Finding joy in the little things

Having our little G-Man has opened our eyes to find joy in the little things.  I feel like even though this isn't our first round of having a child his age, it's fun to watch him experience new things!

We got him right around the time of sign ups for baseball.  The best part, he was able to be on the same team as Randy for this year!  He had a bit of baseball knowledge, so it was fun to practice with him in the yard before season began.  He was an absolute HOOT to watch play!  He played catcher quite a few times.  He's on the smaller side, so it was hilarious to see him in the gear.  It swallowed him, but he was a good sport!  My favorite part of the whole season was when he hit the ball, made it home, or did something awesome, when it was time for him to come into the dugout, he would run to me and say, "Mrs. Sadie, did you see me do that?!"  He was always beyond excited and proud!  We were too!  Nothing is as fun as watching a kiddo learn and gain confidence in their skills!

He is also learning how to swim.  When he came to us, he wasn't confident in the water.  He is now!  He has loved to swim at the pool, no matter if it was at my parent's, the aquatic park, church camp, or a friend's house!  You  never know what a foster child has experienced so when it comes to scary situations, you have to be extra careful and patient.  We are taking swimming slowly, but he is catching on super fast and impressing us!  I think by the middle of July, he will be a swimmer!  After the pool, he loves to come home and tell Randall all about learning to swim and how he went off the diving board with his swim vest!

Even though I am excited to sit and watch him experience things, I can't help but feel guilty.  I am not the mom who gave birth to him.  I'm not the one who carried him for 9 months.  This is something she should get to experience and see.  I pray for her every day.  I can't imagine not having my child.  No matter the circumstances, his mom will always be in my prayers.  Jesus can change any situation and He can change anyone.  Please be praying for his family.

Fishin'

I have to admit, growing up, I was quite the tomboy.  Fishing, shooting my BB gun, playing in the dirt, playing with cars and trucks, and riding my bike was just what I liked to do.  As I got older, things just changed.  Now that I have children, I want them to experience those things.  Fishing wasn't something I thought I would enjoy again, but boy was I wrong.  We've fished here and there a few times, but this summer, we all fell in love with the hobby again.  

Randall decided to take us all fishing.  We loaded up, took our dog Jack with us, and headed to the creek.  We were not really prepared, so it was a mess, but we sure had fun.  We started it off with choosing a really small place for us four, plus a large dog, to fish.  As we are going down the muddy slope, Jack took off and Randy was holding the leash.  Randy fell down the slope and almost landed in the water.  He wasn't hurt so we all sat and had a good laugh while brushing the mud off Randy.  We had a good time, and caught a few fish.  

Randy after his fall:

Ruthie caught a few fish that night!

The next night, we loaded up our kayak & canoe and decided to go down the creek and see what we could catch.  We had such an amazing time that evening.  The sun was shining and it was just such a neat experience!  I can't wait until it warms up and we can go back out and do it again!

Check out that light!

Daddy helping the kids out with a fish!

Even though I hate photos of myself, my kids need to know I am there too!

Just a collage of the rest of the evening.

Winter, hurry up so Spring can come along and let us fish again!

Bees that buzz, kissable dandelion fuzz

Sweet, sweet summertime!  Oh it is the greatest!  I love nothing more than loading up the van full of kids and heading to the pool!  This summer didn't disappoint!  We loved every single minute of summer!  We didn't do much.  We don't go on vacation or spend loads of time away from the house.  Mainly we drive less than five miles down the road to my mom and dad's pool.  I am thankful for this time because-
#1- I get to spend good quality time with my kids
#2- my kids get to spend good quality time with their cousins
#3- my kids get exercise
#4- kids that get exercise, eat better
#5- kids that get exercise and eat better, sleep better

Ah-ah-choooo!

Bless you!  That's you sneezing b/c of the dust that has gathered on this blog!  Last time I posted we were in wait of summer, and now summer is almost 1/2 way over!
We have been one super busy family!  Let's see, we kicked off June with church camp, then the following weekend we headed to Branson, then as soon as we got back, Randall headed to the Philippines.  Needless to say, that's why this blog is a bit dusty!
I would love to kick off this with some photos from church camp, but I have yet to edit them!  They are still sitting on my camera card.  We had a great year this year.  We did a camp on our own and I think it turned out good.  We had six kids saved!  I was able to lead two of them to the Lord!  What an amazing opportunity!  It was more laid back and the kids had time to just be kids.  The adults had a great time as well.  Bro. Ron Owen was our preacher, and he did a great job! 
Church camp was over on Wednesday.  We got back, and that Friday we headed out to Branson, MO.  That night we watched a movie, rode go-karts, cracked up watching Randy drive his own go-kart, and played putt-putt.  I was very quick to realize that we have ZERO golfing talent in our family.  ZERO!  Randall's job sends us to Silver Dollar City for a day for their company picnic.  It's always a great time for the whole family.  This year, Steph and Ski decided to join us.  We got there as soon as it opened.  The kids rode tons of rides.  When Steph and Ski showed up, we rode a few more and then they closed down the rides due to inclement weather.  Bummer.  The weather didn't clear up, but we found out SDC gives rain checks!  Who would have thought?!!  I know I didn't!  I am super excited b/c we can go back another day, any day we choose! 
As soon as we got back, Randall had to wash all his clothes and pack for the Philippines.  He was leaving out Monday morning and he was gone for twelve days.  This is such a great mission trip for him and he loves that country.  One day, I would love to join him.  He made it back just in time to say goodbye to his sweet grandma.  We have been busy this week with visitation and the funeral.  She was one sweet, stubborn woman who will be dearly missed.  However, she is walking the streets of gold with her husband and children!  Ruthie sang "I'll Fly Away" to her as she was in the nursing home about 3 hours before she passed.  One precious moment right there!
This week we celebrated Independence Day.  I am so grateful to live in a country like we do.  Yes, it's getting worse by the minute, but we are still very lucky.  I will have tons of photos to share soon from Randall's trip and church camp and Independence Day, but for right now, I will share some Branson photos!

Just two more days and.....

we will be hitting the pool practically every day and just spending good, wholesome, quality time together!  I keep looking back at Summer 2012 photos and I am drooling, waiting for the time when we can go!  It's been warm enough here for a dip in the pool.  We go every.single.year, just to dip our toes in.  My kiddos ALWAYS talk me into letting them get in.  So yes, my kids strip down to their undies and jump in!  It's still a bit too cold for me though!

Here are some photos from our "dip" in the pool!