Another one of those perfect days

Yesterday, Ross and I went for a run with the kids. Normally, he pushes the double stroller and I push the single stroller. Well, yesterday was different. Ross pushed the double stroller, I pushed no stroller and Selah rode her bike. It was so fun! There is a wide path close to our house that we ran/rode on and at one point we were all in a line across the path - Selah on bike, Lane, Ross with stroller. Then, the best part... Kiera and Mason started cheering, "Go, Momma, Go!", "Go, Selah, Go!", "Go, Daddy, Go!". I wanted that moment to last. It seemed like my kids liked each other, they were encouraging and cheering for one another - Selah was saying, "Thank you" and grinning ear-to-ear. Those are the moments to hold onto when the fighting and name calling seems to be gaining hold of the day.

The other precious part was when Kiera and Mason got out of the stroller to run (they were so excited to have their turn). Selah rode her bike next to Kiera running and now it was Selah's turn to cheer. And she did! "Go, Kiera, Go!", "Kiera, you are doing a great job running!" and for Mason, "Mason, you are so fast!". Yes, this is what I value. I value time with my family outside. I value being active with my husband and kids and giving them the gift of loving the outdoors, being active, spotting animals, catching butterflies, encouraging each other, laughing because the day is so wonderful that there is no other suitable response. Yes, that is what I value.

Prayer Requests - 7/14/13

Prayer Requests - 7/14/13

Before any requests, I would like to update a few things - We are getting a house on the YWAM Campus - house #20 :-) We aren't sure of our move-in date yet, probably around mid-August. We are so, so excited to be close to work, school, the lake, our community! Thank you to everyone who prayed for this. It has happened faster than I thought it would (I was expecting October) - so this is a huge blessing and a wonderful surprise!

Also, our trip to Birmingham, Charlotte and Tampa was wonderful. The kids did great, travel was relatively painless, only one ear infection, but no other sicknesses. Super tired kids, but they had a good attitude most of the time. Thank you for your prayers for this also.

Request -
A church home. We have been "church shopping" for want of a better title since we arrived here. I feel like we've been to every church in town that has been recommended and a few that we've just seen while driving by. I long for a church home where we can have consistency in our worship, teaching and fellowship.

One of those days

This morning was one of those days. One of those times I never want to forget. My brother, Stephen, and I were at the beach with our 5 children. His daughter, Mallory, and son, Cruz, and my 3 children, Selah, Kiera and Mason. All 7 of us spent a few hours at the beach this morning – digging holes, searching for shells, jumping waves, swimming and most importantly, laughing. For a good chunk of time all 7 of us were in the water jumping waves and splashing and laughing and there was nothing else in the world. There wasn’t thinking about needing to pack up and leave in a few hours, not thinking about my grandmother in the hospital with a broken back, not thinking about the family I wished were there with us (Nana, Grandpa, Ross and Ana), not thinking about the fact that I hadn’t shaved my legs or if my stomach was sticking out or that my hair looked crazy in the wind. The only thing I could think of was the feeling of contentment and joy. The peaceful, beautiful smiles on the children’s faces. The way Kiera said to me, Mom, isn’t this fun?, I replied with a grin on my face, “Yes, sweetheart, this is the most fun!” I played with my kids today and I enjoyed it. Thank you, Lord, for softening my heart. For allowing me to go on vacation with my children and enjoy them. To not have to think about all the “things I need to do”,  to not think about what’s for dinner or laundry or phone calls, but instead to just simply be present with my kids. What a gift. I long for my days like today and I wonder what simple changes I could make in my day-to-day once I get back home to capture this feeling – to play with my children and not be plagued with a to do list. Possibly a simpler dinner? Less commitments? Looking to God for my fulfillment and value instead of what I get done? Enjoying time with my children instead of seeking friends to fill holes of loneliness that only God is meant to fill?

Selah in the sand

Zoning out after a morning of swimming

burying Mason

The crew burying Selah

Uncle Stephen, Selah, Kiera

Mallory

Cruz

Officially Montana!!!

It's official! We have our Montana license plates!!! 

Hiking in Lone Pine and Wayfarers Park

We have found a state park close to the cabin that we love! It is not near as big as Oak Mountain, but lots of fun can be had there. Hiking, mountain biking, trail running, a super cool interpretive center and a walking archery course :-)

These pictures are from a few weeks ago, the first time we went to check it out. Since then, we've been back 4 or 5 times. It is free and only about 10 minutes away. Perfect!

Kiera posing for the camera

All the kiddos right after we had found Ross on the trail. He was running while we were hiking.

The long walk back to the car

Mason and Daddy

We have found another state park that we like well, also - there is camping, the lake, a playground and some hiking trails. What more could you want? The water was cold and the air wasn't that warm, but the kids insisted on getting wet :-)

Selah and Kiera

Mason with his new water gun - doesn't he look like he is up to no good?

Selah, the monkey, just hanging out

Kiera and Mason Dancing

I caught a special moment with the two of them getting along and dancing together:

http://vimeo.com/66863097

Mason turned 3!!!

On May 10th, Mason turned 3. My baby is no longer a baby. I have mixed emotions about this - mostly excitement, but a little sadness as we leave the baby phase. He can pour his own cereal (when he feels like it), open his own cheese sticks, use the potty and goes to preschool - I'm telling you, he is a big boy now! Except that he still wakes me in the middle of the night to help him get water or go to the bathroom, he still likes to cuddle and he LOVES to be tickled (see video proof: http://vimeo.com/67237086) He will always be my little boy too!

For his birthday, we had a party at the base playground, lots of friends came. He received lots of fun toys, especially guns! Water guns (2 types), Bubble guns, Pop guns, Dart guns (2 types). And also trucks, cars, play doh, bouncy balls and dress-up outfits. A lucky boy indeed!

Kiera and Saul

Lots of cupcakes for anyone who might want to join us!

Anna Grace, Mason, Selah, Alex

Unicorn Daddy

Leah and Steph

Monster Boy!