seasons

lance and i took a trip to this house last week.
(it is beautiful and we are thankful to the page family for their generosity)

But more importantly, it was the beginning of a fresh start for US. we are emerging from a hard season on our marriage. but the winter is over and we are seeing signs of new life. our God is good... no, better than good... he is GREAT! we are grateful for the unending grace that He continues to pour on us.

if you are experiencing a winter season in a relationship - be encouraged. Even though everything looks dead and dry, the roots are still very much alive and being nourished by the ultimate healer and restorer. in the proper time HE will make all things new and you will see tiny buds taking shape in what you thought was lost.

The LORD has done great things for us. -psalms 126:3

sticker charts

we don't always have charts going at our house, but sometimes it is a little extra incentive to motivate our kiddos in the right direction. each of the kids had something different to work on: riley - potty training, caleb - a joyful spirit, and allie - not sucking her thumb. however to keep it from becoming a competition and instill the ability to encourage one another.... no one could receive the prize until EVERYONE filled their charts.

well, this week the charts were full and a trip to the dollar store was had!
way to go kiddos!
i'm so proud of each of you!

sidewalk chalk strikes again

such a sight

i LOVE when our children enjoy being together!

wish i could bottle these moments!

Chalkin' it UP!

save old cardboard boxes

stencil some shapes on them

add some sidewalk chalk

and have hours of fun!

i recommend this as a morning activity with the heat

after 20 minutes or so add some hot wheels, small dolls...

or both for added fun!

everybody got into this project... we had a blast!

even griffin watched and big bro came to check on him a few times! ;)

my mommy friends!

are you stressed? boy, i am! ugh! with four kiddos i feel like there is NOT one moment where everyone is happy. someone is always fussy, fighting, or crying in my house and it is wearing me out! just speaking the truth. :)

however, i have started following a blog that has brought encouragement to me twice this week. i want to share two articles with you. if you need a good word to renew a fresh spirit within you...
here ya go:

first this one... here
and then this one... here

both came through feminagirls.com enjoy

The Apple doesn't fall

far from the tree!

after weeks of asking, the biggest sisco boys were in the skit this week.

meet Riles

and Miles

they are the grandsons of Giles McGillicutty (lance's old time patriot character). if you enlarge this photo you can see a camper laughing really hard. i think they liked it!

they did a great job staying in character and, of course, looked adorable!

the boys had "birth marks" that held a clue for the campers

they were thrilled to be a part of the skit and riley has not stopped saying thank you yet.