Fun in the Sun...and heat

While many were enjoying the gift of air conditioning we set off on a trek to Disneyland and then Sea World. The theme parks were not very busy and no ride had longer than a 35 minute wait. Becky was able to go on all the rides she wanted...and no one was tooo ansy. Chandler loved any ride that went fast. Splash Mountain, Space Mountain, Big Thunder...Atlantis....all are considered her favorite. When asked which one she liked the most she said 'The Mountains'.
Sea World was a blast. The cooler temps and beautiful creatures added to the blastfulness (yes, I know that isn't a word.) We dined with Shamu...hence the up close shot. Wonderful food - though a bit pricy for just a 15 minute stint with the trainers. I guess Shamu had to 'rest' for the big show that evening. It really is amazing how many creatures God made in just a few days. The variety of animals, fish and slow moving sea animals is a wonder to behold and a marvel to think that it was just SAID and it was so. Knowing how complex the systems that make up both man and creatures - How can anyone say these were just evolved mistakes? The blinding of man really does happen!

Confessions of a dying keyboard

Sadly our keyboard is dying. I didn't find this frustrating until I went to type in the 'and' sign formorly known as 'seven' and it didn't work. Do you ever realize how many times you use that silly little thing in sentences?! I am now thankful for the number seven.

Visit with Friends

We were blessed with having Campbell & Cooper stay with us for several days (and they are more than welcome to again Kerry). To help them all from ending the 'honeymoon' of friendship we had them design and create their own board game. They all had to agree on the theme [Pokemon], how the board would be laid out [similar to candyland], and then each was responsible for drawing and coloring a portion. They even made the game pieces out of clay. I think they did an excellent job.

Awana Grand Prix

Yes, I know it is a bit late in posting - but better late than never.

Harrison participated in the Grand Prix for Awana again this year. He and Tom came up with the design and Harrison did all the finish work. The Hornet placed 3rd in design. & 3rd in the races. Way to go Harrison!

The End is Near

While the title is pesimistic in some circles I don't have that opinion. The School year is almost done. Friday will be the last day of school. (And there is MUCH rejoicing!) All the year end parties, etc will conclude and summer can begin. The plans for the house are getting finished and if the Lord wills it the house deconstruction/remodel will begin soon...just maybe the property will come to have refinement. The quandry for me has been over how much time, energy, etc does one devote to the chaft of this earth? This isn't our home really - I have a feeling that California will be one of the first areas God wipes from this earth during the fire & brimstone of the tribulation... I'm thankful that I wont be around to experience it. So, since the earthly things are not to be obsessed over, where is the line between overdoing the shell and glorifing our God through our home with the blessings He has given?

MyHeritage: Look-alike Meter - Vintage photographs - Genealogy search

We love our Friends

Stupid human tricks aren't the only reason we love Erin!

Happy Birthday ...again???

Yes, April is filled with Birthdays in our family. Tom turned 40 this month. We had a lovely time celebrating with a few friends and family. The original plan was to go for a lite dinner at The Edison then pop over to Griffith Observatory to view the planetarium show. Edison wanted $1,100 to reserve the room (yeah - so not going to happen. So we decided to visit Clifton's and then the observatory. Tom went that morning to pick up tickets and they wouldn't sell them to him...they will only sell tickets one hour before the show. As a friend pointed out 'They have turned yet one more lovely park into a government run illogical DMV experience'. Soooo plans
changed again. Final outcome: Clifton's for dinner and Wicked for those who could join us (major discount found & totally worth it!)
Lets say Clifton's is definitely worth the trip to
downtown LA - but you must experience its ambiance in a group setting. Not just for the shared opportunity but for safety too. The restaurant has been there forever, and done cafeteria style. And you
get a ton of food for the choices that you made, not to mention there was nothing tasteless and bland like so many remember from similar situations. The intent is to visit again for lunch...let us know if you would like to join us.
Wicked was awesome. Each of our wonderful guests had never been. The joy was found in watching them enjoy it and share the fun.

Happy Birthday Mom!

Mom's birthday is today. While the family remains busy with other things I decided to take a stroll down memory lane regarding my Mom. I appreciate all the hard work and effort she spent trying to raise us to fear God more than man, be kind to our siblings, seek out others who need to be cheered up, be a friend to those who need one, and the many other character traits that I'm sure I take for granted.
I remember hearing these often:
'You will welcome the friendships you have with your sister/brother later. Maybe not now - but you will.'
'The day is lovely - go play in it.' (Remember locking us outside while she ate a bowl of pudding.)
'This hurts me more than it hurts you.'
Making cookies from scratch and missing the baking soda (Shan that may be the problem with yours)
A birthday cake in the shape of a bear
The battle of wills over driving the car (she won eventually - I can now drive.)
'Did you have toys when you were a kid?' (now I get the same question)
Our home being a place that was welcoming for all
Attention to details that create comfortable parties
A place one can still go and take a nap
Cereal that was 'good for you' vs. 'stuff that will ruin your teeth'
Note napkins in our lunches for school
Hugs we needed but often refused to admit were enjoyed after discipline
Patience with 4 very active children who went in 4 very different directions

We love you Mom! Happy Birthday!

Happy Happy Birthday!

Yes, it has been awhile. I did want to post a few pictures from the 'get them all done at once birthday' dinner. It was wonderful having Gretch and Alan down for a visit. Someday we hope to have them stay with us too! Grandma came up for a visit too. We enjoyed seeing her as well