Winding Down

For us here in Arizona, our summer is quickly coming to a close. School starts in less than two weeks here. We've had a wonderful summer. I feel like the kids had an equal time of being busy as well as having down time. It's been nice because when they feel they need something to do, they ask if they can color. I have made it a priority to keep the markers, crayons and paper down low in my china cabinet. This way they can pull it out on their own. And as much as I don't like the mess play dough makes, they have a blast with it. So now I'm thinking with school supplies on sale, I need to stock back up for items at home.

I grew up in a very well balanced home. My dad was a math and science major and my mom was an art and music major. Sometimes I feel the kids are lacking in some areas that we haven't exposed them too. So when we go home to visit, my sisters will usually spend time with them doing small art projects.

I just hope that they will always remember the fun times they spend together and not the actually event, but the quality time.

Friendship

One of my closest friend was gone on vacation for two weeks. Even my kids kept asking when they were coming back. I called her today and she is finally home. We were on the phone for over an hour catching up.

I got an email from a girl interested in MOPS She is having a hard time in her marriage and has realized that she needs a more intimate relationship with God. She is looking for Godly, Christian women to surround herself with. Reading her email really made me think how we important friends are, esp when you don't live near family. And it's even more important to have friends who are going to encourage and lift you up before God. I think it's so special to have friends who will laugh, cry and pray with and for you.

So I encourage you to surround yourself with Godly, Christian friends!!!! And if you haven't found that friend, start praying for one.

Challenging

Pretty much the majority of our marriage I have been in charge of the finances. I've had to grow up and learn how to budget our money. It's been hard at times. I have done really good except up till the last few months. So now I'm trying to learn not to buy just because we have the money, etc. And it's getting really hard. But I am also seeing that the kids need to learn that we can't go out to eat all the time and that we don't have to have money to do fun things. So my prayer and challenge the next few weeks is to stick to our stricker schedule. And at the same time teach our children to be wise with money too.

Shocked

While catching up on some news topics I ran across this article. It is so sad that this girl cannot express her commitment to God and herself, but also that she lives in a country where she is not free to express herself. I am so thankful that we have this freedom. And I pray that this young woman will continue to keep her commitment.
Girl Looses Fight

Wonderful Trip

We just came back from 2 weeks on vacation. I was so blessed to be able to spend one week in FL. My grandma broke her shoulder and after two surgeries is finally healing much better. But she can't walk very much now so she is in a rehab center. It had been 4 years since I last saw them and felt that this was the time for me to take a trip over there. Of course I struggled with the cost of the airline ticket, but God blessed us again. My uncle used his points and took care of my plane ticket. I had aunts and cousins I had never met. So I had the most amazing time visiting everyone and spending time with my grandparents without distractions. Since I was so close to beach, only 15 min away, I was able to get out and spend like 15 min at the beach. Words cannot describe how happy I feel to have been able to go. I told Tony that we must plan a vacation to go there hopefully in a year or two.

Also on our trip we spent time with Tony's family which since I had the camera we didn't get any photos of this trip. They did take the kids fishing and swimming and just hanging out at their house. And we also took them bowling. That was an adventure in itself. The kids were use to playing on the computer so they weren't too happy that the pins didn't get knocked down every time. So hopefully the next time we go won't be as emotional. lol And on our last day we spent it with my family. Some big developments are that my sister now has a boyfriend and it's getting serious. They are courting and will be taking a pre-marriage class. He seems like a nice guy and I pray that God will lead them the right way. The kids had a great time with their aunts and even did some sparklers.

We had a great vacation, but am also glad to be home. Now to get back into the swing of things!!!