The Birthday Not-Party

I got the last minute invitations out.
People actually R.S.V.P.'d. We were excited; I was a little nervous. I wasn't feeling great, but got up enough energy to clean up and make cupcakes. Nick came home from the children's watch alone. I had stayed home with the 3 youngest to ready the house and make sure the youngest ones got a nap before the party. Where were the 4 older kids, including the birthday girl? They went home with friends straight from the prayer watch for lunch and play. Cool.
Nick was tired and sore. He ate lunch and rested while I continued preparations.
An hour later, he said, "I think you need to cancel the party."
He really was sick. Not a fever, but sapped of all energy, achy, cough and chest congestion.
"Are you sure?" He moaned from the couch. I called the guests. We rescheduled for next Saturday.
I called Keliah to let her know so she wouldn't be too disappointed when she got home, and they got to play there a while longer. That night, we had cupcakes and ice cream anyway and she got to unwrap presents from us and her grandparents.
Keliah seems okay with it. I think she's excited to have cupcakes again next Saturday.
So, a little more waiting for those party pics.
In the meantime, I'll post some pictures from that trip to the beach that kept getting postponed.
From a month and a half ago!!!

Sabina creating sandcastles

Rocky making snowy SandAngels

Playing by the Shore

Keliah holding a tiny perfect pink shell

The Crew wading to the Gulf

Psych Out

Well, we didn't go to the beach yesterday. I wanted to, but we decided we should have a cleaning day instead.
Yeah, that was such a good idea.
I spent much of the time on school with the kids, doing laundry (as usual), and griping at the kids to do their chores. Nick, who was going to do all this cleaning on his day off, went to check out a lady's ex-boyfriend's Star Wars collection to see if he wanted it. She was desperate to get rid of it, and Nick knew he could make some money by ebaying this collection. Good idea, in theory, but a lot of work and a lot of time wasted yesterday. Do I sound disgruntled? Sorry about that.
So, we're going to take that fun day on Friday instead. We need a little time by the sea; and no, I won't be swimming in the Black Friday pool.

What do you all think about Letters to Santa as a writing assignment?

Baby Picture Sunday - Pretty as a Picture

Luca - April 2006 - about a week old

Keliah - fall 2005 - 2 years

Sabina - spring 2008 - about 5 months

I have really pretty babies. I have to get all my old pictures put on digital, it's getting ridiculous! Maybe that's a good gift idea for me from my family! (Hint, hint...)

Sorry I haven't been around much this past week. It's been extra busy because of an amazing conference at OHOP where Corey Russell was teaching on the Eternal Glory of an Intercessor, and his lovely and anointed wife Dana led worship. It was a glorious wading into the shallows of the ocean that is our Lord. You should definitely check out their teachings at www.coreyrussell.org.

Since we've been going non-stop without much down time, Nick and I are thinking about taking the kids on a "field trip" to the beach tomorrow. Doesn't that sound great? Built-in lessons on science, geography, reading and math, right? Well... that last one is a stretch unless I make a word problem out of miles/time driven. Anyway, if the weather cooperates, we'll be by the sea, by the sea, by the beautiful sea...

Baby Picture Sunday - Fruits & Veggies

Or...sandy fruit.
After an hour of wading in the Atlantic waves, chasing sandpipers, and digging, Luca (here at 19 months) was ready for a snack. He got his own apple out of the sack, and took about 3 big bites before dropping it. He didn't skip a beat, picked it right back up and kept eating. He didn't seem to mind the sand, I think the main problem for him was getting his little mouth around that big apple! We all tried not to be too grossed out.

Baby Picture Sundays - Summertime!

I'm not sure if this counts exactly, because I believe it was September when this was taken. But, it was a great family day at Honeymoon Beach in Florida on the bay, and it still felt very much like summer. This is me (after swimming) with Sabina at 11 months. She love, love, loves the beach. She was so happy to be able to walk into the water!


Verse of the Day:
Psalm 65:34, 35
"Let heaven and earth praise him,
the seas and all that move in them,
for God will save Zion and rebuild the cities of Judah."