Oh what brothers will do to each other!

Several weeks ago, Caden began carrying Carter to whatever area they needed to play in. Then this weekend it got more involved...I came from the kitchen on Saturday to witness this. My first instinct was to go and rescue Carter, but Cory said no and to go get the camera...

Then Cory had to egg it on more and take them all for a ride!

I am not sure if I can handle this as they get older, I am just going to have to not watch!

Prayers for your children

I am in Denver, CO ready to return home today after a blessed weekend at Women of Faith! I attended the preconference with Beth Moore and the regular conference. I have traveled here with Cory's mom and sisters. It has been such a learning experience not only from the conference, but also in a book I read this weekend. The book is entitled, "Into the Deep". It is written by Robert Rogers and it is about his tragedy of losing his family in a Kansas flood. A must read for anyone! It is all about the trials he has gone through and how he got through them with God and only God. Anyway, if you want to know more about the book I will be glad to ramble on in person!

The point of today's entry is to give you the blessings I learned from that book and another from Beth Moore so that you can pray them over your children and your families! Think of the change God can work in your life and the lives of your kids just by praying these blessings over them daily! I am going to try to do so hold me accountable and I will do the same for you!

From "Into the Deep":
Numbers 6:24-26 "May the Lord bless you and keep you; may the Lord make his face to shine upon you and be gracious to you; May the Lord turn his face toward you and give you peace."

From Beth Moore the Blessing of Asher:
Taken from Deuteronomy 33:24-25 Lord let us be favored by our brothers and sisters, and let our feet be bathed in oil. Lord let the bolts of our gates be made of iron and bronze, and Lord let us have God given strength to equal our days.

May this be a challenge to you and may the Lord change us, our families, and the world around us with these simple prayers!

Carter can walk...well sort of!

Here is shot of Carter's latest talent. He is getting more sure of himself behind this toy...we could be in for it soon! He really loves for you to hold his hands and walk him that way, but it kills my back. Enjoy!

PUGGLES!

We started a new program within AWANA this year. If you don't know what AWANA is, it is what they do at church now instead of Mission Friends, RA's and GA's. It stands for Approved Workmen Are Not Ashamed. Anyway, they have programs for Pre-K through 6th grade, but there were several workers who had 3 and 4 year olds that couldn't participate so we started a group for them. We are the PUGGLES! That is a baby platypus. Ashley and Tisha are teaching with me and we have 8 little 3 and 4 year olds each Wednesday night. It is so fun to see them excited about learning God's word!

Here is a cute picture of Caden in his PUGGLE shirt! Caden is having a great time and so am I!
Here is one Caden took of Carter and me! He thinks he is a photographer!

Happy 30th Cory John!!!

Today Cory turns 30 years old! I surprised him with a great party on Saturday night. There were over 40 people here counting all the kids and family! He said he had no clue about the party or anything, but he is so laid back he didn't act too surprised!

Here are my partners in crime! Tisha, Ashley, and Emily all helped me prepare for the party! Emily hid the cake, cokes, and ice cream at her house. Ashley and Tisha brought over all the decorations and had it decorated just right! I could not have pulled it off without their help! Thanks gals, you are the best!

Here is Cory opening a few presents...the boys had fun helping! Sorry they are a little fuzzy my battery was dying! I surprised him by booking our airline tickets to NYC and he got a few gag gifts, but the best for him was a saxophone from his parents! He has been playing off and on ever since Saturday night!
Happy Birthday Cory!

Caden's 3rd Birthday!

I am a little late on his birthday party photos! I lost internet service for over a week so I haven't been able to upload pics!

Here was Caden's 1st present of the day, from his brother Carter!

The kiddos at the party, enjoying dinner

Caelan and Caleb were the "big" boys, so they got to sit at a "special" table

Here is Caden blowing out the candles on his Diego Cupcakes The kiddos eating the cupcakes
Caden being bashful at the family party while we were singing "Happy Birthday"
He had two wonderful parties! Thanks to all the family and friends that helped make it them each a success!

My Passion for Parenting

Here are a few paragraphs from the book I just finished, Shepherding a Child's Heart by Tedd Tripp. This totally summarizes my passion for parenting!

The benefits are great, and doubtless other benefits could be deduced. Every parent wants the things outlined above for his child. But what about the costs? To be sure, these things do not come cheap. The cost is great. It requires being available and fully engaged in parenting.
There is a simple way to look at the cost of deep, full-orbed communication. You must regard parenting as one of your most important tasks while you have children at home. This is your calling. You must raise your children in the fear and admonition of the Lord. You cannot do so without investing yourself in a life of sensitive communication in which you help them understand life and God's world. There is nothing more important. You have only a brief season of life to invest yourself in this task. You have only one opportunity to do it. You cannot go back and do it over.
Parenting is your primary calling. Parenting will mean that you can't do all the tings that you could otherwise do. It will affect your golf handicap. It may mean your home does not look like a picture from Better Homes and Gardens. It will impact your career and ascent on the corporate ladder. It will alter the kind of friendships you will be available to pursue. It will influence the kind of ministry you are able to pursue. It will modify the amount of time you have for bowling, hunting, television, or how many books you read. It will mean that you can't develop every interest that comes along. The costs are high.
How can you measure the cost against the benefits? God calls you to invest yourself in this way with your children. This kind of biblical communication is not just beneficial, it is mandated! It is the path of blessing because it is the path of obedience. Is this kind of communication expensive? Yes! But the benefits far exceed the cost.

Just wanted to share how I feel and this totally had it right on...I get chills everytime I read it or say it!

Summer Pics

I just got a CD of pictures from my mother in law that had pictures of our summer stuff on there. It had some really cute ones of Carter and his first swim! He loves the water and has been several times since these pictures!

My 3 boys ready for the pool!

In his cute little swim hat and suit!