Christmas in July

Kate Middleton is in labor! Ok, part of me just is terribly sick of hearing about the royal couple, but part of me is terribly curious along with millions of others people around the world. This royal couple is well-known for being more down to earth than most other "royals"- mingling with the "commoners", doing "common" things like cooking for themselves. And here they are going through the birth process- something women of all classes throughout all the ages have endured. It's just kind of fascinating. I was wondering this morning- why? I think it's because it reminds me of another birth Story- the Story of the greatest King there has ever been- being born, not in the greatest hospital with caterers and wine lists and people waiting on his parents like royalty... but born in a barn to peasants. He deserved full media coverage by the best reporters, instead His agents gave the report of His birth to a group of grungy sheep-herders. Throughout His life, He didn't just "mingle" with the commoners, He was one. By choice. For me and you. Just makes me think. And be grateful. Merry Christmas!

Wacky Wednesday

Not Feeling Like It

Good article from desiringGod ministries today... "Lay Aside the Weight of "Not Feeling Like It" which for me is just about everything today! Hot days, watching it rain everywhere else but here, un-inspiring to-do list, fighting kids, broken washer, waiting... This was a good read for me today- I hope you take the time to read it, too, if you're also "not feeling like it"- whatever it is. :)

Aquarium

Since Marmie and Boppa were flying out of Phx for CA, we (minus Christian) made a day of it and went to the newish aquarium in Phoenix- the first aquarium I've ever been to, amazingly!

Hanging out, waiting for everyone to arrive and eat lunch

Ransom, Peter and Anne got to bounce on the cool trampoline- they loved every minute!

In the aquarium, before I figured out I shouldn't be taking flash pictures (I got a LOT of blurry pics- sorry!)

Yes, all the kids in this picture are related- we kind of dominated the tide pool area for a few minutes there...

This crazy lobster (I think, unless it was a ginormous shrimp) pinned this fish to the floor and seemed to be cleaning it off. The fish swam away when it was done, so maybe it liked it?

The jelly fish changed colors! Ok, the lights changed color and the jelly fish glowed that color. Pretty cool.

Sea horses

Yes, that's a dinosaur skull in the tank- lots of dinosaur skeletons around, oddly.

As a special treat, we got to go to Faith and Gary's before heading back up the hill.

Amazing Auntie Faith made tasty smoothies and handed out cheese and crackers.

Fun times! Thanks, everyone who helped me not lose my kids!!!

4th of July

We had a pretty laid back 4th of July, but made it to the fireworks show on the golf course- which had an AMAZING hill that the kids will forever remember. This was our last time with the cousins for who knows how long, so bitter sweet.

We had 2 competing fireworks shows, it seems. I was in favor of God's show, personally, even though it made me more nervous!