Boys vs. / Girls Summer Fun!

My own little monkey's and their playmates have kept me on my toes over these past few summer months...no wonder it's been a few weeks since I'v posted anything here on my blog! I guess thats a good thing really...it means the weathers nice, my health is good and we have been actively living life!

Thank you Lord!

It's been a wonderful summer, full of many outdoor activities, road trips and just good old climbing trees and running through sprinklers in our own backyard!

Makayla spends most of her days "Hangin Out" with friends, just "Chillin" and doing what girls do! Talking.... doing their nails, talking..... roller-blading, talking..... riding bikes, talking.... swimming, talking....skateboarding, talking...sunbathing, talking.... doing each others hair, talking....dancing, talking...singing, talking....slumber parties, movies, treats and in between all the talking lots of giggling too! You get the picture!

What a joy these little LADIES are!

Then there's the BOYS in the Hood!

These guys are great and have become Luke's two side kicks this summer...yes their both older and have introduced our young one to all kinds of dare devilish stunts...one of which landed him in the ER just yesterday...(more on that later.)

Let's just say anything that has wheels and goes fast is what these guys go for... unfortunately these boys have not stayed upright on whatever contraption they have been on lately and they have all kinds of "Rad Scars" to show for it.

I think the long boards, skateboards, scooters, bikes, pool and trampoline would be considered Luke's favorites this summer. Now for some camping someday soon to finish off these last few weeks of summer fun in the sun..... I look forward to catching up on some pictures and stories as the fall and winter months settle in. I hope you have had a a wonderful summer and that the start of the new school year brings fresh blessings and new opportunity your way.

For now... enjoy summer while it lasts!

Road Trippin...

Summer fun on the Road...

The American Dream

2 kids, 2 dogs and yes..even a very packed mini van!

Ever just feel boiled over?

This is one of those random posts...more about just being able to write it all out...a way to get all the stuff of life into tangible thought. As a side note...Erin this picture is especially for you! Our kids may have rescued the craw fish the first time around... but Scott had other ideas. Poor lil' craw fish.

I was searching my files and found this image taken just a few weeks ago...it jumped out at me.... it resonated with my soul....I somehow could relate to that craw fish just trying to stay afloat and survive.

The burn of life can sometimes scorch us. It has been a full year of trail, lose and uncertainty for so many loved ones and family members. The ache is deep...yet the river is wide, if only the craw fish could have hid better in the deep waters?

Would it then just be snatched up by the next disaster, storm... perhaps bird of pray?

For he has not despised or disdained the suffering of the afflicted one; he has not hidden his face from him but has listened to his cry for help. Psalm 22:24

I will continue to trust that the Lord hears our cry's for help...prayers on behalf of my family continue to be coveted.

Other Summer Favorites

Scrupcious Salads

Gardening

Adventure and Discovery

Life is so Random Sometimes!

As some of you have already heard...we had a visitor in our neighborhood last week.

First it was a kitten rescue then it was a rooster...

Life indeed is random at times. The kittens and rooster have been a fun distraction from the norm and it makes us keenly aware of Gods awesome sense of humor.

The rooster found a good home by nightfall and the neighborhood is more connected because of his visit. God can use anything to bring people together.

Happy 7th Birthday Makayla!

Makayla requested a baking party this year

We went with a Christmas Cookie Decorating

and Tea Party

It was a fun day had by all...

Happy Birthday Makayla...We Love you!

Our Little Bat Kids

We had a bat invasion at our house this week

Daddy was in charge of all the fun...

I think he did a good job thoroughly wearing them out, overloading them on candy and keeping them up way past bedtime!

Happy Halloween!

Master Carvers

Makayla was totally into the pumpkin guts this year....

Luke on the other hand....

Just screamed a lot!

Motherhood

This is for all you beautiful mommies out there!

MOTHERS

Real Mothers don't eat quiche; they don't have time to make it.
Real Mothers know that their kitchen utensils are probably in the sandbox.
Real Mothers often have sticky floors, filthy ovens and happy kids.
Real Mothers know that dried play dough doesn't come out of carpets.
Real Mothers don't want to know what the vacuum just sucked up.
Real Mothers sometimes ask "Why me?" and get their answer when a little voice says, "Because I love you best."
Real Mothers know that a child's growth is not measured by height or years or grade...It is marked by the progression of Mommy to Mom to Mother...

The Images of Mother - At every stage and age

0-3 - My Mommy is everything to me!

4 - My Mommy can do anything!

8 - My Mom knows a lot! A whole lot!

12 - My Mother doesn't really know quite everything.

14 - Naturally, Mother doesn't know that, either.

16 - Mother? She's hopelessly old-fashioned.

18 - That old woman? She's way out of date!

25 - Well, she might know a little bit about it

35 - Before we decide, let's get Mom' s opinion.

45 - Wonder what Mom would have thought about it?

65 - Wish I could talk it over with Mom.

The beauty of a woman is not in the clothes she wears, the figure that she carries, or the way she combs her hair. The beauty of a woman must be seen from in her eyes, because that is the doorway to her heart, the place where love resides. The beauty of a woman is not in a facial mole, but true beauty in a woman is reflected in her soul. It is the caring that she lovingly gives, the passion that she shows, and the beauty of a woman with passing years only grows!

Training Wheels

This is Luke on his maiden voyage with training wheels.

He is so thrilled to be riding his bike and keeping up with

the big kids now

Only problem was that the bike was already to small...

so mama got on Craigslist and......

Now We're Talkin!

Take a look at Luke's new bike!

Let's just say he's on his way.

Luke wants to remind everyone

Safety First!

THE SHACK

If God is all powerful and full of love, why doesn’t He do something about the pain and evil in our world? This book answers that age old question with startling creativity and staggering clarity. By far one of the best books I have ever read. Book Review by: James Ryle

So, I just finished reading The Shack by William P. Young. I'm not one for writing book reviews but this one is worthy...so here she goes.

I have been saved by Grace for 20years and this book has helped answer and heal some of those dark questions that burden me, as to how loving is this God of ours? It is the type of book that holds you captive not just for the story line but for the truth and wisdom it unleashes in such a gentle manner. It's powerful, convicting and thought provoking. The type of book you take in and ponder for a bit before you have the courage to move on. It has helped me rethink my place in this world, my judgments of God and others and I must say that I have been blessed by God through the message in

THE SHACK!

Let's Just say Summer has Begun!

Published Works!

Last year I took this picture of my moms friend Suzanne, while we were celebrating Independence day together! It really cracked us all up at the time ( especially since Suzanne has one of those firery personalities) and now I just found out that the photo was published in the local paper for the San Juan Islands,

July 4th 2008!

Gotta Love my Dad too!

Since we got such a fun one of Suzanne we all started to take a turn at the explosive head look! Instead my dad just looks cute and patriotic too!

Love you Dad!

Who's at Your Back Door?

These are the true sights and sounds of summer....

Can't you just hear the slurping of Popsicles in your ear!

We thank the Lord for great kids to play with in the neighborhood!