3. Work hard, but do not be mastered by anything.
4. Model authentic spirituality. Be set apart from the world and willingly and joyfully make sacrifices.
5. Be an encourager. (1 Thess 2:8-12)

Our Daddy is pursuing all of these already. He may not always be perfect, but he's not expected to be. Most importantly , he is not afraid to admit when he is wrong or has made a mistake. He willingly apologizes to his kids and asks their forgiveness. He is striving and growing everyday and has his eyes set on his Savior. As much as the kids adore him, more importantly he is teaching them to love their heavenly Father. It makes my heart swell to think that their view of God is one of someone who is playful, energetic, joyful, loving, diligent, loyal, comforting, and steadfast. I pray they run toward their God with the same enthusiastic, squealing glee to give Him a "knockover hug", like they do their Daddy :)

After church we enjoyed a yummy lunch at Shane's Rib Shack. Mmmm, mmmm!
Then we headed home so Julia could catch a quick nap. No sleep for Daddy though, he was back in the garage putting the finishing touches on some weekend projects. He's definitely a "doer". When he decides he wants to get something done, it happens. It still amazes me all the things he can fix- mechanical, electronic, carpentry, hardware, auto, computer, etc. Many times I just sit and stare - "how do you know how to do that?!" Though there are other times that I just can't watch- when he takes the computer completely apart or disassembles my car on the driveway. Those are things I prefer to see in one piece, like the body I just don't think those things should be taken apart! But he always puts it back together. This weekend it was staining our entertainment center. It came out beautifully! And of course he let Carter help. Carter said two people were better than one because they could do it faster and get his Wii plugged back in. Julia was in on that one, too. She cried a few times, "I really really want TV." Apparently missing her 2 shows a day was too much.She was quickly distracted though when we embraced the sunshine and headed to the waterpark. It was a perfect evening- friends, family, swimming, sliding, and lots of laughs! When Daddy's around, there's always smiles. Most kids refer to him as "Silly Billy" because he is more than happy to act crazy, dance, sing, play, and pretend to entertain the kids. They all love him and so do we!

Julia's t-shirt pretty much sums it up...

WE LOVE YOU DADDY!
HAPPY FATHER'S DAY!!!

Our little monkeys...