Invaded by ducks

Jim reasons with the ducks to leave...they were pooping on the porch and lawn

Kids want to feed them

Jake

He was so proud of his creation

Jake feeds the duck

Jake gets bit by the duck and Julia laughs

Jake finds it best to watch from inside

Challenging the pastor on his sermon

Dad introduces the beebee gun

feelings

Feelings...they tend to sway perspective don't you think. Feelings aren't everything, that's for sure. Maturity must be in the ability to live life not by our feelings or emotions but by the truths of God. I would not want to be one who only sees God in the big encounters but instead one who doesn't miss Him in the simplicities of life. He's always present, for that truth I am so thankful. O the fun to encounter Him in a great prayer or worship session or conference but I pray I stop missing him in the simpler seasons of life, and begin to walk in the truth that His presence is with me every moment of every day. He is so good, so gracious, and loves us so much.

late night ramblings

I was looking at my blog today and I went back quite a few pages. I found this old post I wrote after a confrence. I was so on fire for the things of God there in Yuba. I miss that hunger, that excitement and the anticipation for the amazing that was waiting for me just around the corner. I have forgotten that a little. To be honest with those who've asked how I'm doing...I haven't felt God, like I felt Him there, since I left. I still talk to Him, hear Him, feel Him...but it's nothing like the amazing supersonic speed that was going on the past couple years of my life. I've realized that we need to constantly remind ourselves of the goodness and excitement of the things of God or we will grow more and more familiar with the things of this world. And we are meant to be the light in this world not just one who blends in. I am a spirit who has a soal who lives in this body...spirit first, made in His image. Him...the creator of the universe, the King of all kings. If only I could truely grasp that truth. After reading what I wrote, I'm realizing what awesome truth is revealed when you spend time with God. He's always amazing me. May we all get a little more time with God this week and may He continue to amaze us.

Baseball

Jake's playing fall-ball this year. He's got a great coach and a fun team. It's a great age to watch them play, we all enjoy the games each weekend. Jim is helping coach as well so it's become great 'Jake and dad' time. Here's some pics...

JD

getting big


JD mowes the lawn


up to no good

going for a ride

at the games

Air Force Ball

All dressed up.

First Day of School

I know I'm a bit picture crazy. It was so strange after being so close all summer(and believe me we now know the meaning of "close" after such tight quarters all summer) to see them off to school this morning. Not only was it way too early...seriously, it was still dark...but they took the bus for the first time. It's a strange thing for this stay home mom to let them ride the bus. Anyway enjoy the pics and enjoy your kid's first day of school as all us mom's become that blubbering parent we swore we'd never be. OK, well maybe not blubbering but misty eyed I'll admit.

The French Fries came to visit...

Steph and her family came down to visit yesterday. We went downtown to walk around and got some good pics of the kids. Had fun guys, thanks for spending the day with us.

Last Summer Weekend with the French's

Battery Park, downtown Charleston


Catching Frogs


Jill and Mo


By the water


Funny Sign





Jim mowed a track in the backyard, kids love racing on it and driving the remote controle car on it...he just didn't have enough time to mow the whole yard that day and the kids wanted to play outside...turned out pretty cool.

So I was looking through old pictures and I never posted these because my dumb self image issues had me thinking they were horrible pictures of me. I'm posting them now because my good friend Danielle took these wonderful pictures of me and my kids while Jim was deployed last year and looking at them now I am thinking how thankfull I am to have them and how much I really like them. I especially love the one with just Julia and then the next one (whith Jacob holding himself) always makes me laugh because what boy doesn't go through that stage as a kid - it was one of those pictures that would have been so great and then we noticed Jake...it's great anyway. Thanks Danielle for taking these! Love and miss you!!

Happy Birthday Jim

He's 35 this year and I feel so blessed to be able to share my life with such an amazing man. His birthday was Sunday. We had a good day just getting to all hang out together for the first time since we moved in. Jim has been working nights for an inspection and so we haven't been seeing much of him these days. Here's some pics of him this past year...