JULY!

I c-a-n-n-o-t believe July begins in two days! Our summer vacation is fleeting. A few days ago I came across a resource that provides various family activities for summer. Since we have been on the treadmill of summer camps in June, I have decided that July will be slow and homebound, with the exception of our beach week. A few ideas I have be juggling:

-Christmas in July: using mornings to craft and create homemade gifts for Christmas (since I always have intentions to do these projects in December but we NEVER have time to do them)
-Geocaching: never tried it but I think the boys would love it and it's free - probably a Saturday morning activity for the whole family - thinking this activity will require Daddy
-Bicycling: one reason I love July is because its my birthday month - this year I want a new bike along with a bike trailer - the girls, boys and I plan to hit the road in the early a.m. for some much needed exercise

These are just a few ideas I have for our month to come. Looking forward to unhurried mornings, evenings outside, and simply enjoying each drop of time together.

Blessings

This song by Laura Story has really been ministering to me lately. So often, we pray for blessings, for protection, for healing. Yes, God has definitely answered many of our prayers; He has definitely provided His protection and has carried us through illnesses and hardships. However, it is in the times when His ways don't always line up with our plans and ideas, when His answer is not our initial desire, it is those times when we learn to walk in Proverbs 3:6, "In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make your paths straight." Those times are when we simply walk in faith, trusting God has the best plan for us. Yes, those times are hard. Yes, somedays we want to walk in our own strength and create our own plan. Yet, the real blessing comes when we trust, when we continue to walk, and continue to seek Him.

Blessings. Sometimes come from ways we would never expect. Never would have chosen the way, but would never want to miss it though.

Happy Father's Day

Sarah Manning

Hannah Katherine


This weekend the girls discovered the joy of coloring. The kids and I were preparing Father's Day cards so I decided to give the girls crayons to see what they would do . . . and they LOVED coloring. Unfortunately, they have not quite grasped the idea of only coloring on paper - Greg found them coloring on the dining room wallpaper this afternoon!

Our kids are so blessed with a wonderful Daddy! Happy Father's Day!

FAITHFUL

The boys started music lessons last week and are loving it! Camden is learning to play the guitar and Landon the piano. They are both really eager to learn. For Camden's instruction, he is learning the chords to the Fee song, Faithful. We have listened to this song over and over again. The message of it is so strong and is a wonderful testimony of God's hand in our lives. He is so faithful. We are loving this song!

FAITHFUL by Fee
You were before time
and You'll be when it ends
for you have no beginning
and no end
Your word shall endure
without change it is sure
on Your promises
we will stand secure

Faithful
You are ever faithful
You are ever faithful
to us, God
Powerful
You are crowned all-powerful
all the world will bow before
You, Oh God

Your might, your display
in the skies everyday
everything You created
for Your praise
from the cross on the earth
to Your throne you returned
where You reign over all creation
never changed, never shaken

You're the song of our soul salvation
life that cannot be taken
solid rock, firm foundation
never changed, never shaken

Outdoor Fun

Just another fun Sunday evening in the backyard . . .

S-U-M-M-E-R . . .

Where We Are & Where We're Heading

This Spring has been a whirlwind. I cannot believe May is here and school is coming to an end in a few short weeks. Summer is almost here!

The girls are growing up so quickly. They have seemed to grow overnight lately. They are so silly and definitely let you know if they do not want to do something. Right now, their favorite time of day is bathtime! They would stay in the bath for hours if we let them.

The boys are wrapping up school and sports. Camden has had a wonderful season of baseball and has really enjoyed pitching for his team. Landon continues to love soccer and has been able to score in almost every game. The girls watch from the sidelines cheering on their brothers screaming "go, go, go . . ."

As we come to another crossroads, we have taken some time to step back. For a few months now, we have been praying over homeschooling the boys next year. Knowing it would only be for a season, we decided to use the coming school year to allow them to explore their love of music and the arts in a way we could not while in school. Both boys have wanted to play instruments but with two hours a day going back and forth to school as well as sports' practices and games, there has not been time to add anything else to our schedule.

We are all very excited about the change of pace coming. I am looking forward to having more time with the boys. Both of them love to learn and we have chosen curriculum that will allow them to continue to be challenged and allow them to explore particular areas of interests. They are also enrolled in a weekly academy for homeschoolers where they will explore the arts while learning history.

I'm so excited for this new season coming for our family! I pray God's grace and blessing over our new adventure.