We Love the Outdoors!

Catching snakes, crabs and starfish are just a typical Saturday for C and M. They have become quite the outdoor kids. Another favorite past time of the kids is riding their scooters up and down the road. C is doing jumps on ramps with his scooter and bike. It is so great to see them enjoying being outside rain or shine. My only complaint is the laundry - mud and grass stains - UGH!

Too Cute!

I could not resist publishing this blog. This picture is of M and her "adopted" sister. Her name also begins with M. There is a couple at our church (that is involved in our young adults program) with a 10 month old baby girl. Of course, M was a magnet to her from the beginning. M carries her around church and plays with her before and after church. Baby M and her mommy also went to the Hannah Montanah 3-D movie with us. I think that M was more interested in playing with the baby than the actual movie. This little girl has been a blessing to our family. M is the most vocal about missing her sister that is in heaven, and she cries often. This sweet couple has told M that Baby M could be her adopted sister. It brings a sparkle to her eyes! M has been very good with the baby and is very gentle and careful with her. Her mommy is more relaxed than I am with M carrying her all over church! Again, God just keeps bringing special blessings to our family.

A Visitor From TN

Uncle J came to visit this week. C and M were counting down the days and were so excited to see family. Uncle J got the tour of the bays and discovered a bread and cheese shop at one of the bays. He also went to C and M's school. C's class was putting on a program for Earth Day. After the program, Uncle J went to M's class and played the guitar. The class sang "Open the Eyes of my Heart Lord," "Bless it be the Name of the Lord" and "Here I am to Worship." It was very sweet to hear their voices singing praises to God. We had a lot of outside plans, but then the unthinkable happened. It actually snowed! Do you believe it - in April - SNOW? Unfortunately C's football game got canceled so Uncle J didn't get to see him play. We did go to the park as planned, but because of the weather we didn't hike the long trail. All in all we had a great time.

We Got to See Eagles!

Yesterday (Saturday) we went to Goldstream Park( C's friend came along with us). It is a huge park with miles of trails. We went later in the day, so we only walked a small part of the trail. There was a nature center where we were able to see what animals live in this park. Bears were one of them. We really wanted to see them! Also, Eagles live in this park. We did get to see Eagles. They were really far away, but the other day one flew right over our car. Do you believe that - right over the car. It was beautiful! When Uncle J comes in another week, we are going to take a picnic lunch and hike the long trail! Bring your walking shoes Uncle J! The trees were huge - bigger than huge. The picture on this blog shows how big some of the trees are. The kids were also introduced to a flower called stink cabbage. They looked so pretty until you get close, and then look out - skunk! Anyhow it was a great afternoon. We are really looking forward to going back and taking more time to explore.

New Life Community Baptist Church

It occurred to me that many have not seen a picture of our church, so I decided to write a quick blog. On April 13th there was an induction service followed by a reception to officially welcome S into ministry. The Lord has been so good to us. We love the church and could not have asked for a better pastor. The service went really well. S was really surprised when a letter from his mentor was read. Here is an excerpt from that letter: "S and his family are in a place they now call 'home.' ... Home is where other believers believe in you and believe in the gifts God has gifted you. It's where S can now be the real S that God has placed inside S... S, even after meeting with you on a regular basis for three years, you would call me 'Major Prophet' and referred to yourself as 'Minor Prophet.' The time has now come for me to pass the mantle on to you. You are no longer the 'Minor Prophet,' but rather a major force in the kingdom of God."

Happy Seventh Birthday!

M had a terrific birthday. In fact, I would say that it was a terrific birthday month. She is taking after her dad- birthdays always last more than a day! Her birthday surprises started off with an outfit and a trip to Victoria with a friend to see the Hannah Montanah 3D movie. M received birthday money, so we took her on Saturday to a mall, and she was able to shop. Mom was walking around with an armful of "I'm thinking about these." M kept saying, "How much do I have now?" She is quite the shopper! And then finally the big day - her actual birthday! M invited friends over and we had a flower theme party. We created flower invitations, had flower pot party favors and made flower tattoos with sand. The weather outside (snowing in March!) was too crazy for outside games, but the girls were content to play inside. When we made the move, I was really sad for M because she left so many great girl friends. She was very close with them (they even threw her a good bye party). I didn't think she would be so lucky to find another great group, but I was wrong. Watching M with these girls was such a blessing! Some of the hits of the party were M's Hannah Montanah jeans. All of the girls flipped when she pulled them out! Her second American girl doll was also a big surprise. Mia is a skater and she came with her own pair of skates. The girls wanted me to open her immediately. Well, the day ended with me exhausted and M all smiles. She had a great day! Thank you to Nanny and PopPop, Nanny and G-Daddy, Aunt Shonda, Uncle Tim and Maci, Great Grandma Franks, Uncle Scott and Aunt Mara, and Great Nana for making the day special - even miles away!

Happy Easter!

Just wanted to say Happy Easter to everybody. M just loved her new dress and received lots of complements on it. Mom had to give Great Nana's birthday gift to her early because M was dressing her American girl doll in her Christmas pj's for church. M was thrilled with the matching dress. Thank you Great Nana!