Blog Revival - Almost Caught Up...Almost...

Well, today is September 29 and I dare not let the catch-up frenzy spill into October so here's a taste of what's happened throughout the summer...

Dad's Annual Birthday Bash -- complete with tons of relatives, friends, food and music.

Misty, Abe & Mira visited. It's a joy to spend time with family and a special treat to be with Mira who happens to be at the perfect age to play with.

The last 10 days of June, mom, me and my girls and Misty and Mira all went on a cruise to the US Virgin Islands. Some of us liked the pool, some liked the food, some liked the shows, some liked the sightseeing, some liked the beaches....all enjoyed the time spent together...which doesn't happen very often now that we all live separate lives in different places. I took 100's of photos...I'll spare you most of them!

Watch for birthday and UK posts...coming soon.

God bless you all!

Kim

Blog Revival -- Continued...

Between Misty graduating from Harvard, Madison from high school, the end of school for McKenzie & McKayla felt a little pushed back on the ladder of importance. I hope someday they understand!

We enjoyed sharing in the 6th grade party, their band concert and their Honor's Day just as much as we enjoyed everything else for everyone else...even if it there was less "pomp and circumstance".

They are so laid back and seem to enjoy whatever is going on around them in a rather quiet manner most of the time...there are those times when friends abound and tween-age giggling, silliness and nonsense abound. It's always fun no matter the mood.

We are blessed to have them both and we love them very much.

Kim

Could not get this photo to rotate and stay--but could not let the documentation of Honor Roll ALL YEAR for both girls go unnoticed!

6th grade band concert....both played sax.

McKenzie (above)

McKayla (above)

McKenzie ready for 6th grade dance (above).

McKayla ready for 6th grade dance (above).

Friends....

Blog Revival -- Continued

At the end of May and first of June, we had the privilege of celebrating Madison's graduation from high school. It was, quite possibly, one of our proudest moments. Madison is a focused, talented and intelligent young lady. Those traits often made high school very frustrating but at the culminating events such as the Academic Hall of Fame, Honor's Night and the Graduation, it was these traits that made it possible for her to earn so many accolades. Scholarships, awards, certificates and kind words were all witnessed by a host of friends and family members. We were happy to have everyone share in our joy and Madison's accomplishments. We also appreciate all those who celebrated through giftgiving, cards and prayers.

As I watch Madison end the childhood/adolescent periods of her life, I am reminded of the blessing and rewards of motherhood. I am also reminded that God gives us children to care for for a lifetime...to shower us with blessings of pride...and to allow us to better understand his parental love for us...

Madison -- I thank God for every remembrance of you and your childhood.

Kim

Most Joyful News

Little did I know when I committed to a blog revival less than a week ago that I would be able to interrupt my blogging plan to share such joyous news. McKenzie & McKayla were baptized tonight!!! Such sweet, good girls. We are so proud of them. We are so blessed as parents to be able to witness this decision in their lives. I know the angels are rejoicing right along with us. God is good....ALL the time! Kim

Blog Revival-Day 5

The months of May and June were like whirlwinds. Between work, travel, school, the events associated with having a senior in high school, parties and vacations, I feel like my feet barely landed at home... On May 27, 2010, I was proud to be able to attend my sister's graduation ceremony at Harvard, even if it meant flying in on Wednesday night and out again on Friday morning in order to make it home for Madison's Honor's Night on Friday night....Short but sweet visit BUT priceless, PROUD moments I was blessed to share in. Bestowal of Master's Degree Preparing to go inside for ceremony... Proud family... Degree in hand after two long years of study and sacrafice. Fun afternoon at the Boston Commons with Mira, Misty, Mom & Dad.

Blog Revival - Day 4

Smashed somewhere in the myriad of activities going on this Spring, Randy and I checked out for a 5 day trip to Washington, DC. He was in meetings three of the days but we managed to get some sightseeing in on free days and at night. It was relaxing (for me) and fun to get away.

Here are a few scenes from our trip.

Shopping....

Subway.....

Washington Nationals game.....

It is a blessing to live in America. It is amazing to visit the capital of our great country and realize the evidence that these United States were established as "one nation under God". Historic references are easily found at every monument. How then do we continue to remove God from our governing practices? God bless America...I say that not as a statement but as a request on our nation's behalf.

Kim

Blog Revival - Day 3

Madison's Senior Prom was held April 25, 2010 at the Center for Rural Development in Somerset. The evening began nicely despite the rain. Don't they look great! Madison allowed me to play chef for the evening for her, Aleksey & some friends. I enjoyed decorating the back porch as their dining room. The girls wore robes over their gowns so as not to soil them. Maddie's dress from behind. The weather on Saturday included a TORNADO WARNING....which kept the kids at the Center until after midnight. So...on Sunday afternoon I begged Madison to put the dress back on and let me take her photo in a field near our house. The colors (I thought) were perfect for her dress! I think this one is my fave. Hope everyone is enjoying the "blog revival". May God bless you with renewal knowing that I think of you much more often than you know. Love to all who read this. Kim