Elijah enjoying a cupcake

at the Nazarene Camp Ground

picnic!

It never ceases to amaze me the effect a child

can have on someone. We spent last weekend

at our chuch campground in Butler, PA. Oh my we sure did have fun! Caleb attended the youth activities. I can't believe we are headed for the teen years, but just like his childhood I know

God's hand will be upon his life. Infact there are many days that if I didn't have that

promise, I would fall apart. Please continue to keep Caleb in your prayers- It's going to take

a mighty work to reach this kid.

Elijah went to the

nursery and just loved the BeeBees (as he calls them) He adores babies. It doesn't matter

where we are as soon as he hears them, or sees them he gets so excited. I love it!

Gary says he's just like his mommy when it comes to the baby bug. I wouldn't mind it a

bit if he is.

A couple of weeks ago Gary preached a sermon on carrying each other burdens.

It was a powerful sermon that really made me think.

You know carrying each others burdens doesn't come naturally.

Infact I put this in to the basket that holds compassion.

Compassion doesn't come naturally either.

We must ask for this character trait. We must ask God to

give us this- Remember when we ask for this He will give it.

So be careful what you ask for.

From a young age I saw compassion played out in my parents' lives.

So I know what compassion is.

I have prayed for my boys to be filled with compassion

so that they too may grow up and touch lives.

The other day we were in Target and Elijah heard a

child crying. This little girl had gotten herself into trouble and

the parents were scolding her. Oh, how she cried.

Upon hearing this, Elijah began to whine and cry.

As if he was hurt.

He grabbed my shirt and hung on tight! Pulling himself out of the

shopping cart and into my arms.

I tried to comfort and reassure him by saying "It's okay

the little girl got herself into trouble and

she is upset."

Well, it wasn't until the little girl stopped crying that

Elijah stopped crying. He kept watching her.

Now, if you ask me he was showing compassion.

But more importantly he was carrying her burden.

Now that is LOVE played out in a BIG way!

As I told Gary this story he asked "is it normal for a 2 year

old to have this quality?"

Well, I have worked with many children and no,

this is not a normal trait.

Infact this is a trait that not

many adults have.

So today I challenge you -

Carry someone's burden!

Caleb smiling pretty for the camera!

(I can't believe how BIG he is getting!)

Family Vacation

Caleb & Elijah getting ready for breakfast with Mickey Mouse at Disney!

Well, we began our trip on June 14 right after morning services. We arrived at Orman beach (near Daytona, FL)

on June 15 where we spent 2 days. Oh, how we loved the beach. This was Caleb's second time

at a beach and Elijah's first time. Elijah loved the sand. However, he wasn't so fond of the water.

Which came to a surprise to us. He loves to be in the pool and swim. I think he was afraid

the noise the water makes. He has very sensitive hearing and often loud noises startle him.

The beach was not busy at all which made it easier on everyone. Even Gary with his limited sight went out into the water and really enjoyed the waves. It was neat to see him and Caleb

as they went out together to swim. I enjoyed the early mornings watching the sun rise and

enjoying the smell of the ocean. It makes me want to be back at the beach. We visited Ponce Inlet Marine Science Center. Where the boys learned about ocean life. It was neat to see the work they do with whales, turtles, birds and other wild life. My favorite was the gift shop. They

truly had some unique items. Elijah must have seen dozens of birds. And every time he would do the sign language for bird. Which in his sign language is his pointer finger going up and down.

We also visited the Ponce Light house. The tallest light house in Fl. It was beautiful!

Gary & Caleb enjoying a visit with tigger!



After our time at the beach we headed for a week at Disney World.

We really did enjoy ourselves even though the lines were long, the

temperture was HOT(110 in the shade) and often the kids were crabby due to the heat and waiting. The boys got to see Nemo a wonderful under the sea performance that was just amazing. Elijah really enjoyed the bubbles. We ate breakfast with Mickey Mouse. Elijah was

afraid of most of the characters except Mickey Mouse and Pooh. He did wonderful traveling and during our time at disney. Actually I must say Caleb complained more than Elijah.

We finished up our trip with attending our Church's General Convention where

we visited many friends we made in college, and also Gary's sister and her

family. Caleb quizzed and got a bronze medal. He also sang in the children's

choir with over 800 kids in the choir. It was beautiful! The convention wasn't

so fun for Mommy & Elijah. Often we were at the back of the convention

trying to find something to keep Elijah busy. This is a challenge with hundrends

of people and Eljah always running. However we met many other children and parents.

Some from foreign countries. One particular little boy who did not speak any

english and neither did his Dad. There were many boxes and Elijah

and this little boy had so much fun getting in/out of the boxes. It was neat

watching Elijah and this little spanish speaking boy communicate. They totally

understood each other even though the adults around them didn't.

It is true- Love can be spoken in any language!

Well, It's great to be home and we had a blast! Thanks to all who

lifted us up in prayer and gave their support so that Caleb could

go to his second World Quiz!