Hello, again...

Things sure haven't slowed down for us
and I've neglected my blog terribly
but it has been a worthwhile absence
as I have been spending time with my family
and allowing the Lord to carry me through
some spiritual growing pains, which, as I obey Him,
not only benefit me but my family, as well.
I'm so thankful that He is Faithful in growing,
teaching, shaping, changing, and leading us.
What a blessing it is when we listen and obey!

On the homefront, we have kept busy
and will continue to this week as we are having VBS at church.
But before I jump deep into our day,
I wanted to share a few pics from last week...

On Friday, we had our homeschool park day.
It is always such a delight to see how the children
just love to be out-of-doors...
(you can click on all of these photos to enlarge)






Friday was, also, our weekly sourdough pizza night
with an added special event...



Will was very excited to hit the double digits!
For me, however, birthdays are always so bittersweet.
It's such a joy to see him growing
physically, intellectually, emotionally, and spiritually
but to see that baby, little boy, only son
changing into a young man, tugs on my heart strings.

For his birthday, he wanted the complete works
of Sir Arthur Conan Doyle's Sherlock Holmes.
He was tickled when he saw that he got them...

I am ever amazed, thankful, and delighted
at his intense interest and love for reading.

He received another gift in great anticipation...


He taught himself how to ride a bike earlier this year
and had been using a free (ahem, girl's) bike (without complaint)
as he continued practicing and mastering
the art of riding a bike...
so he was surprised when he saw
he got a new "man's" bike...


He was eager to get it "on the road"
and was delighted to reach new speeds...


The lil' girls enjoyed riding along with him...





Before I go, I can't forget to mention
our new family member, Suzie.
She has been filling her days with fun
and continues to adjust quite well...


I often wonder what she contemplates
as she stares out the window...
mostly, I believe, she plots how to get the cat
that lives across the street but I like to think
that she reaches deeper levels of thinking, too. LOL

All of that thinking, of course, would make one hungry
and there's nothing like giving in to peanut butter pleasures...

lol

I hope all of you are enjoying your summer.
I do hope to, one of these days, respond to comments
and sure do appreciate your understanding. ;o)

Enjoy the rest of your week!


"... that in all things he might have the preeminence."
~ Colossians 1:18