Disneyland 2012!

This trip wasn't without its CRAZY moments, but overall, the whole fam enjoyed the 2 day visit to the Happiest Place on Earth.

Scary place!  The children were both excited and scared.  My arm still has marks from my girl's grip. j/k

                Daddy finally got to ride a horse! :-)  Yee Haw

              Eww!  Getting sprayed with dirty, bug infested water.

                   Timmy's favorite ride. 

                    Just couldn't get away from guns..  Out of all the rides, this was his favorite?

                      Tim's 2nd most favorite ride.  Little train ride in the Bug's Life area.

           Thankful to the Lord for memories made.  1 Thess. 5:18

My Faithful Lord

The Lord is so gracious!  As I struggled with worry and fear over my children, He was faithful to bring me to the verses below.  Often, I would wonder how my children would grow up; Would they love the Lord?  Would they make wise decisions?  What can I do to make sure they are kind, loving, godly people?   The more I pondered these thoughts, the more anxious I became.  I knew it wasn’t up to me, and yet, a cloud of worry was over me. 

Then, as always, the Lord brought His Truth to me.

2 Thessalonians 3:3-4

³ But the Lord is faithful, who will establish you and guard you from the evil one. ⁴ And we have confidence in the Lord concerning you, both that you do and will do the things we command you.

The heart of my children is God’s work.  My confidence needs to be placed in Christ.  It will be Him to establish them and work in them to do His will.

Tim's 8th Grade Graduation

On this day, our celebration is two-fold.  We celebrate Tim's 8th grade graduation, and God's constant faithfulness.  His Word says of Him, "Your love, Lord, reaches to the heavens,
your faithfulness to the skies..."

God has indeed shown His immeasurable love and faithfulness.  The road He has laid down for us is not always paved.  Sometimes, it is downright bumpy.  But through each circumstance, we have seen that it is His love, grace, and faithfulness that purposed them, that has carried us, given us peace, and joy to endure.  He has taught us to be thankful for super duper easy days and the NOT super duper easy ones.  In all things, praise goes to Him.

Here is a glimpse of God's goodness to our family.

Almost time for Tim!

Tim on stage. 

We are goo-goo-gaa-gaa over Tim

                           Tim's teachers and co-graduates

                      Dear, sweet friends who came to cheer for Tim.

Ziggurat and Stuff

With school winding down, we've taken the time to indulge in more fun learning, according the kids.

This is Jasmine's version of a Ziggurat, made of blocks and sugar.  Pretty cool!  A Ziggurat is basically a pyramid shaped tower made for kings, queens, and priests in Sumerian times.

With Grandma in town, we had the yummy priviledge of learning how to make authentic Vietnamese Spring Rolls.  Delish!

May Highlights

Between our internet connection being "touch and go," and finishing up our homeschool year, it's been difficult to update my blog.  BUT, today is the day of updating! 

Here are a couple of May highlights:

                                               Offie's 5th bday party~

There is something about swords and guns (pretend ones) that bring smiles to boy' faces.  Go figure.

Notice Iron Man in the middle.  He was a hit with the boys!  They absolutely had a blast pounding on him; then, he became their best buddy.

                                               Jasmine's Piano Recital. 

She played "Think of Me" from Phantom of the Opera. 
Beautiful music.  It's been a delight to our entire family listening to her play.  Good job, Jazzy!

Benicia Capitol Building Field Trip

This was a fun, educational and impromptu field trip.  We finally got to visit the Benicia Capitol Building, since there is news that it might soon close down.  A total bonus was touring the Fischer home behind the Capitol Building.  Mr. Fischer was the town butcher back in the mid 1800's.  He lived there with his wife and 4 children.  The items found in the home were authentic of the time period and some were even the original items used by the Fischer family.

                                      This room was used for assembly meetings.

                                        Mr.& Mrs. Fischer

This kind volunteer was very gracious in answering our children's questions.

Jasmine was very fascinated by this original wedding dress worn by Mr. Fischer's daughter.

This piano is the only one in Northern CA (of its type and time period) that survived the Great SF Fire in the 1800's.

This was such an interesting item.  Contest on who can guess what it is.  Leave a comment.  No prize, though.  Just the satisfaction of knowing something.

As you can see, the children enjoyed this trip back to the 1800's.

So Thankful for Friends!

“Is any pleasure on earth as great as a circle of Christian friends by a good fire?”
C.S. Lewis

"A friend is a person with whom I may be sincere. Before him I may think aloud."
- Ralph Waldo Emerson

There may not have been a fire roaring in the hearth, but there was definitely a great friend with whom I can think aloud.  So very thankful for this sweet friendship.

I know this looks scary, but it's the only picture I took of our annual night out.  Nothing beats dinner, dessert, getting lost in Vacaville, catching a movie, and sweet fellowship in between.  (A special thanks to my hubby for taking great care of the kiddies while we hung out/went out.)

 One of the many enjoyable walks the girls went on.