Family time--Death Valley

We had an opportunity this past Thursday through Saturday to get away to Death Valley for some much needed family time. There was no cell phone reception, no Internet, no work, and just tons of hiking and fun times to be had. It was so beautiful. God gave us 2 kids that love hiking, which excites both Greg and myself. So our pictures will be divided up into two sections. One blog slide show are the family shots and the other will be focused on the scenery.

During our hikes Mak looked for cool rocks and then we searched for the perfect area to bury our "treasures". It was a blast. She had so many rocks in her pockets that it literally almost busted open. It was great to see the kids enjoy the simple things.

The first day we went to the Sand Dunes. Greg showed the kids the joy of jumping from the top of the Dunes and sliding down. It was so much fun. Zeke kept stopping to dump all the sand out of his shoes. When we first got there neither of the kids were excited about walking. So, we had to figure out some games and get the fun started. It was great when the light when on for them that this could be fun and just go for it. The time ended up being full of laughter and hoorays. It reminded me of my own attitudes. At times I can be so focused on what I don't want to do, other than just finding the fun in whatever I'm asked to do. Kind of sad that a child's attitude reminds me of my own when I'm 27 yrs. old. Think I would be further along on the maturity journey.

Greg and I enjoyed slowing down and being simple. We both get so caught up in all the "projects" that we are involved in that we sort of forget to live. It was perfect before a week of Easter festivities at our church. Though the events at church are awesome and get to attend and help--it was nice to have some down time to remember what this time is all about. Praise the Lord that He allows us to join Him in life. There is so much that could be written about this vacation time--but the point really is- my life is blessed and I love my family- and God is so awesome!

Next big camping trip will be in June to Yosemite. We are looking forward to 5 days playing up in the mountains.

Sea World

We took a trip down south to Sea World. It was such a blast!!!! My dad, Janelle, and Desiree' were able to come down with us. Mary and Grandma Betty were hoping to come with us but weren't able to. So we look forward to going again in April. It was such a great day with the kids. They had great attitudes and were enjoying the big fish and fun looking penguins and polar bears.

It was one of those days where all just seems to be going well in the world. Family and time shared together is just so important. I love the opportunities to see God's creation. It was great for the kids to see how creative our God is. I can't wait to experience other "First times" with kids. God is good...

updated photos of the kids

>
Okay, so not like that you haven't seen enough of my awesome kids but Greg was finally able to have time to catch up with on posed pictures of Mak and Zeke.

So, sit back and check out my two goobers!

Yeah for Chocolate

I oh so love chocolate. Seriously, it is grand! So I jumped at the opportunity to expose my children to all the wonders of chocolate when Sarah and Danny K. invited us to the Chocolate Festival on 2nd Street in Belmont. And on the way home Mak fell asleep with gum in her mouth ( mom learned a lesson) and got gum stuck in her hair. So we tried out the Peanut Butter approach. Then bubbled up the bath tub to get gum AND PB out of her hair. And it actually worked!! Here is the evidence of a day well spent on family and good friends.

Beauty for Ashes

A dear friend of mine got my thoughts rolling a month or so ago. This idea of Beauty to Ashes. Thank you for challenging me.
The following is a song by Crystal Lewis- the words struck me today.

He gives beauty for ashes
Strength for fear
Gladness for mourning
Peace for despair

When sorrow seems to surround you
When suffering hangs heavy oer your head
Know that tomorrow brings
Wholeness and healing
God knows your need
Just believe what He said

He gives beauty for ashes
Strength for fear Gladness for mourning
Peace for despair

When what youve done keeps you from moving on
When fear wants to make itself at home in your heart
Know that forgiveness brings
Wholeness and healing
God knows your need
Just believe what He said

He gives beauty for ashes
Strength for fearGladness for mourning
Peace for despair

I once was lost but God has found me
Though I was bound Ive been set free
Ive been made righteous in His sight
A display of His splendor all can see

He gives beauty for ashes
Strength for fearGladness for mourning
Peace for despair

"...to bestow on them a crown of beauty instead of ashes, the oil of gladness instead of mourning, and a garment of praise instead of a spirit of despair." (Isaiah 61:3)

3 + 2 = Buds for life!

We get the joy of hanging out with the McElderry Trio every week. The trio consist of Eliana (Eli), Vivian (Vivi), and Cael (Cael boy). They are a crack up! Mak and Zeke have grown up with these guys, almost like honorary cousins. Just thought I would show off the buds enjoying another random day of play at the weavers. Dress up is one of the favorite pass time--even for Zeke. And as the first photo shows, Zeke loves having someone to take care of. A week ago, Cael was sitting in his chair and Zeke brought his toy cars over to Cael and played for 30 minutes showing Cael how to move the cars around. It was sooo cute! And the girls...their imagination never ends. Between playing "mommy", or "princesses" or "school" ( sometimes all three together) there is a lot of laughter.

Say what?!

Makayla was sitting on her grandmother Kathy's lap. All snuggled up, she turned her head gave out a long heavy cough. Her cousin Corbin had been over the previous day who had a cough. As Kathy held Mak, Kathy said, "Did you get Corbin's cough?". Mak looked up at her with a very serious and astonished face and said, "No! I have my own cough!".

Oh how everything seems to belong to 'me' when we are young! Even sickness.