Mercy

I always hated it when my older sister wanted to play the game called 'mercy'. Her arms were longer and stronger than mine and she had long fingernails. And when she'd bend my fingers back so far that they'd almost touch my wrists. Ouch! I hated the game, but I hated saying 'mercy' even more. Saying it meant I had given up and given in to her. That she had won. I hated when she won.

To me, mercy was a sign of weakness. A sign that I couldn't, wouldn't ever match up to her and her strength.

It wasn't until many years later that I realized that mercy didn't mean weakness. That it meant love.

But God is so rich in mercy, and he loved us so much,.....Ephesians 2:4

It was because of His great love, that He bestowed mercy on His, while we were in our sin, Christ gave His life for us.

He wasn't giving up as much as He was giving in to the plan God had for Him, for me, for mankind.

Mercy is not about weakness. It is about love. May I love mercy and show mercy as He does.

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Noah's 9th Birthday and Misc. Summer Photos 2013

Noah turned 9 on July 6. I can not believe he is the same age that Josh and Devin were when Rick and I got married! Only two more years of elementary school and he'll be in middle school with Kari. But, he'll always be my baby boy.

We went low key for his birthday as well. On the day of his birthday, we let him choose his cake and dinner choice and just hung out at the house. The following week, he and Rick went to see Despicable Me 2. He asked a few friends to go, but no one else was able to go, so he and Rick went and then at lunch at Dave and Buster's. They also found a really cool Tails hat at F.Y.E. on sale.

This picture was for Kari

Lunch at D&B's

Here are just some random pictures from the summer. We really had a relaxing, albeit fast time off of school and work.

Noah at his friend, Lawton's Lego birthday party

They didn't even realize that they were dressed alike

On our way to date night

4th of July

Flower Power

The Key Bridge at sunset. 

Rick and Noah were on a boat, fishing with some friends.

My 41st birthday cupcakes

  

O's Game Summer 2013

Rick and Noah were gifted some tickets to an O's game at the beginning of the summer. It ended up being hot and they were losing so, they left. Then the O's started winning. LOL Anyway, here are some pictures....

Summer Days 2012*

We have been taking the summer nice and slow and easy. Sleeping in and staying up late have been two daily activities along with going to the new Sonic and getting 1/2 price slushes during Happy Hour. We have also gone to two church sponsored activities - a crabbing/swimming day and go carting. The kiddos have also enjoyed going to the library and playing tennis in the evenings once it cools off for the day. Here are some pictures from the past few weeks.....

 Kari on her way to Six Flags with her friend, Amberly for the day

So in need of a haircut!

 (Before)

 (After)

Now that his hair is cut, he thinks he can drive the 'Stang!

Can't wait to see what the rest of the summer holds! 

*Found this in my drafts folder, but never posted it.

Kari's 5th Grade Promotion June 2013

It's still a bit unreal that Kari promoted from elementary school to middle school, but she did! She received various awards, including the President's Award for Academic Excellence. We are so proud of her and know she will do as well in middle school as she did in elementary school. Way to go, Kari Bear!

These girlies have been together since preschool

Kari and her best friend, Amberly

Kari and her friend, Emma. 

They walked to school together every day of 5th grade 

Kari's self portrait

Kari stating that she wants to be a 

musical performer when she grows up.

Kari and her teacher, Ms. Mueller

Kari and her principal, Ms. DeJesu