A Night at the Races

Yes, it was Saturday night, and we all went to the races! Gary would do this every weekend, but once in a while, we all go as a family. There are a couple of things I must point out: first, it gets very cold later in the evening. Being on the oceanfront, the breeze really cools you down. Brooke and Andrew were in long sleeves, sweatshirts, and a blanket. I know it sounds strange to be bundled in a blanket in the middle of August, but that's how it goes here. Secondly, I am not a real race fan, but I mostly enjoyed the view (see the top right picture with the ocean to the left and the mountains to the right). It was a fun family night!

Wesley was at a friend's house, so I guess it was a fun family night, without Wesley. This brings up another thought. Wesley's friend lives in a multi-million dollar home overlooking the Pacific Ocean. It was interesting as I picked him up and he commented on the presents Cody got from his parents (valued at $500.00). It is a hard lesson for an 8-year old to learn---not to covet your best friends play-station 3, or nintendo wii. I am thinking it might just be easier to make sure my kids all have friends who are poor :)

Back to school----for me, too!

I was headed back to class today for the first
day of classes on campus. No matter how many times I do this, I still always have great anticipation on the first day. I have an awesome schedule---I teach 2 classes on M-W-F and am home by 10:30; on T-Th I teach 3 classes and am home by 12:00. I am also teaching an on-line course this semester. Pray for me that the Lord will use me this semester on campus. I hope to be able to invite some of my students to our college class that Gary teaches at church. Three of my students are from our church, so that makes it fun to see them every day.

Brooke can write her name

Brooke has learned to write her name! She has been able to write a B for quite awhile, and then several weeks ago, she wrote her name on a card for someone and wrote, "Boo." I thought that was rather funny, but I also liked that she had half of the letters in her name. She asked me how to write an r and then she suddenly showed Gary and I her paper-----Brooke. Not bad for a 3 1/2 year old :) She wanted me to be sure to post this, so that Gramma and Mamaw could see how she wrote her name.

Back to School!

It is that time of year........kids are getting ready to go back to school! Ventura Missionary School starts early, but that is good for these two boys. They were more than ready to get back. Andrew was so excited. Wesley was going back to school with his friends from last year, but Andrew had a whole new experience ahead of him. He was glad that one of his friends from church was also in his class at school. This morning at breakfast Wesley said, "It is nice to have a relative going to school with me." Andrew just wanted to know what a relative was. After school, I asked Andrew how school was. It was good! Did you make any new friends, "Not yet. But I have a kind of friend." I asked him if he knew the kid's name. "No, I just sat by him at lunch. He had Yogos. They dropped on the ground." Well, that was about all I got from Andrew and his first day of school.

It was very quiet on the home front. Brooke did very good being home as an only child. She read alot of books to baby. I am glad that I have Brooke (for many reasons) but today because it was nice to have the boys growing up, but it was still nice to have one at home :)

A Day at the Fair!

We met up with several friends to spend the day at the fair. (Above is just some of the group.) We were able to watch a pig race and a turkey race. Now, that is something you don't see everyday!

Andrew had fun with the bubbles (actually I had the most fun with those crazy things) and the rides.


Brooke and her buddy Malia got to enjoy some rides. I wondered why Brooke was NOT worn out when we got home at 7:00---one reason is she got to share the stroller with Malia.

Thank God for friends (especially one with a pool)!

Auntie Joan got a new pool and hot-tub put in her backyard this summer. We have enjoyed it a couple times, but I actually got pictures today. The kids had alot of fun. Wesley enjoys jumping in the pool and Andrew likes hanging out in the hot tub. I do live in California, and today I actually got some sun that makes me look like I live in the golden state. This is the last week of summer for the boys, and I have decided that we will enjoy every second of it :)

Happy Birthday, Little Brother!

Happy Birthday to you......

Happy Birthday to you.......

Happy Birthday, dear Aaron.....

Happy Birthday to you!!! We love you!

Junior Camp----Here He comes!

Last Friday, Wesley returned from a week at Junior Camp in Ponderosa Pines. I was a bit hesitant to send an 8-yr. old off for a week, but his confidence and level of maturity assured me. When Wesley got off the van and I saw him, I thought to myself, "That head of hair has not been washed or combed for a week." This proved to be nearly true. He smothered us with hugs and kisses. Pastor Mike said, "I don't know about any one else, but this boy sure missed his mom and dad and brother and sister." Wesley enjoyed the zipline, archery and swimming. This was also a time for him to realize that, even at a Christian camp, there are good kids and bad kids. I was glad that Wesley sought out to make friends with some of the good kids. Our children's pastor was impressed with Wesley's young age and yet boldness to say, "Hey, I don't think we should do that!" I pray his boldness for Christ always stays strong. I sent Wesley to camp with a disposable camera and these are some of the pictures we got back (8 good ones out of 27 is not too bad :) ) Hey, I remember camp......those were some good times :)