Lately

This is the time of year that we Floridians look forward to!  Well, we don't look forward to the traffic jams in line to the beach or to "snow birds" on a scenic tour driving 25 in a 55...but we DO love to enjoy this GORGEOUS weather!  We've been frequenting the park where the girls could swing for hours.  It is a treat to open the big sliders to enjoy our "lanai" (that's Florida speak for patio  ;)  The pool's still chilly, but not for long! 

Dan's been tackling the guest bath.  We'd gutted it months ago, but now he's doing some drywall work and preparing to install the vanity and sink.   The current hold-up is ME!  I am struggling to pick a paint color/shower curtain.  Who knows maybe it'll end up being a stark white bathroom.  I do love the simplicity of white bathrooms, they look so clean and fresh.   Speaking of bathrooms, I just finished (finally) unpacking a big box of bathroom/toilitry stuff-only 10 months after the fact.  ;)  I love a good organizing project and it felt good to purge (2 bags in the garbage!) and give the keeps a home.  Now for the playroom/office.....*sigh* that's gonna be a biggie!

Our people are GROWING like crazy! I just finished a major closet overhaul, G's now a solid size 6, C's in 12 mos. and HR is in a 5.  WOW. Here are some recent pics:

Leaving a Legacy "Behind"

One of my main goals is to be a story-keeper.  Not only recording the collective stories of our own little family, but looking for ways to help our children see how their stories "fit" into the legacy left for them.  Recording some of the good and not-so-good, seeing a true picture of the struggles and triumphs of their ancestors is so valuable to me.  These provide opportunities to learn, and grow and have a sense of connection with those who've lived before us.

Graham LOVES history. His Grandpa is a Vietnam Veteran and has many stories to tell.  He worked on planes on a base in eastern Asia.  I have never been much of a history buff but have this growing desire for historical knowledge recently.  This was such a special time.  Grandpa brought over a few of the albums he kept...he even journaled on the pictures!!!!  I was SO excited to see these recorded stories.  What a special gift for all of us to enjoy.  The kids were facinated by the pictures of planes and of their Grandpa in his younger years.  

One of the many qualities we admire so much about Grandpa is that he knows how to work hard and he also knows how to play!   Reminds me a little of Winnie the Pooh stuck in the tree trunk after too much honey, ha!  ;)

procrastination

Sometimes in life there are things you must do, even though they're not your favorite things.  Just smile and who knows, if you see things through, you could have some fun with them too!  
-wise words from Barney the dinosaur

Tippie Toes

Look who's standing!

The pack and play just will not do anymore!  I knew this day was coming...and this girl is on the move.  :)   I'm thankful for back-up in the form of a protective big brother. 

 Have at it girl!  ;) Oh wait, can you fold those clothes before you throw them down? 

Supervision of our little cruiser has gone to a whole new level.  She looks for any tiny thing to put in her mouth, pull down from a table...making her momma a nervous wreck! 

But for Miss Millie, independence is bliss...

A Week of Firsts

This week Camille has learned to stand up with support!  The first day, she pulled up to stand on the beanbag chair and fell right back on her bottom.  No tears though, only a big, proud grin.  :) 

Tonight Graham and Hannah Reece both had a first at the park...they learned to pump their legs and swing themselves!  The sheer joy...the bliss of independence...so wonderful!  We enjoyed a lovely evening at the park as a family.

Speaking of freedom...independence...Daddy and I have struggled today...it seems that we don't know quite what to do with a free Saturday!  We've spent so many weekends with no opportunity for "relaxation"...full and scheduled weekdays and weekends have been the norm since we returned to Florida.  House projects and full schedules have turned us into weekend  warriors-ready to conquer the next "project".  GOD has commanded that we remember the Sabbath and keep it holy, sacred.  We must learn to rest, to commit one day of the week to rest and worship.  This is a struggle!  I must learn to plan and prepare, making the most of each day, to prepare so that we as a family will set apart one day to rest.  It is needed, it is commanded, it is how God created us to live. 

We love you, so very, very much precious children!  Even though we will have struggles and frustrations at times, we love each other and most of all the source of our love is GOD and HE is love.  We seek HIM and HIS love continually transforms our hearts and our lives.  Our hope is in the LORD alone.

Stories

Tonight, we finished our first ever read-aloud chapter book.  The kids held on till the very end, I couldn't believe it!     It was my first time reading this classic fairy tale, and I think I enjoyed it even more than the kids did.  :)  In celebration, I ordered the dvd from N*tflix yesterday, so hopefully eager little hands will find it nestled in the mailbox tomorrow just in time for family night!

Anyone recognize this?  Oh yeah, baby!   If you were a teenage girl in the early nineties, then you know all about Caboodles.  ;)  My mom's been cleaning out all kids of saved up junk memorobilia from the garage. This puppy was chock-full of all kinds of 80's/90's bling.

 "Property of SKS"  what a HOOT!!

 Of course we had to model the bling for posterity's sake.  ;)

 OH MY WORD.  Bushy eyebrows and bad bangs?  Yes, please. 

This weekend, why not dig up your own long lost junk treasure, and get lost in a good book? :) 

Ordained

On January 30, 2011 Dan was ordained as a Minister of the Word and Sacrament. The service and reception were held at our church, this was such a sweet time with our relatives and church family. We glorify GOD as HE is the one who has carried us through many years of schooling and preparation to equip Dan for the pastorate.

Dan answering the constitutional questions (to the candidate) for ordination

Laying on of hands and prayer of ordination by church leaders



When we begain this journey, Graham was a baby...now we are a family of five!  Side note: The sash Dan is wearing is very meaningful to him.  Two (graduated) students in our youth group visited Ghana several years ago on a mission trip, and brought this back for Dan.  He promised them he would wear it for the first time at his ordination.  It is handmade and I think it is so intricate and beautiful!



Our big 'ole family (minus my brother and his family, they had already gone home)

P.K.'s ;)
(preacher's kids) 

Our church hostesses went all out to prepare a wonderful reception for all to enjoy.  What a wonderful evening!

Our pastor, Dan's mentor

Thank you, Lord!