Father's Day

After the crazy busy week and then awesome weekend...Sunday was Father's Day! All our Daddy wanted to do was play miniature golf. So that is exactly what we did! We celebrated at Church, ate at Taco Cabana and then played miniature golf! The girls had a blast and believe it or not E is pretty good and scored par on most holes and even made a hole-in-one! S would jump up and down when the ball would go in the hole. Dad enjoyed watching them!

Happy Father's Day, Hubby! You are a terrific father! I love the way you interact with the girls and play with them. Thank you for all of your hard work!

A moment to remember...

So to add to crazy, busy week last week the most amazing thing happened! We met a couple in Feb who's marriage was struggling, almost to the point of destruction and they were not followers of Christ. That has all changed! They have been restoring their marriage and digging into the Word of God and they accepted Jesus (whole hearted) as their personal Savior. This past weekend their entire family was baptized! It was amazing to see this transformation in their lives and to see their hearts change! But what it even more special, they asked Hubby to baptism them! It was so emotional watching them die to self and be raised anew. It was even more emotional to see my husband up there! I was so proud of him and for the spiritual growth he has made. God is so amazing! I think the Angles were sitting right next to me rejoicing! Oh, it was a cool moment! Thank you Lord for letting us be a part of it! The Glory is all Yours, Lord!!!!

Wow, what a week!

We have had a whirl wind of a week...A FABULOUS WEEK! It started with a two night sleepover with three precious little girls: Avery, Paytie & Reese! We kept our friends girls while they celebrated their 8th anniversary. We spent three days at the pool this week! One day we enjoyed swimming with our buddies Caden and Tyler and the other two times with friends from church. We went to Galloping Grace this week and the girls were able to ride the horses for 30 mins. Daddy joined us for the first time and he loved it, too! He was so proud of his girls and what they accomplish on the horses, too. Friday we had friends over for a play date. Daddy had a softball game! Our church celebrated Father's Day with an Auto Show.

E had a huge week....I was overcome with such joy, happiness and proud of her accomplishments and growth. This week she showed incredible courage and willingness to go beyond herself and learn new things. It was amazing to watch her at Galloping Grace and see her control the horse by herself. In the beginning she was attached to the leader and she began her ride, then they slowly broke the connection between the guide and the horse and E became the leader. She had complete control of the horse with her reigns. She learned how to make the noise with her mouth to keep the horse moving and help it go in certain directions. The horse even tried several times to go back to the original leader and E held strong to the reins and had the horse follow her instructions. It was amazing to watch. This program is such a blessing in so many ways!

After we came home from Galloping Grace, she asked if she could take the training wheels off her bike. Hubby and I looked at each other and we were so excited. Not quite sure if she is ready but why not let her try. She realized it is hard work and going to take lots of practice.

On Thursday I took the girls to the pool. We enjoyed some awesome quality time and had a blast practicing back floating, jumping in, kicking and more. It was on this day I couldn't believe my eyes...E had finally put it all together. She figured it out! She would jump in the pool and swim underwater, come for air, take a breath, swim underwater and would keep repeating for about 15 to 20 feet. It was amazing! I was so happy for her! She also climbed a rock a wall with no fear!

Update on little Ms. S! She too had a big week in the water. Poor thing loved the water but the last year has been hard for her regarding her ears. This year we had special ear plugs made for her and they have been a huge help. She is more confident and actually will go underwater. She practiced floating on her back and actually did an awesome job of relaxing. She was also amazing on the horse and does a very good job with her balance. She was detached from the leaders reins but the guide used her voice to continue to lead the horse. Her heart is growing more and more for the Lord, too.

These children are the most precious gift and I love watching them grow. The Lord has blessed us with happy, healthy children and we give Him all the glory for their precious moments. One of the reasons I love summer is because we get to spend some awesome quality time as a family. We get to make some incredible memories, cherish our time and build each other up in the Lord. What a gift!

God is so good!

Just to give you an update on the blazer...it was the fuel pump and although the refund check was nice it did not cover the cost. But God is good and we were grateful for what He did provide~just a bummer.

God is so amazing!

We have had one trial after the next the last six years and it is safe to say that the Lord has confidence in us that we can handle it! He is strengthening our faith and stretching us...sometimes beyond our belief and while in the moment it hurts and we think we can not bare one more minute of pain...His LOVE, GRACE, HOLINESS and STRENGTH over comes us and brings this amazing amount of comfort and peace. For the last two years hubby and I have leaned on God more than we ever have and our faith and love for Him have grown so much. We have memorized James 1:2-8 and we often recite it to one another...it is an incredible passage of scripture. As we have have persevered from one trial to the next it has become easier and easier to have JOY during the face of trials. Not joy as in happiness but the kind of joy, contentment that in no matter the circumstance we will rejoice and praise Him! We have our moments that we have to keep looking to Him and reminding us that He is control and for that we grateful that He is in control and that He Reigns! Moving here has been right on track for the Lord's plan in our lives. We know without a doubt that this was His plan and we have seen Him at work in our lives in unbelievable ways. We have stepped out of comfort zones and we are ministering those who know Jesus, who don't know Jesus and those who want to know Jesus deeper. We are being shaped into the mold of Christ ourselves and we are surrendering to His plan. With that said we have really upset the enemy...seriously...the enemy has decided to target us and we keep holding onto scripture and our faith and keep shouting...GOD YOU ARE AWESOME, GOD YOU ARE AMAZING, WE LIVE FOR YOU- AN AUDIENCE OF ONE!
Today was just another attack from Satan. Hubby was on his way to bible study when his car died, wouldn't start and was making a horrible sound. (Finances are tight...the tightest they have ever been.) Anyway, he got picked up went to his bible study and we just thought great the car is done or this is going to cost a fortune! But when he came back to pick it up; it started and he was able to drive home!!! AWESOME NEWS! Unfortunately the problem began again, but praise God he made it here. Hubby called the mechanic and it sounds like the fuel pump. But the coolest part is that God is faithful and He always provides. When we got home tonight I checked the mail and we had a refund check! We weren't expecting this; just another way God shows His faithfulness and that He WILL NEVER LEAVE US OR NEVER FORSAKE US! It will be amazing to see if the refund check matches the estimate to fix the blazer! Powerful stuff...couldn't hold it in...I just had to share our heart and give God all the GLORY! Thank you Lord for everything! WE LOVE YOU MORE THAN ANYTHING ON THIS EARTH!

Masterpieces

The kids had a blast painting today! It was fun to see their creative minds at work. Daddy helped them with the drawings and then they painted the colors. I think Pops and Grandpa are going to love their Grandfather's Day presents!

This Family loves the pool

It was a beautiful day and just perfect for a day at the pool! We enjoyed a picnic lunch and played in the water for 3 hours. It was actually sad when we had to come home...they had to remind me there will be another day. Just Kidding! E loves going underwater and she is learning how to swim. She actually started going somewhere and not just staying in the same place. Very cool! S loves the water, too! She enjoyed practicing kicking and just being silly. It was great to be together as a family enjoying one another. Good times!

Home on the Ranch

The Kids (and I) have fallen in love with the Horse Ranch! We are allowed to participate at the ranch twice a month. It has been a treasure for us and we are so grateful for this experience! The girls did their chores before riding the horses and then ended the afternoon with feeding the horses. I do think they might love the chore part even more than riding. They love it...as you can see on their faces! Looking forward to going back next week with Daddy!

Double O Daddy!

What was two little girls innocently playing water guns turned into an ambush by their Daddy! Too fun! They loved it. Dad thinks he is...Bond Dad Bond! The little boy in him came out and it was precious. Also, good for them to see that!

God's Precious Children

This morning I went to check on E to see if she was up yet...when I peaked in her room this is what I saw... her bed made and she was standing next to her made bed with eyes closed & hands folded saying a prayer. It was so precious! We have never taught her to do that....she just did that on her own. So I left came back a couple of minutes later and she was sitting on her floor "reading" her bible. WOW! Lord, I commit this little girl's spirit to you and ask that you continue to draw her near to you! In Jesus name, AMEN!

From 16 months to 2 years old S had chronic ear infections and was ill for almost an entire year. Literally on antibiotics from October to June that year. It was an awful year for her...needless to say we put tubes in her ears and had her adenoids removed. However, even with that the illness went from ear infections to sinus infections...so we eliminated cow's milk and wouldn't you know no more illness. It was the best blessing! So we have a wonderful year only being sick 3 times! It has been a huge blessing! Two weeks we checked on her tubes and one had fallen out but the left ear remained in. Last week we had to go to the doctor because she had an ear infection and when we checked the ear that tube had fallen out. This ear infection has been awful, one of the worst. Her poor little was swollen for days and you couldn't even touch her cheek. Finally after several days the antibiotic ear drops started to work and we can see it is clearing up. However, with that said now we are on the watch again...if she begins having chronic ear infections again we will have to have the tubes replaced. I really don't want to do that but of course want what is best for her. Lord, please keep her healthy and protect her hearing and speech at this time. Allow her ears to heal fully as the ear drums close and let it be Your will that she will not the tubes replaced. In Jesus name, AMEN.

Please pray for a women named Mama Terri she is going to have bypass surgery soon. Her family is worried about her and pray for their comfort, too. Lord, wrap this family in your comfort and heal Mama Terri. Lord, take their anxiety and worries from them and give them
peace and comfort as they trust you during this time. In Jesus name, AMEN.

Pray for my sweet husband. God is working on his heart in such a awesome way. Currently he is looking for a new career opportunity and we would really like for him to work with the Rio Rancho Public Schools. Lord, we are asking for Your guidance, Your direction, Your discernment as L looks for new opportunities. We want to follow Your will, and we know You have big plans for him and our family. We know this is the place You want us to be and that You have gone before us, that You have it all figured out. Lord we surrender to Your will and Your ways and we ask for You to show us the way. Please, speak specifically to L at this time as he seeks Your wisdom. He loves You so much Lord. We trust You Lord and we know that you are a God that can move the mountains! In Jesus Name, AMEN!

Pops and Shervin come for a visit!

Dad and Shervin

Shervin, S, Pops and E

Pops and the girls

My Dad otherwise known as "Pops" called last week and said that he and Shervin (his wife) wanted to come for a short visit! Oh, the joy of living within driving driving distance!!! (It still is 10 hours without stopping, but so much different than 3 days or by plane.) So they came for a couple of days and we enjoyed a relaxing time! The girls loved eating Persian food and drinking lots of hot tea, too! For breakfast we ate the traditional Persian breakfast. My kids call it "bread and cheese!" Of course, no trip is final without his famous kabob! We all stuffed our faces...even the kids!!! The girls enjoyed playing hair dresser with Shervin and showing Pops how they can ride their bikes around the block. Thank you Dad and Shervin for coming for a visit even if it was only two days! We enjoyed it!