Sparklin' 4th

Our 4th of July was filled with lots of fun, I hope your was, too. I also hope you were reminded as I was that freedom isn't free and that our America was founded upon the belief that all would serve God and their country...we are far from it.

I took few pictures of our jam-packed weekend of fun, what was I thinking?!

We went to the pool, we stayed out late at night playing, G and I stayed up late watching tv/movies, we grilled out with friends, went to a church picnic, celebrated America at church (FBCO put on an incredible patriotic show!), played with poppers and sparklers and smoke bombs, and saw some beautiful fireworks...YES, it was a great weekend!

This is what Jamison thought about the sparklers

Jannah and Sophie, thanks for decorating the cake!

A little trampoline freeze tag

Nothing is better on the 4th than a little boy who has found a passion for playing the harmonica (thanks to Free Willy). It seemed to fit right into the celebration!

To Be Thankful

I like to think I'm a thankful person, in general. I mean I usually have a spirit of gratitude, I think. Maybe I should ask Greg about that, so that I'm not walking around deceiving myself. I think about praying and how much of my prayer life revolves around thanking God for every day and the gifts that are in that day; even the gifts that are sad, difficult and trying. I think being thankful, like many other feelings/attitudes, are choices. So, what about you, are you thankful? Do you choose to live each day, hour by hour with a spirit of thankfulness? May we each one strive to do just that. We may not have all we want, but if we have Christ, we have all we need; which should make us a thankful, grateful people. The spirit of thankfulness is constant in our home. I pray that G and I are raising grateful, thankful children; Speaking of G and the kiddos, I am SO VERY thankful for them!

This Thanksgiving, my parents joined us. They were here for an entire week!!! They actually surprised the kiddos and me and showed up 4 days sooner that was planned (G was in on the surprise). We had a great time. I always love being with our family. Family is important to us. Daddy and Greg painted until their heart was, I'm sure, very content. They covered about 2500 square feet of the house...whew...that's a lot! Now Greg and I only have 3 bedrooms and 2 bathrooms left. Mama and I prepared a delicious meal on Thanksgiving. Can I just say that I am still not comfortable preparing a turkey?!? I watched Mama and was ready to sanitize the surfaces once she finished! I think it's just nasty to pull that stuff out of the cavity of the turkey, I think that maybe when I'm 35 I will be able to do it, the verdict will be out until then! Jordan was beyond excited to have the 4-wheeler that Gampa brought to him (that was one of the main reasons for them driving). He's been riding it every day and so have a few of our neighbors.

Happy Thanksgving

"Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good: his mercy endures forever" Psalm 107:1

On this Thanksgiving Day, I do thank the Lord for all he has given me. His love for me, his goodness and mercy, and the blessings he so generously pours upon me and my family day after day. The truth is God's goodness is so vast, he's already given me more than I deserved or could have asked for.

Our day was spent with our friends, as we ate a delicious dinner at church. After dinner, we had 2 families over and we played cards, while all of the kids played; truly, the day was wonderful.

my friend, Kristie

Jordan, Alyssa & Jannah

Jordan & Alyssa playing at church

Our church has apartments above it. As we left, there was a bunny sitting on the couch of the foyer (I know that sounds silly, but seriously... it was). One of the Korean residents that lives in the apartments and also goes to our church had left it there. The kids were beyond thrilled to pet and hold the bunny! This may have been one of the highlights for their day! Our little friend Alyssa announced that she wanted a white bunny like that for Christmas :)

Alyssa & Jannah playing...in their matching pj's

the adults playing