Fun Festival at Saint Charles & the Fox River

The day began with rain, but by the afternoon, it was gloriously sunny. Kris, Brian, Camille, Jared, and Jill had a wonderful time at the town of St Charles by the banks of the Fox River. Exotic animals (including a 15-foot albino python), dogs, pigs, and rock / face painting were some of the attractions. Aaaaah....Summertime (almost) and the living is easy...

Our daughter by the tail-end 

04.07.01.17

Vigor and Vim: Hey, Hey with the Monkeys

Farrah and buddies outdoors, playing around like the little monkeys that they are. I am thankful for their good health and boundless energy. It's hard to believe I was once, a long time ago, just as active and tireless. I remember an incident during my pregnancy while carrying her. I had shifted my position while in bed in an attempt to be comfortable. I was around 6 to 7 months pregnant. She also must have been uncomfortable for, in reaction, she gave me the biggest and strongest kick I had ever received from any of my babies. She kicked, then energetically maneuvered her whole body and her limbs to get back to a position that was comfortable for her. My tummy was all "waves". Her movements reminded me of the sensation I felt when my bag of waters broke from previous pregnancies. All of my babies had this reaction at times; but she gave the most vigorous response of all. I should have known it would translate to similar behavior outside the womb. She was loud and vigorous as a newborn and infant. She continues to be so as a 7 year-old. Praise God for good health, hehehe.

Baptist Bible Church's 24th Anniversary in Chicago

Yesterday, we were also able to join Baptist Bible Church on the 24th Anniversary of their founding. We met old friends, as well as new. Three-year-old Sierra had her own digital camera. She sang The National Anthem very well. The guest preacher, Pastor Brennan, spoke eloquently on Lazarus and the rich man. BBC's other guests included the outstanding musicians of the Berean Church's Ukelele Group. Kristi, Camille, and Jared also partook of the service with their piano and flute skills. I am grateful to the many years of Piano and Flute lessons the has Lord provided through Hubby's job. We were also pleasantly surprised with the availability of day-old bread from Dominicks. They were delicious with our next day's meal of Mushroom Soup!

Let's Celebrate Camille (High School Graduation with Honors)

After morning worship service, PMBC celebrated our DD's High School graduation with cake and coffee, plus presented her with a gift card. Hubby and I also presented her with her H.S. diploma. What a wonderful, delightful daughter! We feel truly blessed of the Lord. She's a loving, sensitive person; and a hard-worker. And it has certainly paid off academically --- Cammy is the recipient of a FULL Scholarship to SIU. Not bad for a home-schooled-kid! After people congratulate her, they usually turn around and heap praise on me. I am often surprised by this gesture. I feel more like her coach than her teacher. I am certainly not the smartest woman in the world. The full honor must go to the Lord Jesus Christ who gave Cammy the opportunity, the ability, and the brains.