Be Still

Along came the season of summer and an opportunity for downtime together for the boys and I. Sometimes the quietness of the day are the endearing ones. I very much enjoy the company of the Lord, my husband, and my children. What a blessing to have both when its time for our "alone time with God".

The boys choose whatever outlet they like: worship through song, dance; learning God's word through bible stories (acting/puppeteering, reading, drawing, or play.). Above is drawing and here is "Joshua" and the wall of Jericho:
I get to smile when I see the creativity of "dancing" to worship songs between puppeteering a bible story:
Psalm 46:10 "Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth."

2010 Independence Day!

This was a day sweet fellowship morning 'til night.

The inland weather was just right for hours of swimming in cool water

Friends, fellowship, food, and relaxation.

The kids' napped heavily as we traveled to our next stop at the World.

and were raring to go in no time. The fireworks were huge and up close from the cushy seats and we snacked on popcorn, cotton candy, cookies - totally indulgent.

Happy Birthday America!

waiting for

We had planned to enjoy fireworks for our younger son's birthday and unexpected changes got in the way. So, 3 weeks later; our evening of fellowship was worth waiting for.

Biking

On cooler summer evenings, our activity of choice is cycling. The kids' speed along happily and Pete & I get to jog along. We are hoping to run a 5K together and this would be a way to train and enjoy exercising as a family.

1 Corinthians 9:24. Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one gets the prize? Run in such a way as to get the prize.

Boys

Father's day was interspersed with opportunities for boys to be boys and hang out with other dads, including Lolo, the kids' ninong, and my godfather Ninong Jerry. The boys threw the baseball, football, & big balls back and forth and even putted golf balls sometime throughout the day. We also had some water time on a motor boat:

The kids desired to use the oars and "row the boat" which gave them a bit of control with steering and directing the course.

We are blessed with a life that is rich and abundant with connections and quality time with loved ones. I take it day by day and do my best to keep my eyes on God's love that is the giver of these priceless gifts from above. It would be a shame to take any these blessings for granted.

Summer baptisms

The kids and I look forward to the season of summer and the activities we can enjoy together that go well with hot weather. Part of our summer is typically beach baptisms. This year we were blessed that Pete's work schedule allows him to join us for a couple of these beach days when we fellowship with friends, mingle with other beach goers, and our church community.

First thing, the kids each took a deep hole and buried themselves in it.

Jumping the waves, running the shore, digging/building with sand, karate chops against the water were part of the day. The boys were swimming alongside those being baptized this year. Sunset was beautiful. It is such a blessing to hang out at the beach and be intermingling with familiar faces and friends from Church and school.

A "date" thru a child's eyes

Our older son overheard us talking about our next "date" one morning. Lo and behold, before Pete came home from work that night, that same child set up date activities for his mom and dad! It was fun too. Here is "shark target practice".

"Flip the frog's to the jungle island":

Target practice:

Nascar Racing:

The young ears that hear us are so perceptive. And both boys are so thoughtful in their actions.

I pray that if we keep the Lord number 1 in our lives, and thereafter put into practice nurturing our marriage, then have God's love overflow from these into our children... that our children may keep the Lord's priorities into practice into their own adult lives.

Genesis 2:23-24

²³ The man said,"This is now bone of my bones and flesh of my flesh;she shall be called 'woman, for she was taken out of man."²⁴ For this reason a man will leave his father and mother and be united to his wife, and they will become one flesh.

Last Day of Swim Class

This photo is really just for me to remember the month of lessons this year. Pete & I enjoyed time to walk around the pool together or hang out and catch up on our days while the kids learned to swim and had a blast. Our only goal with the lessons this year was that our older son would gain confidence in the water - Mission accomplished. And then we were ready for swim-dates & invitations each week of summer.

Summer swimmin'

my favorite exercise is walking or swimming. seems like most kids love to be "fish" in the summer. hot weather, cool water, and splashing with friends/family is a nice combination.

Fun fellowship

We were blessed to fellowship with friends while learning from them at the same time. Both boys enjoyed helping with "set up" which involved attaching scripture, hole punching, and rubber banding. Aidon enjoyed emulating the adults around him that were offering water to refresh passers by, greeting people, and offering the gospel message. At the end of the day, Pete and Aidon were enthusiastic and looking forward to another opportunity to spend time with friends this way.

On the way back to the car, we made sure to visit the petting zoo and see chicks, lamb, cows, and pigs..

cap & gown

Caps and gowns are cute additions to signify the end of a "first". The ceremony was sweet and sentimental. I enjoyed this moment of both boys being dressed up...

With the hustle-n-bustle of life the past weeks, we overlooked inviting family out for this day til it was almost too late. We were thankful that Lolo, Lola, & Tita joined - it was meaningful.
Here is the last 'birthday friday' cha cha cha:

Our teacher this year teamed alongside us in Aidon's growth academically & spiritually. We appreciated her prayer, discernment, encouragement, and compassion. Receiving his promotion certificate from his teacher:

ColorFULL

For Color Day, the "crazier the better" was the motto. We looked pretty crazy!

FOUR!

Dear Josh, where have the past four years gone? they have flown by for your mommy! This year, your brother made you banana crumb bread on your birthday morning and was so eager to wake you up (You are a pretty heavy sleeper) so we could all sing you Happy Birthday!
Your parents had their own plan of making pancakes & sausage & fruit for your breakfast - so there was quite a spread!

Reflecting on this past year, I have been blessed to witness you grow physically, emotionally, and in knowledge. This is very special to me -- since only those who have regular quality one-on-one time with you and are closest to you (the four of us, and a few family members) are privy to the 'workings of your mind'. You have a tendency toward being introverted like your mom.

Your teacher says you've become one of the most articulate children in your class. You love to serve and literally "jump out of your seat" to complete a chore for your brother when dad or I ask him to do something. You consider others. Just today, you said, "I wish Aidon won the game" [because you finished first].

My heart was touched recently when out of the blue while we were playing on the floor, you said "Sin leads to death"...("yes, it does" was my response)..then i think you referred to "Jesus died and rose again".

You ask for a baby now and then, yet very consistently. You would like to have a baby in our home. Even saying, "Can Lolo and Lola have a baby? then we can borrow it and take it home?"

It's neat for me to hear you refer to scripture or sing worship lyrics with OOMPF! (top of your LUNGS!) my favorite is when you ask for bedtime worship. "Mom, can we do worship?" My heart melts. Kinda like this whipped cream did...
After a yummy home breakfast, it was "Dad's N Donuts" at your class!!

You had sprinkles donut and dad a tiger's milk bar. Dad and you had time just you and him coloring, reading, and eating.

You came to class saying "I am already 4!": When we were all together that evening, we went to "play" only at your choice place. You politely reminded us "no thanks for pizza" so we hung out/ate at home first.

The ball blast was your favorite game! The team work meant we were all throwing multiple balls at once at the targets :-) full of laughs and giggles!

Happy Birthday!

Back to pool!

We tried to get back to swimmin' in february, yet the water was still chilly. brrr. So, in May, we're back on track and getting in the water often.

Memorial Weekend was no exception...
The four of us are so glad to refresh and exercise this way.