Rainy Day thoughts

"Reading a book is like watching a movie for 3 hours or more and no one cares",said Paul today after finishing his first two literature books in one and a half weeks. I said "yep, I don't care how much you read cause it's a lot better for your brain and reading is more exciting because you have much more understanding of how people think and feel." The truth is I have forced my two older boys to stop reading when I realized they were frying their brains. I knew they needed outdoor time or some other activity. So far I have read Nory Ryan to everyone and Farmer Boy to John. Paul has read George Mueller, the Good Master, and now he is reading Kidnapped. Joshua just finished The Pearl and is starting another. We just started school. They are crazy. John is happy to read as long as it's not too difficult so I challenge him only slightly. The evenings are usually spent playing tennis or golf or visiting with friends and family. I don't even know when they have time to read except I often find the light on late or a book in their hand when they are supposed to be working on a core subject like Science or whatever. Paul's comment really blessed me especially when I realized that he has been molded by the experiences and testimonies of so many others. It's especially important when they read true stories that portray the hurt and pain of bad choices. If they could only believe the truth about sin. If I could only believe the truth. Grace sets us free to see clear. It certainly is a daily realization. I just pray all this reading and education leads them to the love and grace of our Lord and not an arrogant, puffed up, prideful attitude.
I finally attended my mom's women prayer group at her/our church. All the ladies were 60 and up and I was so honored. Honestly. They are all amazing, still faithful and each has their life story. I am a genuine nut about being interested in people's stories. I could look at any picture album and be glued for the next half hour wondering about it all. Is anyone out there like that? My mom had a documentary scheduled but she knew nothing of what it was about. Well ironically it was about a couple whose 4 year old little girl was accidentally ran over by an older man who was a friend of the family. We all cried because of the forgiveness and love of this true story. My Aunt, who attended this meeting, is here from Michigan and I just have been thoroughly enjoying her and especially thrilled to know she is now a changed by grace Christian. She is a pleasure to be around. In fact all of my mom's sisters and their husbands have come to know the Lord and WOW!! I can hardly keep myself from tearing up now from the excitement I feel that we will all inherit this earth together someday. God has truly been working. It is so good to see victory when casualties are falling all around into darkness and despair. We never give up!!!
Don't assume our families are safe from attack. We can rest in him at the same time we put on our armour and intercede for those we love. Our marriages are the first thing Satan wants to destroy. The kids crumble. I hate the lies of the enemy! Everyone blames someone else. Let's walk in His light and pray for others instead of blaming. I guess I feel a little passion tonight. I am totally preaching to myself again. He says "I am the Vine, you are the branches. Abide in me. Bear fruit. The branches that don't bear fruit will be cut off. Apart from me you can do nothing" I know it's not a direct quote but almost. Help us God to be doers of your Words.

A zillion pictures of our Vacation

Sarah twirling on the beach in the fancy skirt she wanted to wear over her clothes day and night.

A view of the cottages we stayed.It was convenient to call for a golf cart to take us to and from the beach.

It's sure helps having a dad to keep the older ones occupied and a mom to stay with the little ones to make sure they get their naps and a little play dough, bubbles, and sidewalk chalk time.

The guys (Joseph included) spent a lot of time practicing on the short carpet in the living room of the cottage.

All the boys. We have big medium and small and one in between those.

Last night at the beach

A natural smile from Lily

Kenny wearing his shell necklace.

I enjoyed watching everyone playing together and relaxing. I was thankful that our 16 year old still seems to think its cool to hang with his family.

Me at the state park after a little walk on the trails wearing my shell necklace that Kenny made.

Joshua and Kenny chasing birds near the pier at the state park.The boys played tennis and golf and rode the waves with their dad.

Just a cute giggle I had to capture. Joshua covered his face with sand and left only a small hole for his mouth to breathe.

John and Sarah at the campsite

Our makeshift camp site. We used the back of our car for sleeping also.

Lily was thrilled with this dragon roller coaster ride. She noticed the fair nearby the first night and continued to bug us til we took her. Everyone rode something of their own choice

John would not give up drawing even on vacation.

Kenny buries Joseph the first night at the beach.

Taking a walk. What a crowd we have now!

Joshua and Paul hoping for "the big one". (I mean a wave and not hoping for a big shark since a lady warned us about an approximate 8 foot shark she spotted in the breakers near her small daughter that was playing right next to the boys)

John on arrival.

We are so thankful for the week we had away. The first four nights we stayed in a beautiful

three bedroom cottage and the next three we spent at the state park camping. It was interesting experiencing the two extremes. The weather wasn't very nice at first but there were breaks of sunshine and warm temperatures here and there enabling us to do everything we had planned. Lily, Sarah, and Paul were sick for 24 hours but at least it was chilly that day.

The camping trip was spontaneous. We were driving south when we passed the state park. We decided to take a look which led to my pleading. I was tired of being indoors with sick kids and was ready for a little adventure. And believe me it's an adventure to go camping when you didn't bring any camping supplies with you on the trip. I got my way and we headed to Wal-mart for a cheap tent, flash light, extra blankets, air rafts, lots of food to cook over the fire, smores, and of course a coffee percolator. We really did enjoy the fires and being outdoors but we hated the sandy clothes , occasional cold showers, and the hard ground. We had a love/hate relationship with a pack of fat raccoons who raided our coolers every night. Kenny wasn't to happy to find our leftover delicious grilled rib-eye steaks stolen in the morning. The tinfoil wrapping with the leftover vegetables was a few feet into the woods. We actually all woke up in the middle of the night because of the ruckus they made. Joshua shone the light on one that was on top of the picnic table and he just stared back at us and then continued to chomp away. There were about 6 more around the table!! They were really sort of cute! There was a pier for walking and pigeon catching (the boys actually caught pigeons several times) and many trails for walking. All in all we had a nice vacation.

On the way home we stopped in Knoxville for the labor day fireworks called "Booms day". We met up with the Ectors and were awed again at this unusual, spectacular display. Lily wouldn't have us miss it.

Now we are back into the swing of things. Tennis lessons, chemistry and Algebra classes,keeping everyone working at home and still planning the year ahead are just some of the activities I have been involved with. Everyone is saying they are glad to be back to school. So far so good.