swimming fun has just begun!!!!

If it looks like a lot of fun-you are right!!!!!!! The kids love the pool. We are soooooo..... thankful!!!

Swimming

Our neighbors next door got a pool and have allowed us to use it on a daily basis. It has been such a blessing for them to do this for us. We are so thankful that God has provided us with such great neighbors that have become the closest of friends. Carson and Peyton look up to them so much. Ms. Flo and Mr. Phil they call them but in their hearts they are as close as family can be. Carson starts each morning at clock asking when they can go over and early in the morning he can often be heard yelling across the yard..."Hey Phil can we come over!" Phil always replies with an "ask your mom/dad" and how can we say no to the most precious face. The other night we asked Carson what his favorite thing was and his reply...Phil's pool!!! Both kids have done great over there and just yesterday Carson swam all by himself with no swimming devices. Peyton is doing just as great as last year. Swimming, jumping and diving down to the bottom.

The best part about this summer is that I will be able to capture a lot of those underwater moments with our new camera. The swim team purchased it for me this year and it has been giving us some really neat photos. We are so blessed for all the people that God as brought in our lives and we pray each day for them and the gifts that he gives each and every one of us.

Memorial Day Prayer of Thanks

Dear Heavenly Father,
As we remember those who have made the ultimate sacrifice for our freedom, we think of how they have followed in the footsteps of your son, our Savior, Jesus Christ. Please hold our service men and women in your strong arms. Cover them with your sheltering grace and presence as they stand in the gap for our protection.
We also remember the families of our troops, and ask for your unique blessings to fill their homes and your peace, provision and strength to fill their lives.
May the members of our armed forces be filled with courage to face each day and may they trust in the Lord's mighty power to accomplish each task. Let our military brothers and sisters feel our love and support.
In the name of Jesus. Amen.

Brutus's day at the spa

Here are the after shots. We decided to give him a BUZZ cut as well. It is getting closer to summer and he is outside alot with the kids. So we are hoping that keeping it short will help keep him clean. He is going in to be neutered on Friday so now he is all groomed and smells so good. Never thought I would say that about a dog, but he really does. His coat also was so soft and shiny. Peyton was really upset when we picked him up because she thought we had the wrong dog. She said he is not fluffy any more. He will get fluffy again and soon I am sure.

Bubble Fun

Brutus is such a smart dog. He is now a whole 6lbs, but from his bark he thinks he is much bigger than that. He has learned so many things. He loves to play ball and has learned to sit. Here is Brutus prior to getting his first grooming. We will post the new pics after his day at the spa!!!!!!!!!!!

Carson and Peyton on the deck during a beautiful Saturday morning in May. They really enjoyed blowing bubbles.

Runner's Block

Well just to give an update on my running or lack of running for that matter. I was up to 7 miles doing good and finally got back into great shape after taking time to off during the winter coaching season. I tried to get into Broad Street and then was denied because 30,000 other people wanted to run that day as well. Not so bad. I got diagnosed with skin cancer and had a spot removed on my foot-thank goodness it was negative, but having it removed hurt like crazy and it took about two weeks to heal-so in the mean time no running. Then I slowly geared myself back into some running and enough to participate in the Breast Cancer race for the cure, but then another obstacle. I was clipping coupons trying to save money and well being on the couch for about 45 minutes or so my foot fell asleep and when I got up to walk on it there was no support so I rolled on it fell to the ground and ended up in the ER. Luckily it is not broken, but it is a very bad sprain. I have been on crutches since Friday and had to stay home from work. I don't think that I was meant to run anytime soon. I am hoping that in the next few weeks I will be able to strengthen it and recover. GOD is teaching me to be patient and to wait. I need to slow down and appreciate all the great things around me. I know my time will come to run again. I am signed up for the Philadelphia Distance Run in September. I will run 13.1 miles and I will do it under 2 hours. I will come back from this stronger than ever and I will do it from GOD's strength.

I am Thanking you Right NOW
author unknown
Dear GOD: I want to thank You for what you have already done. I am not going to wait until I see results or receive rewards;I am thanking you right now. I am not going to wait until I feel better or things look better; I am thanking you right now.I am not going to wait until people say they are sorry or until they stop talking about me; I am thanking you right now.I am not going to wait until the pain in my body disappears ; I am thanking you right now.I am not going to wait until my financial situation improves; I am going to thank you right now.I am not going to wait until the children are asleep and the house is quiet; I am going to thank you right now.I am not going to wait until I get promoted at work or until I get the job; I am going to thank you right now.I am not going to wait until I understand every experience in my life that has caused me pain or grief; I am thanking you right now.I am not going to wait until the journey gets easier or the challenges are removed; I am thanking you right now.I am thanking you because I am alive. I am thanking you because I made it through the day's difficulties. I am thanking you because I have walked around the obstacles. I am thanking you because I have the ability and the opportunity to do more and do better.
I'm thanking you because FATHER, YOU haven't given up on me.

Summer in May

May 1st and May 2nd after a cool spring a heat wave has come through. Two days of very warm and humid weather. That calls for some water activities. So we break out the Slip N' Slide. The kids didn't mind that the water from the hose was very cold. They played for hours. The dog even got involved in all of the fun.