Ahhhh...Summer!

If you're hot this summer, Cora would like to show you what to do.

1. Find a fountain.

2. Look to make sure the water seems inviting.

3. Touch the water to make sure it's just the right temperature.

4. Once you are satisfied with all of your tests, just stick your whole face in and let yourself go!

5. Be pleased with yourself for finding such wonderful refreshment on a hot summer day!

O-R-E-O

Do you enjoy...

...your Oreo cookie...

...this much?

Well, you should! :)

There's just no pleasing us!

We complain when it's winter and we're cold...

...so God gives us spring and summer and we complain because it's HOT...

...so He sends us the rain to cool us off and we complain because it's raining.

I guess we just can't be pleased. How aggravated God must get with us sometimes. Every year I try not to complain about the winter. If we didn't have winter we wouldn't have a beautiful spring. I try not to complain during spring when it rains a lot. If it didn't rain we wouldn't get to see all the green grass and plants coming to life. I try not to complain during the heat of summer (somehow forgetting I hated being cold during the winter). And I try not to complain during the fall with complaints of "winter is coming too fast this year!" We are a fickle people, aren't we? I guess as fall comes this year I need to remember not to complain but remember there is a reason for all these seasons and I should "simply" marvel at the beauty God creates in each of them.

Fun with Grandad and Mammaw!

One of the things we have enjoyed the most about our move from Michigan is being closer to family. We live with my MIL and her new husband, my sister and her family is an hour away, my parents are 2 hours away and my FIL and his wife are 3 hours away. This is a VAST improvement for everyone involved! Last week my husband's dad and step mom came up to see us for a couple days. It was HOT, HOT, HOT, but we still managed to have a good time! It was so much fun for us to see Cora get reacquainted with her Grandad and Mammaw and it was fun for them to see how much Cora has grown and changed since they last saw her 4 months ago. Below are a few of my favorite photos from the visit!

Reading her new book with Mammaw

"Grandad, this is your WATCH!"

Walking in the park

Putting on a show for Grandad and Mammaw

Cora decided to entertain herself in the hotel room by getting in and out of the cupboard! :)

Two Lovebirds

Today is my sister and BIL's 7th wedding anniversary!!!!! WOW! Seems like just yesterday I was returning from Cameroon, Africa 20 days before their wedding and hoping I hadn't missed out on all the fun! They have not always had it easy--dashed hopes in ministry, loss of several unborn children, heartache, questioning "what's next," and not always understanding the path God has sent them on. However, I know with certainty, that my sister and BIL love the Lord and in turn, love each other with great passion.

When they got married I was still single. I had many people ask me if I was upset that my younger sister was getting married first? WHAT? Seriously??? NO! I was ecstatic that my sister was able to marry the man of her dreams and was able to build a life with him! I wasn't at all upset, though it made me upset when people would ask me that. Their wedding was beautiful--full of love, life and laughter. Other than my own wedding it was the most fun I have ever had at a wedding. The food was good, the cake was DELICIOUS and the company was great. I remember being so happy and proud of my sister for marrying such a wonderful man.

My BIL is a gem and has become a brother to me, not just an in-law. I love how he loves my sister and treats her with such respect and love. He challenges her to be a better person and praises her and encourages her in her strengths.

These 2 have built a beautiful family. I have 2 nieces and 1 nephew who I have had the privilege to love and spend time with and watch grow. I know my sister and BIL do not take these children for granted as they have suffered the loss of 4 who we won't meet this side of heaven. I know that has been more than hard for them, but I also know it has taught them, among other things, to not take for granted the children the Lord has blessed them with.

Their love for the Lord and each other has been an encouragement to me. I love them so much and am proud to call them, not only family, but my friends.

Happy Anniversary Jamie and Ruthie!

HA! HA! You thought wrong!

So, you thought it was only the grandkids we had issues getting to cooperate in photos? THINK AGAIN! :)

We love you, Dad! :)

A Birthday Party for Grampy!

Last week was my dad's 58th Birthday. We all got together in the town my sister and BIL and their kids live to celebrate on Saturday. We had a great time, as usual! :) My sister and BIL have had a Chinese grad student living with them for 3 years. My mom asked Shirmy if she would be willing to make a Chinese dinner for my dad's birthday. Of course, Shirmy said yes, and we all partook of some wonderful, authentic Chinese food! Shirmy put on quite the spread for us, and we all ate until we were way too full! :) Shirmy has become a part of our family these 3 years so it was nice to have her join us!

There was the usual cake and ice cream and gift-opening. As well as the obligatory photos trying to get all the kids and adults to look at the camera, with a smile, at the same time! Not too easy, let me tell you! :) In any case, I think Dad felt loved and well-celebrated and we all had a marvelous time!

Shirmy making dinner

All the yummy food!

Aren't they so cute? :)

The 3 oldest grandkids finger painted pictures for Grampy and I put them in a frame. I think he liked it! :)

This is the best one I got!