Day 143. Science Center.

We took the kiddos to the Science Center this week, and oh my goodness, they had fun! Picnic lunch and a Build-a-Bear treat included (more pics to be posted later). Susanna caught a quick moment for us with her camera. Good times!

Day 142. Sleepover.

My two youngest wanted to share their room with their friend for this night. They all bundled up in sleeping bags on the tiny floor, with two perfectly comfy beds remaining empty. Ahhh, to be young again. :)

Day 141. More Twilight Silliness.

So, my sweet friend has arrived. We've had a fun time this week. The kids have played to their little hearts' content. We've stayed up late, chatting. We've eaten... a LOT... We've shopped... a LOT... and we've laughed even more. Shelly's little sister, Susanna, is along for the fun, and she brought this lovely keepsake gift for me, upon their arrival. Yes, it's a Burger King crown. Is it not just too fun for words? Yes, I think so!

Day 140. My Dad.

Here we are, on Father's Day. :) I'm blessed to get to spend the holidays with my parents. It was a typical Sunday... hanging out, eating lunch, the kids playing with playdo in their playroom. ...Sundays at my parents' house have been the same since I was a little girl. Feels good to go home.

Day 139. Father's Day.

These are the most recent pics I have of my dad. I took them on his birthday a couple of months ago. He's holding his most recent pride and joy, his first granddaughter. Oh, she makes him light up, I assure you.

Father's Day holds a lot of meanings for me. There's a little girl in me who remembers snuggling with my daddy... waiting up late at night, to see him when he came home from work. I remember loving to go for Saturday drives with him, just to spend time alone with him (as opposed to sharing him with my siblings). He was the BEST person to ask all of my Bible homework questions. :) (In case I've never mentioned it, I went to a Christian school.) My dad has always worked hard and loved hard. He is where I get my passion... and, well, he is also where I got my nose. :P He was and is commited to his family, and more importantly, to God. My most vivid and consistent memory would be of him, reading his Bible... usually with a cup of coffee on a table beside him. 

He's my dad, and I love him.

Then, there's this guy.  :)  He also holds special meaning for me on Father's Day.  Without him, I wouldn't have my beautiful three sons. 

My dad often teases that my sister and I went completely against the "old tradition" that a girl grows up to marry a man like her dad.  And I argue back that I married a man who is similar in all the ways that matter.

He is strong in his faith.  He works hard.  He is a man of character, who keeps his word.  He loves and protects his family.

He's the father of my children... my husband... and I love him.

My heavenly Father has blessed me abundantly, but He is who we should find our ultimate comfort and security.  Every year, this song comes to mind.  It is simple and sweet, and a true reminder that He loves us so much!

♫ There is a place that I know
Where I need more often to go
A place of amazing comfort and rest
Where a smile is never rare
And Your love is as free as the air
And I lack for nothing
When I can see the love in Your eyes
And know that it's all for me
I fear nothing at all
When I'm safe in the arms of my Father
And if I ever fall
I take comfort in knowing
That You are there

Day 138. Lillies.

I never knew there were so many kinds!  THIS is the color I have at home, next to my mailbox. 

I saw these gorgeous red ones in our church parking lot, and I like these MUCH better.  What can I say?... I'm just a RED kind of girl.

Day 137. Family Night.

We've concluded our week of VBS.  Sixteen children came to know Christ!  YAY!  :)  My boys had a great time, singing and praising Jesus... learning Bible stories, and spending time with their friends.  It was a blessing to be a part of... but I'm truly tired and glad it's over... until next year, of course!  :)