It's summer!!!!

We LOVE being outside in the summer. Our yard isn't huge, but it's big enough where we can be outside to enjoy time in the pool, on the swing set, or simply just hang out. The kids favorite place to be is obviously the pool...mine too! So, we figured that we would go spend time outside for some 'much needed' fun.

Our lives have been totally consumed with my Dad and his situation in the nursing home. We were out early this morning for a bit and then when we got home the phone rang which proceeded to change all our plans! Ugh, not again!!! I was on the phone for almost an hour back and forth with the nursing home, our attorney and some doctors. I was supposed to call the home back and give them some information they need for next week but you know what?!? I put down the phone and decided that they were NOT going to ruin our family day!!! Everything I need to contact them about could wait until tomorrow.

So...we went in the pool! We had SOOO much fun! Edward did not go in - he's not much for going swimming, but he sat on the deck to be with us and to take photos! The kids and I were in for a couple hours and it was wonderful!!! Cody was outside with us and after a bit of wandering around the yard, he found a nice cool spot in the shade to rest. He's getting used to us more and more. He's such a joy to have around, we don't even remember life without him!

Here are a few photos from our day...

Sweet-Pea - lookin' a little bit silly with Mommy's goggles on!!!
She can almost reach the bottom with her tippy toes this year!


Lionel...his favorite things are swimming underwater, jumping in and making waves!
Oh yeah...and getting everyone wet!


Cody, looking for a good place to relax in the heat...looks like he found it!


Ahh...this is the life...now will you please fetch me a bone?!?

Teenage boys

My son is a teenager...he just turned 13 this past March. He's not perfect by any stretch of the imagination, but he isn't like your 'typical' teenage boy either. He loves the Lord with his heart and desires to follow Him all the days of his life. We, as his parents, are trying our best to raise him how God wants us to raise him. The Bible says "Train up a child in the way he should go, and when he is old, he will not depart from it." Prov. 22:6

We have a few teen boys in our neighborhood that really drive me nuts. I don't know where their parents are, but they obviously don't watch their kids, or don't care where they are or what they're doing. Recently there have been quite a few headlines around here about teens who have died...mostly from doing things that just aren't wise. They have died from doing stupid things that easily could have been prevented. Reckless driving, underage drinking, drugs etc. Peer pressure has always been around, but I honestly feel that it's gotten worse!

One of the boys in our neighborhood lives just a couple houses down the street from us. Just tonight when we were driving home from a meeting at church, he and 2 of his friends were outside. It was after 9pm and it was dark outside. All 3 kids decide to run into the street and scream at our van as we drove past their house, almost as if to test us and say "go ahead, I dare you to hit me!" They were screaming obscenities and laughing...that is, until I stopped the van dead in the middle of the road. The 2 boys who don't live here ran away. The neighbor ran into his garage. He knew I caught him and he was embarrassed to know it was his neighbor who they were harassing. Those 3 boys have also been ringing doorbells and have been destructive in the neighborhood the past few weeks. I just think it's sad. Where are the parents?!? They are definitely home...but they don't care. Our neighborhood is in the suburbs and is safe...so we think. You just never know what kind of neighbors you'll end up with. We were here before that family moved in, so we didn't have much of a choice. Hopefully it all has ended there, and the fact that we 'caught' them off-guard was enough to put a stop to their foolishness.

When I see kids acting like that, I thank the Lord for allowing me to grow up in a Christian home. I am also thankful that He blessed me with a wonderful Christian husband and 2 beautiful children that we can raise together to have morals and values that are pleasing to Christ. I'm grateful that my own children (especially my teenage son) are strong enough to not want to hang around kids like that, or even consider acting like they do!

I Thes. 5:21 says "Test everything; hold fast what is good." This is one thing we teach to our children. Choose friends wisely, do not hang around with those who bring you down, but spend time in prayer for them since they are in desperate need of it!

Photo Hunt #115 - Water

Water comes in all shapes, sizes and forms. Here are a two favorites....

Water balloons:


Bubbles:

Friday Faves #24 Animal

Friday Fave #24 - Favorite Animal (besides dog or cat)

My favorite animals are most definitely from Africa! I love both the zebra and the giraffe. They are often seen together in the wild, and I love how they interact with one another.

When I was living in South Africa, my favorite place to go to was Kruger National Park to watch the giraffes and zebras - there are so many of them there!!! Ever seen a giraffe run? GORGEOUS!!! Ever hear the wah-wah of a zebra in the wild? It's a must! Did you know that some zebras wear pants while others wear shirts?? Check it out here to see what I mean.

To dance or not to dance...

Our little Sweet-Pea is a beautiful dancer. She's had 2 years of ballet, tap and jazz dancing, and the fact that she's getting better, means that she is learning more 'grown-up' stuff. It's bittersweet. I like that she's learning how to dance the right way, but I don't like some of the jazz movements and some of the songs that she's learning with.



Sweet-Pea absolutely loves dancing ballet - it's her favorite style of dance. I do not have any expectations of her actually becoming a professional ballerina, but I do want to encourage her to dance as long as her heart wishes to. On the other hand, if she does want to pursue it professionally, we'll be there to back her up, as long as it's in honor to the Lord. The dance studio she's been with this past year has had it's challenges for us. The first recital in December was nice. Her costume was modest, but nothing too glamorous. The songs were Christmas songs so there wasn't anything offensive that bothered us. Well, the spring/summer recital is in July (yes, they wait until July for it - crazy huh?) The one song that they want the girls to tap dance to is called "FiFi, the Little French Maid". Their costumes are gorgeous, but the dance and words to the song - which are to be sung by the girls while they tap - are atrocious! Totally inappropriate for 6 and 7 year old young ladies if you ask me!



So...we had a long talk with Sweet-Pea this past week and we decided that she would stop dancing with the studio she is with, and she would not dance in the recital (even after we paid big bucks for her costume...which we did get already). Instead, we would try to find a dance studio that the Lord wants her to be a part of. Sweet-Pea was totally fine with it. She knows in her heart that she wants to dance, but that she needs to dance in a way that is God honoring. We are SO proud of her for that!!! She used to dread going to her dance lessons because of the music, so she was actually looking forward to stopping and finding another place. We do NOT feel that she is quitting. We are not raising our children to quit - but we are raising them to follow the Lord. Continuing with this studio would not be pleasing to the Lord, so we feel that stopping now, will honor Him and eventually He would bless us for that. Guess what?!? He already has!!!



There is a wonderful Christian dancer at our church. We knew she taught dance lessons, but we weren't sure she taught ballet. She does! Sweet-Pea will be starting up with her in September. It's a bit further for us to travel to, and with gas prices so high, it won't be easy, yet we feel that it's what we're supposed to do. She will be in the level 2 ballet classes, which will also include a devotional time. What's better than that!?!?! Their recitals are usually held at nursing homes, so it's not only a recital for the parents, but a ministry to the elderly. We also love that! They do wear pretty costumes and dance ballet and interpretive dance...both of which are taught at the studio.



Tonight would have been another dance class for Sweet-Pea, but instead, she's outside with Daddy and Lionel blowing bubbles and having a fun time just being a 6 year old!!! God is good and we're so thankful to Him for opening up the doors for her to be a part of a Christian dance studio! What a difference it'll make I'm sure.

Psalm 30:11  "You turned my wailing into dancing..."

Psalm 149:3  "Let them praise his name with dancing and make music to him with 
tambourine and harp."

Happy Father's Day!!

Today is Father's Day...a day to honor our Dads and let them know how special they truly are! We began our day early. Before church, the kids showered Daddy with cards and gifts. For some reason, they think it's more fun early in the morning, before our eyes are even opened! Unfortunately we didn't deliver breakfast in bed for Daddy - I've been way too tired lately to even think about it. Daddy's not that much of a breakfast eater anyhow, so I didn't feel so bad.

Anyhow, the kids absolutely love and adore their Daddy...He's a great Dad who is a lot of fun to be around! "Happy Father's Dad honey! Thanks for being an awesome husband and a terrific Daddy to our children. I love you!!!" ~Elinor~

Daddy and his buddy, Lionel...


Daddy and his little Sweet-Pea...


Yeah, I just HAD to throw this photo of Cody in the mix...he loves Daddy too!! "Ruff!!"


I also love and adore my own Dad. Although he's not the same Dad I grew up with due to the Alzheimer's which has taken a hold of his life, I still think he's the best Dad in the whole wide world!!! After church we went to spend some time with him at the nursing home. He ate his lunch while we were there, then opened up a couple gifts we brought him. He had fun with the kids, they always seem to make him laugh!



Lionel captured this photo of Dad while sitting at the table. I tweaked it up a bit and I absolutely love the result!! It captures my Dad perfectly...he looks as if he's unsure what's going on around him, yet he has not a care in the world. The disease that is slowly taking him, has destroyed a part of my heart too...it's just so sad to see him like this!



A poem about Alzheimer's Disease...

Do not ask me to remember
Don't try to make me understand.
Let me rest and know you're with me,
Kiss my cheek and hold my hand.

I'm confused beyond your concept.
I am sad and sick and lost.
All I know is that I need you
To be with me at all cost.

Do not lose your patience with me,
Do not scold or curse or cry.
I can't help the way I'm acting,
Can't be different though I try.

Just remember that I need you,
That the best of me is gone.
Please don't fail to stand beside me,
Love me 'til my life is done.
~Author Unknown~

This is such a moving poem...brings me to tears each time I read through it. "I love you Dad!!" To all the rest of you Dad's out there...have a wonderful Father's Day!!!

Photo Hunt #114 - Emotion

Miserable, agony, suffering, dismal, anguish...all caused by an ear infection!


Alarm, shock, fear, fright, horror, terror, panic, hysteria, mortification!!!!

OK, so the photo above really should be...silly, amusing, light-hearted, comical and witty!

Lionel playing the violin

Here is a video of Lionel playing his violin piece at the recital on June 1st. Our video camera records in wide mode, so it looks a little distorted when uploaded here, but you get the idea.

Kim & Aggie...and Sweet-Pea?

My little Sweet-Pea absolutely LOVES sitting down with me to watch the BBC America show "How Clean is Your House?"

She thinks Kim and Aggie are an inspiration...as much as an 'almost' 7 year old can. The show is not for the faint at heart though...the homes they clean, are homes I wouldn't even think about darkening the doorstep of. Not only are the people sloppy, they are dirty to the point of living in disease & creature infested conditions. Gross me out and shame on them!!!!!

Well, it seems lately that each time the show ends, Sweet-Pea gets up and asks 'what should we clean first?' So, today we scrubbed down the counters and cleaned up the over and toaster. We call ourselves Kim and Aggie and we play the part up by speaking with British accents. It's a riot...she's pretty good at it! No, my home is nothing like those on the TV show, it's just that we have a good time cleaning together now. It's a lot of fun mixing the concoctions they do on the show, like lemon juice and salt.

I now know what I'm going to buy Sweet-Pea for her birthday next month. Her own gloves, complete with fuzzy boa around the wrists (in pink - of course), her own cleaning bucket, and cleaning supplies. She'll LOVE it! I believe she'd even wear the white outfits Kim and Aggie wear if I can get a hold of one!

Now that my house is getting cleaner, I've got to do something about all the clutter....maybe it's time to sit down and watch Mission Organization with Sweet-Pea. She's the one who inspires me!

Photo Hunt #113 - Bad Hair

My Mom...what WAS she thinking?!?


Our dear little Sweet-Pea...oh what you can do with long hair!?!

Who says God doesn't change lives?!?

This is an awesome video that shows how God changes each and every one of us. Grab your tissues, some of these are tearjerkers! My favorite...the woman with MS. Check it out:



What does your cardboard sign read?

Sweet music from our sweet Son

Graduation was yesterday, but today also marked the end of the school year for Lionel's violin lessons as well. He had his big recital today! He played very well and we were proud of him. He was the only kid who had their whole piece memorized! I may be biased, but I also believe he was one of the best there too. '''wink'''

The song he played was entitled "Gavotte" and was written by J.P. Rameau.



Here he is with his wonderful teacher. He's an incredible Christian man who is an awesome violinist....plus he got his Ph.D. from Harvard...pretty impressive if you ask me!


This was the end of Lionel's 4th year of lessons. He will be taking lessons right through the summer though - as always. We figure "why quit when you're ahead!" He learns quite a bit during the summer since he has no school work to really focus on, so that's why we keep it going all year long. We're proud of you Lionel!!!

Lionel is ready for high school!!!

Well, Lionel has officially finished the 8th grade which means that next year he will be in 9th...high school! Ack! I'm not ready for that!! I can't believe how quickly time flies lately...it seems like just yesterday we were beginning kindergarten.

Our homeschool group had it's graduation on May 31st. It was small this year as the date was bad for several of the families in the group. I was a little disappointed, but after 6 years of leading the group, I've realized that we have good years and not-so-good years. This was a not-so-good year. Life for everyone seemed to be so busy and consumed with things that interrupted their homeschooling...us included!!! We also had several families move away which was heartbreaking for us! Some of my dearest friends are no longer in the group and I miss them so very much...yes Suzanne...you're one of 'em!

Lionel was one of the graduates this year. The group generally recognizes kids who complete kindergarten, 8th grade and 12th grade. This year we had one 8th grader (Lionel) and six kindergarten graduates, 3 boys and 3 girls. Lionel also played a violin solo which was awesome! We are so proud of him. The kindergarteners sang a song which was very sweet.

Here are a few photos of Lionel...

Sorry about this first blurry one! Since I was doing the music I couldn't take photos as well and this was the only one my hubby got. I hope to get one from someone else soon. This one is horrible!


Here he is playing his violin solo. The tassel was just short enough that it didn't interfere with his playing, but it sure did come awfully close. He did a great job and ignored it the whole time!


Here we are...Lionel, myself, Sweet-Pea and Edward.


Our handsome graduate!!!


I always put this poem on the inside of our program...

Whatever you write on the heart of a child,
no water can wash it away.
The marks in the sands are erased by the tide;
inscriptions will crumble with clay.

The words in a book will decay with the years,
and even engraving in stone disappears.
But God's Word inscribed on a little child's heart,
for time and eternity shall not depart.

~Author Unknown~

"We love you Lionel and are so very proud of you! Now it's time to enjoy the summer before high school begins! Sweet-Pea, we are also very proud of the work you accomplished this year in 1st grade. Next year will bring lots more excitement to your education...a whole new world has opened up as you are mastering how to read now." Hugs and kisses from Mommy & Daddy