Here is a quick recap in pictures of some fun times we have shared with family and friends so far this summer.

**We celebrated Father’s Day!  It is not technically in the summer, but it is close enough.:)

 The kids love to celebrate with Pawpaw David because soda and a Honey Bun is a tradition they started a few years back on his birthday.  Now it has carried over to Father’s Day!

Daddy giving a group hug after opening his present from the kids.

 **Our oldest two went to Camp Bethel at the end of June with their Daddy.  They all had an amazing time learning more about the Lord.

**On the 4th of July, the kids and I studied about the American Revolution.  We also enjoyed a cookout and some preaching at church.  Last but not least, the kids and Jamie played football while I rocked on the porch with some of the best friends anyone could ask for.  It was a fun day.   These pictures are courtesy of Jaden!  She actually did a pretty good job.

**We cooked Mamaw Neannie a meal and cake for her birthday on July 5th.  We invited some good friends who we have known for many years.  The homemade mashed potatoes, bread, and chocolate icing on the cake are three things that stand out in my mind!!  The macaroni Dana made was delicious, too!  All in all it was a wonderful meal with family and friends.  Jaden was a great help in the kitchen.

**A couple more activities that we have enjoyed: 

Who needs a pool when you have a tarp and sprinkler?

We have loved watching the baby chicks hatch.

Jacob has searched for all kinds of critters.

Isn’t life such a blessing?  I posted these same words as a facebook status a few days ago, but it is so true.  I can’t help but feel so blessed by the wonderful family, church, and friends the Lord has placed in our lives.  No, our life is not perfect, but it is a blessing.

Ephesians 1:3 - Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who hath blessed us with all spiritual blessings in heavenly places in Christ.

Since I posted last, we have had Father’s Day, church camp, and a day at the library.  We have also started reading a new book (Grandpa’s Box by Starr Meade), and I have been searching for curriculum to use with the kids this fall.  There have been a lot of posts that have been going through my mind, but I just haven’t taken the time to take them from my head to the computer screen.  But, instead of writing about any of the above topics, today, I am going to do a short post on some laughable conversations that I have had with the kids over the past few weeks.

** The kids and I will play fast fact games while we are in the car.  Here is a laughable conversation between Jaden and me during one of those games.

Me:  What type of clouds are those Jaden?

Jaden:  Umm..white ones!

Me:  Jaden what type of tree is a Christmas tree?

Jaden:  A pineapple one?

(She was trying to think of pine cone).

**Another funny moment in the kitchen:

Jaden:  Chocolate is not really that good for you.

Me:  It’s not?

Jaden:  That’s why I only eat one piece a day.

**Jaden and James are always bringing me flowers that they have picked.  Here is a laughable conversation that I had with Jaden yesterday.

Jaden:  Mommy, look I picked you some pretty flowers.  And, I even left the roots on them, so they won’t die.

Me:  Oh, those are beautiful because those are the Marigolds Daddy planted! 🙂

Jaden:  Well, I found them over near the woods.

** I always like to strike up conversations with James just to see what he will come up with.  He is too cute not to talk to.

Me:  What do you want to be when you grow up?

James:  You have to be big to do that.  I don’t want to be big like Daddy.

**One day last week when the older two and Daddy were at camp:

Me:  What do you want to do tomorrow James?

James: Ummm…I want to have my birthday.

**And one from last night before going to sleep:

Me:  I love you, Jamesy.

James:  I’m James!

Me:  I love you, James!

**Here is one more funny moment that happened on Father’s Day between Jacob and James as we were frantically trying to visit all of the grandpa’s.

Jacob:  When I am sixteen, I will be a teenager.

James:  And, I will be a Power Ranger.

(I am glad that Jacob has not realized that he will actually be a teenager when he is 13.  Shhh…don’t tell him!)

Thank you Lord for these precious moments that I have had with my sweet blessings.  They are so precious to me.  Amen!

What are some cute things your kids have said to you lately?

Matthew 18:10  — Take heed that ye despise not one of these little ones; for I say unto you, That in heaven their angels do always behold the face of my Father which is in heaven.

We had a great time at a sweet friend’s birthday party this past Saturday.  It felt good to chat with our friends while the kids ran around playing with one another.  The kids really enjoyed the huge bouncy slide and eating the cotton candy.  But, the part they seemed to love the most was the pinata.

You could see the anticipation on their faces as they waited to see what treasures were going to pour out.  Even though they had no idea what was going to come tumbling to the ground, you could tell that they knew it was going to be something awesome.  They had their bags ready and waited patiently for their treasures to hit the ground.

As I stood there watching their anticipation and then watched their anticipation turn to excitement as they were in awe at the amount of candy hitting the ground, I couldn’t help but think about the treasures that we as born again Christians have waiting on us in Heaven.  Although we can’t see them or know what they are going to be, we know they are going to be awesome.  How do we know?  In John 14 verses 2-3, Jesus says, “In my Father’s house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you.  I go to prepare a place for you.  And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also.” If that is not an amazing promise, then I don’t know what is.  Spending eternity with our Heavenly Father is more than enough for me, but I also know that He is preparing an unbelievable place for us who believe.

Just like all treasures on Earth, the kids’ candy will soon fade away, but isn’t it great to know that our treasures in Heaven will never disappear.  As we await Christ’s return, will you join me in thanking Him for preparing treasures in Heaven for us?

Happy Birthday, Mirabella!  We love you.

Matthew 6:20 — But lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust doth corrupt, and where thieves do not break through nor steal…

Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understandings.  In all thy ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct thy paths.  Proverbs 3:5-6

Earlier this year, I memorized these verses with my two oldest kids.  James says as much as he can remember, but Jacob and Jaden have them down pat.  These past few months I have been thankful that I hid these words in my heart.  To say the past couple of months have been a walk in the park would be a huge lie.  Don’t get me wrong, I feel so blessed with the addition of a healthy new bundle of joy.  But having a baby born prematurely and in the NICU not to mention an emergency c-section has been financially draining for our family.

I am not talking the kind of draining of I wish we could go on vacation or take the kids to the movies (although those thoughts have crossed my mind a few times).  I am talking about the kind of draining of I hope we will have enough money for groceries this month or keeping my breath held on the way home from the doctor because the gas hand is in the red. Sometimes I feel very stressed and can get short tempered with my family because I worry about all the doctor bills coming in.  Every doctor’s office I talk to always throws in there that they take Visa or MasterCard.  And, then I have to explain that we don’t rely on credit cards to pay our debts.  They always make me feel half nuts because every grown adult owns a credit card right?

Well, the Lord has been gently reminding me of how He takes care of us. How He is here for us. How He provides our basic needs.  One way He has been doing this is through the song “I’d Rather Have Jesus.”  It was playing in the vehicle on the way to the dentist the other morning.  After wondering where in the world I was going to come up with $400 to pay for the bill, I felt so much peace and happiness listening to this song.  Oh how it reminds me how much I’d rather have Him than anything.  He loves us and has blessed us beyond measure.  He has not let us go hungry one day.  He has kept a roof over our head.  We have shoes on our feet and clothes on our backs.  He has provided our every need.  He has unexpectedly sent family and friends to help us out numerous times.  He has sent food, diapers, clothes, and even money for doctor visits.  We are so grateful for everything that He has done for us.

I have also heard the Holy Spirit asking me, “Why didn’t you ask me to help you with the dentist bill?  Why aren’t you on your knees asking for my help?  Why are you trying to pay these doctor bills on your own?  Why are you trying to hide from me and not listen to me?  I blessed you with these children, I will help you take care of them.  You have accepted my will for your life, so now you have to trust Me.”  So from this day forward, I give all of these financial worries over to the Lord.  And, I mean I really give them to Him.  I will not only hide Proverbs 3:5-6 in my heart, but I will live by it. He is able. I am not.  His gentle reminders this week have opened my eyes and showed me what stress and worry can make you miss. Sweet moments like this…

I’d Rather Have Jesus

1. I’d rather have Jesus than silver or gold;
   I’d rather be His than have riches untold;
   I’d rather have Jesus than houses or lands;
   I’d rather be led by His nail-pierced hand

• Than to be the king of a vast domain
  And be held in sin’s dread sway;
  I’d rather have Jesus than anything
  This world affords today.