Book - The Dream Giver

I really got alot out of this book by Bruce Wilkinson. The story starts out as a parable about a man named Ordinary. Ordinary has a big dream and there are bullies that prevent him from reaching his big dream. Ordinary asks, "How do I get all my Bullies on my side?" Ordinary is told, "Well, you might not be able to. Wisdom is the key. Try to understand what's motivating them. Look for the merit of their concerns. Some Bullies you need to simply dismiss or avoid. But most Border Bullies have concerns that can help you clarify your plans. That's how a Dreamer turns opposition into opportunity. .... Remember, when Bullies try to block your way, what matters most is who you choose to please!" 

I have had 'border bullies' in my life and this really helped me to see them in a positive light vs. negative. They can help to clarify your plans. They can help you to figure out if your plans are good plans - plans that can stand up to criticism tend to be well laid plans that will work out. So the border bullies play a good role. I always just saw them as opposition and it was painful for me as often the border bullies were those close to me. I just wanted their love and support and not their opposition. I found it helpful to view them in this light. 

The most important aspect though is to determine who we are aiming to please. Is the aim to please the border bullies or is it to please God? And sometimes we need to disregard the border bullies in order to do what God wants. Ultimately, it is only God who we need to concern ourselves with and seek His approval in all we do. 

Excellent book and I highly recommend reading it. 

Wonderful day

We had just a wonderful day. Dad took off work (YAH). We went to 6 Flags for the day. It was just a beautiful day - warm and sunny, yet not humid. We walked around the park in the morning. JJ wanted to go on some of the kiddie rides. He really had a great time and the fabulous thing is that the kiddie rides are near the nerf ball house. The older boys love going in there. I sent them in with Dad and I stayed with JJ so he could ride the rides he likes. This helps prevent the older two whining about going now and does JJ have to ride another ride. Having two parents along helps tremendously. We can divide up when necessary. It worked well. 

We ate lunch at the car. Dad remembered the chairs - I would have forgotten. It was so nice to not have to sit on the hot pavement. After lunch we went to the water park. The kids have been really looking forward to the water park. Last time we went it was a bit cool and although we did go to the water park - it was only for a very short time as quickly everyone was blue!!! Today was much warmer and it was a very pleasant day for water park activities. 

JJ is now big enough to actually do some of the bigger water slides. He was thrilled to be able to go. He found a favorite ride and insisted on riding it many times. He needed to have a bigger person go with him to carry the tube. Dad and I took turns. The older two enjoyed a bit of freedom. We find our chairs and they are now allowed to go off together - they must tell us what ride they are heading to and then after they ride they check back. And they must stay together. Still it is freedom for them. Up until this year, they had to stay with us all the time and that really limited what they could do as JJ wasn't big enough to do many of the rides. Even though JJ is bigger, he still doesn't ride all that they older two do. And the older two enjoy having a bit of space away from Mom and Dad. 

We stayed longer today then we ever have. I think with the kids getting older they have more endurance. I know that they are tired now though. All 3 went to bed easily and fell right to sleep. 

I think it is time for me to join the rest of the family and head off to bed too. 

A Heart Like Jesus

I just read A Heart Like Jesus by Max Lucado. A short but powerful book. 

"Remember, the secret of having a heart like Jesus is 'fixing our eyes' on him. Try shifting your glance away from the one who hurt you and setting your eyes on the one who has saved you." 

I wish that I was better at doing this but sometimes the wounds are deep and just thinking of that person causes pain to my heart. Another friend of mine talked about loving the person who hurt us but also setting up boundaries so that the person can't continue to cause hurt. I have done this with one but need to set better boundaries with another. 

Awesome song

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LZfsxydxEXA

Kari Jobe

Lowe's Dune buggy project

Making the Dune Buggy. 

Lowe's Dune buggy project

Showing off the Dune Buggy he made. 

The kids are just loving doing these projects. This one was a huge hit. 

They came home and painted their Dune Buggies. 

Lowe's mini baseball project

Lowe's even gave each child a free apron --- that was very cool. 

Lowe's project

Making a mini baseball toy. 

This was a really fun and free project for kids at Lowe's. 

Swimming in the hotel pool. 

This was a fabulously special treat. We don't let our kids have alot of candy. Don't they look like they are having fun. 

Each of the children got to have a special night out with Dad. The night included dinner out and something fun. JJ had his face painted. Plus he got to ride the bus to downtown Disney and go shopping for a special toy. 

The boys at Sea World. 

Riding the water taxi. 

The boys at the hotel swimming pool. 

Picture of the boys standing in front of our hotel. 

Playing in the waves.

We took a day trip took Coco Beach. Not very populated at the time we went in early May. The kids loved playing in the sand, combing the beach for shells and sea creatures and playing in the surf. Jared startled himself by accidently scooping up a crab when he scooped up a handful of sand. Never saw him run so fast. 

This was taken at Busch Gardens. And yes that is an albino peacock. Amazingly beautiful. 

The boys  ---- waiting for the show to begin.

Sea World

This was the dolphin show at Sea World. A few days prior to us attending this show there had been an accident where the dolphins collided and one died. Very sad. Thankfully we only saw a great show. My kids would have been devastated to see a dolphin die before their eyes. 

We saw Believe - a show at Sea World. 

Trip to Florida

I have wanted to post pictures from our trip to Florida. We had such a great time. The weather was fabulous. Kids really enjoyed themselves. We went so many places. Here is a glimpse. 

Here the kids are playing in sand. We stayed at the Swan and it had fabulous amenities. One was a great sandy beach. While we did lots while in Florida we also planned one whole day to just stay at the hotel and play. The kids loved it and it was nice down time. 

Well I wanted to post more pictures but blogger is not cooperating. I will try again tomorrow.