Best Horse-back Riding Lesson EVER!!!

 What I loved about this lesson was how patient and thorough Sarah was with everything. They got the horse ready by grooming him, Lilia had never done that - at least this in depth.
They spend time cleaning out the horses shoes, saddling him and putting on the bridle. Lilia was even allowed to use her personal grooming equipment that she spent her own money on.

cleaning out the horse shoes

putting on the bridle

She made a new friend...

They rode for a good half an hour - practicing walking, and trotting. When it was all over Sarah even asked Alex if he would like a ride around the field, but he declined.

Cleaning out the shoes

"Look ma, no hands!"

In the middle of the field was a jump. Lilia has grown confident in such a way that she asked if they could jump. Sarah chuckled and said how that would take a few more practices. So what did they do next...practiced!
They went around the field a few times no handed, hands up, hand out while twisting her torso, and hand on her hips. I loved that Sarah didn't shrug her off, but leaned into her brave request.

June 22nd

There are 2 moments that are etched into my memory that when I think back on them, I'm filled with abounding joy, a smile automatically comes on my face and my heart is filled with love. The first moment goes back to my high school years. I had become the first Christian in my family and my parents started coming to church. One Sunday my dad nudged me, "Kate, I'm thinking of walking down. Would you come with me."
I got to hold my dads hand as we walked to the front of the church where he then prayed to receive Christ into his heart.

The second is of course my wedding day. Oh, it was so special. I remember sitting on the floor by the window upstairs in the Aldie Mansion dressing room singing along to, "Better is One Day." I thought to my self, 'My wedding day is supposed to be the happiest day of my life, but the Bible says that better is one day in the courts of heaven than a thousand days on earth - including the happiest day of my life.'
I was in awe of those thoughts, and a huge smile came over my face as tears ran down my cheeks. I worshipped the Lord.

June 22nd is now the third moment, frozen in time, forever etched into my mind. I will picture our fancy clothes, where we were standing. I can remember looking out at Stacy's (the pastor's wife) face and seeing her tearing up because she knows Lilia. She has taught her in Sunday school and has walked me through moments of parenting where I needed spiritual direction. I can see my mom's face and the huge, tear-filled smile on her face.
Lilia's baptism.
The moment in time when she declared to the heavens and the earth, "MY HEART BELONGS TO JESUS!!"
A moment in time no person can take away from her.
It was so special.

When it was time for Tuck (our pastor) to ask her the questions of faith, Lilia pulled away from me in ownership to her faith, turned toward Tuck and answered boldly, "I do."

Cousins

Last weekend we met together for Father's Day at my parents house. Ellie requested, "Can we play Easter Nan?" So my mom went to the basement, dug out some Easter eggs and hid them around the yard.

Olivia, 2 in September

Claire, Lilia & Naomi

Julie and Blake visit

 Julie came to town with Blake. We met up at Sister Cities Park. Blake loved splashing in the water. She was so enthralled by the rocks in the concrete on the bottom of the pond.

Lilia was trying her best to read to Blake a new book, but her she was more interested in Julie's nalgene.

The Twins dedication

 On June 8th Claire and Naomi (my 4 month old twin nieces) were dedicated to the Lord at their church. It was a beautiful celebration and a fun party afterwards.


Mom and dad holding Claire.

My dad holding Naomi, me holding Claire.

Ellie (almost 3) kept asking Lilia to get her watermelon slices

Delight in the Day

Today has been so wonderful and delightful despite it being day 9 of Dave being away for work. The weather started off so rainy, but as the afternoon came the sky cleared up enough to have some sunshine. The storm pushed away the humidity and brought that perfect spring weather we can experience here in Philadelphia.
Alex and spent much of the afternoon out back just reveling in the perfect weather and bits of sunshine. I had my hands in the garden, pulling out weeds and sweeping up. I could sweep out there everyday and I'd still fill a bag. It's kind of amazing, but I guess the wind blows it in and it has no where to go.
I love our back yard. It's very tiny, but it so peaceful, green and beautiful. Before dinner I turned an old bird house into a plant holder. The roof is mostly off so I just squeezed a pot in there with some trailing green and purple plant. It looks so whimsical and fun. I'm thinking of finding old coffee tins, the big round ones, and painting them really fun and using them as pot holders. Then I'm going to attach them to the fence and add some pops of color. Speaking of color the morning glory is halfway up the fence and I've already seen one purple flower. I love when it's all full. It's so pretty.
As the kids read their new books out back I brought out some dinner and the three of us ate in the cool of the evening. It was perfect...we were just missing Dave. Gosh - I miss him. I just miss his company. Only a day and a half until he's home!
God has been so faithful in providing help through friends and family. And when they aren't around, God has been carrying me through by His Spirit. I've had more patience and self-control this week then any I can remember recently. Weird huh? I'm incredibly thankful, and I feel so blessed and cared for by God.