HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!!

Today was "Baby" Hannah's birthday. She was 15!!! I can't believe it. She came home from a night with her 4 good friends out at Stanhope Resort (a special treat from one of the girls' uncle). The whole family went out to Sandspit for some thrills on the rides. We were all on the Tilt 'O Whirl and saw Chris turn a funny shade of green. He didn't ride any more spinning rides after that. It started to rain but didn't stop us. We all raced down the "Landslide" and got up with very wet butts. We rode the race cars and mom lost the race because she had the broken car - everyone was lapping me. It was fun just to be together, having fun and a good laugh or two. We came home and had Hannah's favorite supper - chicken fajitas. We had some great conversation about how you would spend $500 if someone just gave it to you. Lauryn started trying to cover up her dad's balding spot on his head - making his hair stand up - and made a comment about looking like a peacock when he sees the girl peacock. It was hilarious. These family times are so precious and I hold them close to my heart!!!!

WHERE HAS SUMMER GONE?

The weeks fly by so fast - hard to imagine the girls have just a week of summer vacation lef. Just last Wednesday night Chris, Hannah and myself headed out to Cavendish Beach. We've done that a fair bit this summer - sometimes with one daughter other times with more than one. It was a beautiful night. We bumped the volleyball around a bit, laid on the beach and enjoyed the warm breeze and the sound of the waves and then began excavating for "the castle". Each week it's a new design - usually by Dad. Depending on the tide we build it by the water as it is coming in and then we fight back the water by building motes and drainage systems! This night the tide was on the way out - so we just built a big one that would have no one there to protect when the tide came back in. It's always kind of sad to walk away and leave your hard work there for the water or some small child to destroy! But, it's worth it - having the time with the girls and having fun! The sunset that night was gorgeous. You can always get a good sunset picture on the Cavendish Beach. Every Friday night we head out to the beach for volleyball and frisbee with friends and then back to their trailor at Marco Polo Campground for a campfire and marshmallows. We only have 2 Fridays left and we'll sure make the best of them.

Lauryn also survived band camp this week after much moaning and groaning about having to go. She was convinced she was going to be the only person there. In the end she had a good time and tomorrow morning is their closing concert. Dad will be there as I have to work.

Hannah turns 15 on Monday - I can not believe how fast my babies are growing up!!!!

Finally - a picture of Ashleigh's new tatoo. Her 16th birthday present. It's taken 1 1/2 years to decide what to have and she made it her life challenge. A bit of discussion went into the quote and it's meaning and how it applies to her but instead of just putting anything on her - she made a thoughtful decision. (The picture will be here later - things aren't working just right)

WHO WOULD YOU BE?

Last night around the dinner table, Chris (my husband) was playing the "would you rather" game with our girls. Questions like - "would you rather be stuck in an elevator with Donald Trump or Nelson Mandela?" or "would you rather have 1 extremely famous friend or 100 good friends?" Always provides interesting converstion amongst the family. Also teaches all to appreciate each others differences and opinions - and you can imagine with 4 girls - there are always differences in opinions. Then the question was asked - "If you could be anyone on TV who would you be?" There was a bit of a pause before anyone decided to answer. I quietly said "Ty Pennington" and one of the girls heard me and laughed which everyone else joined in. Feeling the need to explain that one - I quickly told them it wasn't about being him but being able to do what he does. To have the resources and be able to make a difference in someones world in such a dramatic way!!! I would love to spend my days like that.


The first week of August I spent a week in very hot Bridgeton, New Jersey on a Group Workcamp with 8 great youth from our youth group. We were all seperated into crews with youth & leaders from all over the US and we did work projects for those who less fortunate. The picture is my crew and our resident, Mr. Paul. We painted the entire exterior of his very small home and the whole interior. A large wheelchair ramp was also built to allow Mr. Paul to leave his home. The youth worked so hard and completed the project in 5 days - in 100 degree plus weather everyday. For one week I lived the extreme makeover - but - we didn't have the plush bus - we stayed in a high school with NO air conditioning, group showers but there were great kids who loved the Lord and were there to show Jesus to Bridgeton. There were 320 people who completed 54 projects that week. So, I did have the resources that week, even when we had to dig deep to find them, to rock someones world.

To do what Ty does every week and to do what we did that week in August is awesome but not my reality. My reality is rocking the world of my family, the youth I work with and the people in my community everyday. It's not as glamorous and won't make me famous but hopefully will pay it forward someday! It is a privilege (I have to remind myself almost daily), although not glamours, to everyday be able to make an impact - even though it may seem small - in someones world. I thank the Lord for that privilege.

MOM OF THE CASTLE & THE PRINCESSES

This is me with my 4 princesses - left to right - Ashleigh, Hannah, Me, Lauryn and Molly. We were dressed up for Hillbilly nite at youth group!! Ashleigh is the oldest, then Hannah, Lauryn and Molly. Not sure why Lauryn looks like she is in pain!

IT'S A FIRST!!

Welcome to my blog! This is my first crack at something like this. I enjoy reading others blogs and thought "why can't I do that?" It's an incredibly rainy day with thunder and lightening - so it's a great day to try something new. 3 of the 4 princesses are out, my husband is at work and the house is quiet! So - YIPPEE - I've tried and done something new!