What we did on the 4th & more...

Hope you all had a great 4th. We sure did. For me, the 4th is a special day. It's the day Ry and I offically decided to take the next step in our friendship. We'd been best friends for a year, and we both knew if we were going to be "together", it was forever. I had just gotten home from the Ukraine, he surprised me by coming down for a few days to SR. We'd been at Shawn and Jen's for a BBQ. It all began watching the fireworks on Ry's lap at my brother's house 11years ago today! Wow, how does time fly! So, I'm on round 2 now(2yr ann. w/o him), and I must admit, it's gettin a little easier. Now days, I actually have to think... oh yeah...next week would have been... whatever the special memory, anniversary. You get the picture.

Anyways, we had a great weekend. Friday started off with our town parade with friends. Then had the Jansens over for a lunch, and soon headed for Yreka. Swimming with the Laws, and stopped by the Fire Station is see where Darryl works. Tate of course loved the fire trucks! Soon we made it to the Campbells for a family BBQ. Of course we came in to watch the fireworks. It was fun sharing stories with the kids about their daddy and me, and how it all began. They love that! Because we had such a packed day poor Tessa and Tate fell asleep just before the finale. They were so precious.
Sleepovers at Grandpa and gramdma's is always a pleasure. We all LOVE waking up and enjoy visited on the back porch and watching the beautiful wild life that surrounds them. Grandpa Apple Juice is sure right..."It's God's country" at it's best right out your back door.
Saturday we ventured off to Iron Gate with Denny, Tawny, the kids, and friends for a day of boating. What a perfect day. All the kids had blast swimming, playing, tubing, and even learning (or should I say trying) to ski. Tate the youngest one of the bunch (besides Tess) was the only one to truly get up!!! We were sooooo proud! Thanks Denny and Jason, he could've done it without you.
So, then that you've heard it all... here are some pics. Enjoy!





more pics to come... but I have to get ready for swim lessons!

Surviving the Storms

This is a post I wanted to write a week ago. I need to just journal more about the what happens in life. Once again, God blew me away! So we had gone to church last Sat. nite. And there was a thunder and lightening as we drove home. (Ironically, the series at church is called Surviving the Storm.) For the first time in a storm like this, the kids were SCARED!!! Tayah was so nervous walking to the car. They were frightened that the lightening was going to "get them". Tearfully, we drove home. I tried to comfort them, explaining what was happening & that we'd read about thunder storms when we got home. That settled Tay down some. But not Tessa, she was really worried once she saw the lightening strike down! She cried out, "Mommy, you can't leave our car out... it'll die! It'll die!" She is too cute!
At home, the kids were asked to go in and get PJ's on, while I cleaned up. Still frightened Tess didn't want to go alone into her room. I was trying to multi-task, and told her she'd be fine. That didn't work. But instead, both of my precious children,(Tayah & Tate) came up behind Tess, both putting their arms around her. And they walked together to their rooms to get dressed for bed. Both verbally and physically comforting her. Saying, "It's okay Tessa, we'll go together, and keep you safe. It'll be okay. We won't leave you." I wish I could of captured that beautiful moment on video. What a picture of love! Surviving Storms in our house can be simple. God provided 2 extra hands for me in that moment. Often times I get frustrated that Ryan isn't here at bedtime. Bedtime used to be done as a team effort. Now, the kids and I have to work as a team. They continually blow me away! God has been so good to give me moments like this where I can see His hand in our lives. He has always provided for whatever the need has been.

So, the kids comforted each other till I had my hands free. We sat down together and learned all about lightening and thunder. They shared about what they learned and church and guess what it was about... Storms and being afraid. How perfect was that in allowing us to parallel our night with the fears the disciples had on the boat in the storm. Plus, Jesus calmed the storm and brought them peace. Just like He did in our home that night!