Our Miracle... Then. Now.

Eighteen years ago today, this:

Psalm 66: 5

"Come and see what our God has done, what awesome miracles he performs for people!" (NLT) 

"Take a good look at God's wonders— they'll take your breath away." (MSG)



Today... this:

What God wonder takes your breath away today?


 

The Valentine Lie

In case you hadn't noticed, this weekend ushers us into Valentine's Day.

I am mindful that for some, many perhaps, this does not seem to be a holiday worth celebrating. I am conscious of the fact that some people may find themselves feeling downright miserable.

Of course, this is probably not uttered as much as it is experienced. When others are basking in flowers, chocolates and teddy bears, how could one possibly share of their own disappointments, rejections and loneliness?

A day focused on love and significance to another person somehow so easily gets distorted into meaning one must have a significant other to be celebrated.

You may be a reader today that is feeling lonely. You may feel rejected, wondering what's wrong with you. You may find yourself disappointed... yet again.

Not so long ago my young daughter said the following, "Mom, sometimes girls think they need a boyfriend to feel special."

This broke my heart!


I am saddened as I realize my daughter has learned of this ugly lie that struggles to be passed off as truth. How is it that we so easily find ourselves looking to others to affirm our need for value?

It angers me to think of the energy that it takes to fight this lie. But I will do it. With everything in my being I will stand... and fight.

I know the personal fight within myself that this lie has generated. I know the battle that rages in the depths of my soul as I continue the war to sort truth from deception.

I refuse to let her be swept away in this horrible torrent of looking for and hoping in people to gain her value when that is a great lie.

I invite you to eavesdrop on some of the words we exchanged as we rode in the car together that evening that she shared that thought with me... my beautiful daughter created in the image of God... and I.

You are significant.

"For the Lord your God is living among you. He is a mighty savior. He will take delight in you with gladness. With his love, he will calm all your fears. He will rejoice over you with joyful songs." ~ Zephaniah 3:17(NLT)

You are loved.

"I've never quit loving you and never will. Expect love, love, and more love!" ~ Jer. 31:3 (MSG)

You matter.

"For God so greatly loved and dearly prized the world that He [even] gave up His only begotten (unique) Son, so that whoever believes in (trusts in, clings to, relies on) Him shall not perish (come to destruction, be lost) but have eternal (everlasting) life."~ John 3:16 (Amp)

You are never forgotten.

"Behold, I have indelibly imprinted (tattooed a picture of) you on the palm of each of My hands." ~ Is. 49:16 (Amp)

You are never alone.

"Then I said to myself, "Oh, he even sees me in the dark! At night I'm immersed in the light!" ~Ps. 139:11 (MSG)

To each and every reader today... whether you classify yourself as having a significant other or not... may I have the honor and privilege of wishing you a very Happy Valentine's Day...

all because of HIM!

Feeling a Bit Like Abraham

Genesis 12: 1, 4  "The Lord had said to Abram, "Leave your country, your people and your father's household and go to the land I will show you."  So Abram left, as the Lord had told him."

The Lord asked Abraham to leave the familiar for the unfamiliar. He was to leave the known for the unknown. He asked him to leave what was comfortable for the maybe not so always comfortable.

Abraham did not have all the answers for the journey ahead before he left. He did not know how each need would be met along the way. He did not know what all would be before him to encounter. He did not know how or even where the journey would end.

He only knew he was to go. And He knew God would go with him, for the Lord said He would show him where he was going.

We are facing a new journey. It is a journey we have been praying and talking about for some time now.  A path before us has opened and we feel very strongly this is the time we are to begin on this new journey.

However, this new journey will require some faith. Actually, it will require a lot of faith.  There are questions that would seem reasonable to demand an answer to before walking.

But Abraham didn't seem to think heading out into "nowhere" was foolish without the answers for his provision needs or even his destination answered. I don't see where he bargained with God for guaranteed plans before heading out. Scripture says, "So Abraham left as the Lord had told him."

I have been challenged with this question, If all things have to be answered first, is that really faith? 

 If we really believe this is what we are to be doing, and this is the time we are to be doing it, then we need to obey now and trust that God will provide answers as we need them.

Hebrews 11:1  "Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see."

Faith does not provide all the answers... and yet it is sure. Faith does not give a clear picture or even all the necessary steps to take... but it is certain of the unknown. Sure that the hope which we've been given is steadfast. Certain that the unknowns and what we do not see are not to big for our God or even out of His sight.

It's this type of faith that pleases God.  

Heb. 11:6   "Without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that He exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him."

Abraham believed God to be true to His promises.  

Heb. 11: 11  " He (Abraham) considered Him (God) faithful who had made the promise".  

 His faith was credited to him as righteousness. (Rom.4:5, 9)

Abraham did not believe just in his initial journey to a new land, but also in the birth of his son at an old age. (Gen. 18:10)

After that son was born, Abraham was once again instructed to give the ultimate sacrifice of faith.

Gen. 22: 2  "Then take your son, your only son, Isaac, whom you love, and sacrifice him there as a burnt offering."

Verse 3 records "Early the next morning Abraham got up and saddled his donkey. He took his son Isaac and set out for the place God had told him about."

He did not stall for a week or two to relish the last moments. He did not try to figure out why or what God was asking of him. Early the next morning... he put faith into motion... and obeyed.

We read in verse 12 of that same chapter, as Isaac is laying on the altar and bound with knife lifted above him, Abraham is instructed "Do not lay a hand on the boy".

Abraham's faith in God led to his unquestioning, unwavering obedience... and God provided.

There in the bushes was a lamb. There at the end of 9 months in their old age was a son. There at the end of an unknown journey was a land... a promised land for an entire nation that continues to this day.

Faith leads to obedience. Faith is something I thought I had a lot of... until I'm required to put that faith to action and live it. Not just talk about it, but step out in faith and make decisions based on what I believe God is asking of me. Not just have a faith in my head, but put that faith in my feet and move. Action faith requires me to step forward even when it doesn't seem to all make sense.

I have been studying about faith, reading about faith, and praying about faith. Now it's time to start living faith.

Rom 1: 17b, Habakuk. 2:4  "The righteous will live by faith."

And so, we are preparing for our journey ahead. Decisions have been made. Plans have been put into motion.

My humanness wants to keep checking, to keep asking, to keep planning... but if I wait for all the answers, I may never move.  And if I wait for all the answers, then that would not be faith. That would be living in my own provisions and strength rather than having the faith of Abraham.

It is time to proceed, to pursue the path that lies ahead... and trust God will show us where we are to journey along the way. I am saddling my donkey... faith is requiring a new journey.

I must have action faith that leads to obedience.

I'm feeling a bit like Abraham...
------------------------------------------------------------------ 
(I will be able to provide details of "this journey" once the plans have been finalized.)

For the Love of... Teenagers

I'm a little late in getting here this morning.  My weekend has left me with the need to gently enter this day to start my week.

I will share about the activities of my weekend that required my time, energy, focus and attention causing me to step away from the computer.

But first, I wanted to thank each and every one of you that not only stopped  by, but joined the conversation of introductions last week.  I will be taking some time to get to know each one of you a bit better now that life should again be returning to some sense of normalcy.

Now to the last few days around here.  I accompanied 17 teens from our church as the adult female to our district wide youth ski retreat.

My weekend:

Traveling in a bus filled with excited teenagers for 5 hours: energy filled

Arriving to meet up with 70 other teenagers: energy multiplied

Sleeping on the floor of a gym with only a gym mat beneath you: bearable 

Waking at 5:15 AM (after getting to sleep at 12:30 AM) in an attempt to beat the girls to the shower in hopes of some hot water: crazy

Helping teenagers don ski's, snowboards, and learn the "bunny hill rope tow", repeating the process for an entire day: unplanned exercise

Slipping on the ice covered parking lot and falling to the ground:  painful

Spending an entire day on a ski hill taking pictures and helping others: cold and wet

Applying butterfly bandaids to torn skin, dressing wounds, and caring for sick tummy's and blistered feet:  second nature

Surviving an entire weekend on only 10 hours of sleep: exhausting

Standing shoulder to shoulder with teenagers singing and worshiping Jesus as Lord:  unexplainable

Coming alongside and praying with teenagers as they prayed prayers of salvation and surrender at the evening rally:   priceless
~~~
Long and loud drives, sleeping on a hard mat on a hard floor, early mornings, cold showers, falling on the ice, being cold and wet, little sleep and additional activity leading to exhaustion....

Eternal decisions make it all worth it.

Skiing is used as the avenue to get them away to be immersed in truth... and lives are changed.

Would I do it again? You Bet!

How did you spend your weekend?

It Begins with Me

Does it feel like our society is declining? Does it feel like we are losing all sense of morality, of right, of absolute truth? Do you sense, as I do, that our nation as it was founded and as we know it is slipping away?

I believe there is a formula for restoring our land. God has given us the answer to bringing health to our nation.

In the past, restoration for "my land" meant the politician needed to clean up their act. Healing required the representative and Congress to make right decisions. Restoration meant the media needed to bring more family friendly values back into the mainstream.

It meant that it was the job of those around me who have "power" to restore my land. But that is not the formula as I now see it. That is not what God has intended as the beginnings to a restorative work.

2 Chronicles 7:14 (NLT)
“If my people who are called by my name will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, I will hear from heaven and will forgive their sins and restore their land. "

"My people who are called by My name" is not the politician, the representative, Congress, the media, or even the guy next door. This is the church, the body of Christ. Even more personally... this is ME! If you claim to be a Christian then this is You!

Now that we know who this verse is addressing, what does it say to do?

It says "if we humble ourselves". It says "if we pray". It says "if we seek His face". It says "if we turn from OUR wicked ways". It is not demanding that of those outside the body of Christ... it is demanding that of the people called by HIS name. Again, that is ME!

What does this verse promise if we humble ourselves, if we pray, if we seek His face, if we turn from our wicked ways?

It promises that if we do these things... He will hear from heaven. He will forgive our sins. He will restore our land. Other versions use the words "heal our land". Ah, restoration and healing. Doesn't is sound so refreshing and so wonderful?

But where does the responsibility lie?

If I'm reading this correctly, the majority of the responsibility is mine. Am I humbling myself before God? Am I praying? Am I seeking His face? To me, these phrases conjure up more than just a quick two minute recitation and then off to do my day.

These bring to mind visions of being on my knees, no rather, on my face... prostrate before God. These bring a sense of urgency, of desperation, of determination. Is that me? Am I willing to stand in the gap?

Ezekiel 22:30 (NLT)
“I looked for someone who might rebuild the wall of righteousness that guards the land. I searched for someone to stand in the gap in the wall so I wouldn’t have to destroy the land, but I found no one. "

Psalm 51:10-12 (Amplified Bible)
"Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right, persevering, and steadfast spirit within me. Cast me not away from Your presence and take not Your Holy Spirit from me. Restore to me the joy of Your salvation and uphold me with a willing spirit."

Am I willing to begin the change in me? Am I ready to stop looking around me at who needs to change... and instead change my own heart? Am I ready and willing to turn from my own wicked ways? Am I committed to pursuing righteousness and holiness at its very core? Am I willing to persevere for the very words of God Himself?

This will require a discipline and loyalty. This will require not always being popular. This will demand being set apart from the world and its behaviors. This will demand obedience when to obey doesn't always make sense or seem fair. This will require sacrifice. This will not be easy. This will require accepting the Word of God in its absolute, complete entirety!

Romans 12:1-2 (NIV)
"Therefore, I urge you, brothers, in view of God's mercy, to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God—this is your spiritual act of worship. Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will."

No wonder "my formula" wasn't working. "My formula" was looking to the politicians to change. It demanded the representatives and Congress to take action. It required the media to change. It required the government, the school system, society itself to change their ways. It required "them" to do something.

But it does not appear that is God's formula. To begin healing in my land, to once again have restoration in our nation... it must begin with us. It is up to us as His people... called by His Name. It begins with me!
~~~~~~

Did you vote? It's our privilege as Americans!

One Year Ago... Today

* The courtroom was cleared.

* We had a lawyer representing us.

* We were sworn in before a judge.


One year ago today was adoption day. Our little guy officially became ours... forever.

It is hard to imagine our lives without him. We have been forever changed.

Today we celebrate the anniversary of Adoption Day

One Year Ago... Today

Escaping the Confines of Time

My husband and I celebrated 16 years of marriage a couple of weeks ago. It was not too much before that when he mentioned that he wanted to take me away for an overnight. I was ecstatic!

We began our search of where to go. We went this last weekend and returned home last night. It was absolutely delightful!

My day to work last week was Friday. My MIL keeps the children while I work, and she offered to keep the children not just Sat. night when we would be out of town, but also Friday night to give us a bit longer together... just the two of us. What a BLESSING!

He treated me to a nice dinner Friday evening. Something we rarely do. It was absolutely wonderful. Saturday morning was the church men's breakfast. His attending this gave me some glorious time in the house... completely quiet.

He returned home surprising me with a freshly washed car, both inside and out. He had roses and a card in his hand to begin our official time away.


We loaded the car and off we went. It was then as if I had escaped the confines of time.

Suddenly, there was no such thing as a schedule or a need to watch the clock. Time was completely ours to do with as we chose.

We drove the hour and a half to our lodging destination for the night. We had a room at a delightful bed and breakfast in a small historic town. We found a family owned diner established in the early 1900's. We sat on the stools at the bar and each ordered a double scoop ice cream cone.

We drove. We hiked. We explored.

Yesterday was just as leisurely. He brought me coffee in bed and we just sat, drinking our coffee, talking, enjoying the moment together.


We did more hiking, more driving, more exploring... all the while noticing that time seemed to be moving so slowly, so leisurely... we were soaking up every minute of it!


Then the weirdest thing happened. As soon as we arrived back home to pick up the children, it was if the clock began moving at a brisk speed again. Minutes and hours began escaping us. By the time we crawled into bed last night, we realized it was already ten and wondered where the time had gone.

Life at home with schedules, responsibilities, and clocks has all once again resumed. I do not mind as this is what life is.

However, I was so blessed to have this weekend in which I escaped the confines of time, together with my husband, if only for a brief moment.

Those moment's will forever be treasured deep down in my heart.

I was reminded to allow for more moments such as these. When a specified amount of time does not dictate a certain routine, or schedule or task.

Rather, that time frame is just allowed to be. I am just allowed to be. To slow. To ponder. To enjoy and focus on, well, nothing much at all... except for those around me.

Have you ever noticed that time slowed? Or better yet, didn't exist at all? Have you ever taken time... to escape the confines of time? When was the last time you allowed life to just be? You allowed yourself to just... be?

It doesn't require an occasion. It doesn't necessitate a trip. It only requests a specified amount of time where nothing is planned, scheduled or dictated to be done. It just asks to set aside time to do nothing that your heart is not first drawn to. A time to just be...and that is enough.

Perhaps it's time to schedule a time... to escape the confines of time.

Parent's Day Menu

My daughter noticed that, according to our calendar, tomorrow is Parent's Day. To her, anything already written on the main family calendar designates a major holiday.

I asked what her plans were for Parent's Day? She told me that she would make me something. I inquired a bit more, curious of her thinking. This is what I learned...

"I am going to make you macaroni and cheese, soup, crackers and a glass of milk.... to give to you in bed."

Such a sweet, thoughtful and caring heart in that one!

I didn't even realize that there was such a thing as Parent's Day, let alone that it was tomorrow. Did you?

Any big plans? :-)

And before I forget... Happy Parent's Day to you!

To Have Friends Become Neighbors

Seven years ago an event occurred that has now developed into an annual tradition. What started as an event for our small group at church is now a church wide event. For a few days during the summer every year, we choose to have our friends become neighbors.

We pack up, load our cars, and head out of town. We reserve a spot so we can all be together, side by side. We leave the comforts of home to face life together, as neighbors.... in tents. We go camping together.

That's where we spent this last weekend.


The temperatures were in the 90's. Five families chose to brave the elements of camping for the joy and pleasure of being neighbors for a short time. Five more families drove up for the day on Saturday to enjoy the time with us. There were a total of almost 40 of us swimming, boating, fishing, eating and enjoying life together.


The children all play so well together and thoroughly enjoy their time! They create so many memories of their own. The trip is never complete for some of them until they have had fishing poles in the water.


Even lathered with sunscreen, every trip includes those that end up with sunburns. Some more than others. This year was no different.

Every trip also includes evening smore's around a campfire. Even on the years that have included fire bans, we have found ways to get our marshmallows roasted.

This year, we were permitted the evening campfire, which always finds some staying up until past midnight just enjoying the fire, the conversation, each other...


Each year also seems to include the similar memories of no make up, hair up as much as possible and teeth brushed... sometimes standing side by side. Dishes are done together, meals are cooked and placed together and supplies are shared.


The things that we have learned, the experiences that we have shared, the love that we have developed and the heart bonds that have occurred through these few days each year are beyond what words can convey.


There is truly something that is created through this event alone. There is a special place in my memories and in my heart as the choice is made, for a few days every year, to have our friends become neighbors.

14 Days

Time is short. 14 days is all I have left. I never imagined time would go by so quickly. Yet, here it is staring me in the face. In 14 days it will happen.

In 14 days, I will utter a new phrase that has never left my lips. I have said each of the words contained in this particular phrase in other sentences. However, never in my lifetime have I had to put all of these particular words into this one phrase. In 14 days I will be forced to do so.

Whether I want to or not, this phrase will form in my mind. It will then pass to my mouth and be forced to leave my lips. I will not have a choice. Life is not giving me a choice.

It's not that this is a bad phrase. In fact, it's not. It is a sign of growth. It is a symbol of new things to come. It is bounding with excitement. It will usher in a new phase of life. It is a reminder that things do not stay the same. Things change. Change is not bad... just different.

Mother's too many to count have gone before me finding themselves uttering this one phrase. Many of you have already said this same phrase. Mother's will continue to follow behind me with this phrase coming forth from their lips as well.

However, for me it happens in 14 days. I will utter a phrase I have never before said in my lifetime. I will utter a phrase that will become a milestone to remember for a lifetime. My son will be providing me with the opportunity to say this one simple phrase.

In just 14 days I will say for the first time:

"I am the mother of a Highschooler."

To Be Needed

Mothering...

Sometimes I forget that it is...

More than just my job.
More than just my title.
It is my primary ministry.



This ministry is extended to more than just women who have physically delivered a child.

My sister directs the children's department of an inner city church. She has not been married nor had children of her own. However, when I look at all the children she has "mothered" over the years, I am reminded that impacting the heart of a child goes far beyond the birthing process.

You are needed. It is a ministry. There is none greater. It matters.

To all women who are making a difference... in the life of your child, another child or others to whom you are giving of yourself...

Happy Mother's Day

Celebrating Late

I missed it. I was on a break when the date passed. Since I missed the official date, I wasn't going to say anything.

However, after taking time to re-consider, I have decided it is a milestone worth mentioning. It is an accomplishment I should celebrate. Join with me in the celebration.

December 30, 2009 was my 4th bloggy anniversary. That means I have started into my 5th year of blogging!

Although I just moved to this address months ago, I have officially been in My Quiet Corner for 4 years inviting your presence to join me.

Each one of you have made this a tremendously enjoyable place for me to be. I really enjoy my time here. I hope you do also!!

Without each one of you, My Quiet Corner would be, well... too quiet!!

Thank you for joining me here! Thank you for the words of encouragement and support you give. Thank you for the prayers you offer up. Thank you for the friendship you extend. Thank you for the smiles you bring. Thank you for the inspiration you provide. I have truly been blessed!

After 4 years of sharing fears, laughter, struggles, a bloggy move and all else that life entails... I wonder, who all is still gathering in My Quiet Corner?

Celebrate with me! Let me know that you stop by and bless My Quiet Corner with the presence of YOU.

(For newer bloggers: If you read a blog but do not comment, you are affectionately considered a lurker. To delurk, leave a comment to let other's know you are here. Learn how to comment here. ) :-)

(Photos from FreeFoto.com)

Conversing with a Teenager

My oldest son's birthday is next week....


Me: "What do you want to do for your birthday?"

Son: "Probably go to the Buffet."

A slight moment of silence and then, as serious as can be,

Son: "Oh, you mean other than food?"....

Spoken like a teenage boy!

Homemade Turkey Noodle Soup

With Thanksgiving being this Thursday here in the states, I have a feeling there will be a lot of turkey being served which leaves the potential for a lot of leftovers. Leftover turkey is good for a few days, but after that I find I need a little variety.

I learned from my MIL to make the most delicious turkey noodle soup. I use my leftover turkey.

Often times I even dice 2 cups of turkey, put it into freezer bags and then throw it in the freezer.

Once the holidays have passed and we're needing a quick, warm meal for a cold day... I just pull my diced turkey from the freezer and dinner is served in less than 30 minutes.


The Recipe

4 Qt Broth/ Chicken Bouillon
1/2 - 1 c. chopped celery
1/2 - 1 c. chopped carrots
1/2 onion
2 c. turkey
pepper (0ptional)
1 pkg Reames noodles (found in the freezer section of the grocery store)

Add ingredients, boil then simmer for 20 minutes.

The wonderful thing is that all of the amounts of the added ingredients can be altered to your family's liking. No need for accurate measuring with this soup. Now that's my kind of cooking!

Be sure to also check out my friend Sandy's recipe for chicken noodle soup. She uses a few different ingredients in her soup that I plan to try in the future.

Now or Later

Just think... you don't have to serve this only with Thanksgiving turkey. If you're like me you may be buying an extra turkey at the low prices to have in the freezer for a later date. The cold months here last for quite some time. Of course you could also substitute chicken for the turkey as well.


For Others

You could even make this soup to share with a friend or neighbor... just because. We made this a few weeks ago. One batch makes enough that I was able to take some to our neighbors while it was still warm to eat as their dinner that night or save it for later in the week.

What an easy way to give the gift of thought without requiring extra time or money. Who do you know that could use a warm bowl of homemade soup?

Do you make homemade turkey/chicken noodle soup? What ingredients do you use?

What are your other menu ideas for leftover Thanksgiving turkey?

A Full Day

I am so glad you stopped by today. I am in need of a chat with a friend over a cup of coffee before this day gets started.


Morning

Once I get the children dropped off, my day will be starting with an opportunity that has me both excited and nervous all at the same time.

Some time ago I wrote this article published on Crosswalk.com. I was recently contacted by a Christian radio station half way across the country that requested to do an interview with me. Oh My! I have never done anything like this before.

The recording of that interview is scheduled for this morning. I have no idea what to expect! If you think of it I would welcome your prayers!

UPDATED TO ADD: I was notified at the last minute that the interview needed to be rescheduled. Thanks for all the well wishes, kind comments and prayers. I'll keep you posted...

Afternoon

My daughter and I will then attend the symphony this afternoon. This performance is specifically designed for students. In the past it has been very well done. I expect no less from this years performance.

Evening

Some of the ladies from my church are finishing Beth Moore's study "Stepping Up: a journey through the Psalms of Ascent". Tonight is our final night. We will meet for a meal together and then each one will share what we have learned from the study.



Your Day...

Today is turning out to be quite a full day for me. What's on your calendar for today?

How I Spent My Break

Hello. Please come on in. I have much to share with you today.

I'm hoping you're up for hanging out a bit and enjoying a moment with me. I have missed our visits and time together!

I was only planning on being gone one week, but then I realized... who was I kidding?

This is how I spent my blogging break during the last two weeks:

* got the kids started in school for 2 days
* gathered school work for the next 3 days as the kids would miss school for family vacation
* packed to spend 5 days/ 4 nights at the Oregon Coast
* returned late evening Labor Day with kids returning to school the next day (Including homeschooling my daughter)

My thoughts and intentions were that I would be completely on task ready for the rest of life to also return to it's normally scheduled programming, including blogging. NOT!

Obviously it has taken me an extra week to get back on top of things. To be honest, I'm not even completely back on track, but if you don't mind the few scattered pieces of luggage still lingering around waiting to be unpacked then I won't. I'm just glad to be sitting here with you again!

I thought we might spend some time today looking in my photo album for a glimpse into the wonderful vacation we had at the Oregon Coast. It was a full day's drive there and back but so worth it!

Sit back and enjoy...


The View

Quiet Time: On the nice days I spent time on the deck with the view pictured above. On the rainy mornings I found myself on the couch pictured below. The ocean could be seen just above the bushes.


The Animals


Jellyfish


Spouting Whales


Sea Lions


Sea Gull right on the deck




The Pacific Ocean






The Sand


On the day we built the sandcastle above, it was a bit windy. Had we been gone from our things much longer we may not have even found them as they were quickly being buried as seen below. You can't even see the little guys pants and jacket already covered.



The Lighthouse




The Family

Enjoying the animals, Pacific Ocean, sand, and each other...

My son on the beach. My husband on the rock to the left.






My daughter and I




It was our first time staying in a beach house. It was our first family overnight trip to the coast. Needless to say we had an absolutely wonderful time!

How have you spent the last couple of weeks?