So I was at the beach this past weekend. Rick and Debi invited us to spend a couple of nights with them in their usual condo. (They rent a two bedroom two bath place right across the street from the beach every year, its a great place despite the 70's wallpaper and slightly cheesy decor) How could we say no!:) Anyways, as the kids were riding waves on their boogie boards with their daddy and Lauren was amazingly playing close by in the urine infested water I was watching the waves crashing, small at first and then bigger as time went on. I also took notice in the approaching storm, it was far in the distance but quickly and powerfully came closer to shore. The sky grew dark and you could begin to hear the thunder get louder. We decided of course that it was time to get back in doors and soon came the pounding rain. Much was put on hold while the storm took its place. Plans for the afternoon changed, but soon the rain stopped. I know you may be expecting me to say that next came the wonderful sun and it was shining and all was grand, but it didn't happen exactly that way. The rain came to a crescendo and slowly stopped, the dark clouds stayed for quite a while and when the wind blew what rain was left in the trees fell down. Everything was wet and soggy outside and pretty much undesirable. We didn't continue on with what we had planned because the storm change that. I guess sometimes I expect God to bring the sun out too early in the storm. When trials or circumstances come that are more then unpleasant I arrogantly think that now should be the end of the rain. But God in His wisdom knows that sometimes the dark clouds need to stay out longer, the wind still needs to blow and the aftermath of the rain will still come down periodically only so that in the end His name will be glorified, His kingdom will advance and the Majesty of the Lord will be displayed. I read this quote in a book, it said "The pain of our shattered plans is for the purpose of scattered grace." I wonder how far God's grace has been scattered lately? I love that in whatever manifestation suffering is in there is always God's sovereignty and that in the end His name is always proclaimed and glorified.

One more for tonight...

To my dear friend Elyse~Thank you for always encouraging me, being patient with me (especially with homeschool questions) and for always having a soft heart that understands:) Love ya!

Colin Graduates Kindergarten!

We are so proud of Colin! I cant believe how big he is getting, He just had his Kindergarten Graduation last night. All of our close family was able to make it to celebrate with us~ Noah, Sage, and Canon did so well and they were even excited for Colin, I heard a few Whoo-Hoo's from Canon:) All of the Daddy's honored their graduate, Jonathan did such a great job! I was going to read a short tribute until I found out all of the other family's were giving the dad's an opportunity to do so. Just thought I would post what I had prepared since I didn't share it last night. Colin, I had this verse in mind when I thought of you graduating Kindergarten tonight. 1 Corinthians 3:7 says: “So neither he who plants nor he who waters is anything, but only God who gives the growth.” Colin I am so thankful that I can rely on God to give you growth, through our fun days with homeschooling and field trips to our more difficult days dealing with our heart attitudes and weariness, I can truly say that only God gives the growth. I am so thankful that He has allowed you to grow in so many ways. From beginning to read, to losing your first tooth this year and all the way to asking probing questions about the Lord and Salvation, I am amazed at His kindness to us. Colin I love you and I am so very proud of you. Congratulations on graduating kindergarten! Love, Mommy, Daddy, Taylor and Lauren

My surprise which probably is no longer a surprise since I took so long to post is...

Mitierra and Noah are in town! They arrived this past Tuesday and will be in Orlando until the end of July! We are so excited and we even get to celebrate Noah's birthday with them. A first since he's been born:)

I hate how this loads pictures and text~Read post at the bottom

Alright, Alright.... I deserve all the grief from you loyal friends that actually read this blog. (thanks;) There's not much to post about but here are a few pics. of SOME of my closest friends. (And the last one is just for me) Happy Birthday guys! P.S. Stephanie you take the best pictures even through all of the moaning and groaning! Next time I post I will have a surprise for you all:)