Summer fun. . .

I couldn't get these to add on in the last posting, so here are some cute shots from Amanda:

The lie of summer. . .

Why do I think that summer will provide me with that much needed time to "catch-up?"

Every child anticipates the arrival of summer for that time away from formalized learning. . .every mom dreams of a summer that allows her the every elusive time to clean the closets, organize the garage, use the material purchased years ago, work on a new project, blog, talk more deeply with her children. . .you name it! Each summer I come to the end of July and realize that I have not achieved that summer of organization and catch-up!  It has alluded me once again. Instead, my home has been a whirlwind of hospitality, my nights and early mornings filled with studying for VBS, my children are pulled in 90 different directions (that's only 10 each:)) and if my house is looking somewhate clean - it's because it has been pushed into the garage!

Ah well. "Light and momentary" are these things in light of the glory to come! Thankfully some of the young adults captured photos of my kiddos - something I planned on doing this summer:).

Nina took those great shots of Miriam (3 months) one morning while I was at setting up VBS stuff and working at church! A quote from Sarah (15) "she looks better than in real life!"  I would have to agree:). We think she's pretty cute, just not THAT cute!

RESOLVED

Paul and I just returned from the Resolved conference early Tuesday morning. We were blessed again by the refreshing spirit-filled preaching by men of God. While this conference is designed for young adults, it has been a huge source of encouragement to us over the last eight years. Paul attended the first conference with about ten young adults - this year over 100 people from Riverpark attended. While you can listen to these sermons on line (and I encourage you to do so at http://www.resolved.org/) there is a special dynamic Resolved produces of taking in the meat of the Word and digesting it with others.

This year's theme "The Church" is extremely pertinent to the generation today. Steve Lawson's message on what to look for in a church is something I think we'll start having our high school seniors listen to before they graduate. Dr. Lawson's second sermon on the future of the church can only be described as "glorious."

May you listen and be encouraged! What a great God we serve!

Starbucks party

Bekah Ruth turned double digits on Flag Day. We had a few friends over to help celebrate. The back row is Bekah, Bekah, Emily and Rachel.  Front row are the sisters :) - Jael, Naomi and Hannah.  Baby Miri was sleeping and Sarah was slaving in the kitchen making the beautiful cupcakes below. . .

 If there are two things Bek loves, it's bubble gum and coffee!  Sarah found this fun (but very time consuming) recipe for us to make.  They were delicious - can't go wrong with 10 eggs and a pound of butter!!

 You can find them at http://kimzkitchen.wordpress.com/2011/10/21/starbucks-frappacinos-cupcake-style/

Along with the yummy cupcakes, we had our own Barista (Tamara) come out and make fraps! Josh got a lesson in making drinks so I hope to have some homemade fraps this summer.

Swimsuit Edition

Childhood: the only time rolls coming out of your swimsuit are CUTE!!

Girls, girls, girls!!

Girls, girls, girls! To quote the song from Annie, "some women are dripping in diamonds, some women are dripping in pearls, lucky me, lucky me, look at what I'm dripping in - little girls!" While Miss Hannigan is not happy about her fate, I feel extremely blessed to be drippin' in girls! I chalk this up to the deep longing for the sister I never had . . .still getting therapy for that. Ha.

It is super fun to watch this little threesome enjoy each other. Their older sisters (and brothers) blessed them with a special tea party when they woke up from naps. The pictures say it all:).

Who doesn't love to dress up?!

Hannah Esther (7)

Naomi Deborah (6)

Jael Leah (4)

Jonathan even made special visual placecards for the special event!

Sarah and Bekah set a mean table and make a nice spread.

The Wonder Twins (Bekah-9 & Jonathan-11) even helped serve and entertain!

Re-reading Girl Talk with Sarah and Bekah reminded me of my vision and intentions with my six (!) daughters. "The Bible unfolds an exciting and important plan for mothers and daughters: to pass on the legacy of biblical womanhood that commends the gospel." What is this "biblical womanhood?" Mahaney defines is as "God's perfect design for women as revealed in the Bible." Frustrated with your daughter? Disappointed in your mother?  God has a purpose for your relationship and is all about redeeming relationships for His glory!

Celebrating Easter

Easter was a bit of a blur with a four day old. . .went for making the ham since it was pretty easy.  I felt like a new cook with each entree coming out of the oven bit by bit. . .we ended up with courses:). Had I better realized my limitations we would have enjoyed Chinese take-out for Easter dinner.

It was an interesting Easter and one we'll look back with lots of memories. Isn't neat how God takes our weaknesses and allows us to look back and laugh? Not thinking Miriam would arrive early, I had the candy and plastic eggs but hadn't stuffed them for the hunt. Jon and Bekah handled it but got confused on some of the color coordination (each child has their own color egg. that way we can hide Joey's yellow eggs easier than Sarah's blue ones:)). Made for interesting egg hunting and we're still finding some of the eggs!

The Crew