About Yesterday...

I forgot to mention some of the things that happened. I had some brain fog yesterday. I guess the excitement was too much for me. By the time I got home I had a 101 temp. Lupus has a way of flaring up at time. If I'm under stress, I flare up. If I'm excited, I flare up. Anything that causes my body to be out of it's 'normalness' flares me up. But the times I flare up due to excitement, are WELL worth it. Maybe I just have to be in a constant state of excitement?!

The orientation was from 8a-4p. As we walked into the ballroom, we were pretty much told where to sit. They waved to us from a distance and pointed us to our table. It was like parking your car at Disney. Except we parked our buttocks. Did I mention that the seats were non-cushy? Note to self: when I go to Daughter of the Kings' orientation, bring a cushion.

I was thankful that I decided to wear a long sleeve cotton hoodie over my tank shirt. For some reason they kept the air to 100 below zero! If anyone got hurt, they could of used my hands and feet as ice packs! Note to self: next orientation wear my ski outfit, take a fleece blanket and a thermos with hot chocolate.

I meet a very nice lady by the name of Connie and her son Same Name As My Oldest Squire. He was a football player and a soccer player at his previous school. He's hoping to play for the Alumni University. His brother is a senior there and he plays on the football team. Any way, when they were told to 'park it' at our table we hit it off. She had brought a little cooler with some snacks. She took out some grapes and started eating. She offered some to everyone at the table, but I guess everyone was still full from breakfast, cause everyone politely said, "No, thank you." More on this later. Then the presentation began. Blah... Blah... Blah... Time to split up the parents and their children. Parents were lead upstairs to another room. Children were subdivided into groups, according to their majors.

At lunchtime they had all the parents go back to the ballroom. Some of the students weren't back from their orientation. But as people were getting back, they went through the buffet line and got their lunch. When it comes to food, I set a bad example for my children. Well, to be honest, I set a bad example about a lot of things. But I'm a work in progress. Praise God for his mercy and grace! \o/ Any ways, they had a beautiful salad, delicious rolls, four different types of delectable cookies and then they had what looked like... barf! Needless to say, I didn't put any of that on my plate.

This time we could sit wherever we wanted to. Where did everyone sit? Exactly where they were told to in the beginning of the orientation. LOL! Well, except for this man that sat next to me when they took the parents to the other room. I have never met a man that talked as much as Doug did. He was friendly with everyone, but my goodness! He had a comment for just about everything! Well, I tried my hardest to walk warp speed ahead, but he found me. Good thing Connie came over and sat next to me. Whew! Between the two of us, we were able to deal with him.

When Connie brought her plate, I noticed that the 'main' lunch item wasn't on her plate. But her son had some on his plate. She looked at him and made a comment they laughed. I then whispered to her, "I couldn't bring myself to put it on my plate, it looks like dog food!" Apparently, I didn't whisper it low enough, cause Same Name As My Oldest Squire heard it and so did Soaring Amongst The Clouds. I think that at this point, she wanted to tap her flip flops three times and say, "There's no place like home, There's no place like home." Of course I apologized and said I didn't mean for him to hear what I had said. He was a good sport, he laughed about it. Next thing I know, he got up and came back with a turkey, ham wrap he had bought at one of the fast food places from the food court. No it wasn't because of my comment. He ate the dog food. but he was still hungry. Remember, he's a soccer/football player. They eat a lot. Did I mention that Soaring Amongst The Clouds didn't eat any lunch? I wondered if I had anything to do with that. But she later told me that she had the same thoughts as I. Great mind think alike. :o)

Well, while we were all eating lunch (or not) Connie made a call. She's looking into purchasing a house and having her sons live close to campus. Well, she said, "Hola, es Consuelo..." Made me laugh inside. Funny how Hispanics are sometimes given an American nickname derived from their Hispanic name. I can see how the name Connie came from Consuelo. But somehow it doesn't really fit. Years ago when we got back from Germany, I worked at a plastic surgeon's office. They liked my middle name, Milagros. But they nicknamed me Millie. It was not big deal to me, but I just never thought it fit. I know it was easier for them, but I just never thought I looked like a 'Millie'. Connie looks like a Consuelo, but Connie fits her too. She was friendly and bubbly like a Connie. Did I mention that my middle name means miracle in Spanish?

During our lunch, I had mentioned to Connie that my oldest Squire and her son share the same name. She then went on to tell me, "When Same Name As My Oldest Squire was born..." At this point her son, started smiling and got up and left. She started laughing. She said, I guess I'm embarrassing him again. She then told me that, he had told her she had embarrassed him when she took out the grapes earlier and started eating them and then offered it to everyone. He wasn't rude about it, but he couldn't believe it. She then proceeded to finish what she was going to say. " When Same Name As My Oldest Squire was born, I didn't know what to name him." That was it, nothing embarrassing.

We all know how mom's are, well some dad's too. Cause Doug jumped right in about his Bryan. Which we happen to meet too. At first when Bryan sat down, I wondered how things were going to go. You see, Same Name As My Oldest Squire and his friend, Kevin (which came to sit with us too) are jocks. They had clean cut haircuts, a fitted t-shirt (must show off our muscles! NOT!), jeans and sneakers. Bryan had somewhat of a crew cut, his hair and eye brows bleached white, some body piercing. He wore a black skull t-shirt, black pants, and sneakers with skull prints on them. But experienced parents that we are, we were all able to get along, students included. The conversations were light and friendly. Thank you Lord! There were plenty of laughs and lots of information being shared. Looks like Soaring Amongst The Clouds and Kevin will be taking some of the same classes. Kevin is also studying education, but he's gearing toward being a football coach. Soaring Amongst The Clouds will be focusing on elementary education. At least she'll know one person. :o)

Soaring Amongst The Clouds and I talked a lot on the way back home. It's about an hour ride. I'm so excited for her. There is so much for her to do and learn. I know that this will be a growing time for her. She will grow spiritually, emotionally and mentally. I told her how much I had enjoyed going and seeing all the new changes to Alumni University. How I really liked Connie and how funny she was. At this point she said, "Mom, you are just like her." The thought hadn't occurred to me. I asked her if I embarrass her. She said, "No mom, you are wacky (the closest word that comes to mind to the expressions she did) and fun. You don't embarrass me, but sometimes I'm embarrassed for you." Sweetie, don't be embarrassed for me, cause it really doesn't bother me. :o) With me, what you see is what you get.

Before Soaring Amongst The Clouds went to bed, she showed me online all the different clubs she wanted to check out. She was so excited. Funny how when she was attending the community college she felt alone and isolated. She said it was like attending a middle school and high school. Students were so "clicky". Not that she went to a school, because she was homeschooled. Well actually, she did attend school one year, she was a 7th grader at the time. The ambiance here was different. Even though it's a much LARGER school, it felt different. She felt different. She felt like she could belong. All the students there were transfer students. Like her, they didn't know anyone else. They welcomed a friendly smile and gesture.

Now this doesn't mean that she will conform and do as the world would have her do, think or say. No matter where she goes, she will always stand out. Not because of her looks, or what she wears, but because of who she is. She has her convictions, her standards. She has her ideas of morals and values. She will not conform. She is wise beyond her years. She's proven herself over and over. She is God's girl and you can't help but see His light shinning through her.

As she was about to say good night, she thanked me for going with her. Be still my heart...

Orientation Day

I got to attend the Transfer Students Orientation Day, with Soaring Amongst The Clouds. They gave us a bag of goodies and LOTS of information. The university has expanded since my Knight graduated from there. It was nice to see all the changes.

They had all the transfer students and their parent gather in the ballroom. They talked to the whole group. Then they escorted the parents to a different room. They shared information that would only interest parents. Funny thing was, that it all sounded familiar. Well, it dawned on me that I had hear it before. I had heard it at Still Waters orientation day two years ago. Mind you it was a different university, but it was the same information. I could of skipped this, but I'm glad I didn't. I got to meet some very nice families.

I was very pleased to learn that they offer escort services. No, not the dating kind, but the kind that walks you to your car. She was able to sign up for her classes and she also got her student i.d. The great news is that she only has classes on Tuesdays and Thursdays. Even greater news is that they are all during the day! YEAH!!!! I hope and pray that Daughter of the King is also able to get her classes on those days and during the day too. That would be an AWESOME blessing.



She humored me and allowed me to take a picture of her. Thank you sweetie, I know this isn't easy for you. ;o)

I noticed that there were many fine looking young men. I also noticed that some were taking notice of Soaring Amongst The Clouds. I found it a little humorous that she was totally oblivious about this. When I brought it to her attention, she politely blew me off. She is completely unaware of how beautiful she is, inside and out. I think that's what makes her even more beautiful.

Soaring Amongst The Clouds is very excited. There are a few clubs she plans on checking out. On the top of her list is a high venturing club and Campus Crusade for Christ. She's also interested in checking out the intramural sports. I think she's going to enjoy her last two years. She shared that this year will be her last "class" courses. Her senior year she will be interning at a school. Her eyes were sparkling and she couldn't help but smile the whole time she was there. She is looking forward to meeting new people. Today was a very good day. I'm so excited for her.

Update On The Dwellers Of The Castello

Things are winding down around our Castello. Soaring Amongst The Clouds has earned her Associates Degree. Way to go Baby Girl! Daughter of the King is done with high school. She will be attending the Alma Mater University in the fall along with her eldest sister, Soaring Amongst The Clouds. Still Waters will continue to work on her Bachelor's Degree on Computer Animations. G.I. Joe and The Warrior are almost done. There are a couple of things I have left for them to do and then we'll call it a year. Have I mentioned lately that I LOVE homeschooling our children?! Well, I do. :o)

Let me share some things that have been happening around here lately...


Steps and his youngest brother, One With Nature came over last week and spent the day with us. They were all out by the pool swimming and having fun. Just as I was about to step outside and take some pictures, I see Steps holding his head. Poor thing lost his bearings and swam right into the pool wall. He had what we Cubans call a, "chichon". What others might call a 'goose egg", but it sounds worse in Spanish. Well it swelled up immediately. I was thinking, "GREAT! Jewels leaves them here with me to take care of, while she's traveling to minister to her cousin who's husband just passed away. And what happens?! Her beloved son gets hurt!" Mother that I am, I quickly got some ice to apply to his boo boo. Daughter of the King gave him some ibuprofen and we prayed that he wouldn't lose consciousness. God is good... ALL the time. He didn't pass out. Whew!!!! Just like a man though, he didn't keep the ice on as long as a mama would of wanted him to. But all was well. They all went to church later on and you can believe everyone gave him what for, for his incident.



One night after G.I. Joe's baseball game, as I was parking the car, I caught a glimpse of this rabbit. He was too cute. Apparently he lives under our shed. I didn't want to get to close and scare him off, but I did want to get a picture. This was the best that I could do. Sure hope I get to see him during the day so I can get a better shot at him. Not with my gun, but with my camera. ;o) The only meat I like to eat are from Elsie the cow and Ms. Piggy. Nothing else!



The Warrior decided to sit on something cushy while watching the new pitcher warm up. He's too cute! Reminds me of the days he use to pretend to be Anakin Skywalker. He'd sit inside my laundry basket, put on his helmet and goggles and pretend to be flying a pod racer. Have I mentioned that he still fits in the basket? Well he does. When I have the basket on the couch, he hides in it as he's calling out for me to try and find him. I'm sure he'll outgrow doing things like that, but for now, I'm enjoying every minute of it.



My G.I. Joe plays first base and he's also a pitcher. He's a lefty when it comes to playing sports. But he writes and eats with his right. Pretty kewel! When he plays first base, he's got and UNBELIEVABLE stretch. Which makes him a very popular first baseman. I love watching my Squires play ball. You can always hear me in the stands, cheering... "YEAH BABY!!!!"



Soaring Amongst The Clouds chillin' out watching her brother play ball. I wonder if she noticed that I took this picture? She's wearing one her favorite t-shirts. Why is it her favorite? Well, her beau gave it to her. Airman G is a cadet at the Air Force Academy.



"No mom! You are wayyyyy toooo close!" I REALLY need to write an entry and share ALL the pictures I have that are just like this one.



My gardenias are blooming! WOOOOO HOOOOO!!!!!! I love their scent. Brings back childhood memories. My paternal abuelo grew gardenias in his garden. My abuela always had a bowl of water with gardenias floating in it as a center piece on her dinning room table. They have both passed on.



My Salvias are growing too. They attract the most beautiful butterflies. I haven't been able to get a picture of the butterflies. :o( But one day I will.



I dug this hole to plant some African Iris's. After I dug the hole, I decided to read what it said about the flowers. Turns out, they require morning sun. Wouldn't you know it, I dug the hole on the wrong side of our home. URGH!!! The area where I dug is afternoon sun, not morning. Oy Vey! Good thing I only dug one hole and not all 10 holes! LOL! Welcome to my life! :o)



Still Waters, my gardening partner. She loves working outside. Which is really kind of funny considering she's a little OCD about cleanliness. LOL! I say that very lovingly Sweetie. I enjoy working with her. She's so knowledgeable. If she doesn't know about something, she does some research and shares what she's learned. She is sooooo her father's daughter. The man that God has chosen for her is going to be very blessed. This Fair Maiden, like her sisters, is a rare jewel.



Softball season is underway. Soaring Amongst The Clouds really enjoys playing. She and Daughter of the King play for our church league. What's really neat is that the team has players of all ages. You have to be 16 and over to play. They play on a co-ed team. They have a great time. So far they've only lost one game. Just like at my Squires games, you can hear me cheering, " WAY TO GO, BABY GIRL!"



Daughter of the King also plays. The other day, I wasn't able to attend their game. I wasn't feeling well. The Squires came in laughing and shared with me that Daughter of the King got a home run! WOW! She quickly added, "Mom, it was a little, dribble hit." She got to first base before they got their hands on the ball. It was over thrown, by that time, she was already running to third! She ended up going home and scoring. I guess I should mention that Soaring Amongst The Clouds and Daughter of the King have a reputation. They are well known for their speed and agility. I love watching my Fair Maidens play ball.

Still Waters wrote an entry, specially for me. I would like to share it with you. Click here. I LOVE the pictures she posted. I am going to print them and frame them, so I can look at them
'whenever I want' (which movie is that from?). ;o) Thank you Sweetie! I LOVE IT! I am presently checking all my pictures. I want her to do one of herself. So I can have a 'fairy' picture of all my Fair Maidens. She's sooooo creative and artistic!

I love my family. I love my life. My life, is my dream come true. My hope and prayers are that whoever my children marry will love, honor, respect and appreciate them. That they too, get to live their dream.

Mother's Day

Today mothers across the U.S.A, get treated like I get treated year round. I'm so blessed and I know it. I hope you all had a blessed Mother's Day too.

Our church service was great. They had all the moms stand up to be recognized. Then they asked for all the moms that were 90+ to stay standing. The eldest mom was 100! They gave her a beautiful rose corsage. To look at her, one couldn't tell her age. Turns out, she's the mom of the quilting lady that gave Daughter of the King roses a couple of days ago. Pretty awesome! They also asked for the moms who had the youngest child. This mom had a baby who was a couple of months old. Tooooo precious! She also got a corsage. Then they asked for the moms who had 4 or more children present with them. There were quite a few. They asked who had 5 or more children present. There were three of them, me included. We each got a corsage. I love flowers, then again, what woman doesn't? :o) I didn't pin on, I wanted to hold it so I could sniff it. They smelled heavenly.

After the service we headed to our Castello to change clothes. We had decided to go see Iron Man. It was great. We all enjoyed it. From there we went to Outback, but it was packed! So we headed to the Chili's close to our Castello. We called ahead and got on the waiting list. Once we got there, we still had to wait, but at least it wasn't an hour wait. :o) Dinner was great. Then it was back to our Castello for dessert! YEAH! We had key lime pie and chocolate mint pie. They had also bought me some haagen daz butter pecan ice cream. YUM! I saved the ice cream for later, but I had the key lime pie. ;o)

Every year on Mother's Day, I like to have a picture taken with my children. This year, I decided to post how many "takes" it takes to have ONE picture turn out...



Take one...



Take two...




Take three...


Take four...



Take five...


Take six and that's a wrap!



Take one with the squires...



Take two...



Take three... take two came out better. Let's print that one.



Take one with the Fair Maidens...


Take two...



Take three...



Take four... we'll print take two.



My Knight and his Lady G~ Look at those blue eyes, I fall more in love with him every day. As it that's possible.



I wore my "Texas" shirt for Mother's Day. He brought us each a shirt from San Antonio, Texas. That's where he was all of last week. I LOVE TEXAS! Always have. I've only been there once, back in 1983. But I've loved Texas since I was a wee little one. Well, there are two places I've always loved and wanted to live in, Texas and Colorado. :o) I LOVE my new t-shirt. I'm sure I'll wear it out. :o) Thanks Babe!

What do you give a mom who has everything? You give her, time with those she loves. That's exactly what they gave me. I had the most wonderful day. The kind of day mom's dream of. We spent the day laughing and having fun together. All I saw was smiling faces. Oh, they also gave me the movie, "27 Dresses". I loved that movie. I'm also going to have highlights done later on this week. So come back and see how it all turns out. But the priceless gift I got was from The Warrior. He told me, "Mom, because it's Mother's Day, I won't burp or gas." How can you top that?!

To my children,
Words can't describe what you mean to me. I am the person I am today because God blessed me with you. You have all taught me so much. I hope and pray that when you have children, you'll be as blessed or more blessed (if that's possible) than I was. I love you...
mom~

Beach Time!

We have been trying for quite some time to head out to the beach. But for one reason or another, we haven't been able to "beach it".

Today we headed out at 10a. Got there by 11a and stayed until 3p. The Warrior had baseball practice. I figured he'd need some "wind down" time before heading out to practice. By the time we got home I was whooped! I guess I got too much sun. So I decided we'd all stay in and spent the rest of the day chillin' out by the pool. It was a GREAT day!



The first thing the boys did, was dig a hole. Then Steps sat in it and they buried him up to his neck.


Jewels was having a panic attack just by watching. I think she's a little claustrophobic. LOL! Steps didn't stay buried too long.



Even though Jewel's and I didn't go in the water (WAYYYYY TOOOOO COLLLLLD) we had a great time under the umbrellas. Oh, Jewels forgot to bring hers, so she rented one. Then mine broke, so I ended up renting one too. I have lupus and I can't be out in the sun much, it causes me to have a flare up. Ask my children, it's not fun. But even so, the day was picture perfect.



Steps brought some shovels and One With Nature brought some castle building buckets. They had a great time building castles. Steps and Daughter of the King built this one. They built a moat around the castle. The tide didn't come. :o( Even so, they did a great job.



This castle was built by Still Waters. I thought it was so creative. I thought it was very unique because I had never seen one like this before. But I was told it's a "dribble" castle and they've seen other people build it at the beach. I still think it's uniquely beautiful.




Still Waters kept busy taking pictures. I haven't seen her pictures yet, but I bet they turned out good. :o) She's at photography.



Can you believe I managed to get a smile?! Only because I called her and she was smiling at something that was said or something that she saw. Not sure which one, but I'm glad I got it.

We all had a great time at the beach. The day was perfect. No just because we had a great a time beach but because my Knight got home tonight. ;o)

Surprise!

Today the ladies of the quilting ministry at church, surprised Daughter of the King with a graduation luncheon. She didn't suspect a thing. The ladies also invited me to the luncheon. They are so thoughtful and wonderful. They have been such a blessing to Still Waters and Daughter of the King.

I have always wanted to learn to quilt. Since I didn't know how, I wanted our Fair Maidens to learn. I really feel it's a dying art. Our church has a quilting ministry. They make quilts and send them to orphanages all over the world. They also make receiving blankets for babies and regular size blankets.

Soaring Amongst The Clouds loves quilts, but she doesn't like to sew. Still Waters and Daughter of the King started helping out in the quilting ministry when they were in middle school. Because we homeschooled, they were able to attend their meetings during the day. They knew some basic sewing. But the ladies took them under their wings and taught them how to quilt. They have made some beautiful quilts. God has blessed them beyond words. I'm so proud of them. Not just for making the quilts but because they desire to continue to help and minister to others.



The ladies decorated this board specially for Daughter of the King. She got to bring all the decorations home with her.



They even bought her a cake!



It was a pot luck lunch. They all brought something to share. There were lots of sweets too. Mmmmm...



One of the ladies brought her some roses from her garden. Turns out that she has 50 rose bushes! WOW! She told us that her son was the one that started growing them when he was younger. His reason? He wanted to give his girl roses. How romantic is that?! How old was he at the time? He was just a teenager. He is now 32, happily married and a father. I can see why. :o) It not so much what one buys or gives, it's the thought and time put into it. I know I melt when my Knight brings me a chocolate bar or a pint of my favorite ice cream. It's the little things that matter. Sorry, I got off track. It's because I miss him so. But he'll be back tomorrow. :o)



Here they are having a good time of fellowship. Everyone was talking, laughing and sharing stories. These godly ladies have been such a blessing. They have shared their wisdom and knowledge with our Fair Maidens. They have been wonderful mentors.



They showered her with gifts. This is a beach towel that one of the ladies monogrammed for her. They also gave her a love offering. Daughter of the King was so moved and overwhelmed with all their kindness. I saw her eyes glistened.



The godly quilting ladies of our church. May God bless them as they continue to bless other. I know that one day, they will hear, "well done my good and faithful servant...

What Have We Been Doing?

Early Sunday morning my Knight headed out to one of my favorite states... Texas! I sooooooooo wanted to go with him. I knew he would be in class ALL day and we wouldn't be able to spend much time together. So I stayed home. I do miss him terribly, but he'll soon be home. YEAH!!!

You must be wondering, why did he have to go to Texas? Well he's taking some kind of course, that was being offered there. His work sent him there to take it. All expenses paid. Not bad. :o) This is a very good for his career. Out of all his co-workers, he was the one chosen to go. I'm so proud of him. He usually ends up traveling once a year. I've been able to go with him a couple of times. It all depends on what he has to do.

So while he's away, I tend to 'slack off'. :o) We'll have a heavier lunch and then have a light dinner. We'll have dinner later than usual or breakfast for dinner. We'll even have dessert for dinner. :o) I rent movies I know he won't really want to watch. ;o)

This week The Warrior has one b-ball practice and a game on Saturday. G.I. Joe had a game Monday night and they lost by one point. It was a good game. But the winning team didn't show good sportsmanship throughout the game. Two of the coaches lost their temper. It's not the first time this has happened. The players were also being rude and disrespectful. The parents were just as bad. Our team stood firm and didn't step down to their level. They continued to cheer their own team on and edify each other. We didn't win, but I was proud of how they conducted themselves. Well done!

Soaring Amongst The Clouds and Still Waters are done with their semester. They are excited that they are officially on summer break, well, at least Still Waters is on break. Soaring Amongst The Clouds is taking a summer online class. Once she is done, she will have her Associates Degree and move on towards her BA. Daughter of the King has finished with all her school work. She won't officially graduate until mid May. I can't believe we'll have three college students this fall. My Fair Maidens are quite the young ladies. I'm so proud of them. They do honor their parents.

Yesterday, my children and I went shopping for a graduation dress, for Daughter of the King. Our Fair Maidens have opted not to graduate in a cap and gown. They don't feel like they have 'officially' finished school, since they were going onto college. Daughter of the King found two dresses and she was only going to pick one. We bought both, not because she wanted both. Finding clothes is not easy. Our Fair Maidens dress moderately. When we find something, we get it. :o) We also found some shorts for Daughter of the King, Soaring Amongst The Clouds and G.I. Joe. Oh yes, and for myself too. While at the mall, we all had some DQ icecream. YUM! All in all it was a great day. It was wonderful to go and spend some time at the mall with my children. They've always been very good about going shopping. Even when they were wee ones. But now, we laugh and enjoy just hanging out.

Here are some of the pictures I've taken this week...



The Warrior found this itty, bitty, baby lizard. It was so cute. I have to say that it took 6 shots for me to finally get one where he's smiling. The Warrior would close his eyes, look the other way, have this dazed sleep look or just try to hide. All this while the itty, bitty, baby lizard laid calmly on his finger. Amazing!



No, not again! Please mom!!!



Nope, this is too much.


Ok, last one. You already have a gazillion bazillion pictures! Why do you want more?! Well darlin', cause you are the only one that caves in and finally smiles for me. :o) Thank you!




Daughter of the King hanging up clothes in her closet. Ok mom, this is it. No more for today. Yeah, right darlin'. LOL!



This was suppose to be of The Warrior, but he ducked. I should do a post of all the pictures I have just like this.



Jewels' went to see her cousin today. Her cousin's ex-husband was involved in a motorcycle accident on Monday. Her cousin called early this morning telling her things had taken a turn for the worse. He had a stroke. She received another call, his lung had collapsed and he had some paralysis. The last call was that he didn't make it. How terribly tragic. She dropped Steps and One With Nature at our home, so they could go to church later on. She was on her way to be with her cousin. She had to drive 1 1/2 hours alone. She will be spending some time with her. Please keep her in your prayers. Her cousin's mom just passed away, not even a month ago.

Here they are playing some Call of Duty. This seems to be a popular game around here. They are quite good at it.



Steps brought his guitar. He, Daughter of the King and some of the youth are in the praise band at church. Here he is practicing a song they'll be singing tonight. I just heard him sing one of my favorites, "My Savior, My God" by Aaron Shust. Steps has an incredible voice. God has sure blessed him with a beautiful voice. He's taught himself to play the guitar.



Daughter of the King and Steps share lots of interests. Music is one of them. Which reminds me, I've got some great news to share. Daughter of the King and Steps were awarded the 'Most Christlike' award on Sunday during AWANAS. Way to go! We are so very proud of you!



I trekked up to Still Waters' room and there she was, blogging. YEAH, I can't wait to read what she's got to say. You can check it out for yourself here. She showed me something she had been working on yesterday. I loved it! I can't even describe it. I don't know what it's called. I told her she would have to blog those pictures. She's so imaginative and creative. Then while I was there talking with her, who should step in? None other than...



....Soaring Amongst The Clouds. She had the biggest grin. It was one of those, "I was just told something and I want to tell the world, but it's only for me and I won't share it", kind of look. I tried to get a picture of her grin, but she kept hiding it.

Then I thought I was being sneaky and turned around to get a candid shot of Still Waters. But I wasn't sneaky enough cause this is what I found...



She was taking pictures of me, while I was taking pictures of her sister. So here we are, taking pictures of each other, taking pictures. LOL! I love my family!



While I was upstairs 'taking pictures'. G.I. Joe, The Warrior and One With Nature were busy having fun in the pool.



I decided to snap some pictures while they were smiling. Oh, more great news to share. Sunday night during AWANAS, G.I. Joe was awarded an award for being the middle schooler that was the 'Most Christlike'. Our Squire has really grown physically and spiritually. We are so proud of him.


Ok mom, this is all you get!



One With Nature, just chillin' out by the pool. This won't last long. You know how boys are... very energetic. LOL!

Well, pool time only lasted about 1 1/2 hours. Growing up, I didn't have a pool, not even an inflatable one. During the summertime, my mom would take us to Venetian Pool. We would be there from the time they opened until closing time. The pool is spring fed. The water was always cold. But we loved it. It had a lagoon feel to it. It was beautiful and we always had a great time. Our children do enjoy swimming. They could be out by the pool all day, but when they have visitors, they all want to do it all. LOL! So they swim a little and play games indoor too. Over all everyone had a great time.