Sammi's Big Day

Today my 'baby' girl is 15. I am so proud of her that I could just bust. She's turning into such a beautiful, responsible young woman. She's always been a lot of fun to be around -- she is fearless and fun-loving and quick to smile. She makes friends easily (see photo below to meet a new one -- he kissed her on the forehead just seconds after he met her!) and she is comfortable around all ages and types of people. She's now the second tallest in our family (after her Dad) - her sisters aren't too thrilled with that. She's also the toughest -- she loves sports of all kinds and plays so competitively that she often has the bruises to prove it. She's also been known to eat ANY concoction that someone can prepare...the grosser the better!

We are going to the Muny (an outdoor theater) tonight to see 'Grease' and she's planning to wear this terrific hat she got several years ago that looks like a giant birthday cake (she'll take if off in time for the show, of course!). That's my girl! Thanks for bringing so much joy into our lives. We love ya, darlin!

A "Mom" Moment

I took Becca to the doctor today, and the boys went with me. We waited in the waiting room while Becca was seen, and Christopher wanted me to read to him. I brought books with us and I was happy to read them.

He surprised me by climbing up in my lap with the book. Then he reached around and grabbed both of my arms gently and wrapped them around his stomach. I wasn't able to read this way, but he wasn't as concerned about the book as he was the hug he got while sitting on my lap. He held the books and turned the pages as we read four books this way. The whole time he rubbed my arm and snuggled against my neck.

Just the other day I had been lamenting the loss of my 'huggable' little boys. It's nice to see that as they near eight years old they are still willing (and needing) to sit still for just a few minutes for a cuddle bucket refill!

20. cuddles
21. a good, slow rain that refreshes the earth
22. thunder that reminds us how small we are
23. a husband who tells me every day that he loves me

Catching Up

Wow...I can't believe it's been so long since I've written. We've been very busy with the house (see previous post), but in reality I just haven't felt like I had much to write about.

Since the last post we have:
Kissed Alicia goodbye for the summer as she heads off to Panama City for an internship
Finished school...everyone passed!
Shopped with Becca to prepare for her Ecuador trip
Transported Sammi back and forth to her job at the Fireworks stand
Hugged my Uncle Tom goodbye -- he's moved to Arkansas
Started a summer Bible study on Moms of the Bible
Ripped up the laundry room, kitchen, breakfast room, and 2/3rds of the basement floor
Put down new laminate in the Laundry room, kitchen, breakfast room
Put down black/white tile in 2/3rds basement
Ripped out basement walls
painted the laundry room
watched 2 swim meets (Kevin, Chris, and Sammi participate)
Got a new camera and have fun playing with it
started a photo blog (www.liftupmyeyes.blogspot.com)

And probably a bunch of other stuff I've already forgotten!

One of the verses that I've read during my 'Year Through the Bible' efforts is:

Nehemiah 4:14b "Don't be afraid of them. Remember the Lord, who is great and awesome, and fight for your brothers, your sons and your daughters, your wives and your homes."

It reminded me that we must always keep our eyes on God, and that we will have to get involved and fight for what is good and right. It's not that He can't do it by himself, but He wants us to want things badly enough to get involved in the fight!