Morning

I feel like I finally had a decent nights sleep! That would explain the rising at 0445 to make my dh breakfast, and then the choice to stay up and get started on my day. A perfect time for scripture reading while the sun is just beginning to crest on the horizon. It's like God breathing a clean, fresh breathe over the earth to cleanse us all and renew our spirits. The crisp morning air, despite how thick and nasty it will be by lunch time.

I realize His timing is everything. We must have faith that all things happen in harmony with His plan. I can only accept what He sends, know that it can be worked through and will have such great rewards when it is all said and done :-) How different my life is when I accept His plan and give up my own desire to control my life. It is not my life. It is His life. I am here to fulfill His Word and commandment. It's a serene calmness and peace that one has when one turns his/her life over to Christ Jesus. I find that I don't get so worked up about what most people think are negative situations, or crises. I don't worry as much. Don't get me wrong, I worry by nature. I have just learned that the Lord does not want me to "Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls." Mt 11:29

It's still a struggle for me at times. There seems to be so much negativity in our home that I become drained trying to maintain peace and balance. If I let the negative take the power, then all will go wrong. Life and Relationships. I renew myself with His word, church family and close friends who walk in Christ. They give me strength and have an understanding that my non-believer friends and family do not. I look out upon my family that does not have a personal relationship with Jesus and think, "you have no idea what you are missing out on, let me show you, come walk with me!! Come and see how wonderful life can REALLY be!!" But it is not I that will lead them, but Him. I only pray I can be an example for Him and continue to grow in my own relationship.

Life works out. It really does. This I know. I appreciate all my friends and family that have been so supportive over the years, I thank God for all the blessings in my life and for those yet to come!! May His love continue to shine down on my family and His arms encircle us in His love.

August 13

I guess this post will be more of photo journal of our summer? I haven't been able to upload anything for a while and want to get some actual visual representations of what fun we have been having! We had the pleasure of spending time with friends at Hawaiian Falls(we adore the Johnston's), playing in the backyard, Roller Skating (go Katy!!), and completing a few home improvement projects (ahem....see the floor pictures? I'm proud of the job I did!).

This summer has gone by so fast and I hope we did not miss out on the important things? I tried to plan our days and activities around friends and family since they bring us the most joy. I wish we could have gone to Louisianna again, but Ian's football practice made that next to impossible. I also hope we can make a trip back to NY next summer, start a tradition of every other summer? Ian starts 10th grade in just over 2 weeks, and the girls will be back to their homeschool taught preschool. I look forward to learning with Abby and what direction she will take. And I think Keara is going to be a quick study, but I may be wrong. I have lots planned and each day will bring us something new and exciting.

Abigail and Keara's bedroom. I finally added curtains! The plaque came from Canton, Tx and reads "I love you to the moon and back" which is one of our favorite phrases to quote. Yes, one is a Pink freak and the other Purple Passion....

I've taken up a little more sewing, though not what I would have liked. Maybe this winter will bring a bit more time, more initiative and motivation. I don't think I will ever master the dress making, probably better off ordering them or finding them at the local flea markets. Abigail loves her little house style dresses!

This is our master bedroom. If you recall, it was painted Dallas Maverick Blue for 2 years. Talk about headache inducing!! Well, now (with the help of my mom) it is a nice serene, calming grayish beige. The bathroom actually has a green hue and the bedroom more of a cool gray. Yes, we primed all the walls first!! I think a lot of it depends on the lighting, but I love it!!!


We had more fun at the skating rink in Grapevine...talk about some cool kiddie "walkers". Keara took off without any help from anyone! Abby on the other hand needed about an hours worth of lesson and encouragement before venturing out on her own. But once she did...LOOK OUT!! Ian was such a great sport with all of them and the girls really enjoy doing anything with their cousin Katelyn.

Sprinkler=$10

Pool=$20

Catch toys=$6

Sisters having a blast in the yard getting along=Priceless

Hawaiian Falls!! Yea!!

Abby repeatedly climbing all the way to the top slide. For HOURS. I swear we were there from 11-4pm. It could not have been a better day for Keara. 91 degrees, overcast. She does not do well in heat and sun, so God made a day for her :)

Melody and Judy Johnston playing in the kiddie pool.

Ian and Emily being retarded.

Need I say more? Emily is a great girl :)

Ian must be her special Ed friend project.