Summer Reading

I don't know if you read or like to at all.  I do!  If I had more time, I would read more, I suppose, but I spend time before sleeping, primarily, to read.  Right now I am reading two school books and two others which I chose.

The school books are "Dating with Integrity"  and " The Westminster Shorter Catechism".  Matt was reading the first book and I was reading it also.  The second book is one that we (Hannah, Matt and I) were using as a base for Bible this year.  We have had some good discussions as a result of reading and thinking through this book.

The first "fun" book is, "True Spirit" by Jessica Watson.  I don't know if any of you followed her solo trip around the world in her boat as Rachel and I did, but this book is a fun read and brings back memories of time spent with Rachel talking about her trip and writing on her blog.  We checked her blog daily and marked her trip on our map during school often learning more about the area of the world she was in at the time.


The other book I am reading is called, "Captivating" by John and Stasi Eldredge.  What a great, encouraging and meaningful book.  I have been reading this for a while as I read it in chunks and then digest it for a while.  Here is a quote from Chapter Six, page 93 -
             "You, dear heart, are the crown of creation, his glorious image bearer.  And he will do everything it takes to rescue you and set your heart free."

Page 91.."You are passionately loved by the God of the universe.  You are passionately hated by his Enemy."

Wow!  What love!

Two more to recommend besides the Bible...
"A Lamp Unto My Feet" by Elisabeth Elliot  - a devotional book
 
"The Power of a Praying Parent" and "The Power of a Praying Wife" by Stormie Omartian
 
Those books round out my morning devotional time.  I usually start with "A Lamp Unto My Feet" and then read the Bible.  I am currently in Isaiah 30.  Then I pray through the next chapter in the "Power" books.

Lately I have found that my routine isn't anymore!  I have picked up running 3x a week, which is so healthy for me and I enjoy it. (surprise, surprise) However, I have to eat breakfast before running or I run out of steam too quickly, then I get back and need to shower then have devotions...hmmm...I usually don't get up early enough to do all of those things before others are up and reading to go as well.  So far, because it is summer, it works, but don't know how I will work it in the Fall.  Any advice?  Experience?

summer guests!!!

So our summer is off to a big bang with fun activities and company!  We LOVE having company and have enjoyed having guests.  Our record of kids here with us is 9 spending the night with one more visiting for the day.  What fun and what a blessing!

We are making the most of activities near and far and friends as well.

You may have heard already that our Amy has decided to go to North Park University in Chicago this fall.  That gives us only 3 weeks to make decisions including who will go to the US with her, for how long, not to mention trying to figure out what she will need while far from home.  Please pray for us as we make this HUGE adjustment of sending Amy to college.

Now, for the pictures!  There are a bunch so I will make them smaller.  To see enlarge them you should be able to click on them.  Enjoy!

playing with friends from Spain

launching a beanie baby mini with a handkerchief parachute from the top porch down to the ground.

popping balloons on the trampoline by jumping on them

Rachel at the skate park

fun at the skate park

Nate and Jair at skate park

big guy on a small bike

Tom helping Nate on his bike

more fun

big boys against little boys - the big battle

 

looking at pictures 

July 4 fireworks not all American's, but fun anyway!

trying to block the wind to light fireworks

smoke bombs

more trying to light fireworks

Rachel with a sparkler

Nate holding a sparkler

going ahead with the bigger fireworks - away from the houses

making the plan

Matt and Tom

the grand finale...VERY cool!

Matt and T lighting the finale

playing wii

Rachel's Duplo "Lady Liberty"

swimming next door

duck diver?!?

Job day - N washing the railing - little sun so moss grows there - washing it off!

Rachel washing the car

J washing too!  Couldn't escape work - our "adopted-for-the-week son"

Pruhonicky Park  Rachel, J, Nate, Tom and Hannah

duck tree

Tom and "his" boys

boys who really act like brothers! 

Rachel 12

Our Rachel just turned 12!  Well, actually it has been a bit of time now, but my computer didn't want to work for a while and so posting a blog didn't happen!

We love our creative, math smart, animal loving, beautiful daughter and had such a great time celebrating HER!

Rachel with 12 candles on her cheesecake

cheesecake with mixed berry sauce

swimming in our neighbors' pool

on a treasure hunt for her gift...from Matt (took her about 2 hours to complete it!)

digging for treasure before the "pirates" came!

Matt and Rachel with her gifts (money, cool dice, cactus fruit and hours of fun!)