Mason's memory verse this week....

I had to laugh when I read Mason's memory verse this week: "Those who talk a lot are likely to sin. But those who control their tounges are wise." Proverbs 10:19
Isn't that so appropriate for a group of 1st graders?!
Just had to share! :)

Last Weekend

I am finally getting around to posting pictures of last weekend. Last Friday Bob had a Senior NCO (non-commissioned officer) Induction ceremony. We are not big fans of banquets and stuff like that, but it was a really nice ceremony. We had a great dinner and then they had a speaker, the Air Force Band played and the "oath". That is Bob's back in the second picture. I had a great seat but they just walk too fast through the swords for me to get a good picture. :)
This weekend we have an "Ohana Festival" at school for the PTF fundraiser. They sold "hawaiian plate lunches" and will be having a silent auction, craft fair and entertainment. I'll be there for a few hours and we'll see how long Bob and the kids stay. It should be a fun time. :)
That's about it for us this weekend.
P.S. The geckos are fine. We now have another one Steve's size. We may need a bigger cage!

Meet Gary

Hey all! Meet the newest addition to our family, Gary the Gecko. Mason spent his hard earned money on a lizard cage and then had to catch a gecko for it. Besides Gary we also have Steve Erwin (Yes, the loss of Steve Erwin hit our animal lover pretty hard. We watch a lot of Animal Planet!) and an unnamed smaller gecko. Steve, the gecko, is much bigger than Gary. I don't have a picture because he always stays inside the little hideout.
We have bought live crickets and now have a bowl full of live meal worms. Yuck!
Anyway, we'll keep you posted on all the animal action here! :)

Remembering Sept 11...

I know that everyone can remember where they were on this day 5 years ago. I was at home with Mason, who was just about 18 month old. We were actually watching "Barney" when he grabbed the remote and started playing with it. He ended up turning to NBC. It was just after the second tower got hit. I spent the day with the little television on news while the big TV downstairs played cartoons. (Even though he was young, I didn't want Mason watching/hearing any of it) . I think the most memorable moment for me was when they had stopped all air traffic and weren't letting any planes fly. All of a sudden I heard airplanes. Really loud planes. My first thought was fear that terrorists were flying over, or that we were being attacked. I went to the window and saw 2 or 3 fighter jets escorting AirForce 1 to Offutt. On television they kept saying that the president was being flown to an undisclosed location. I really couldn't make up my mind whether or not having him at our base made me feel safer or more fearful.
For the next few days, like everyone else, I just kept watching the recovery efforts. It was so sad to see families suffering, not even knowing if their loved ones were dead or alive.
I think overall the events of Sept 11 gave me a greater awareness and appreciation for my day to day life. Tomorrow isn't promised to any of us. Our lives could be taken in an instant. When I think about that thought it convicts me to live my life on purpose every day, not taking any moment for granted. I hope that as a nation we never forget the way we felt that day. I hope we never forget who we turned to for comfort that day. I remember that church attendance went way up and families started having game nights and eating dinner together again. I'm afraid that as a whole we have forgotten the lessons that we learned that day. Our lives are short, we must live them for something that counts and we must cherish the loved ones in our lives. I pray that once again we will turn to God as our source. In my opinion, if we want God's protection on our country we have to start allowing Him back into it. We have pushed Him out of our schools, our pledge of allegience and our federal buildings. It's time to invite God back into America again. We need Him desperately!
I'll get off of my soapbox now and I will pray. Pray for the families who lost loved ones, for our nation and those who are fighting for our freedom.
God Bless America!

HAPPY GRANDPARENTS DAY!

I went back into the picture vault to post some great pictures of the kids with the grandparents to celebrate Grandparents day. Thank you grandpas and grandmas for being such an important part of our lives! Even though the kids don't see you as often as we all would like, we want you to know how much they love you and miss you!
Have a blessed Sunday!
Sending lots of love from Mason and Mackenzie! xoxo

3 day weekend, Yea!!

Hi All! It's Sunday and I am finally getting around to updating my blog. We've had a nice weekend so far. Saturday was a b-day party at the beach. The kids had a blast!
Today after church we went out to lunch and then to Cold Stone Creamery. I don't think I'll eat again until tomorrow night!
Anyway, as you can see the picture above is Kenzie playing cards with Biscuit. I'm not sure who won but I thought it was so cute I had to snap a picture. :)
Here's a cute story for you. Mason was using a silly voice the other day and just being goofy. Then, he said, "When I grow up I'm gonna be a canadian!" I just laughed because I knew immediately that he mean "comedian". He's definately a comedian and I guess we'll see, maybe someday he will move to Canada too! :)
Anyway, that's about it. Bob and I are going back to church tonight for a production called "Eternity". It's supposed to be really good. The kids are staying with a babysitter. Then, tomorrow is another day of rest! YEA!! :)
Happy Labor Day!