Family Beach Trip

"Many, Lord my God, are the wonders you have done, the things you planned for us. None can compare with you; were I to speak and tell of your deeds, they would be too many to declare."

Psalm 40:5

We had a great time on our vacation.
The beach was beautiful and wonderful and full and needed!

We packed and loaded up for the drive to Carabelle, Florida.



Some of us were in absolute shock watching God's wonder.
Grant stood at the beach for a very long time and watched the huge ocean and waves.
All I could do is thank God for bring Grant home and for allowing us to be a part of so many first in his life. The world through Grant's eyes is really different and I forget to slow down to understand what he is thinking or feeling.



While the others delighted in it's great mighty power. And experienced some first too.




We collected a lot of sea shells and

hermit crabs,



larger crabs,



GIGANTIC crabs



and some kind of non-stinging jellyfish.

We relaxed,


and ate wonderful seafood and the best junk food and candy you can find!

Grant ended up loving the beach.



Towards the end of the trip, Grant would head out to the beach first thing in the morning. I love this picture of him dragging the body board in his PJs.

Another first, the oldest children had so much fun kayaking. They have always wanted to swim with the porpoises. God blessed their socks off! The porpoises became very interested in the kayaks and would play next to the boats.

Another first for us was having my step-father, mother and brother join us the last three days of our vacation. We were so grateful to have had this time together with them too.

During the trip, Skip and I celebrated our 14th wedding anniversary!
I asked Skip if he had a favorite year which led to us down memory lane. What stood out the most in our minds were the births and adoption of our children, our family vacations, and the difficult trials where God pulled us so close and then revealed to us His Glory.

I am so blessed.

"Many, Lord my God, are the wonders you have done, the things you planned for us. None can compare with you; were I to speak and tell of your deeds, they would be too many to declare."

Psalm 40:5

Thank you Lord!

Family Vacation

Definition of Vacation from Webster's Dictionary

1: a respite or time of respite from something

2: a. scheduled period during which activity is suspended
b. a period of exemption from work granted to an employee

3. a period spent away from home or business in travel or recreation

Selfishly, I wish it was #1 and I am dreaming of #2, but I will graciously take #3.


We were gifted a week long trip to the beach. This past week I have been resting up for our vacation. Vacation for me is no to do list, no errands, no clutter, no projects, no TV, ~ just a simplified life with lots of sand, sunscreen, laughter and energy!

I am glad the boys are joining us this time.

It's going to be grand!

Dreaming of Winter

Today the heat index is between 104 and 108!

Only Three At Home

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Skip is away on business and the three oldest girls are visiting with their grandmama, aunt and two of their cousins the past two days. It has been a sweet time with the little ones, but I am ready for everyone to come home.

Still hoping for some motivation to get some things done this summer. It is just not happening yet.

Summer Kick-Off

Tomorrow is the last day of school! I am so excited for the GO GO GO to come to an end and for the lazy days of summer to begin. I always have grand visions heading into summer: organizing, reviewing all my home schooling curriculum, chore charts . . . The children also have their vision of a wonderful summer: trips to Brewsters, daily swimming, endless TV and computer, snacking, unmade beds . . . I so wish I was the Mama that shared their same vision - hoping to meet somewhere in the middle.

I do feel like during the summer I get more quality time with God. My quite time in the morning seems to last longer. I recently listened to a Beth Moore simulcast called Psalms 126 Reaping Sheaves of Joy - it was so timely and wonderful. She begins by talking about seasons in your life when you suddenly realize you have drifted away from God. I believe I am coming back from one of those times. So much of it has to do with business and what I have chose to spend my time on. I am so thankful our Father stands with open arms knowing we are coming back. How precious He is to welcome us back every single time. He is beginning to open my eyes to the harvest and I just love every moment of the discovery. I want so badly to constantly be active in the harvest and more than that I want to understand where I am to harvest with Him along side of me. It is very easy for me to look over here and there and jump into something that is anointed by Him and beautiful and rich BUT not where I have been called to be- I can so easily become passionate about His work and unfortunately that takes away from where I am needed the most. I am seeing that with 6 children my call has become less and less outside the home. Many days I have a hard time facing the enormous issues we can have at any given time - I'd much rather go on over to someone's field - I am unattached there. I consistantly surrender my walls of protection and selfish ambition which does bring so much peace. Knowing He is doing the laboring as long as I am depending upon Him and not what I can do. I am such a "people person" and what I understanding is my people are under this roof. I cannot predict what the balance will look like and I am sure I have a lot more of my agenda to surrender, but God is always good and full of adventure!
It is going to be a great summer.