House Hunting

This Saturday we headed out to house hunt. What an exciting day. We've never owned a home before and never have gone house hunting...so we didn't know quite what to expect.

Our realtor met us at our destination and we lugged the kids about, in and out of the car, braving the hot weather and getting cooled as we walked into each home. It was nice to find that each home(whether nice or not) was pretty cool compared to the mid/high 90's temps outside. We had about 15 homes on the list that our realtor wanted to have us see, but we ended up only seeing about 10 or so. We saw a variety of types of homes. From awful, slanty decrepit homes to one that looked brand new(though it wasn't). We learned what we did not want and what would be awesome.

The kids were great! They thought this was splendid and we all are daydreaming about what the Lord may have in mind for us. I've been chatting with them about how fun it will be to paint their rooms a color they like and maybe stencil some creatures on the doors or something...they love that idea! One house we especially liked, but it will probably not be something we can do in the end. It was all painted nicely and had nice carpets..smelled like a model home! The price was starting at our higher end and no doubt will not go for less. In all, we ended up liking about 4 houses and the realtor will put some offers down and we will see! I am extremely partial to the newer looking house...but it would take a miracle from God to get it I think.

So now we wait! I'm not sure if any of the homes we saw are what God wants for us. Perhaps He intends us to keep looking. Whatever His will is, I look forward to seeing what it is!

At least next time we go house hunting...we will definitely have an idea of what we DON'T want :-)

Blessings,
Sommer

A Baptism

(Sweet Rowan in her dress for her baptism)

Sunday was a very special day for our family. First, Fiona(along with fellow SundaySchoolers) was promoted up from 3rd grade to 4th and received a beautiful Bible. She was so tickled and loved the design on it, as well as the fact that it had her name engraved on it. I was so proud of her!

(Fiona receiving her Bible..she is the middle girl)

Also, this was the day for Rowan to be baptized. We are members of a Reformed Presbyterian church that chooses to baptize their children. This is done to show that they are part of the covenant(like their parents) and that their parents take on the responsibility of raising them in the nurture and admonition of the Lord. A beautiful day indeed!

(Rowan being baptized..sorry it is blurry)

(Awaiting baptism...or perhaps right after..)


It is such a special thing for us and I know that Dan and I have a big responsibility on our shoulders. I am so thankful that the Lord is gracious and merciful and will give Dan and I the guidance we need to do this.

Thanks for sharing this time with me:-)

Blessings,
Sommer

A Trip to the Beach

Last Wednesday we took a much looked-forward-to trip to the beach. Dan has this day off most of the time and his second job(at a school) has come to a close...so we had the WHOLE day off! The kids have been counting down the days:-)

After doing a little research, and deciding we needed to go somewhere with tide pools..we decided on Bean Hollow State Beach .

What a beautiful little spot! Quiet, small and lovely :-)

Here are a few highlights from our outing.

(Liam's first intro to the ocean)

(The tide pools)

(Brenna enjoying the sand)

(Fiona conquering the stone mountain..she loved that :-))

(Beautiful little succulent plants growing out of the rock. These had pretty little purple flowers.)

It was a lovely time and I hope we will make it out there again this summer. The weather was cool, but comfortable. Dan did more with the kids than I, since I had a sweet baby girl wrapped against me. And amazingly...no pics of her and I!

I hope that all of you are enjoying your summer. We are having mildly hot weather...and yes, I complain about it ;-) I much prefer cool weather.

We also are hoping to start looking for a home somewhere in the area. The prices are down enough, that we can afford a home in some areas. Please pray for us as we embark on this adventure if you feel so led.

Have a lovely day,
Sommer

Sunday Rest

Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? shall
tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness,
or peril, or sword? ... Nay, in all these things we are more than
conquerors through him that loved us.

~ Romans 8:35-37

What an encouraging verse! Praise God we are conquerors through Christ Jesus! Let us not forget this.

I hope you all have a very blessed Lord's Day. May God fill you with joy and peace today!

Blessings,
Sommer

A few snugglie pics...

I know, it has been too long! Sorry, life has been full and busy...just trying to adjust and not melt down ;-) Rowan is almost 9 weeks and ways at least 13lbs now. She also has had an ear infection and is on her second round of antibiotics! Poor girl. Through it all she has been a trooper and continues to wrap all around her little fingers.

I don't have a lot to update on, but thought I'd share some pics:-) Above, Fiona is holding her little sister at about 2 weeks old. I absolutely love the look on Fiona's face!

Below is Liam "hugging" Rowan :-) He loves to comfort her and snuggle her when given the chance. He is getting very used to hearing "be gentle" and he is for the most part!

Here is Liam, holding Rowan for the very first time about a week ago! He is "smiling"...just a strange one ;-) He was very excited to do this and often is wanting to "take her" or hold her. I think he will be a splendid big brother to her.

And here is Brenna getting her chance to hold Rowan. She is my little momma. She was so pleased to hold her and was rewarded with a sweet smile. I think you can just see it in this picture:-) Brenna also helps me(voluntarily) with Liam...she has changed his diaper(even a poopy one) and put on his socks and shoes. A blessing indeed!

And because I couldn't resist, here is Liam in his bed at nap time. He usually tells me tat he isn't tired, but I come back later and find him like this:

Apparently the sand man has other ideas ;-)

Well, I will hopefully be back on sooner than this last time, but maybe the pictures will make up for the long wait :-)

Blessings,
Sommer