Big Guy's in 8th Grade!

How time flies!  Our first born is in 8th grade!  It is truly amazing all that God has taught us through the life of our big guy.  We have seen God's perfect grace, His faithfulness, and so much of His character when He placed Timmy into our lives. 

It seems just like yesterday that we took a little 2 month old, five pounder home.  Tay & I  had no clue what to do with him except love him and ask the Lord CONSTANTLY for wisdom.

Here's Tim getting ready to board the school bus.

Swim Meet Time

Yesterday, the girls participated in a Swim meet.  They have done so in the past, but this one was a tad bit different.  Previously, they were with other homeschooled children w/in our swim team, and the meets were not too big in attendance.  This time, our swim team joined with another local swim team.  It was held outdoors in the HEAT with many, many more children.  The girls were excited and nervous all at the same time.  Papa made a special effort to attend this one, along with Auntie Liza & Ate Jess.

Picture 1--Most of the participants

Picture 2--Jazzy doing the breaststroke

Picture 3--Mia diving

Picture 4 & 5--pics w/ buddies 

HFG Sandy Beach Day Trip

This past Saturday, our HFG met up to spend a good portion of the day at Sandy Beach in Rio Vista.  It was blast for all the kids!  While the children spent time in the water and on sand, the "big kids" got to catch up on life (of course, while watching the little kids).

 

 Someone's bound to get buried under all that sand.  Is that you Jazzy?

  The Papas.

  Boys will be boys!  Here, my little guy is carefully applying a dirt mask on his buddy's head.

(Thank you to fellow mama for taking great pictures and sharing them.)

Our Yearly Summer Trip to SoCal!

A great week filled with family, outings, food, & sun!  In 6 days, we managed to visit Legoland & Water Park, Aliso Beach Park, watch Cars 2, & swim practically everyday.  Oh, let's not forget ALL the yummy dishes my mother in law cooked up while we were there.  Tay & I even got to go on a mini date to watch Captain America.  On top of all this, we were able to spend quality time with Ong, Ba, Uncles, Auntie, & cousins.

Highlights for the kids:
Tim- getting caught in the waves.  Cool dude!
Jazzy- collecting shells & unusual rocks at the beach.
Mia- 1st time on a big kid rollercoaster ride.
Offie- swimming EVERY SINGLE DAY!

                                          Ba (Grandma) celebrating her 70th birthday with all the grandchildren.

Matthew 4:1-11 Thoughts on what God taught me

After studying these verses, I am reminded that I need God’s Word hidden in my heart in order to fight temptation.  God being sovereign over all things, allowed Jesus to undergo temptation 3 times to show and teach us how to shun temptation and instead, trust and obey Him.

Each time Satan came to lure Jesus to distrust, test, and turn away from His Heavenly Father, Jesus clung on to Scripture; His Father’s promises.

Often times, when I go through trials, I react with worry, anxiety, and distress.  I start to work on “solutions” so that the problems I’m encountering can be done away with.  In my warped, untrusting mind, it would be then and only then will I feel happy. 

Something struck me as I read the first verse.  “Then Jesus was led up by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted by the devil.”  The Holy Spirit who is God led Jesus into the wilderness.  God wanted Jesus to be there to experience the temptations.  God allowed the trials in Jesus’ life.

God used this passage to remind me that I am where God wants me.  It may not be the most “fun” position to be in.  In fact, sometimes it can get downright sad and difficult.  I have to remember that God is sovereign.  He has placed me where He wants me and He has given me all that I need to live joyfully.  He has given me His promises, (Scripture) to cling to so that in times of temptation or uncertainty, I can arm myself with them and stay obedient to Him.

July 4th with Family

 This was the perfect way to end our 4 day weekend.  Barbecue and family!  Can't beat it.  Toward the end of the afternoon, Tay took out our stash of sparklers and let the kids have at it.  As you can see, they were a little hesitant.  They eventually got used to it, and had a blast.

 

One of those GREAT Days

What a fantastic time we had!  The whole Tran clan headed over to Gilroy this week to visit Gilroy Gardens & Amusement Park.  In spite of 100 degree weather, we all enjoyed our time there.  The kids loved the rides!  Offie is now big enough to ride a bunch of them on his own without being afraid.  It was exciting to see him discover the wonder of amusement park rides .  Both Jasmine and Mia were game for whatever came our way, always saying how thankful they were for the opportunity to be there.  The biggest surprise was Timmy riding some of the rides.  It was pure joy to see him try things that he used to be wary off. 

An unexpected blessing was…… we got free tickets to go back again!  Nearing the end of our visit, the amusement park had a massive power outage.  Most of the rides were not working.  They offered everyone there free tickets for each person in their group, to be used at a later date.  Sooo  cool! 
At the end of the day, we took stock of all that we were able to do, and it all pointed back to God.  He is GOOD!  He showers us blessing upon blessing.