Branson Family Vacation

Ben's family and siblings (minus one that lives in California) spent a few days in Branson, MO. We had a very good time. I've been to Branson once before, but have never stayed in cabins. That is the way to go in Branson. It has beautiful lakes and wooded areas. I enjoyed feeling secluded and having no phone reception. 

Here are some photos of Ben and the kids on their first canoe ride. 

The first day we went to a large five and dime store. Zeke was feeling ill so Gwen and I had to hurry and look around. Gwen got a bow and arrow set, we got Zeke a gun that shoots balls, and Romy a metal top. Here's Gwen modeling a skunk hat.

The second day we went to the Butterfly Palace.  They have an aviary with lots of butterflies flying around. 

Hammered dulcimer accompaniment.

They also had some amphibians like the poisonous dart frog. They are so pretty.

Look at the crysallises!

First flight

More to come...

Final Days of Summer

 Our church had a serve day yesterday at the apartment complex we minister to.  Gwen got face painting done. 

Later on in the day we had Chinese food and the kids were very excited to use chopsticks.

We went to Earnie Miller Nature Center on Friday.  It was very hot, but shady, and beautiful.

My kind of beauty.

Friday night we went to a friend's house for dinner and their little girl had a solar system hanging up in her room that she had made.  Gwen decided to make one herself, but instead of a solar system, she drew the four eggs from a library book called "Masha and the Firebird".  I recommend the book highly... so cool!

Gwen and Zeke at Earnie Miller.

We all have special talents... Romy's is wearing two shoes on one foot.  She was very impressed with herself.

Gwen had the biggest meltdown over this rattle.  It was comical really, so we kept it and have it hidden.  Maybe it will reappear in her Christmas stocking.

Romy smiling.  She is such a sweet gift.  She's never too far from me and wallows all over me and that sometimes frustrates me...but I can't imagine my life without her.

On A Thursday

 We took a walk today and this tree looked inviting.  I'm glad I got these pictures.

 Doesn't it look inviting to you?

My Romy.  She likes to scream and gets time outs/spankings/put in her crib these days a lot.  But she's still sweet.  She talks like a big girl. 

We decided this is the tree's face.

Lovely bark.  Tree skin.

Zeke in a tree.

 We made paper chains counting down the days until school.  20 more days to go!

Perspective and things around town

 I took the kids to the library today and look what I found prominently displayed in the library.  I am getting more and more amazed at how society is changing and what the world is celebrating these days. Why should I be surprised really?  I know many gay people and love them.  I really do.  It's a hard topic for me because I guess I don't understand it fully.  But something I can't get away from is that God says it's sin.  Although I think Christians should be known by their love, I hope I never become so complacent with sin that I actually celebrate it.  I have struggles of my own and I am certainly talking to myself here too.  This is my blog so I can talk about controversial things on here.  It's so freeing.  Thank you!  I feel better.

I've heard these chapter books aren't too hard, and so I picked up one for Gwen at the library.  She read the first chapter to me all by herself tonight!  At regular intervals she would look over at me and say, "I'm pretty good at this!" It really made my heart glad.  I want her to practice her reading before school starts.  I found out recently that Gwen will not have Spanish class this year in school.  That has made me determined to continue her learning in language at home.  My mother-in-law has access through her library to an online resource for learning Spanish, so I will use that.  If I could give my kids one skill it would be speaking another language.

Claire is reading a book to Romy.

Gwen reading in bed.

Toys sometimes don't get played with...but my laundry basket does!

our pool is always filled with neighborhood kids.  I hope our kids have good memories.

 I have been short tempered lately.  I became aware of it the other day when Ben gently told me I seem exasperated all the time.  I told him I was. :)  So my goal for today was just to enjoy the kids... not yell.  I read my Bible, prayed for strength, and set off.  I did very well until bath time.  We'll see how tomorrow goes but I'm trying to be intentional.  I heard today on a radio program from a man that daughter died at 21 months from some mysterious illness.  He said his daughter had previously scratched a coffee table and he'd been agitated over it.  But that night that she died he came home and noticed the scratched table and wished that she could be there to do whatever she'd like to the table.  It was a constant reminder of what is truly important.  I was moved by his story, and so... I've noticed these following flaws with our house in a different way tonight.

Life in the Old Lane

I guess we should let everyone know... we're having a baby...watermelon. Here it is. 

Ben and I got a rare overnight away recently.

Yes, my neck started wrinkling at 38.

We saw many interesting people.

That being their own steins to coffee shops.

Interesting church signs

Pretty contrasts in flowers.

 
Gwen got this mermaid mosaic for her birthday. She helped at first, but then it became my obsession.