How is it possible...

Do you remember the days when you got SO excited for your birthday? For me personally, not so much anymore.  I really enjoy celebrating family and friends birthdays and doing fun things however the closer I approach, gasp, the "BIG 5-0" the more I recoil at the thought of another birthday.  Where has all the time gone? And there is something about having children that just seems to accelerate the time too.
Yet I do count my blessings for having love around me.  I am also thankful for each day that is given to me as well.  My life is full and I wouldn't trade any of it.  I am reaching a point in my life where there is more peace.  And truthfully I am a late bloomer because if I hadn't had some of the life experiences that I have had I'm not so sure I would be saying this.  Not one bit of heartache or tears shed have gone to waste, the Lord truly has made beauty from ashes.  I pray that each of you see your life and circumstances as a blessing as well and that your heart is full of peace and joy. 
Enjoy the pics....Most of my birthday was spent on the coach due to my limitations with the herniated disc however we did get out of the house for ice cream. Yummy! Didn't bring the camera though.  My dad stopped by later in the night, I recieved birthday wishes from the rest of our family, our grandparents took us to Chinese food earlier in the week and friends left great messages.  And last but not least God bless my hubby who canned 17 quarts of peaches for me since I couldn't. :) 

Story time with Grandpa Russ

Grandpa Russ, Poncho and Emily enjoying "Beatrix Potter"

Ugh! Another birthday!!

My sweetie canning the peaches for me!

Good times...

It has been so fun watching Emily start pre school, taking swim lessons and most recently she began AWANA's.   Each time a little milestone is met, a verse memorized, a picture is brought home or she glances over to make sure we saw her turn swimming melts this momma's heart.  She is really blossoming and growing.  She is learning about sharing, waiting her turn to speak which is a hard one when you are so excited and have a lot to say, and making new friends.  Other things that happen during her day open the door to discussions about being "different", how some kiddos in her class are "better" listeners and she wants to be like them which in turn leads me to try to impress on her heart that as long as she is always giving it her best that is enough.  Being a good listener is a skill and it takes time. That being different is great, God made each of us unique and special we are all one of a kind. Then we talk about how in life there are going to be times when others will be better at things, which is ok.  Which leads to topics on being prideful.  And all of this could be in one conversation while she rides her bike and I walk the dogs.  Yet I pray that these doors and lines of communication will always be open between us.  I pray that she will always feel like her heart and sharing is safe with me.  And no, not all topics will be blogged about.  :)  Our Miss Emily is passionate, strong, kind and an amazing prayer warrior for many.  Oh, how I love my "baby girl".

Ok, back to AWANA'S ... During week 2 Miss Emily earned her "Cubbie" vest and workbook.  Awards night was awesome.  Seeing all the little kiddos going up when their name was called and slipping on their little vests was priceless. For anyone who doesn't have AWANA's in their area it is a 2 hour fun night for kiddos ages 4 up to 6th grade where through games and activities they learn more about the word of God.  It helps parents to nuture their spiritual walk.  They have fun theme nights, a derby car race, grandparents night and much more.  Throughout the year as they reach different milestones they earn little patches for their Cubbie vest.  They have names for the different age groups so for the next 2 years she will be a "Cubbie".   Here are some pics from the first awards night.  Enjoy and blessings to each of you!

Being called up for her Cubbie vest and book

Yea! I did it....

Look mom & dad

More little "Cubbies"

What a FUN night!

I LOVE BABIES

Day trip to Purdums

On Sunday after church and naps we decided to take a little drive to Fruitland, Idaho which is about 45 minutes to an hour outside of Boise. We were told by friends about a really great fruit/veggie stand there. Kind of long drive for my back however it was sort of a "test" drive for me so I could see how well I would do.  We were not disappointed at all; they had a great selection of both fresh fruit and veggies.  We bought plump blackberries which my sweet hubby made into jam for us, we got peppers which they fire roasted while we waited, corn to freeze for the winter, beets, string beans, onions, garlic, pears, raw honey, peaches to can and if there was more I don't remember right now.  Across the street they had a beautiful field of Zinnia's, Sunflowers and other flowers.  It was worth the drive for fresh country air and natural beauty.  We most likely will be going back in October for a hayride into the pumpkin field and to bring home some apples.  Good times and really yummy too!  Hope your entry into fall is being blessed as well. 



Little helper having fun



Wow! Look at me grow...

Big helper :)

Until next time....

Harvest Classic

We had a really fun weekend.  We celebrated our 7th wedding anniversary, Rick ran a fun run and we all went on a little drive to a fabulous fruit/veggie stand for some goods to can.
When Rick and I met he was really into triatholons and Kenpo Karate however as married life, work and family took over it seemed those things moved to the back burner.  Finally we are at a stage in life where we have some kind of balance and routine going and I do say that loosely. :)   He has decided to challenge himself to entering the 2012 Ironman, hence the fun runs for training.  A couple of his buddies ran the race as well, he was originally going to take it easy and do the 2 mile however upon some encouragement he joined them in the 8K.  He did great, especially for only having run a few times prior to this to get ready.  Emily and I were the support/cheering crew.  Later in the day Rick and I went to a quick dinner for our anniversary since I am still so limited on what I can and cannot do with my back.  All in all it was a great day! Enjoy the pics.

The Family

Rick, Josh and Jeff all amazing men!

Go daddy, Go daddy

Almost to the end, great job!

First show and tell

This week was Emilys turn for her first show -n- tell and snacks at pre school. She didn't see me when I first arrived at her school and as I peeked into her class the teacher, Mrs. Ritchie was sitting on the floor with all the kids having story time. Watching them all giggle and listen closely to the story made my heart burst with joy.  When I walked into class Emily ran over to me and was so excited for her turn at show-n-tell. We decided to share about China.  She wore her traditional Chinese dress, told them her Chinese birthname and what the meaning is, showed them her jade bracelet, passed around 2 fans and one Chinese rattle/drum.  She finshed it up by passing out "Lucky Money" in red envelopes to all of her little classmates.  I was so proud of her ebracing her heritage and sharing it with the other kids. She said next time it's going to be dinosaurs!

Chinese rattle/drum

Emily Sharing at Show n Tell time



Jesus Loves the little children




Emily hamming it up



This is what happens....

So my hubby has been helping out with dinner to give me time to rest my back and this is what happened one night.... viola a centerpiece with stuff from our garden. ;)  Emily loved it!

Growing up...

Isn't it funny how we look forward to our children growing up and as they do in reality it becomes bittersweet? Emily started her first day of Pre K, she was so excited for this day to be here.  It was harder on me than it was on her.  She has a late birthday and we came very close to waiting another year before starting Pre K however due to several factors the top two being she is very social and the interaction with other children will be good for her and second being that I still have a good 3-6 months recovery ahead of me for my back so having the 2 half days for rest benefits me. I guess it's win-win.
She woke up excited and ready to go to school.  Her teacher, just returned from a mission trip to India and wore their traditional attire to school along with the henna art work on her arms and hands. Emily adores Mrs. R and is eager to return back to school. There are 9 students in her class; 3 boys and 6 girls.  It was a great first day!

"There are two lasting bequests we can give our children; one is roots, the other is wings"

by Cecilia Lasbury



 So excited for the 1st day of Pre K




Emily adores her teacher Mrs. R




Playing coy




Ready to head out the door for school



I was also pleasantly surprised when I saw that this years verse for the school year is one of my personal favorites and also on my blog. Isaiah 40:31 check it out... :) 



Grateful Hearts

I want to say THANK YOU to everyone who donated, volunteered and/or shopped our yardsale/FUNraiser. It wouldn't have been a success without all the time and effort put into it, a special thank you to my hubby (and pop pop) who did all the set up and take down. We reached the $$$ goal we had set for this event.  Thank you Lord for your blessing.  We still had enough items left over that we rented a 17' U-haul and we paid it foward by donating the items to our churches (The Vineyard) I-61 Ministry's yardsale.  The I-61 Ministry helps women and children in crisis. Anything from domestic/child abuse to child traffiking and/or s*x traffiking. 
Thank  you again for your prayers and support,
The Davis Family :)