A List For Your Hubby

If you follow my Cars and Ribbons blog, you'll see I posted a Father's Day Challenge.  I challenged each wife to write '100 Reasons Why I Love My Husband'.  It's not an easy thing to do.

But, I did it, over about a week, and am very happy that I did.  It made me stop and take a look at the person that I live with, that I've lived with for 12 1/2 years (we didn't live together until after we were married), and really see what an incredible man God has given me.  It's not about all the reasons my husband loves me, but it's about me taking the time to really acknowledge my husband all that he does for the family.

So, if you didn't take this challenge for Father's Day, why not try it now?  Surprise your husband with one list he will love.

Our Nation

It is impossible to rightly govern a nation without God and the Bible.

-George Washington

A Busy June

Well, we've certainly had a busy summer in just the one month that has passed.  I don't think we could've added anything else into the month of June.  We have about half our list of Summer Fun Goals completed.

The kids got out their chalks to draw one morning before it got too hot.

I had to add a drawing as well.

They ran through the sprinklers...

...ate sno cones...

...watched a different movie every Friday...

...started reading a chapter book together...

...joined a few Summer Reading Clubs (Kaitlyn LOVES to read)...

...and went to a summer concert.  We also had a pajama/movie/game day, playdates, Preston's birthday and birthday party, Father's Day, attended a wedding, and visited with family.  Craig and I are still working, he plays on a softball team, I'm taking voice lessons, and I'm planning VBS.  Phew!  It's been lots of fun and has made the time pass quickly.

Here is a little clip from the concert we attended.  It was free at a local park, so we wanted to check it out.  Especially since it's a Bon Jovi cover band.

Linking up here:
The Better Mom

Preston's Bday Celebrations

So, Preston decided he still wants to get a bigger and have another birthday.    He was so excited about turning 6 years old.  Madagascar 3 was released the weekend before his birthday and that is one of Preston's favorite movie series.  We invited a few friends from school and church (and a friend for Kaitlyn) and headed to the movies.

While watching the movie, each person got a kids combo that included popcorn, a fruit snack, and drink.

Preston LOVED the movie!

Then, we headed to a restaurant next door for lunch.  Everyone got a chicken strip basket, fries, and a drink.  For dessert, we had some yummy oreo cupcakes with vanilla butter cream made by my friend. She also made the Madagascar fondant toppers and they looked amazing!!!!

Preston loved all of his gifts and had such a fun-filled day!  Best of all, we didn't have to clean up afterwards!!!

The boys are singing to Preston.  We ate on the patio of the restaurant and had to deal with a little bit of wind.

For Preston's actual birthday, things were a little calmer.  Preston wanted to go swimming at our local rec center.  He also kept going down a huge water slide.  

Preston picked what he wanted for his special dinner, Burger King, and Craig's parents joined us.  We suggested lots of other restaurants and I offered to cook whatever he wanted.  He kept insisting on Burger King.  Whatever makes the birthday boy happy....

We headed back home, had more cupcakes and sang to him again.

It was a fun weekend, full of festivities (including Father's Day), and everyone was happy.  Preston's big gift? A Nintendo DSi.

Preston's Birthday Letter

Dear Preston, 
It's hard to believe that 6 years have passed by since we met you. You made your daddy so happy and proud by being born on Father's Day.  It was love at first sight for the entire family.  Thank you for showing us how big a parents heart can get.


You have grown into such a handsome young man with such a great personality.  You continue to have a passion for cars and vehicles.  You know every single car you have and you love to line them up all around the house.  You absolutely love playing games and you never hesitate to make us laugh.  You are a class clown in the making.  Thank you for helping us see the silly moments in life.


We have learned that you will understand things in your own time.  You have taught us that patience is what helps you flourish.  Thank you for teaching us that each child is very unique.


Your affection for your family is indescribable.  You never hesitate to say 'I love you'.  You still can't go to sleep until we all give you a 'kiss, hug, noses'.  Thank you for loving us back.


You constantly ask when we can go to church again.  You love hearing about the amazing things God has done and continues to do.  You know the importance of prayer and you understand how we must rely on Him for everything.  Thank you, God, for everyone who has spoken your Word into his life.


So, Preston, our little monkey, keep growing, keep learning, keep doing things in your own time.  We are so proud of you and can't wait to see what God has in store for you.


We love you, love ya, super love you, lots of love you,
Daddy, Mommy, and KK

Don't Worry

Worry is a form of unbelief.  Who is in charge of your life? If it is you, then you have good reason to worry. But if it is I, then worry is both unnecessary and counterproductive...I will either take care of the problem Myself or show you how to handle it. In this world you will have problems, but you need not lose sight of Me.-Jesus Calling, Sarah Young

I read this passage recently in my daily devotional.  Not only did it speak to me, but it seemed to jump right out of the page and grab hold of me.  I always feel like I am one of those performers that can spin several plates at once and just keep them spinning simultaneously.  Each activity or event in my life represents one of those spinning plates.  If I don't keep an eye on everything, all at once, one or more of those plates will come crashing to the ground and break into hundreds of pieces.  

It would be easy to say that I'm only going to spin one plate at a time.  However, that's simply not me.  I would be completely bored out of my mind.  I enjoy the multitasking.  I enjoy the many activities and busy schedule.  It helps me stay organized and on top of things.  It makes me keep an eye on ALL of the spinning plates.

But this does not come with ease.  All these activities comes with stress, worry, and may I dare say, doubt.  It's only human nature to wonder if we can handle the busyness of our lives and if we can make things flow smoothly.  

But this is where our faith in God needs to stay strong.  When we get tired and weary is when God takes over.  In fact, God is there for us the entire time.  We just need to remember to let Him handle it.  ALL the time.  Why do we worry so much?  Why do we stress so much?

I have many plates spinning right now.  However, I'm learning to just let God take over and I'm going along on the journey.  I'm not saying I have absolutely no stress in my life, but I'm able to handle everything in a much more peaceful way.  Life won't end if my house isn't spotless or my To Do list isn't finished.  It's okay if dinner isn't ready right on time or if there aren't two different veggies on the plate.  

God is in control, always has been, always will.  We just need to stop worrying about dropping the plates and God will keep them spinning.


Linking up here:

Cross Moms

Wednesday Night Achievements

With the end of the school year, comes the end of our Wednesday night classes. Kaitlyn and Preston stay very active in their different classes memorizing Scripture, learning Bible stories, and doing whatever is required to earn their badges.

Kaitlyn just completed 2 years in her Prims class for MPact Girls.  She earned every badge that was required and even became an Honor Prim.  That is a very big accomplishment.  Next year, she moves up to the Stars class.  Kaitlyn is very excited.

Preston completed his first year as a Ranger Kid for Royal Rangers and it was a challenge for us.  He had a lot of memorizing to do and a lot of tasks to complete.  In the fall, Preston wasn't used to having to memorize so much and he got very frustrated.  By this spring, he was a pro at memorizing and had very little difficulty.

For Ranger Kids, there are 2 badges to learn per semester and 8 patches to earn under each badge.  For one year, that is a total of 4 badges and 16 patches.  Preston accomplished everything that was required.  Call him (or us) an overachiever, but he was so proud of every single badge and patch that was earned.

Needless to say, Mom and Dad are extremely proud too.  Craig was one of Preston's teachers and really enjoyed having that time with him.  Craig remembers what it was like to go through the Royal Ranger program and loves passing the tradition down to our son.  Way to go Kaitlyn and Preston!!!