Water Art

 This morning was still cool enough (85 degrees) to be outside.   Abby had a blast just using a stick and water to draw on the cement.   Of course, Mom and Dad had to get in on the fun too!

7 Months Old

My baby is growing up so fast.   These are some pictures from his 7 month photo shoot.   Don't look too closely - he's got food all over his face.   Unfortunately, he fell face down and now has a big bump on his forehead.  

What's for dinner?

Were you correct?

More Adventures

Last Thursday, we went to the Children's Museum of Phoenix with some friends.   We all had a great time and were completely exhausted by the time we left.   I was really impressed with the exhibits and how kid friendly everything was.  I also really like how so much was made from just normal everyday items.

What's for dinner?

Any guesses?

Happy Father's Day and Happy Birthday Paul!!!

Paul is such a good daddy to our kiddos....just look!

Today is Paul's birthday - hurray, hurray!!!!   I sent him on a scavenger hunt (that may or may not have been totally appreciated).  But he liked the presents in the end.    Thankfully he gets to take a bit of a break today from work and just chill.   Of course, he'd rather being doing this:

But alas, not today  :(

Gymnastics

As promised, here are some pictures from Abby's gym class.  For some reason, these did not focus very well but that's okay, you get the main idea.

The empty gym before all the kiddos come.

Trying to push herself up on the bar.

Working on the "bat swing"

The "spiderman" - she climbs up the wall and then flips over the bar (with a lot of help of course)

The rings - Abby loves these.  Today they got to flip over.

Abby lets go when upside down.  Good thing she has a spotter!

Enjoying the trampoline.

Little Mama

Abby loves helping out!  She loves feeding Silas and actually she's not too bad at it.   Everything tends to be a bit messier but Silas is happy, gets his food and Abby is proud for being such a big girl.   Check out a couple pics!

 

Bubbles

Last week I had an impulse buy - a $4 bubble maker gun.    Abby loves bubbles!    Unfortunately, she just keeps the bubble gun going until it's out of bubbles and then comes the begging for more.  

Basic Manners

Abby is in a small gymnastics class. It meets once a week for 6 weeks and there are about 8 other little ones in it.   This was for her to learn some basics but also for me to meet some people out in the community.   So far, little mom interaction but I have noticed something...an appalling lack of manners being taught.  The moms are supposed to stay with their kids so we're never that far away.   Many of the activities are ones where we have to wait our turn as there is only 1 pair of bars or 1 incline mat, etc.   Some kids just jump in front of those in line.  Now I would understand if the kid was just by themselves.  It's easy to forget to wait in line.  But the mom is right there and doesn't encourage the child to go to the end of the line.   I can't believe how many times I've heard "Okay, just go quickly....next time, go to the end of the line".   The thing is there is never a "next" time.  The child always cuts in line.   Another activity is the parachute.  Our instructor gives very clear instructions and yet there is always a child or two that wants to jump on the parachute or go underneath.  Again, I completely understand...Abby is one that today wanted to jump on the parachute.  But come on Mom, do your job!   These are great teaching opportunities.   Teach your child to take their turn.  Teach your child to listen to instructions.  Take your child out of the "classroom" if he or she is screaming their head off.  Teach your child not to be a bully just because they are bigger than the other kids.  

Hopefully I'll be able to post some pictures soon of Abby actually doing some of these things.  She's improved so much.  Today she went upside down (sorry, not the technical term) on the ropes with handles (again, can't recall tech. term)

Giveaway: God’s Word from A-Z CD

Giveaway: God’s Word from A-Z CD

miscellany monday

1.  I highly dislike mushy watermelon.   It's that season and the other day I was craving some juicy, crispy watermelon.  To my dismay, it was a bit mushy....it's kinda gross actually.

2.  My husband drives a 1977 Ford that he loves!   It was actually assembled on my birthdate...a little on the 'coincidence' side.   He will never get rid of it and has mentioned wanting to be buried in it.

3.  I really want to grind my own wheat.   We keep saving for a grinder but other things take precedence over it...someday...someday.  I love the taste of bread made with freshly ground wheat.

4.  It's 109 degrees out right now.  Most people are so excited about summer coming...I am dreading the increase in heat.   Most people are just now getting to get out and about.  We have to go into hiding for a couple of months until it starts cooling off again.

5.  I love Chipotle....my husband and I first met there - the food was great, conversation amazing, 5 hours later....

What is she up to?

Abby that is....she truly does enjoy life.  Last week she tried fingerpainting with some friends.

She also loves playing on the boxes on our back porch.   We've been slowing getting rid of them through recycling but until then, Abby loves it.  These were what our table and chairs came in.

Notice the flowers in the background? 

Another favorite game for Abby is to take her watering can and a bucket of water and to water the flowers.   It's great since it is getting hot here.   Right now my thermometer says 102.  Yeah, it's hot.

Abby has done an amazing job at switching to her toddler bed.  I think she feels like such a big girl now.   The bed rail is so nice - no more falling out of bed several times a night (like the first 3 nights).  Don't worry, I put a nice, fluffy comforter on the floor so that she would be padded on her fall.

Trusting

Today I am reminded of God's goodness and faithfulness.   Today has been a difficult one for me.  There are some days where I wonder why we are in ministry.  It can be so hard and trying.   Some days like today, I want to throw in the towel and give up.   I want an "easy" life.  I want "normal" problems.

God chose to remind me of His purpose in our lives in two very real ways today.  The first is through Scripture.   One my fridge are the verses from 1 Samuel 12:21-24

And do not turn aside after empty things that cannot profit or deliver, for they are empty. ²² For the LORD will not forsake his people, for his great name’s sake, because it has pleased the LORD to make you a people for himself. ²³Moreover, as for me, far be it from me that I should sin against the LORD by ceasing to pray for you, and I will instruct you in the good and the right way. ²⁴Only fear the LORD and serve him faithfully with all your heart. For consider what great things he has done for you. 

The easy life and those things that I crave are just "empty things that cannot profit or deliver".    God will not forsake us.  He has brought us this far and will not just leave us.  Reminds me of a song we used to sing at New City - "We've come this far by faith...leaning on the Lord, trusting in His holy Word, He's never failed us yet"

The second way God encouraged me was through a project that I am working on - typing up all of my grandparents letters.  They were missionaries out in Kenya for 37 (?) years.   Apparently, my PopPop had been asked to consider a home post at the mission organization. In his response (in which he declines even to be considered), he says

"For many year the chief stabilizing factor for Lolly and me in our lives here in Africa has been the absolute conviction in our hearts that God brought us here and that we continue to remain at His direction. As you know in the years gone by, we have seen difficult times, yet in each experience, our minds were quieted by the confidence that we were here at His bidding. His “call” has never been revoked, but rather we have experienced a real peace of mind and deepening conviction that this is His place of service for us. Unless circumstances should affect this inner conviction, it would be extremely difficult to visualize making a change or even to consider a change just now."

God has called us to ministry and that call has not been revoked.