The Zoo

Today Brandon I and spent time with Claire. It was so nice to have some one on one time with her. She craves the attention and needs the reassurance that we love and value her. First we took her to the Folsom City Zoo. We had fun walking around and looking at all the animals. We were all ready for lunch after that, so we went and got sub sandwiches and brought them to the park. I forgot how irritating it can be to eat outside. Flies and yellow jackets everywhere! Brandon was so sweet and keep them away while Claire and I ate. After eating and playing at the park, we rode the little steam train and then ended our time by going to the library. It was a full day and I am so thankful for it!

My precious girls

My babies are getting so big. I thought I would post their 4th of July picture. I am amazed by them and can not believe that they are already 3 and 4!

Experiencing God

I have started the Experiencing God workbook, and let me tell you, God is at work. The day after I began this study, became a day of trial for me. In the study, the author discusses how God tells us to follow Him- without knowing all the details. In Matthew, Jesus tells us not to worry about tomorrow, focus on today. Well, I am putting this into practice. I am trusting in Jesus and His will for me. I KNOW that He will be there with me and that God is at work all around me. It is a freeing experience, even in the midst of difficulties.

Agony Ride

This weekend Brandon and I had the opportunity to work at the Agony ride for Christian Encounter Ministries. The agony is their yearly fund raiser- people ride their bikes for 24 hours. I have worked at 6 other agonies and each year I am humbled and amazed and proud. I leave feeling rejuvenated and appreciative of the sacrifice that others are willing to make. The riders come in to the SAG (Stop and Go) stations and they are tired and achy, but they press on. The keep riding. When the sun goes down and it is FREEZING cold overnight, they keep riding. When it is windy and hot, they keep riding. I watch them and feel so proud of them. I am so thankful for them, they are truly God's people. This year over $113k was raised. There was also a new record set- 374 miles! Wow!

Paper Chain Countdown

So we are leaving for vacation in 70 days! I made a paper chain to countdown our time. Claire is constantly asking, "How many days until vacation?" So now she doesn't have to wonder! Let the countdown begin!

Vacation Confirmed

Brandon was able to confirm his vacation time! We are headed to So. Cal on September 26 and will return on October 8. We are going to Palm Springs, Disneyland, and the beach! I can not wait! I am so excited to get away and have some fun with my family. I have a lot of work to do (on myself) before then!

A change in perspective

I have been very bitter and angry lately. I have been short of patience- especially with my kids. I realize that I need to change my perspective on life. I have an expectation that my kids will do exactly what I want them too- we all know that is unrealistic. I need to allow them room to be kids; to take an extra minute to get their shoes on, to wander and enjoy the things around them. I am always in a rush- there really is no need for that! Before I know it they will be grown and I will miss these days. I don't want to look back on my parenting and be full of regrets. So, I am going to try to slow down just a bit and enjoy life.

Cheer for Jesus

I went to church tonight and it was so refreshing. The sermon was on the Day of Atonement. We are studying the book of Leviticus this summer, and I am learning a lot! We learned about the old Testament practice of having a scapegoat take away their sins. We then remembered that Jesus became our scapegoat and took away our sins once and for all. Now that is something to celebrate!

Changes

Hannah starts preschool next week. That means both kids will be in preschool! EEKS- we are going to barely be scraping by. I know that God will provide- we just need to trust in Him. I am anxious about money and worried that something will not work out. We have cut our costs to the BARE minimum already. I am scared. I need to rest in the Lord and worry just about today. I struggle with this in EVERY area of my life. Trust is so hard.