Roses are Red

I have written before that Gabriel LOVES plants and flowers. He is LOVING having the rose bushes in bloom in our yard. Today he was telling me how the roses in front are doing better than the roses in back!

The other day he came in with a rose for me and said "I saw this and said WOW, that would be great for mommy!" Minutes later he came in with another rose for Annalina. Annalina said it was "gorgeous!" and "Gabriel, I love that flower!" Gabriel told her it did have Sonja slobber on it but not to worry because he thought it had dried up!! The pictures are above of the roses he picked for us.

The kids are pretty good at trashing toys, etc. when they become broken. A few days ago I asked Annalina if we should throw out a chocolate box (fancy one with magnetic closure) that her Grandpa Johnson had saved for her for her jewlry. It was obvious that she had used it! But she said "Grandpa wanted me to have this. I wuv (love) it. I can't get rid of this." How sweet!!! This is the same Grandpa she made a googly eye flower on his birthday card for her silly grandpa! And put a vase with flowers stamp (which uncle Ben had made and sent to her) picture on the card to trick Grandpa into thinking it was for Grandma! Gabriel made a card that was funny  and he mispelled Grandpa to Grandpu and when he asked me to read it he thought I read it wrong when I said Grandpu! I said that is what he wrote and he and Annalina just busted out laughing!! It even said "I love you Grandpu". He didn't want to correct that because it was just to funny to them!

Psalm 17:15

As for me, I will behold thy face in righteousness: I shall be satisfied, when I awake, with thy likeness.

I read this a few days ago in devotions and just thought how it will be. As good as I can imagine it it is beyond my human comprehension.

Doorbells, Phone calls, and Fun (Yesterday)

This morning the kids had their first swim class and really enjoyed it! Gabriel was happy to see one of his classmates there too!

My friend Pepe called this morning. She married a guy from Babe's OCS class. She is from Senegal, Africa and they met when he was in the Peace Corp. It was great catching up with her.

Another friend called midday and said she just got off work so she and her son came over and we went to Grimes Point walking around looking at petroglyphs and the kids climbing on rocks. We had a good time but it got hot so we headed home. When home I realized I had 3 miles of gas left and we wanted to go get ice cream! The kids prayed we'd make it to the gas station and when we pulled up to the gas station we hit "0" miles!! We then went for some ice cream which was nice and cool!

Late Afternoon was:

Doorbell: neighbor boy

Doorbell: neighbor girl

Doorbell: 2 more neighbor boys

Doorbell: another neighbor girl!!

Don't think I've written this one . . .

A few weeks back the kids were asking why some people don't have kids, etc. We talked about it and then I said some people don't want to have kids. This amazed Gabriel and he said "ANYONE would want Ross!" Is that a vote of confidence from an older brother or what!!

Pictures from Yesterday

AHHHH, Summer!

Today was the summer day I look forward too. We are at home together, no where to go, no outside responsibilities!! AHHH!!

I could hear Gabriel and Annalina just talking and talking and talking this morning in the other room. Later in the morning Gabriel asked to read to me. He read to me well over an hour if not close to 2 with me taking breaks to do something here and there and he read his first chapter book which was 2nd-3rd grade level. He really enjoyed it, it was the story of Pompeii and it was the fifth book he read. I had to say it was the last!! Annalina really enjoys sitting and listening but today even Ross came over!

Afternoon a neighbor kid came over and they had a blast on the trampoline and a huge beach ball I put in there with them. The weather is mild enough to be out on the trampoline during the day. After they came in for a water break/snacks I went to fold clothes and Gabriel showed me a wonderful work of art with everyones hand print on it. They had taken ink pads and stuck there hands on them. After Gabriel showed it to me he went back and told his friend that I thought it was great! ( I decided to be positive about it) I did say that now they should use the stamps with the pads! I also noticed a ladybug stamped on the back of Ross' neck. I called my friend and she and I agreed at least they had fun and it wasn't all over the walls!!

Tonight the kids and their friend go back for another night of Vacation Bible School and they are really enjoying that!!

Just to remember

***Annalina said to her daddy a few days ago:

Annalina: I love you Daddy.

Daddy: I love you too! You're easy to love.

Annalina: You just have to start.

Babe and I just started laughing!! That was funny!

***Yesterday I heard a skirmishing between Annalina and Ross and heard Gabriel step in and handle it very calmly and maturely! I went out and told he him did a good job!! He said "I didn't do that to be rewarded I did it to do the right thing." Even better!! On Sunday on the way into church he said "I love you. You're the best. You take good care of me."

***We were out with friends last weekend and the little boy with joking and said "your mommy is a lizard" and Annalina defending me responded saying "my mommy is not a Wizard (her "L" sounds are "W's") and the boy said "I didn't call her a wizard I called her a lizard!! We got a big kick out of the clash of communication!!