Recycling Fun

This September I will be leading Tamara Kirby, Meagan Jones and Heather Peloquin, on an overseas expedition to meet my Great Aunt Esther, encourage the 9 Pastors of the Literacy Mission Center, and present the Gospel by pouring out love on every person we meet regardless of religion, economics or caste.

To help reduce the financial burden of this trip and specifically to raise funds for the Medical Mission that we will supply, set-up and work at, we have created a recycling program called  
Trash 2 Treasure.
Our friends and neighbors have been setting aside their CRV goodies which we take to SA Recycling Center for fist-fulls of cash.  

It has been a fun process for Malia, Zach and Ollie --- knocking on neighbors' doors, sorting cans and bottles, praying for God to open up His recycling store-houses to supply for our needs :)

  Twice now we have had so many bags of 'treasure'  that Tamara has borrowed her brother's truck to help me transport the cargo to recycle it.  

Last week she brought along her nephew Kaeden to keep Ollie company. The 2 of them had the best time stomping around together.

Firsts

First day of VBS....Pandamania!!

 Jayden's crew is filled with almost all of her besties: Isabella, Zoey and Paul (whom she is going to marry apparently).

 Zachary also found himself with his best buds:  Charlotte, Morgan, and Ryder.

 First day of Swim Lessons!  I was amazed to see my rambunctious Oliver respond so well to his instructor -- following directions! A.M.A.Z.E.D

Brave Bunny

There have been as many as 6 bunnies feasting on our grass in the early evening.  And they have become quite comfortable with Oliver; allowing him to sneak up on them, wildly chase them, and shout at them with gusto.  This particular day I thought he may even get close enough for a tackle.

Summer Home School

The afternoon air had the magical quality of freshness, freedom, and fun.  And we reveled in it, bursting into a spontaneous session of backyard schooling.

 Zachary worked on letter recognition while Jayden practiced writing lowercase letters.  

I put a bit of P.E. in the mix with somersaults and push-ups.  

It felt completely natural and easy to instruct my children in this way, and they responded with enthusiasm.  I am SO excited for our home to become an official School House!

Last Day of Preschool

Zach will return to Bethany Christian in the Fall for another year of Preschool.  But Jayden and I will begin a new adventure for her Kindergarten year.... homeschooling!!!! 

Where's Ollie?

Task completion:  an activity that {{never}} occurs due to pint sized boy who climbs, investigates, meddles with, and terrorizes a household.  Feats of adventure most always accompanied by great danger (no picture of small tot chewing on his mother's razor!).  Yummy 2 year old has adorable, messy locks and a smile that melts hearts, rendering a mother's anger null and void.

I needed this reminder

some moments of certain days blur the reality of the awesomenss of my life.  my life as Marty's wife.  my life as mother to Jayden, Zach and Ollie. my life as daughter to Mima and Papa, and sister to John and AJ.  my life as an American citizen.   And the singular reminder of the reality of my NEW life in Christ is all it takes to re-boot the brain and restart the celebration.