Family Reunion- Summer part 2

We had a very special time celebrating these very special brothers and sisters at the Gutierrez family reunion in San Diego. Every few summers this family of 14 siblings and their families get together and they have so much fun!

La Jolla- summer part 1

A week by the beach with Papa along was just wonderful and relaxing- we had time to tickle our toes in the sand, ride scooters everyday, fly kites, eat gelato too many times and wake up to salty sea air after falling asleep to the sound of the waves. 

Summer days

We are enjoying our last few days of "care free" summer! This summer was unique- lots of trips, lots of family and lots of time apart from daddy- which made our days together at home sweeter. I've learned I can stay at home by myself overnight without being abducted, without being broken into and without an earthquake smashing all my children to pieces ( yes I'm a huge scaredy cat). I've learned that too many play dates equal too many temper tantrums (me included). I've also learned that the slip-n-slide is God's gift to parents :)
HOWEVER, no matter how much we love the summer months- we crave the consistency and schedule of the fall and look forward to it this year even more. We are very type A over here if you can't tell.
School starts August 20- uniforms have come in the mail and the supply list is ready to be taken to Target. The teacher in Andrew is very excited for Weston to start school. I'm excited too- for friendships and learning to read...and I'm excited to have more time with the younger two. It's a change in life seasons and I'm praying for grace to change gracefully with it!
Random thoughts! And I hope to post pics of all the summer activities soon

Five

Five years ago I became a mom! This guy has blessed my life in so many ways and I am so grateful that the Lord chose Weston to be in our family. We had fun with a simple celebration at home with family as well as celebrating cousin Ryder's 4th birthday too. Weston loves Legos and building new things- so a Lego theme it was.

The Day before his birthday, Andrew took the boys to a baseball game. (Gabriel's 1st one) They had so much fun while I finished the last birthday surprises.

Omie and Grandpa came all the way from AZ. The boys hadn't seen Grandpa since Christmas!

He requested a Lego cake- I let the boys choose which kind of cake they want and try to make it within reason :) We have had some crazy ideas that mommy can't quite pull off! 

Our other birthday boy came all the way from TX- the boys were so happy to be with their cousin

Sadly our grass in the back yard hasn't survived this drought and heat, but they love the extra dirt

 This game cracked me up- they were pretending to be bulls butting heads, the winner was the one left standing. Boys!

The Fog and the Fireworks

Just as the sun started to set over a perfectly warm yet breezy day along the Santa Barbara coast a thick fog began to roll in. At first it looked a little gray over the horizon but within an hour nothing was visible a few yards above ground. Normally I LOVE this eery cool blanketing mist- but it was last night the Fourth of July! Not the best conditions for viewing the much anticipated show. But we packed everyone one up anyways and made the trek to the best viewing spot in high hopes with the rest of the city. And you can guess- as the sound of booms filled the sky we could only see a pale burst of color and maybe a few sparkling remains that fell to the ground leaving the full glory of each one masked above us. Thankfully we didn't really care because being together is what matters most and the kids were enormously happy with their glow sticks Omie had brought them.

Our little experience made me think about this verse however and the topic of our eternity which Andrew is preparing to teach on for our students:
1 Corinthians 13:12 "For now we see in a mirror dimly, but then face to face; now I know in part, but then I will know fully, just as I also have been fully known."

Often I feel frustrated that I don't understand all that I want to about our God or feel ashamed that my affections for Him fall so short but this is such a sweet reminder that one day the fog of this life will be lifted and we will see Him face to face in all His glory and wonder and nothing makes me more excited!
Happy 4th!

Balsamic grilled Tomatoes

Simple is always best. Slice tomatoes about an inch thick. Drizzle with olive oil, balsamic, salt and pepper. Grill. Enjoy a simple and out of the ordinary side to your dinner!

The little Grad

A couple weeks ago Weston "graduated" from preschool! It was such a darling occasion and he loved all of it which is a testimony of his growth this year from a timid and clingy guy during class time to a spunky and confident boy ready to learn. We enjoyed our Tuesdays together with some rare one on one opportunities. I am excited to go through the same program with Gabriel next year!

Grady dressed and ready for his bro

We had the treat of Nanni being in town for the occasion

Weston wanted to take a picture with Mrs. Harasick- the TMK director- He loves her!

Still not too big to give momma kisses in public! I have to admit I got teary eyed when I put that little cap on his head and I fast forward in my mind to his high school graduation.

Throughout the year the kids learned the fruits of the Spirit along with their definitions, Bible verses, songs and sign language. Weston's part of the ceremony was to say " Gentleness is showing love by being kind." He did great and it was so cute to see him be brave all by himself.

At the end the moms were announced with their children as they were handed a diploma and a book of memories from the year and then we sang the "goodbye" song one last time together

Time to party! It was so sweet to see these little people enjoy the accomplishment and the eagerness to start school in the fall- what a great first taste of learning for them

As part of the decor all the moms made posters of their child with pictures and favorite things and memories

The Master's Kids is another reason I love our church- The kids were blessed and the moms were too. During each Tuesday the moms had their own time together where we shared testimonies, prayed, were taught how to parent and love our husbands and children better and had a sweet time of fellowship with those in the same stage of life. Scripture truly does supply us with everything we need for life and godliness and it was such a joy to work that out with this group this year!