Parker Funnies

"Mom, can you get me some goose tape?"  (Asking for Duck tape!)

All four of us were lying in our bed, watching cartoons...
PARKER:  "Dad, my PP is really big!  You want to see it!"
THOMAS:  "No thanks, Parker.  That's why we call it your privates, because you keep them private."
PARKER:  "But, Dad!  Seriously!  It's like a LIMOUSINE!"

This Post Uganda Life

Here is what a trip like Uganda will do to a person:

Parker and I went to Michael's today to pick up some craft supplies.  On our way in the door, there were flip flops in the clearance bin.  For $.25!!!  I can no longer walk past those without thinking of my sweet friends in Africa, many of whom have NO shoes.  So, what did Parker and I do???

Why, we took three trips -- arms loaded -- to the cash register and purchased 50 pairs of shoes for our "African friends" (as Parker says!). 

We have lots of friends headed to Africa in the coming months, so we'll get these over there soon!

CHOC Visit

Our sweet little buddy had to spend a few nights at the Children's Hospital of Orange County last week.  He was SUCH a trooper, and we were so thankful the doctors were able to diagnose a kidney infection and give him the right antibiotic to heal him up! 

He was a favorite on the hall, and with a face like this, who could blame those nurses?!?

 

80s Concert

Last Friday, we had a fun time reliving the 80s with a concert in the park by our house.  We took a picnic and some dear friends, and danced and played!

1st Grade

BEFORE

Today was the first day of first grade! Turner has a great teacher, Mrs. Prouty, and a class of 21 children. She loved every minute of it!!!

 

It was quite a different (and much better) feeling dropping her off this year than last!  We are glad to be returning students and not fresh off the plane from Georgia! :)

 

 

AFTER

Taste of Home

Had a special surprise visit today from the Herons!  It was like homecoming!!!  What a blessing they are to us, and what sweet timing for God to send them to us this week in particular.  

Parker and Turner were thrilled.  As you can see, Parker knew they were "family" and claimed them pretty quickly. 

Lake Mission Viejo

Parker had a preschool "reunion" today at Lake Mission Viejo.  He had so much fun with his buddies, especially Jack (above)!  It was neat to see him in action with some boys his age!

VBS!

Turner is having a great week at VBS this week!  She's especially enjoyed re-enacting everything for us at home...  The theme is trusting God -- one I am definitely learning about myself these days!  :)

Laguna Beach Babes

We had the neat opportunity to visit a private beach on Sunday with some friends.  It was a little piece of paradise!

My Angels

My sweet angels! 

(Their shirts are from the daycare where we spent time in Mexico and, say, "I am an angel!"

Whale Watching

We recently got a Groupon to go whale watching out of Dana Point.  It was such a beautiful night! Just being out on the Pacific ocean, watching the sunset and enjoying the view was enough.  But we actually ran into a HUGE school of Common Dolphin!  They were so playful and pretty!  I have never seen so many.
The best part:  Although we saw a ton of dolphin, we didn't see any whales.  So, we got 8 free tickets to go back and do it all again!  Pretty good for a Groupon! :)

Mr. Incredible

There.  I said it.  He's not ONLY incredible.  He's downright ADORABLE!

Sweet Girl

The other night, Turner leaned over and whispered this in my ear:  "Mom, can you hardly wait to get to heaven?  I mean, can you hardly wait to see our mansions?!" 

THIS is the beautiful, childlike faith we are called to have!  Lord, help me look with anticipation and excitement upon the path you have for me...

Soccer Camp

Turner had a great week at soccer camp!  Her UK coach, Hannah, was lots of fun, and she enjoyed time with her buddy, Natasha!

Our Lawfully Wedded Family

Parker to me the other day:  "Mom, you're a bride.  And sissy is a bride."

Parker:  "Mom, what are boy brides called?"

Me:  "Grooms"

Parker:  "Yeah.  You're a bride and sissy is a bride.  Daddy is your groom, and I'm sissy's groom." 

Summer - East Coast

We had a wonderful visit with family and friends this past July!  We are incredibly blessed and grateful for so many loved ones and so much fun packed into a short time. 

Lots of memories were made, including:  Trips to the SC and Children's Museums, fried shrimp, lots of boiled peanuts and corn on the cob, Chick-fil-A with Grandy, supper with the Creech Family, 4th of July with both sets of grandparents in Awendaw, Beaufort stew with Uncle Ted and family, Lots of swimming, Time with Aunt Nik and family, Fishing, Marsh pickles, Church, Aunt Caroline, Miss Erin, The Timmermans, Aunt Helen and Theresa, The Conways, The McDonalds, Mrs. Clarke, Supper at the Sewee, Ice cream....and more! 



 And then in Atlanta, special time with The Figarettis, The Kuehns, The Davidsons, The Hoods, The McFaddins, Oma, The Stones, The Townsends, The Rigelmans and The Grants.

 Mr. Joey and Milkshake the Milksnake!

 A fun evening celebrating Miriam's Arrival!

Cow Appreciation Day with The McFaddins!

Soccer is no longer JUST for Sis!

Parker started his first soccer class last week!  He LOVES it.  Coach Adam is great, and there is only one other boy who plays with him. 

Parker was so cute the first day, when -- after a couple minutes of drills -- he said, "Coach.  I think it's time for a water break." :) 

I will fight this fight...I will run this race!

Parker sang for the moms at CBS last Wednesday!  He did such a great job using his gifts.  This Bible study is a huge blessing for both of us.

The Leprechauns!

Those silly leprechauns visited our house AGAIN!   They went potty in our toilet (green!), and then left tracks where they climbed up on the sink and drew a shamrock on the mirror.  They even took all the green Frootloops and made hearts and smiley faces on our kitchen table and left footprints on the kids' chairs! 

Sneaky!  Happy St. Patty's Day!

Thoughtfulness

Here are some sweet thoughts from Turner to others.  I love her big, compassionate heart!  She challenges me to love my neighbors more deeply. 

1.  Hannah, a little girl in Turner's class, lost her grandmother a couple weeks ago.  Turner went up to her room to make her a "card," and this is what she came down with.  I just loved that she chose to make fish -- a grandma one with a cane, and a little one -- kissing. 

2.  Turner made the below card for a marine stationed at Camp Pendleton, a nearby base, which is the #1 deploying base in the country.  The card is going in a care package we'll send in a couple weeks.