3 Generation Outing

It was an early Father's Day gift. Derek took his dad and son to watch the Washington Nationals play the N.Y. Mets during Spring Training.

Andrew was given an official ball by one of the Washington National's workers!

It was a special day out for the guys!

Happy early Father's Day to two AMAZING dads!

Blessing

I was checking my tires this morning, as I often do, and found a screw on the inside of my front passenger wheel. To me, this looked like a new tire was called for:

 Pep Boys agreed.

But, it turned out that it didn't need to be replaced or plugged! Who would have guessed the screw would be so short?!

I am so thankful for one less expense!

BSF

These two doing BSF (Bible Study Fellowship) homework at night after the two little ones go to bed. It's their bonding time.

Gentle Touch

I put Hope in the tub tonight. Andrew was finishing up his supper, so he was going in the tub after Hope. As I was putting laundry into the washing machine, I noticed that Andrew had walked away from the table.

I went looking for him.

He had gone to the bathroom, got an extra washcloth for Hope, and was washing her back! Then, he put the cloth down and began rubbing her head so gently. I could hardly believe how thoughtful he was being with her.

I ran and got my camera. He was repeating the process again. Here he is caressing her head--oblivious that he was touching my heart as well.

As you can see, Hope was soaking up his loving touch.

Hope came to us at 4½-years-old knowing how to bathe herself and wash her own hair. But, Andrew always seems to be looking for ways to serve others. He seems to know exactly what each person needs.

I am so thankful for these blessed children! They teach me so much!!

"Reading"

Derek called the family together for Bible Study tonight. Hope announced that she wanted to read. So, Derek let her read. He read to her, and she repeated the words to the rest of us. We were shocked that she could listen to and retain so many words in a row!

She is doing really great with learning and comprehending the English language!

Barbie Dramas...

...over Skype. It's how cousins stay connected.

And now that Cherish loves to read the Nancy Drew and the Clue Crew series of books, she has a lot of material for her dramas. J

Wild West Day

Andrew had an exciting day at preschool! Here he is at the end of his Wild West Day:

Photo Challenge

So, I have been challenged to take one picture a day to remember the first 30 days of spring. Then, as part of the challenge I will print out the pictures and display the collage for our family to enjoy. The pictures are just supposed to be of every-day-events.

So here we have Hope headed to her ballet class:

I love her smile!!

Evidence of quiet time

On Sunday morning I came into the living room, and I found a lamp on. I thought it was very strange, especially since Derek and all the children were still in bed. I looked closely, and Cherish's Bible was open on the side table.

Upon investigation, I found out that Cherish had awoken early and gone into the living room to read her Bible. After she had read for a while, she was tired and went back to bed again.

This mommy's heart was filled with joy at knowing her daughter had unprompted quiet time with the LORD! ❤

The family helper:

Slime...

...is fun!

Hello, Spring Break!

Bookaholics

Wee hours of the early morning,
reading in bed before getting ready for school.

VPK Bike Day

At 2:00 a.m. Wednesday, Andrew's asthma began acting up. I debated over and over again whether to allow him to attend school. I decided to let him go, knowing he would have his treatment at school, and I'd be at the school to spend time with him (and watch over him).

Here he is getting ready for his special bike day. I had treated him for his asthma right before this picture.

 And, he was off. He always loves to go fast!

Andrew + fast = happy boy.

 But, once around the loop, and he slowed down.

I became concerned, but he wasn't showing signs of distress.

 He decided just to go slowly and hang out with his best friend.

I thought all was well.

 But, he decided way too soon that he was finished. Not his norm!

Yet, he wasn't wheezing or coughing,

 so I thought he was just tired from being up in the night.

However, I should have known by the look in those eyes!

 He let his sister decorate his bike...

 since she was the decorating helper.

 Hope asked Andrew if he wanted to draw with chalk,

and he consented.

I wasn't sure if it was just because he was being kind,

since his favorite thing is to ride his bike--FAST!

As I was driving him home just a short time later,

he went into a horrible asthmatic attack.

I ran him into the house and got him on his machine.

At the end of the treatment, he felt warm.

I hurried to get medicine in him (fearing a seizure).

His temperature climbed to 103.5° F

before the medicine kicked in.

I should have known something was up.

I hate when I don't listen to my instincts!

Andrew is so quiet,

so gentle,

and never complains about sickness or pain.

Thus, it's so hard to read the little guy!

Andrew's Love

"My fingers love your fingers!" (Andrew talking to me as he holds my hand and caresses my fingers.) heart emoticon