I'm determined to get back to blogging.  Here we go.  Confession:  It's a contest that has spurred me to even log in and see where I left off.  http://blog.thinktankphoto.com/2013/11/a-new-retrospective-laptop-bag-launch/  Whatever it takes. 

The girls are home.  Cinnamon rolls are coming out of the oven as I type.  The youngest is staring at his bowl of stew because he ate bread, crackers & peanut butter instead.  When do I cave on the vegetables?!?

Do you think this disguise will work for my dream career?!?

I master circular tubes.  A crazy skill, I know.

Although theses are tasty, my favorite fruit is ready in June (in PA).  Don't you love my sparkly nails?!?

2012 Highlights and Hints

These guys make me laugh :)

Reunion with Lara's classmates at Steph's

Philly Fun.

Zoo.

Green, green, green beans.

He got this catching waves, yet that's still one of his most favorite adventures this year!

LOVE the sisterly love this photo represents!

Although she's often caught reading a book, this year she was caught neglecting the parking meter!

Fourteen Years Ago

And, I still remember.  I remember to number my days aright.  I remember to be grateful that I am able to get up and clean two (plugged) toilets first thing in the morning.  I stand in awe and praise my Sovereign God and read again Daniel 4.  

Then I praised the Most High; I honored and glorified him who lives forever.

His dominion is an eternal dominion;

    his kingdom endures from generation to generation. 

All the peoples of the earth

    are regarded as nothing. 

He does as he pleases 

    with the powers of heaven

    and the peoples of the earth.

No one can hold back his hand 

    or say to him: “What have you done?” 

I remember the hand-written note given to me by my precious Mrs. Scherer:

"Dear Lara,

My grace is sufficient for you.

                  Love,

                      Jesus"

I am memorizing Titus 1:1-3 which reminds me that I have HOPE for eternal life -- my faith rests upon this hope!  Amen for HOPE, yes?

Just a moment I wanted to remember. Love the expressions, particularly the pre-teen in the middle!

And, they're off!

Grateful to have these five kiddos!

most of the time!

They posed for me :)  I love them.  Pray for them.  And their future spouses...

Sweet Solace

Each week I am privileged to enjoy this setting for an hour.  Another teaches.  I rest, enjoy, play, read, study, and...    take pictures.

For since the creation of the world God’s invisible qualities—his eternal power and divine nature—have been clearly seen, being understood from what has been made, so that people are without excuse.I love honeysuckle.  Brings back memories of waiting for the school bus and sipping on the sweet nectar.  Ohhhh, honeysuckle!

Just being here rejuvenates me!  Dreaming of creating this in MY back yard.

One of my favorite people!  When they read, they are quiet.  I love my readers!

Day at Knoebel's

 

Titus drives the boat!

Somehow Briella's boat had more mphhhh and passed us!

Last place in the boats!  So thrilled :)

Ferris Wheel view

Ferris Wheel

Spin, spin, spin!  Jared and I set this one out...

 

 

Bumper Boats!  Emily photographed instead of joining in on the wetness.

This girl LOVED being wet!

The end!

Back to Blogging Again!

While Marci rehearsed for tomorrow's orchestra concert, we played at the park!  Check out those adorable goslings!

My little man!  He had to work hard to master the roller blades.

Glad my kiddos enjoy the outdoors as much as I do!

And, since I haven't blogged in months, here's a snapshot of the past few weeks - highlights. Blogging helps me foster a grateful heart.  Here are a few things for which I'm grateful!

A break from hiking through Salt Springs Park.  So grateful for good friends who call me for a spur-of-the-moment activity to motivate the kids through an afternoon of school!  This was our snack rock :).  (peanuts, and a pinch of granola bar for all)

 Lunch becomes a battle reenactment.  I love my boys!

Shot by Briella.  It's just a fun memory, so I had to include it.  Daddy's home - we took a walk before dark. 

On the way home -- the incredible full moon.

Mother's Day activity -- Logan helped the kids build birdhouses and check out some cool nests.  Yeah for Logan who is on his way to becoming an awesome teacher!  Isn't it great having the college kids back home!??

Giggles and late-night craziness at the Coleman's.

After we painted hands and calmed down a bit!  Emily's mentor, Mrs. Coleman!  And, Sarah -- home from college too!