Joy in the journey

No pics this time...just thinking about how the weeks that are difficult are the weeks that you can look back on and laugh or see the nearness of the Lord where it may not have been that obvious if they were a breeze. I am thankful the Lord is near to those who call on Him. I am thankful for my oldest boy who always tells me I am beautiful and the best Mom ever. Tonight when I tucked him in bed he wanted 2 kisses cause one just wasn't enough. They are so quick to forget our impatience towards them or how we didn't take the time to listen to something that interested them because we needed to wipe the counter or something so insignificant. Do you sometimes feel like you have so much growing up to do and your kids are growing too fast? I guess there are certain times when I am sick and need to slow down that I take more time to ponder where I am at and what needs fixing in my own heart. My children for sure reveal the depths of it, and while it is painful I am thankful for their sanctifying influence on my life.

The last couple weeks

Always need a baby bath picture

We celebrated Daddy's birthday on the 9th of August. We went out with his parents and then enjoyed a nice evening at a park. Here is Jack on a swing there.

Steve opening a book he asked for. The kids had fun decorating the wrapping paper.

Grandma Rose and Katy at Woodranch for Daddy's birthday lunch (sorry no pictures of the birthday boy at lunch...I was not very good this year)

Sunset from the Park that evening

We also did a trip to my parents in August. This is my Dad, Carter and Steve before their

go- carting trip.

This is the sheep we see off of Hwy 65 on the way to my parents

Our trusty driver

Happy Jack on our trip

Katy and care bear

Carter zonked out from the dramamine he has to take (at least his mouth in not open)

COC race continued...

Katy waiting for the race to start

Daddy finishing his last race of the season which was last night

All the runners on the first part of the course that goes through campus

Mommy before her race a couple weeks prior

Daddy ready for the same race. Notice something funny? We both came out with the same colors on so Steve was nice enough to go put on a different shirt so we didn't match and look like twins. Our friends took the kids for a couple hours so it could be a race date. (not so romantic but a good workout)

We had such a great time at the beach in Ventura a few days ago. I love the view and soaking in the sun but still can't quite get used to the sandy grim and the buckets of sand in the car when we get home. The kids on the other hand love the sand and even Jack buried his face in it with delight. As you can see the two younger ones crashed on the way home.

COC Run

Here we are cheering daddy on as he entered the Stadium. Good job Steve!

COC Run

Hi, Its Steve. Elizabeth ran a cross country race at College of the Canyons tonight. This is a race series which is run every Thursday night in July and August. It draws many of the local high school runners, but runners of all abilities are welcome. I first ran this race back in 1982 and I look forward to running it every year. You can imagine how proud I was to see my wife run it. She did very well for a first timer. The kids and I came out to cheer her on. Here are some pictures.

Good Job Mom

I Spy Pirates

Carter came out of his room this morning very excited about what he had placed on Jack. To my surprise Jack was contently playing in his crib with a pirate patch over his eye. They sure do love being together!

Pool Party