Missions Monday - back to school

It is my 2nd favorite time of year, back to school supplies have hit the shelves. I love the smell of crayons and the prices aren't too bad either.
Which means it is also time to support my most FAVORITEST ministry and cause on the planet.  Children's Cup has simplified their back to school campaign even more this year.  They are asking for $10, a backpack and a note, that's it!  I cannot wait to get the kids involved this year.
For $150, a child can go to school for a full year, which seems unreal to me. What sacrifice can you make to  allow a child to school for a year?  I love being creative with our family to make it happen each year.

machine gun preacher

Have you seen the Gerard Butler film, Machine Gun Preacher based on the true story of Sam Childers?  I have been wanting to see this movie for months and finally rented it this weekend at redbox.  It is not for the faint of heart.  It is not a feel good movie, it is a heavy movie, but I hope you will watch it.  And I hope it stirs something in you.  Our family was so privileged to host the Watoto Children a couple years back.  Some of them are orphaned children and even rescued child soldiers b/c of the Sudanese Civil Wars.  Sam is involved in trying to save children from this same war.
I ordered Ben the book this morning, so will let you know how that turns out too.

Fishing Fun

The kids are hooked (no pun intended) on fishing, which we love.  I used to go fishing with my PawPaw as a girl and I guess it was only fitting that their PawPaw bought them their first fishing rods at Gibson's.  Their's are princess, mine was a Snoopy.  Boo caught two fish on her first trip; LE caught one, but it got away.  Day #3 Ben and I got to join them, but the fish were not biting.  We had some company that got a little too close for comfort, so we decided we would pack it up and head back to the campsite.

surprise shower

the snacks

part of the crew

Over the weekend, one of my aqua members messaged me via facebook and asked if I could meet him before class today; a couple of the members needed to talk to me.  At first, I was a little concerned, but I honestly thought they were going to tell me I could slow down a little.   Most in my classes are active older adults and they are concerned with all of my bouncing around.
I walked into the staff room and 15 of them were waiting for me with flowers, goodies and gifts.  It was so special for me.  They blessed with us a Babies R Us gift card, UT onesie and Mickey Mouse blanket.  I was blown away.

4th of July Fun

Last Monday, I met Mimi in "Dripping" so she could take the kids camping for the week.  On Tuesday afternoon, Ben told me he was missing the kids and could we go get them on the 4th (he had taken off Thursday and Friday, just in case).  I mean I was missing my kids too, but I don't know I was enjoying the calm before the storm.  We got up late Wednesday a.m. and drove to their campsite to surprise them.  Let's just say it doesn't take long for the parental units to be replaced.  They had new fishing gear, been swimming every day, ate tons of kid-approved food, stayed up late, slept late, played with cousins and could careless that we were there.  We let them stay till Thursday and Ben and I drove to my parents to spend the night.  R2 came with us so Mimi and PawPaw could have one night of "decent" sleep.
Thank you for wearing them out.  They slept till 10 a.m. on Friday and till 9 Saturday and Sunday.  Can we arrange to do this on a regular basis?

6 weeks to go

I hate pictures and blog posts about myself.  But, I know for posterity sake baby #4 is going to want to see what I looked like, or he may not.
I have gained 24 pounds.
Still teaching 6 fitness classes a week, plan to teach until July 31st.
He began to drop two weeks ago, June 21st.
I am craving BBQ, chocolate and chips.
My back and hips hurt more than anything else.
He has hiccups about 10x per day.
I get up to go to the bathroom around 4-5x per night.
I cannot reach my toes to paint them, tie my shoes or pick up my gym bag, it is a pathetic sight.
I have the biggest helpers in the world through Daddy, LE, Boo and R2.
My due date is August 16th, but praying he is an early bird.

day at the museum - girl's version

The girls were able to do a wider variety of things at the museum this year.  There are several rooms devoted to science and things made a lot more sense this go-round.  I was most excited there was a room devoted to written languages.  We have been learning about hieroglyphs and cuneiform from ancient Egypt and I have been searching high and low for papyrus paper.  They did not have the paper, but they had an entire table devoted to hieroglyphics so the girls were able to practice writing their names.
LE was quite the expert in the pioneer room and was telling us about all of the tools and supplies.  Bella still enjoyed the dress-up room, although if you ask her what her favorite part- "everything".

wordless Wednesday - yogurt boy

day at the museum - Read's version

We took the kids to the Mayborn Museum at Baylor this past weekend.  It is too hot to do anything outdoors lately and I needed some kid time before they leave for a camping trip with Mimi and PawPaw this week.  I was looking at pictures from our last visit and I was pregnant with R2.  I did not remember much of the museum and wasn't sure he would enjoy it.  He enjoyed it the most.  He was all over the place, trying everything.  We are now on the lookout for a cozy coupe and lego/train table.

Gigi and PopPop visit

Gigi and PopPop came to try out our new guest room set up last weekend.  The girls took the opportunity to show them their mad Star Wars lego skills for the Wii.  R2 even likes to play, although we have to disconnect the controller otherwise he takes over the game.