Busy, Hot Summer Days

It has been SO hot these past several days. Thankfully this week seems a tad cooler. One day last week we'd had enough, so we loaded up and headed to none other than Dairy Queen. It is dangerous to live so close to one...

Even this little guy (who thinks he is human) was in need of a heat reprieve...

People have often asked how we try to spend quality time with our kids. We work hard at having one on one times here and there, particularly in the form of daddy-daughter dates or errand running with mom, etc... However, the most important and cherished time together has been over dinner. We call it "dinner and devo" time. After enjoying time over our meal, everyone pulls out their Bibles and reads a passage together. Then papa helps explain what the Scripture is about. It is a simple, yet priceless time.

As you can see, I was quite the chef this night (ha ha)... Dominoes Pizza is our close friend from time to time... ;-)

I love this picture.

Last Friday, we ran over to East Millbrook Middle School to take a look at the facilities we will be using at Imago Dei Church. The principal is a very gracious man. We are grateful for God's continued provision and pray He will use us and this place for His glory among Raleigh and the nations...

Some of our kiddos testing out the auditorium...

We covet your continued prayers as we pray, plan and prepare for launch date on 9/11. To learn more about how you can get involved, please visit: www.idcraleigh.com.

Saturday was quite the whirlwind. We had several new families visit with us for our core team worship. Precious people. We had a wonderful time of worship (which you can watch on livestream - see the video link on the right hand column of this blog) and great food. At 1:30 PM I had to pull myself away to throw my suitcase together and get out the door by 2 PM. Several friends stepped up to take care of our children so that I could travel with Tony to Atlanta for 2 nights. He was invited and had the honor of preaching Sunday at First Baptist Church of Woodstock... (You can watch the video of his sermons online at: www.fbcw.org).

Once again, I did not do a good job of remembering to take pictures aside from our Saturday drive from the airport and dinner...

This was an early birthday dinner: Ruth Chris Steakhouse (are you kidding me?!.) It was incredible and conveniently located in our hotel.

What a sweet and humbling and refreshing time with old and new friends at FBC Woodstock! Truly blessed to be there AND to have incredibly gracious friends to look after our children. Thanks again: Karen, Drew & Taylor, Penny, Alicia & Shane, Alex & Michael for loving on our family! The girls had a blast braiding Taylor and Alex's hair - ha...

We arrived home around 1:00 PM on Monday, otherwise known as "my birthday"... My sister, Priscilla, had come in town Sunday night (along with our dear 2nd cousin, Vivian from Ohio & Priscilla's 3 kids). She had arranged quite the welcome committee... silly string, banners and all... ;-)

They sang "Happy Birthday" and showered me with pictures and presents... precious.

Cousins, sweet cousins...

Popcorn and the movie "Tangled"... love it.

This guy is hard to stop taking pictures of, a real ham for the cam I tell ya...

Swim Lessons began this week...

the kids were so excited they practically woke up dressed and ready to go (ha)... the 2+ hour wait until it was actually time to go was a little difficult for them to comprehend ;-)

Here are the 3 oldest learning how to dive off the diving board...

Well, I'm hoping to get caught up on a few things before hitting the road this weekend to Stafford, Virginia. Our IDC core team will be going on a sort of working retreat hosted by Mt. Ararat Baptist Church. Again, thank you for your continued prayers and friendship. Blessings to you and yours this hot July day!