I am good!

Thanks to all of you who checked on me after my last post. God is good and just as He always does encouraged me and blessed me with peace. My friend has also walked in love and we are better for walking down the road of vulnerability together. It always amazes me what the human heart is capable of. In both extremes actually- Hate and Love. Look around you and you can see relationships failing and thriving and there is usually one driving force for each: Selflessness or selfishness. I am evaluating my own interactions and asking the One,who is Love, to revolutionize my relationships by giving me strength to go far beyond what my own will could muster up!

Vulnerable

I sit here feeling stuck in time. Where after being vulnerable to a friend I have to wait until we live life again to find out how they really see me. Their actions will now show whether or not they will let His love continue to guide them in their responses to me or will they treat me differently based on their judgement of what I revealed. It wasn't someone casual off the street. It is someone to be considered a life long friend but my heart still hangs in the balance. Friendship is risky business. You long for it with every fiber of your being but you are fearful of the closeness just as much. All I have left to do now is wait. But not without a comforter that is not bound by human affection or opinion. He is the One who created me, knows me and pulled me out of the pit. He has called me clean and I have to choose to believe and rest in His saving grace. 2000 years later the power of the cross working in my heart on just another Friday.

In the dentist chair

I took my firstborn to see the dentist for the first time. We have lost a total of three teeeth. She is six and  sucks her thumb but the dentist doesn't see any signs of buck teeth...yet. She was very brave and just knew she would get a sparkly toothbrush. Which she did and princess too!

So glad

So glad...
I am not where I once was
I have three healthy children
I have a man that is Steady
I serve a God that is Faithful
I am homeschooling
I am in a community that is really loving one another
I don't have to cook every night of the week
I have a Gram that prays for her family
I have a mom that dances
I have family in God and by blood
I don't have to worry about where my next meal is coming from

Today I needed to take inventory. It is helping me get through a rainy, dreary day. It is causing me to see beyond the fog of allergies. It is gving me strength to be kind and merciful to my kids. Will you join with me in choosing to SEE today?

beautiful Sun

All of the blues of the Winter have been burning away with the wonderful sun of the pre-Spring weather we have been having. The park has been visited everyday and the picnic table in the backyard has been cleaned and enjoyed. I know it isn't here to stay but it has been a good reminder that seasons change. I particularly need to know that right now. Seeing the trees and flowers responding to the sun remind me that every morning there is the Son who can cause my countenance to change and give me hope.

Painting with Aunt Dawn

Aunt Dawn pulled out everything. She is an art major and they had been waiting for this time with her since before we came to town. She set up easels, paint, canvas' and drop cloths. Then each one of them got to sepnd time by themselves creating with her. They loved it and are very proud of their works of art.

Bedtime routine

Each night since arriving someone has done the bedtime routine. Last night was Uncle Tony. I think it is safe to say they loved it!

Reading and Relaxing

 It has not gotten above 40 degrees here in VA but this has been Evan's attire all day. He is definitely my hot natured boy.

 This is the Massage chair. it works from head to toe. They decided to have a try with Uncle Tony.

  

We all went to bed around 10pm and slept in this morning it has been wonderful.

VA snow

We woke up yesterday and began our journey at 6am. The forecast said rain and possible snow fall in late afternoon. We were going to beat the snow. We didn't beat the snow. It started around 2pm and didn't stop snowing until 10pm. A trip that usually takes a little over ten hours took us nineteen. We never got stuck. We never ran out of gas. We didn't go to the bathroom for 11 hours! It was worth it though because we had a wonderful time in the snow this morning. It is nothing like GA snow. So soft and dry.

Sea Pines has a great tree fort and every year we go to play. We headed that way on our way out of town on Saturday.

Katie set her up for this shot. I love it!!!!!!

We headed to The Salty Dog Cafe for lunch and finally got a family shot.

Almost home and still smiling...I think this is right after we stopped at Chick-fil-a for milkshakes!!!

Biking fun on the island!

We loved our bike rides everyday

This was our last night riding around the island. Singing, talking, taking in the beautiful sights.

Our pirate! ARGH

We are smiling but we are sad because we know the next day we go home.

My safari boy

Beach time

Me and my girl. She is getting so big so fast. Her ability to communicate and make other people feel so special is a treasure that will help her get far in life. She took naps everyday while we were gone. They played so hard and I honestly can't think of one time when they were arguing or fighting. Yeah, it truly was a vacation!

Our baby boy always good for a laugh. He would run around and fall down on purpose just to get a reaction from all of us.

Our neighbors were so sweet. The young lady that came with them had a great time with the kids and spent time looking for sand dollars and other shells. They of course thought she hung the moon.

I didn't hear much from E the entire trip. He was too busy building, jumping, swimming. But best of all he was a Fee Muk-a-eer. That in Evanese is a Three Musketeer. K rented the movie for the trip and he had a great time reenacting the fight scenes. Especially with Auntie Kt one night with the couch pillows. It is hysterical! Love the memories you make on a vacation.

Oh by the way...love Sean's toes in this last pic. He has them pointed like this a lot. :)