Ballet

28 June 2013

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Our friend, Mr. Mark (the Chicken Shark) stopped in to see their performance.

  

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The girls finished up their ballet class this week and it’s been such a joy to watch them blossom into little ballerinas. They’ve been busy flitting here and fluttering there…

All girlie fun stuff!

The “twin” thing

27 June 2013

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I met a woman today who greatly blessed me with a story about her college bound, twin boys. She said they were planning to go to UCSB (about 4.5 hours away) but at the last minute, they both decided to go to UCR instead (about an hour away). They decided they wanted to be closer to home. They wanted to be able to call their parents and have dinner with them if they wanted to. She said they also planned to room together in the dorm and have always been very close. She said when they were little, she’d always find them in the same crib. :) 

Our twins are like that, too. :) 

It reminded me of what I used to think:

I used to think that someday, my girls "should have" their independence. They "should have" their own room, and they "should have" their own separate lives as they grow older. Well, I no longer believe that self-centered lie. In fact, in many ways, I think it perpetuates entitlement in our youth. The Lord has shown me what a gift it is to have a sibling, let alone a TWIN sibling. A sibling relationship is the closest bond you have growing up.

I have always told my girls that God has great plans for them and that He has given them a twin sister for a specific reason. It's so sweet to listen to their future plans of serving the Lord TOGETHER. Lord willing, if they get married, they plan to live next door to one another (and down the street from us!).

I cannot imagine separating them from their best friend and partner in life. This is the only person in the world who's been there, through everything they've experienced thus far. This is not an "un-healthy" relationship or a crutch, it is a PRICELESS GIFT. Not many people get to go through life having someone this special by their side... to depend on, encourage, and bear one another's burdens.

How richly BLESSED they truly are.

"Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their labor."~Ecc. 4:9

Crazy Hair and Water Balloons

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Of course crazy hair and water balloons go together… Don’t they? 

Honestly, that’s what I love about summer.

I seem to say yes more often. As a matter of fact, I like me better in the summer.

The funny part is we actually homeschool all year but we learn the most, during these summer months.

I think it’s because mentally, spiritually (and physically), we’re living more during these months. And in between the living that’s happening, there’s always growth, fun, and fantastic new memories being made.

Rather than complain about our intense desert heat, instead, I’m choosing to be grateful.

Grateful that we get to be in “summer mode” from about Memorial Day to late September.

Grateful for the privilege and utter JOY of staying home with my children!

Grateful that the words, “Back to School” are non-existent in our world.

And grateful for fun afternoons filled with laughter, giggles, cherry limeade, crazy hair and water balloons.

Homemade Cherry Limeade

25 June 2013


Summa, in a glass!

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Kids enjoy getting involved when making any kind of treat, don’t they?

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Sometimes, you have to call in the reinforcements… especially when it comes to muscle.

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Finally, 1 cup of fresh squeezed lime juice.

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Frozen cherries.

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And simple sugar. If you’re lazy like me, just buy some.
 
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Muddle away!

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The recipe made quite a bit so we had to use two jars.

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My little taste-testers.

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The longer it sits, the darker red it becomes.

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Cheers to their second glass and a refreshing treat on a hot afternoon!
Apparently, Cherry Limeades are a staple at Sonic. I’ve never been to a Sonic before but I can only imagine how sweet the drink must be.
I don’t care for sweet, artificially flavored drinks but this homemade version peaked my interest.
I thought it might be something my family would enjoy…
I was right!
Plus, I got all the credit for giving them a tasty new treat and unbeknownst to them, they actually did all the work! Winking smile
Homemade Cherry Limeade
  • 1 cup fresh lime juice
  • 1 cup simple syrup (or mix 1 cup sugar and 1 cup water until sugar is dissolved)
  • 8 cups water (or clear bubbly drink of choice)
  • 1 cup frozen cherries
  • ice
Enjoy this sweet and tangy summertime beverage!

Mom’s 70th Birthday

24 June 2013

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This weekend, we gathered in Newport to celebrate my mom’s 70th birthday. It was a gorgeous afternoon along the coast. The weather couldn’t have been more perfect!

It was so fun to have the whole family together to create new memories for years to come.

My mom has held many titles and accolades in her life but perhaps most notable, she is our matriarch--a devoted wife, mother, and grandmother. She is also a two-time cancer survivor. My mom has always been one determined and steadfast lady. A warrior. (She’s also one heck of a ping-pong player!)

We thank the Lord for blessing us with her 70 years and for her most recent “excellent” bill of health!   

Happy Birthday, Halmoni! We love you!!

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