When we moved in our cul-de-sac, these two (Lilli & Sarah) were Kami's age (see pics below). They seemed so grown up at the time, but now, almost 4 years later it's hard to believe they are on the verge of bursting into teenagehood!!! What's nice is that they still like to visit us and play with all the kiddos. They read books to them, fix their hair, play board games, computer games, hide and seek, and give piggy back rides. Here they are with Ellie and her friend Brooke. 
Is this not a great picture of how a dad helps, supports and goes the extra mile for his son? Luke wanted to look for a little friend over the fence. Tom could have said no or just hoisted Luke's face over the fence for a second. But he put Luke on his shoulders and found a spot where Luke could really see. It seems to me to be a nice picture of God, who loves us supports us, and will go the extra mile for us. He wants to help us SEE His love, His truth and his guidance. He is patient with us. He has our little frames up on his strong shoulders. All we have to do is ask, "Daddy, will you help me see?" Psalm 119:118 - Open my eyes that I may see wonderful things in your law. [Or maybe what we have here is just a peeping Tom :) ]
ay afternoon, I packed all 5 kids up, and went out in search of new letterboxes. (In the fall, we found a couple of letterboxes, and the kids have wanted to go searching ever since.......) I won't give away the locations, just in case you decide to go letterboxing yourself, but we followed the clues we found at letterboxing.org. We found TWO letterboxes, one in midtown and one in about 5 miles south of our house. One of the letterboxes, as you can see below, was actually hanging in a bush, right at Kami's eye level. She and Hallie and Ellie peered into the bush, but she was the one who discovered it. Then, the chaos ensued as the kids scrambled to stamp their notepads with the stamp in the letterbox. Each of them were then able to stamp the notepad in the letterbox with their own stamp, which represents their personality. You don't sign your name, just give your "handle." 
Several weeks ago, we were asked to be in The Common Thread Fashion Show, benefiting the Scott Carter Foundation. If you know me, you know my middle name is definitely not Grace. Let's just say that I'm a bit clumsy, and that traipsing down a catwalk is not my thing. Especially in heels! But I tried to enjoy the entire experience, from picking out my outfit at a hip boutique (I'm not sure if I was hip enough to go there!) to finding coordinating dresses for the girls. Ellie doesn't like lace or frills, and was looking for something she called "funky." What we ended up finding fit her personality pretty well, as did the pretty dress that Kami wore. (both from Kathleen's Kids.) Kiki (Kim) and her kids were in the beach category, and they were on first. The dressy category, which we were in, was the last, and when our turn came, I just asked God that he would not let me fall off the end of the platform. It was very possible with the dark room and blinding spotlights, that I might not see where the catwalk ended.... I could picture myself taking a big step into nothingness, pulling the girls with me into a big heap on the floor. But, of course, the night was perfect. Our 15 second walk went smoothly, and when we went back out for the "finale," hundreds of gold and white balloons dropped on us from overhead. I don't think I've ever been the receipient of a balloon drop, so it was kind of fun, even for me. When the fashion show was over, our babysitter Leialoha picked up the kiddos from the show and took them home. I got to stay and enjoy a fabulous meal and adult conversation, and when I returned home, Lei had cleaned my kitchen, bathed my boy, and had the kids ready for bed. What a great night!
