Great Manners

I had hoped to focus on the boys' manners this summer.

 It's amazing how much reminding it takes!!!

We have a long way to go with this one ;)

I bet you thought I meant to focus on good manners. ha!

Perhaps it's better not to encourage this kind of behavior?

Thief

When the kid's away the squirrel will play.

 Stolen from the water table below. 

He lugged it all the way up the tree (not without a struggle). 

After I snapped the picture, he realized he'd been caught and dropped the goods.

Phew...one water train spared :)

Got His Attention

Yesterday, when the older 2 and I were sitting down for our school/journal time, Owen yelped in pain. It was as though he had sat on something sharp. But there were no signs of an injury. He couldn't explain what was wrong but was crying out in pain. He doesn't cry very often. I looked around him and in the chair and saw nothing.
After a few minutes a sting mark appeared. He had been stung by a bee!! I found and killed the yellow jacket a few minutes later. Thank goodness b/c I wasn't sure we'd get any further in our lessons with 2 nervous boys looking for a bee.
Right now a bug "master" (Mason's name for him) is outside our front door hopefully killing all the bee's family members that have made a home in between the siding and our house. No yelps yet.

God's timing is always perfect. I can say that because it's written in the Bible, not because I am consistently acting as though I believe it. Thankfully, He has proven it over and over.
The word lesson yesterday was gratitude. "give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus." 1 Thes. 5:18
Owen immediately said, "except when you get stung by a bee!"
What an open door :)
I looked him in the eye and said, "yes, Owen even when you get stung by a bee."
This got the attention of both Mason and Owen.
I said, "Do you think God knew you were going to be stung today? This was not out of his plan for you. what has Christ done for us that we should be grateful for? He died for us that we could be with God in Heaven. So even when things don't feel good for us, we still can be grateful."
I loved this prayer included in the book. It was good for me too.
"O Lord, I ask that you would give me a grateful heart. Too often I accept your blessings as thought I deserve them, and complain about what I don't have. You have given the greatest gift of all - Jesus Christ. Please help me to be truly grateful."

I feel very certain Owen will always remember his first bee sting. Now, I pray that in addition to that sting he will remember an even greater story. Sure it's easy to be grateful and joyful in response to good things, but remembering what we have in Christ allows us to be grateful even when we are enduring pain. A lesson that I am forever grateful I learned this past year!

Soccer Camp

The boys have been at soccer camp this week in the evenings. This is EJ and Owen's 3rd year participating in the Good Sports soccer camp. Mason's first time. They have all loved it. 

The first 2 days, Ryan got so sad when they all left the house without him. Now I take him upstairs while they walk out. He doesn't seem to mind they are missing when he goes back downstairs. It's helped keep away the tears.

Tonight, was the first night we went to watch. We didn't stay long with the 100 degree temps. The kids were all moving pretty slow too. Lots of short fun games and drills.

 Evidently Mason has been pounding the Gatorade at break time. 

And he wonders why he has a belly ache ;)

 Each night one of the coaches gives 2 short talks during their water breaks. EJ spoke tonight on "discipline."
2 Tim 2:5 says "Similarly, anyone who competes as an athlete does not receive the victor’s crown except by competing according to the rules."

They are a tough crowd ;)

It's certainly a lot quieter just having Ryan in the evenings. Monday night, we went grocery shopping. Last night, I had a friend and her son over for dinner while her husband and daughter were also at camp. It was lovely!

Clean Sweep

The toy room has been put back together. Organized and cleaned!
What a relief!
The boys are happy to stay home all day. At least they think that in the morning when our only real window (10:30-12) to go anywhere is approaching. So today we stayed home. I sorted toys and they kept themselves busy. It's amazing the difference it makes if my body is in the same room. I don't necessarily have to be playing, but I am there. They notice :)
I am sure it will be unorganized in no time, but at least I tried.
7 more rooms to go!

Oh and we played outside this morning. What a treat. It's only in the 90s. hooray!

Breaking News

This just discovered. Ryan has FOUR molars breaking through. O.U.C.H.

Time for Play

I feel like our toys are getting out of control. I need to do some serious organizing. Just don't have the time or energy. This kept them busy for awhile. At least until Ryan arrived.

Mighty To Save

This morning at church my heart jumped into my throat and tears sprung forth. Why? Because a 4 day old foster baby girl was placed in my arms. Mrs. S (an interim foster mother) must of felt me breathing down her neck for glimpes of the precious girl b/c she handed her over to me during the final worship songs. OH MY HEART! To sing this song (below) and pray for a child who is in transition to her forever home and for her mother who is now missing a piece of herself, was almost too much for my heart. What a privilege, thank you Mrs S.! You don't know what God is already doing in my heart, but that added to my journey. 

"Mighty to Save"

Everyone needs compassion
A love that's never failing
Let mercy fall on me

Everyone needs forgiveness
The kindness of a Savior
The hope of nations

(Chorus:)
Savior
He can move the mountains
My God is mighty to save
He is mighty to save
Forever
Author of Salvation
He rose & conquered the grave
Jesus conquered the grave

So take me as You find me
All my fears & failures
Fill my life again

I give my life to follow
Everything I believe in
Now I surrender

Savior
He can move the mountains
My God is mighty to save
He is mighty to save
Forever
Author of Salvation
He rose & conquered the grave
Jesus conquered the grave

Shine Your light &
Let the whole world see
We're singing
For the glory
Of the risen King
Jesus

You're the Savior
You can move the mountains
Lord You are mighty to save
You are mighty to save
Forever
Author of Salvation
You rose & conquered the grave
Yes You conquered the grave

Lord, "I give my life to follow everything I believe in now I surrender... You're the Savior you can move the mountains, Lord You are mighty to save..."

A Little Nutz

Tonight we went to a minor league baseball game. I am not sure I will agree to go to another game if the temperature is above 90. At least not with a 1 yr old. All in all it was a fun game! 

The boys have been talking about it for days. On Sundays kids can have a catch on the ball field. When we told Owen he screamed with excitement. We arrived at the game 45 minutes early so the boys could have a catch on the field. Only 15 minutes of that time was spent on the field. The other 30 minutes we just sat sweating and sweating!

 In front of the Squirrels dugout

Mason wasn't that into it. But a cool perspective of the field and ALL the other kids.

 EJ did not stop smiling the whole time he was out there

 This sweaty wiggle worm gave us a workout. But overall he was a trooper. I carried Ryan in our baby carrier on my chest. He sat in it for a long time. I definitely got some looks. You don't usually see many 1 yr old's hanging out on the front of someone in a baby carrier. Oh well, it got the job done.

 We met 2 families from our home group at the game. Thanks for the idea Shannon!

Beating the Heat

I know my TX friends will have no sympathy for us, but oh my goodness it's a brick oven outside. We had planned to be at the pool this evening, I decided that wasn't smart. The pool was so warm on Wednesday, I can't imagine it's very refreshing. The boys were majorly disappointed and I'd have to say I was too b/c they have plenty of energy to burn!!!

So instead, I made gatorade sno-cones and gave the younger 2 a bubble bath for entertainment. The extra long soak was actually a good idea b/c with the excitement of Pop Pop's arrival last night and a spontaneous dance party they haven't had a bath since Tuesday. Ahh, summer time :)

Bug Bite

According to my phone it is 102.5 degrees outside, but it feels like 117 degrees. WHAT THE HECK!!!!

During our sprinkler fun yesterday, Ryan got bit by a mosquito on the eyelid. I thought I flicked it off in time, but a bite mark quickly appeared. This morning he couldn't open his eye. Poor guy. This is a few hours later when it started looking a little better. At least it's not bed bugs!!!

3 Drown Rats

We went for a morning walk. Lots of neighbors were watering their yards. It is extremely HOT here. Humidity is insane. By the end of our walk the sprinklers were looking really good not to mention our bushes were droopy. I let them get in with their clothes on. They thought they were the luckiest boys ever. At one point, Owen asked me if his shorts were ruined. I said, "what do you think happens to them in the washing machine?" "Oh right," he said.

 oh, what they do to this little one!! he doesn't mind one bit.

7,4 and 15 months

He is quickly becoming such a BOY! My how the time flies.

 

I love him to pieces. He gets so many kisses on those sweet cheeks.

 

He is a mama's boy. If I am on the floor, he tags home base quite a bit. Not that I mind ;)

 

All 3 boys had their yearly well visits on Monday. It was funny watching them do circles in the small dr. room with just underpants/diaper on. They were troopers. Mason and Ryan each had shots. I came out from speaking privately with the Dr. to find the older two coming out of the bathroom with their urine samples. The nurses (their idea) were quite impressed with how well they followed directions. I thought the nurses were crazy to ask :)

Just so we can laugh in the future, the Dr. predicted their adult heights based on their growth charts. Kinda like predicting a newborn's birth weight in utero, very technical methods. ha!

Owen  current 52 lbs and 49"                                future guess 5'11

Mason current 38.5lbs and 42 "                             future guess 6'1

Ryan current 20lbs 12.5 oz and 30.75"                  future guess 5"10-5"11

Resting

You can take a mom on vacation, but she is still a mom.

I remember our first beach trip when Owen was about 3 months old. It was a shocker. I hadn't had the foresight to see how different vacation would be with children. I don't really call it vacation anymore- it is simply, life in a different location. Thankfully, my expectations have adjusted and I do still enjoy myself regardless of all my mom duties. Of course, some of them were occasionally split amongst the other 14 adults!

I have also grown wiser in how to take time for myself. It has to be intentional or it doesn't happen.

This vacation, I dwelled, I sat in His Word and it was Sweet!

Each morning when Ryan went down for his morning nap I escaped (in my bathing suit and sunscreen) to the deck with my bible, summer study and pencil. It was magnificent to bask in the morning sun and His word. The first morning this happened by accident. The older boys were off doing something and I snuck out. I enjoyed myself so much that it became cartoon time for the older two, so EJ and I could both have some quiet time.

Now if only I could work out that arrangement at home. My neighbors would think I was nutty for sunbathing at 9 in the morning :)

The word "dwelling" has been an ongoing theme in my bible studies lately: "He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High will rest in the shadow of the Almighty." Psalm 91:1, "Lord, you have been our dwelling place throughout all generations." Psalm 90:1, "How lovely is your dwelling place, O Lord Almighty! psalm 84:1, "Surely goodness and love will follow me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever." Psalm 23:6.

I have been pondering a lot on what it looks like to dwell in the Lord. Ironically, the act of pondering leads me to dwell. He is quick to answer :)

According to merriam-webster.com the definitions for dwell are:

1. to remain for a time
2. a: to live as a resident b : exist, lie
3. a: to keep the attention directed —used with on or upon  b : to speak or write insistently —used with on or upon

The summer study that I am leading is going great. It has been so wonderful for me to have something specific to study and knowing that I am leading the group helps me focus even more. The group changes in size each week. It ranges from 4-10 women, but there are 18 women with books.

I don't love all of the author's questions. Plus, I don't love just reading aloud questions that everyone has (hopefully) already answered. So, I am learning to trust in what He is teaching me and not be afraid to share it. I am trying to take it a little further than the book.

Have you ever paid much attention to someone's shadow? Well, Mason loves to jump on my (shadow) head. He has to be very close to my body. My shadow doesn't extend that far. He has to be near. It's also very hard for me to move my shadow to escape his jumping on it.

"He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High will rest in the shadow of the Almighty" His shadow is far greater than mine, He is the Almighty! He has got me covered, but it is no coincidence that the closer I draw to Him the more rest I feel. His shadow might cover a lot, but I still have to be near.

Fun Times

We did really have a fun week despite a rocky start. 

I didn't take as many pictures as I normally do b/c we were busy having fun.

Mason with my dad

Everyone was great with our boys.

I wish the boys had cousins closer in age, but they still had a blast.

Thomas humored them on many occasions!

Throwing poppers

driving go-carts

 a jam session

 lot's of yummy treats

The days kind of blurred together. isn't that what is suppose to happen on vacation?

one evening we had an unexpected rain shower and a double rainbow. amazing!

 
I am very proud of how my boys handled themselves in a house with that many adults. And it was tricky all being in the same room, but we were so thankful for the closet for Ryan. I am still recovering from the late nights and early mornings, but it was worth it. Yesterday was a hard day. We were all missing the excitement we had grown accustomed too. Today is a little better, but the routine is slow going.