Sunday Rest

"Teach me to do thy will; for thou art my God: thy spirit is good; lead me into the land of uprightness."

Psalm 143:10

"That our sons may be as plants grown up in their youth; that our daughters may be as corner stones, polished after the similtude of a palace:"

Psalm 144:12

Both of these verses are part of what Dan and I read yesterday for our Bible study time. They both stood out to me for different reasons and I thought I'd briefly share:-) The first, Psalm 143:10, is one that I find hard. Really, it is the first part of the verse..."Teach me to do thy will..." How hard it is to really desire God's Will. Often it is this is what I want Lord, please do it for me...but are we really ready to except what it is that God has for us? Are really ready to give up some of our own desires to follow Him, no matter what? I know it isn't easy for me, but I am trying to more and more live for His Will not my own! I am impressed by David's request here...elsewhere, too, he speaks of loving God's law. I pray that even I can feel this way!

The second verse, Psalm 144:12, made me think of my children and our duty as parents to raise them up for God. This is a picture of what I'd like my children to be! Isn't it a lovely visual? Sons that are plants grown up well...daughters that are corner stones, as lovely as a beautiful ,polished palace! I pray that I have children that are this way when they are grown.

Just some thoughts this Lord's day....may you have a blessed one!

Blessings,

Sommer

Fall is in the air....

At least in some parts of the country! Last week we had some very fine weather, even a sprinkle or two. Then it got hot again...now, it feels like fall. I'm confused, but not surprised. California weather tends to be quite mild...but, I really like seasons! I love Fall and Winter and even Spring...Summer, not so much;-) I'm not a hot weather person, so I've been really enjoying the coolness.

Today while we were out on our little nature hike, the breeze was picking up and it just felt so good for our hike. About the only problem with the breeze was that little dust particles and leaves kept blowing towards poor Liam's eyes and I would suddenly have to cover his eyes or turn around quickly. But, it was a beautiful day!

As we walked along, we came along a splash of color. We just had to get a picture of this beautiful tree that had begun to turn to its fall wardrobe...Brenna joined in:-)

We also enjoyed watching some ground squirrels run about the picnic grounds stuffing their cheeks full of acorns. I imagine they are readying their homes for the winter months...stocking their pantries. It is rather funny watching a squirrel put acorn after acorn in its mouth!

When I was a child, I remember seeing squirrels running about Alum Rock Park too, but they were just common grey squirrels. Since I've been back as an adult, I have found that the squirrels now, have speckled coats and white shoulders. They are really very pretty, but I've just never seen them until recently. I hope to take the time to look them up in my field guide and see what the species is.

This particular nature hike was a special one for Brenna, because her sister is in Disneyland this weekend. We wanted to do something special for her and I think it was a great choice. She loved seeing the squirrels and finding acorns. She was a great little walker and had alot of stamina. She enjoyed seeing the creek and putting acorns and leaves in it. I loved looking at the creek and the flowing of the water. There is something so very peaceful about the running water in the midst of forest. One of the interesting things about Alum Rock is the many manmade stones with old railroad track in them that have fallen along the way. A train use to run through this park many years ago(I'm not totally certain of the history), but it has long since ceased in use and now it is just ruins and memory. I pointed out parts of the old track to Brenna as we walked by...I think it was hard for her to understand that a train used to come through there.

It has been a dry year here, but Fall is on its way! I pray we are blessed with some rain soon. The hills are so dry and the creek is rather low. But the Lord knows what we need, and He will provide as He sees fit.

I'm looking forward to heading back to Alum Rock again with the girls to have a few nature walks before the weather turns. We need to study some flying creatures...and I think this will be the ideal place!

I hope you enjoyed sharing in my day...many blessings to you all this weekend!

Blessings,

Sommer

Fall WIFD~Saturday

I've been having so much fun this week participating in the Week In Feminine Dress! I really hate to see it come to an end:-( But, I suppose that all good things must come to an end...and so this does too. However, this may not be the last time I wear skirts or dresses during the week. I've really enjoyed it and I see that I can definitely accomplish my everyday duties in them. So, who knows, I may just do it once in awhile.

Today, we decided to spend the afternoon at a County Park.....Alum Rock. I grew up going to this park and still love it today. It really is quite beautiful and peaceful. So, we piled up in the car, Brenna, Liam, Dan and I. We enjoyed a picnic lunch and then took a gentle hike on the trails.

Here I am with Brenna and Liam....

I am wearing a black tshirt and sweater(it was a little breezy today) and a tiered maroon skirt. The skirt has several different fabric panels...it is one of my ablsolute favorites! Brenna is wearing her 4th of July dress that I made this year:-) Oh, yes, and I'm wearing Liam too!

Maybe next time I do WIFD, I'll actually wear some things I've made myself:-p

Blessings,

Sommer

Poetry Corner

Good Morning Friends!

I just wanted to let you know that I have posted a new poem over at the Poetry Corner. You can find this on my right sidebar as you scroll down.

Today I am showcasing one written by my dear Grandma Gloria. She is my Dad's Mother and we lost her about a year and a half ago. I did not get as many opportunities to spend time with her as I would have liked in my life, but what we did share was a love of poetry...reading and writing it:-) She was a prolific writer, starting as a young girl. I know that one of her poems was published when she was but 12 years old. However, she didn't have any of her poems all in one book until she was quite older. Sadly, this past winter the home where my Grandma lived was lost to fire and all that was in it was destroyed. There were many poems that were probably never looked on by others, that are now lost. But, I am not totally saddened by this because I have a copy of her published ones:-) I will always have her memory and what she meant to me in my heart.

I hope you will enjoy viewing her poem...it gives me great pleasure to share it with others.

May your day be blessed....

Sommer

Fall WIFD~Friday

Well, today almost didn't get recorded. I rushed out of the house before my hubby could get a picture. But, Brenna was game and she took the pictures of me...I took the one of her:-) I'll post the first picture that she took of me, because she got my whole outfit...even if she cut the top of my head off:-0

I am wearing a comfy striped t-shirt and my khaki button up skirt. I wore the skirt earlier in the week as well. I was running about today, so I also wore socks and running shoes:-) Brenna is wearing a yellow dress with flowers on the skirt and ruffle trim on the bodice. The dress has gotten a little short...so she is wearing orange pants underneath for modesty:-) She always looks so lovely in orange and yellow! Liam also joined us in the picture...isn't he cute?!

I guess we have one more day to do this. I'm not sure what I will be wearing or what I will be doing. My plans for the day have changed somewhat...so we shall see! Until tomorrow...

Blessings,

Sommer

Little Helpmeet in the Making...

As I said earlier, today was a be at home day and I worked on tidying the house. Well, I didn't do this on my own. I commented that I needed to vacuum and dust....and Brenna said she wanted to help! So, I got out the dust wipes and showed her what to do. We were done in half the time:-)

This is not the first time she has offered to help. Almost every time I am doing laundry, she wants to assist me...putting soap in, putting laundry in or pressing the start button. She likes to help put away sometimes too. She almost always asks to help with dishes....I love her helpful spirit!

Here she is this evening, drying dishes for me while I fed Liam.

What a joyful little helper she is! I am truly blessed...

She is certainly going to be some dear man's faithful helpmeet one day! I pray she is better than I!

" She looketh well to the ways of her household, and eateth not the bread of idleness. Her children arise up, and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praiseth her."

Proverbs 31:27-28

Blessings,

Sommer

Fall WIFD~Thursday

I had the pleasure of having Brenna join me today for this:-) And she is actually in a dress! I think she looked darling today. Brenna is wearing a blue checked dress with a wide white collar. Her sleeves are puffed(Anne would be pleased) and both her sleeves and the scalloped hem are embroidered with daisies.

I am wearing almost all black today. My top is a tee like yesterday only in black and the skirt is black with blue embroidery and sequins on the hem.


We pretty much stayed at home again today. I'm glad, since often I feel like I'm running around like a chicken with its head cut off:-0 I was able to get things done about the house...vacuuming, dusting and dishes. I swept the kitchen floor and made lunch. And the skirts do not get in the way at all...I really may do this more often:-)

I love this picture with Brenna! Sometimes it is so hard to get her without a goofy smile or a frown. But she posed beautifully today and I think she really enjoyed participating. Maybe she'll do it again tomorrow!

Blessings,
Sommer

A Rather Lonely Feeling....

Most nights I go to bed after everyone else here in my home. The girls are often asleep by 9:00pm. Dan gets to bed usually around 10:00-10:30pm and Liam is often in bed around there too. I will get to bed somewhere around 11:00pm most nights.

However, since last Friday, Dan has been working swing shift. For those of you that don't know what that is, he works from 4:00pm to 12:00am. This is a new schedule for us and I am still getting used to him not being home when I go to bed. It feels a bit lonely without him:-( I know, it seems a bit odd considering I don't generally go to bed at the same time anyway...but I KNOW he is there! Now, the house just feels, well, less protected!

And now I have the added loneliness of one of my children gone for a few days. Fiona left this evening to spend 5 days with my parents, 2 on a train and 3 at Disneyland. This is not her first time...as a matter of fact, she has gone almost every year since she was 1 1/2 years old(she is almost 8). So this is not a new occurrence for me. However, I find that there is an eerie quiet about the house without her here. Of course, I do have both Liam and Brenna and they are so much fun to be with, but the dynamics of the home are a bit topsy-turvey without Fiona. Fiona is full of constant energy, laughter, humor and love. Brenna is quiet, gentle, self-entertained and we are still getting to know this bright star in our life. She always shines when given the opportunity...and so these moments when Fiona is away, are very good for her. But none the less....we miss our Fiona. Just as I missed my dear Brenna when she stayed with my parents a couple of weeks ago.

Each child brings their own gift to a family. Each is precious in their own right. When one is missing from the family unit...it is felt. Although I look forward to having some special time with Brenna and Liam, I will be looking forward too to having my family complete once again.

Of course, tonight I feel this most poignantly since this is Fiona's first night away for the trip and Dan is at work. I will feel better tomorrow I'm sure. And as I get used to Dan's new schedule, it will no doubt begin to feel "normal". Tonight however, I miss my love and my sweet girl!

Blessings,

Sommer

Fall WIFD~Wednesday

Today, my girls joined me in posing for my picture. Neither are in dresses or skirts, but they both looked fairly feminine, so I thought they could join me:-) Fiona is my eldest and she is wearing a pretty purple top with black coulotte like shorts. Brenna is wearing a lovely purple sleeveless top with embroidered flowers on the bottom edge. She is also wearing green shorts with pretty flowers all over. I am wearing a black tiered skirt with crocheted edging along the bottom and a maroon t-shirt. I feel quite comfy in this. Today is a "stay at home" day and I will just be doing some more laundry and dishes.

Fall WIFD~Tuesday

Okay, I almost didn't get this one done today! I was busily doing other things and hubby was just about ready to head out the door to work(he works swing shift)....but bless his heart, he took a picture for me.

I look a touch worried in the pic because my daughter,Brenna is just off to the left crying. She had tripped just seconds before and had bonked her knee...poor dear! However, it was a better pic than the one before:-)

Today I am wearing a blue collared shirt that I bought at Target after having Liam. I really like these shirts. The skirt is a khaki one that buttons from top to bottom and has pockets. Love that! Also, I bought this at the same place I bought my denim from yesterday...3-4 dollars.

FallWIFD~Monday

I'm enjoying this just a bit too much:-) It is fun to wear skirts for no other reason than that I want to!

Today, I have done homeschooling with Fiona and Brenna, laundry and made a bed. In a few minutes I will be leaving to have coffee with my brother and then go grocery shopping! My outfit today is a pink knit shirt with 3/4 length sleeves. It is, and I hate to admit this, a maternity shirt. I am still working on losing some of that baby weight....and this shirt happens to be quite comfy:-) My skirt is a lovely dark blue denim that I picked up at Savers, our local thrift "emporium". I think I paid about $4 for it:-)

So, here I am....

I'm really quite comfortable working and doing my "everyday" in this outfit. Quite comfy:-)

Blessings,

Sommer

A New Poll and Other Additions

I thought it might be fun to add a Poll to my sidebar:-) So, if you want to participate, head over to my sidebar to the right and just under my About Me spot...you can take the poll!

I also decided to add a couple of other things that make this blog "me":-) You will find each of these new things to the right on my sidebar. I hope you will feel free to take a little look and enjoy.

First of all, I added " On My Bookshelf"...a list of books that I am either reading or will be soon.

Next, is "Poetry Corner"...here I will showcase different poems that I like or find encouraging, uplifting, etc. Sometimes it will be poems by well known folks...Robert Frost, Tennyson, Wordsworth. However, I will also share poems by my late, dear Grandma Gloria as well as some of my own. Today I have showcased a poem by Isaac Watts. Many of us are unfamiliar with this version, but may be familiar with Lewis Carroll's parody of it in Alice in Wonderland. Sound familiar? "How doth the little crocodile improve his shining tale...." In any case, I surely hope you enjoy these bits of verse! I will try changing it up regularly. If you have any requests...leave me a comment:-)

Lastly, I added a spot that I call "My Favorites". This may be favorite websites, books, blogs, items from my home, or little bits of verse. Today, I have a piece from Robert Frost's The Road Not Taken. It has been a favorite of mine since I was a child! Again, I will try to change this regularly.

I hope you enjoy these additions! I look forward to updating them:-)

Blessings,
Sommer

Fall Week In Feminine Dress~Sunday

I'm so excited to be participating in this! The sewing forum that I am a part of at Sense and Sensibility, has decided to host this during this week:-) They've done this a few times before, but this is my first time participating and I am tickled!

Being that this is Sunday, it is pretty normal for me to wear a skirt or dress for church. Occasionally(especially lately,after having a new baby), I will be found wearing capris. But today, I wore a black stretchy skirt that I've worn both when pregnant and not. It isn't a maternity one, but it stretches wonderfully to accomodate that belly:-) I am also wearing a guazy peasant top with 3/4 length sleeves and a tank top underneath for modesty. On my feet are some lovely black shoes, that resemble something vintagey. So, without further delay.....

And here is a close up of my shoes:-)

I hope to do this all week and post pics at the end of each day. It will be fun to see how I get along doing my "normal" stuff while in skirts. See you tomorrow:-)

Blessings,

Sommer

Emergency Rooms, Nurses, IVs...Oh My!

Well, today started out like any other day...I awoke, prepared breakfast for myself and my children, checked emails, fed Liam and then changed his diaper. But thats where things turned...



Have you ever had pain so excruciating that you wanted to roll up into a little ball on the floor and weep like a baby? Well, that is what I was feeling...no joke! It came on so sudden, I wasn't quite sure what was wrong. To be honest I thought it was really bad gas, but it just kept on getting worse.



I told Dan about it and let him know that I thought I might need to go to the doctor. Good hubby that he is, he got on the phone and began to call. But as I was getting worse(and I threw up too)he decided we'd go to the emergency...I wasn't arguing.



So, we had the girls get at least partially dressed(they were still in pajamas when this took place)and I bundled Liam and filled his diaper bag...and off we went! When in pain, it is not fun to hit every red light. I was hurting so much, that each time we stopped I wanted to just cry...I didn't, but I wanted to:-0



We called my Dad on the way and had him meet us to help with the kids. We figured that Dan would wish to be with me and the kids couldn't be in the waiting room alone...so he came, bless his heart:-) We also called the hospital as we were getting close and when we got there someone was waiting with a wheel chair. I was so thankful, it was all I could do to get out of the car!



Now, I wasn't really sure what was going on. Many things crossed my mind, but I was afraid it was something bad and I was scared. Fortunately my husband was calm. I was calm too, but inside I was very scared!



Obviously I'm home and doing fine:-) We were out for quite some time and I was in pain really only for about an hour and a half. Suddenly, as I waited for the doctor to come....the pain subsided. It turned out that later, when I was giving them a "sample" that a stone had passed. Aparently I had been suffering from a kidney stone...small, but cruel! How can something so small(4-5mm) hurt worse than labor or the incision after a c-section? Well, I will be changing my water/fluid intake habits....I DO NOT want this happening again! I may have more to pass, but I pray not.

So, in this little adventure today, I have found a few things to be thankful for. First and foremost, the fact that this was not serious, but "only" a kidney stone. The pain was awful, but it could have been so much worse! I also am thankful for a wonderful, calm husband and a great Dad that came in a pinch:-) Good men both...thank you Lord!
I am also especially thankful for swift entry into the emergency room...it could have been much longer, but they shuttled me right in and saw me swiftly. I also was blessed with wonderful nurses. They were kind and gentle and had great senses of humor. And one of the best parts...when they gave me my IV...it didn't hardly hurt at all.

Even though this was NOT how I wanted to spend the majority of my Saturday...I praise God that I got out of there with out surgery and in good health. If you have to visit the emergency room, pray for good nurses(ones that know how to put an IV in)...they make all the difference!

Blessings,
Sommer

Yummy to the Tummy!

I tried out a lovely new recipe last night for dessert. Thank you Tilly for sharing it and for the tips:-) If you go here, you'll see the recipe in it's original form.

Because Fiona has nut allergies, we left out the almonds. I also took a tip from Tilly that she gave to me later, and added brown sugar to the tops of the muffins just out of the oven. What a nice touch.

These were a hit with my family and now they are gone, but....I took pictures!



I think we will be making these again sometime!

Blessings,
Sommer

Why Do I Do This?

This may seem an odd question...but it really is a good one! Let me explain....

Tonight I attended a homeschool meeting. There was a lovely woman speaking about homeschooling, marriage and children. I thought it would be good to go and see what she had to say. So, I bundled up my little man and left Dan with the girls and headed off. I was not disappointed...so glad I attended:-)

One of the questions she asked and suggested that we ask ourselves, was "why we were doing it"? And by "it", I mean homeschooling, as well as those things that take up our time...such as, children's sports events and other things that consume our time. I really think this is an essential question to think about. When you start out homeschooling, you have alot of ideas of what you are doing and why. There are things you are certain you will do and things you wont do. But as the year goes on, you sometimes get off track and begin to forget what this is all about, why it is you do this day in and day out. Things begin to stress you out or you begin to over commit yourself or your children because you can't see what it is you first believed. So, it takes stepping back and re-evaluating your plans, your commitments and most importantly...reminding yourself why you started in the first place!

So, why do I do it? Well, first and foremost, is that both my husband and I feel convicted that God has called us to this task. It is our duty as the parents of our children to teach them.

"You shall teach them diligently to your children, and shall talk of them when you sit in your house, and when you walk by the way, and when you lie down, and when you rise." Deut. 7:1

I want to know that in every aspect of my children's lives they are surrounded by God. I want them to know that He isn't just to be taken out on Sundays, but He is in every thing we do. He can not be ignored.

I want to know who they are influenced by, to know that they are surrounded by people that are uplifting. I desire our family to be close and to do things together, I want to know that Dan and I have their hearts.

“The greatest classrooms of this nation or any nation are not in any school or university. They're around the dinner tables in the homes.~ Richard Berendzen

I want to give them a superior education and a varied experience. I want to raise daughters that embrace Godly womanhood, desiring to be wives and mothers some day, but accepting all in God's timing. I want my son to be a strong, Godly man...a man willing to stand fast for God and to marry a Godly woman.

These are just some of the reasons why I homeschool. If I sat long enough I could think of more. If you homeschool, have you thought lately about why you are doing it? I'm glad I was encouraged to think on this. I think I'll keep doing it:-)

Blessings,

Sommer

A Beginning

Today I went grocery shopping. But, before hand I made up a menu for this week's meals and I hope that will be the beginning of a beautiful relationship:-) It is a bit challenging for me to sit down and do one...I'm not always certain where to begin...but I did it!

Today I went to Costco, which is where I tend to stock up on things and tomorrow I will get the few things I couldn't today. I hope that I will begin to see the savings from planning ahead and making more from scratch and just buying what I need. We will see!

Would you like to see my menu?

Sunday/Monday

"House" chicken

Biscuits

Green beans

Tuesday

Pork Chop Adobe

White Cheddar and Chive Potatoes Au Gratin

Green beans(?)

Wednesday/Thursday

Halibut w/ Lemon Sauce

Broccoli and Cauliflower

Buttery Farm Biscuits

Friday/Saturday

Meatball Skillet Dinner w/noodles

Salad

If Dan and the kids are really lucky, I might even make something for dessert one of these times:-) We enjoy a dessert after dinner...oreos are our stand-by!

I've also come a little farther on the nightgown that I've been working on for Fiona. I'm really happy to see it coming closer to completion. I hope to have it done by the end of the weekend(maybe sooner!). I'll post pics when I'm all done:-)

Blessings,

Sommer

Sunday Rest

"Praise the Lord! Praise God in his sanctuary; praise him in his mighty heavens!

Praise him for his mighty deeds; praise him according to his excellent greatness!"

Psalm 150:1-2

May you all have a wonderful, praise-filled day!

Blessings,

Sommer

A Bit of Funny

I went a visiting over at Mrs. Wilt's blog and she had a most funny post to share. If you go here, you will find it:-) I hope you enjoy it as much as I did!

Good Saturday Morning

It has been a pretty good week in most things. I've been able to get things done that usually I put off. On Thursday, I was able to get quite a bit done and it felt so good to take advantage of the time...rather than seeing it slip away, wasted!

The lessons this week went well and I feel that Brenna is getting quite comfortable with the routine. Fiona is doing well and her penmanship is getting much neater...yeah!!!

On the other side of things...Liam has been having quite a hard time sleeping at night. This of course makes me feel like death warmed over, but the day must go on! We think he may be teething, but yesterday I found a rash on his tummy and decided to take him to the doctor. She thought it may be a viral infection...sigh...so that also could be what his problem has been. He is happy, but a little fussier than usual. I pray this passes soon.

The job situation for my hubby has taken a turn. He may speak of it on his blog, so I wont go into detail here. But, basically he is not with the USPS right now, although he is putting in his bid for other positions. This caused great distress for me on Wednesday and I felt rather despairing. But, by Thursday morning I was feeling better and relying on the Lord to provide for us. I know that He has a plan that we can not see clearly. My desire is to find joy amidst the turmoil and to be content in the plan God has in place for us, and to go about doing what I know to do and waiting on Him. In all this, there is a blessing...Dan was able to get rehired by his old employer and hopefully will start up next week sometime after all the paperwork is complete. Thank you Lord for that swift provision!

In other news, we are minus one child this weekend. Dearest Brenna is visiting with her Ama and Bampa(my parents) for the weekend. She was soooo excited when she left yesterday. It will be her first time staying over two nights and without Fiona. I miss her, but I know she is having a blast. And in about a week and a half Fiona will be off to DisneyLand with my parents....aaaah, how I miss my darlings when they are away!

Today we have plans to visit Great Grandpa and Grandpa. That is always enjoyable. Dan will be playing Tennis with his Dad and maybe we will convince Fiona to give it a try. Liam and I will be spectators:-)

Well, I surely hope you all have an absolutely wonderful weekend! May the Lord bless you richly and may you find joy amidst all the happenings of your life:-)

Blessings,

Sommer

Procrastination...

This is an area of great difficulty for me. I procrastinate. I always have and I know it. I consider this an area of sin for me. Why? Well, if I just procrastinated once in awhile it wouldn't be an area of concern for me. Everyone procrastinates once in awhile. But when you do it to the point that it effects what you need to get done...well then it is a problem. And, at least for me, I feel that since I know this about myself, I ought to make an effort at changing it. But, I haven't made as much of an effort as I should...hence, I call it a sin. Obviously, it isn't for everyone, but we all struggle with personal temptations or sins. This just happens to be one of mine.

To be honest, it is both challenging and refreshing to air it like this. Challenging, because I really don't want people to know that I procrastinate. I put off my sewing that I know I should do(especially since Fiona is in need of some new dresses), I put off doing the laundry or folding it...because I'd rather just sit and read or blog hop...the list could go on. It is hard to be this honest, but then it is also refreshing because by bringing this here, I find it easier to be motivated to do what needs to be done. In a way, I feel that I have an accountability partner in all of you, my friends. Now you know, perhaps now it will be easier for me to do what needs to be done.

This is some of what was getting me down last week. I feel much better today, I've been feeling like I am motivated to do those things that need to be done. Just so I have an accountability spot, I'll give a small list of things that need to be done. My plan is to come and update what I've been able to accomplish as time goes on. Hopefully, I will be able to cross off my list of "To Do's" soon.

So, here is my list:

Sew two dresses for Fiona

Finish Fiona's nightgown

Create a budget(with help of hubby of course)

Create a menu and stick to it

Find a way to lower our grocery bill

Declutter kitchen table...again!

Most of these things need to be done soon, some not so soon. But all have been put off to much or neglected altogether. I feel especially convicted about the budget and menu/grocery bill. I realize that one of my duties as a helpmeet to my husband is to make good use of his paycheck, to stretch it efficiently. I haven't been doing this and I know I need to. Perhaps it will alleviate some of our financial stress.

Feel free to check up on me:-) And if you feel led, please pray for me as I try to work on this area of my life. I am certainly bringing it to the Lord and I would greatly appreciate any prayers that you may have.

Blessings,

Sommer

Sunday Rest

He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me besidethe still waters. He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the pathsof righteousness for his name's sake. Psalm 23:2-3

May all of you, my dear friends, have a wonderful Lord's Day. I pray that it will be filled with joy and blessed peace!

Blessings,

Sommer

Sorry I've Been Scarce

Dear friends, I must say that I'm sorry I've been away most of this week. All is well...it has just been a busy week and I've had to run about more than I really wanted.

Also, little Liam has been a bit persnickety about sleeping at night....so it has been hard to think about posts!

I've been tired and a bit overwhelmed as I look about my home, realizing there is much disorganization here and I need to get myself on a bit more of a schedule. I hopefully will post more on that next week:-)

As we travel on the current job path for Dan, I find myself very worried and uncertain. This probationary period will be too slow for me. I keep asking the Lord for peace and courage...but as always this is a hard wait.

So, my friends, do forgive my absence and I hope to be more present here in blog land next week!

Blessings,

Sommer

Brought Tears To My Eyes...

I've heard this before, but today it truly touched me. Sometimes we forget what He truly has done....

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GE1_l6bGBoI

Sunday Rest

"Shew me thy ways, O Lord; teach me thy paths.

Lead me in thy truth, and teach me: for thou art the God of my salvation; on thee do I wait all the day."

Psalm 25:4-5

Dear friends~May the Lord bless this Lord's Day and I will see you all on Monday!

Blessings,

Sommer

A Day At The Zoo

This week has been hot and busy...but Thursday was a blessed rest from all the hurriedness of life.

Normally, Saturdays are our family day. We will often be found at the park and coffee shop...enjoying some time together as a little family. I love this! However, now that my hubby has begun a new job, the schedule has changed and Saturday is just another work day for my hubby and the kids and I will run errands.

So, I was pleasantly surprised when Dan told me that he would be off on Thursday! Yippee!!! What should we do with this day? Well, we have had some discounted tickets to Happy Hollow Park and Zoo, here in town. We hadn't been able to use them yet because they were only for the week days. Joy! We finally had a day to do it:-)

So, Thursday we surprised the kids with a trip to the zoo. And we really did surprise them...Fiona had no clue until we told them to get ready to go. I love being able to spring stuff on her!!

I went to Happy Hollow as a child and still love it today. Granted it is a bit old fashioned and out of date...at least the park part...but it is still a joyous place for littles. The zoo is so fun and shady. They've updated it in the last few years and it is nice to see the new exhibits. So here are a few highlights from the day...

These cuties are first along the path. They are Capybaras and I believe they hale from South America. It was obviously hot, these two kept diving for a dip.

This little pond always attracts Fiona. However, I think this is the first time she crossed it so confidently.

Brenna got her feet wet, but decided she wasn't quite ready to cross yet...even holding Daddy's hand.

And I think this was a first for me, but there were babies! The top picture is of Guinea Pigs...and let me tell you there were about 3 litters of them:-) So cute! The lower picture is of a Parma Wallaby and if you look closely, you can see the Joey's tail sticking out of her pouch. I was so excited!

And here we are feeding a very pushy donkey:-) This is the part the girls(and I must admit, that I do to)find to be the most fun. Below will be a couple pictures of the girls in the goat pen. They weren't as pushy as usual(the goats that is)...but I think it was only because it was so hot and late in the day.

The girls were having such a good time with their new friends that they didn't really want to leave, but.....

the Carousel and Danny the Dragon were waiting! Obviously, they couldn't resist:-)

I think Liam was feeling a bit jipped, but Danny the Dragon made up for his disgruntledness...

That pretty much sums up a very fun, very joyful day. I think all of us were especially blessed by the time spent together and being able to marvel at God's creation. I hope you enjoyed sharing a little of our time as a family with us.

Blessings,

Sommer