day 5 and 6

We spent most of the last two days mostly resting.

The water was beautiful as the sun set on day 6.

We took the children to play at the clubhouse playground.

Levi is a goof.
I wondered how we would make it through the day once he started school,
and how many times his goofiness would interrupt the day.
He actually took lots of my pics this time, so I didn't have many of him to chose from.

Caleb thought why ride the "normal" way?

I think my boys are like all other boys, they're a lot like I was when I was little,
Oh yeah, except I'm not a boy - though I'm not sure I knew that then!
Josiah's climbing on top, again.

Timothy Nicholas, who turns 7 next month.

Buddy Stonewall (we call him Buddy Buck - but that's a different story).
He turned 4 earlier this week, and Paige has a post about it on her blog.

Hunter James is practicing to be a fireman.

Dad was pushing the boys on the tire swing.

Then starts day 6.
We let the children go swimming.
Because the pool is in full sun, it was not freezing.
As you can see, they are getting cold!!!

I probably have hundreds of pictures of the sunsets.
I will never tire of watching the sunset,
and the beautiful way the Lord has made His creation.

Most of all on this evening, the sun actually shimmered on the water.

The heavens declare the glory of God; and the firmament sheweth his handiwork. Psalm 19:1

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prayer request

A week after Silas' passing we had a new couple join our church.

Jenny was with child, though they knew the baby
could not survive outside the womb.
Last Thursday the baby was born, and passed during delivery.
After church yesterday we had a small graveside service,
and her small body now rests beside Silas'.

How strange it is to see those pink flowers,
and that tiny mound of sand.
My heart aches with and for the Piche family.
Please keep them in your prayers.
Somehow I don't feel far enough down the road in this
to be much help, or a blessing.
Once again, my Lord knows things I do not.

The Piche family has three small children
who do not understand what is going on.
I know my little ones do not quite get it.
Buddy kept giving his "Buggy" toys at the viewing,
and asking if Silas was going to color a picture.
I'm not sure how much a few of the others understand.
They can give you all the right answers, and they've seen animals die,
but head knowledge doesn't give understanding.

Just as a head knowledge of the Bible doesn't make someone saved.
It takes the word of God sinking down into someone's heart.
Then it requires action from the person, a confession of sin,
a sorrow over sin, and a repentance of sin.

Back to the children, please pray for their tender hearts,
and wisdom for their parents to answer their questions.
We have tried to be very truthful with our children,
I don't ever want them to be able to say I've lied to them.

The Piche Family
one tiny girl
a large empty spot in their hearts
prayers needed
grace to heal

vacation day 3 & 4

We had a full week and had lots of fun.

Buddy ran out of food, so he wanted to help Sister.

We went to the Track.

Everyone raced, and there was a bit of competition.
Here's Nick & I on the slick track, my favorite.
I like the sliding around the corners.

Levi racing, concentrating hard.

Nick and I racing, again.

He wouldn't let me pass!!!

Paige with Josiah right behind, No, she wouldn't let him pass either!

Caleb, Timothy, and Hunter raced.
They were intense little racers, bumping and passing!
Timothy, a bit of a dreamer, ran into the side or the extra cars often.

Hunter, had to stick out his tongue for concentration!

Caleb, very serious about his racing,
managed to pass the others two times one race.

Here's Buddy swinging.
That used to be one of my favorite things to do.

Timothy, Caleb, Hunter, and Levi.

Day 4.
We went to the Gulfarium.
I always like these big aquariums.

Everyone looking at the sharks.
It was barely cool enough for the jackets.

This is what normally happens when I try to take a picture!!!

I'll have to finish out days five, six and seven later!

Sunset at OneTrueMedia.com

We all went over to watch the sunset yesterday.
Well, I went to watch the sunset,
the children and Nick played ball.

I've always loved the beach sky at sunset.
O Lord our Lord, how excellent is thy name in all the earth!
who hast set thy glory above the heavens. Ps 8:1

I will praise thee, O Lord with my whole heart;
I will shew forth all thy marvellous works. Ps 9:1

It's amazing to me how the sun sinks so quickly from sight.

Make video montages at www.OneTrueMedia.com

vacation

We are on a much needed vacation
for the week for some family time.
I love being near the water, and this is our backyard for the week!
I can sit on the porch or balcony and listen to the owls at night,
or the loons during the day.
I can walk across the road,
watch and listen to the waves crash into the shore,
feel the sand beneath my feet,
while watching the crabs scurry, and the seagulls fly.

We went out today, and had fun the Blackburn way!
Sometimes we sort of take over a place when we go to play,
but we try to share, some.

Nick and I, relaxing. While the children burn off that perpetual steam.

Handsome, isn't he!!

Here's my new purse, which Nick said "is very Karen"!
Does anyone know what THAT means?
Cause Nick won't say?!!

Buddy was nice enough to sit still for a picture with Paige,
or maybe she was holding him down.

Buddy Stonewall thinks he's completed his shopping list right here.

Hunter James, King of the mountain!

Timothy's horsing around at the condo.

Caleb caught a baby gecko, and of course, wanted to keep it!
No, thank you!

I tried to tell Levi this wasn't the way to get to the Congo faster,
but you know they've got to learn on their own.
Nick and Levi will be heading to the Congo,
yes, in Africa, at the end of this month, for a month!

Josiah, all boy.
Diving out the window, why else would there be holes in the walls!

We're having a good time, as day two ends.