Day 213 - Fishin' With Grandpa

My dad thought it would be great fun to take us fishing today... and he was right.  We went up to a little lake that he'd heard was great for catching fish and spent the afternoon putting worms on hooks and showing the kids how to cast and reel.  We blew through 50+ worms and at one point I told my dad I didn't realize I'd become the official "worm put-er, on-er!"  It's been a long time since I've put a worm on a hook!

Neither Alexis or Carsten had ever been fishing before, and it's been years since Ty had.  Needless to say, it was a fun day!

"Look mom, there is a worm on here!"

Day 212 - Rollerblading

I was greatly amused this evening as I watched Tyrus and Alexis (along with their friend) try to get up off of the driveway while wearing rollerblades. 

And they're both finally up, at least for the moment!  lol

Day 211 - Dylan's Dedication

Dana and Andy dedicated Dylan to the Lord today.  It was a very sweet ceremony and lots of tears were shed! 

Afterwards, my dad wanted to try and get a picture with all his grandchildren - not an easy task!

Day 210 - My Beautiful Family

My dad is in town and tonight we met at the park to have cake to celebrate his and Destiny's birthdays.  It was a lovely night and we just relaxed and had a fun time.

Day 209 - Destiny's Birthday

So my sis turned 23 today.  It's kinda cool because our ages are now flipped.  She's 23 and I'm 32.  :)   We're still at the Ladies Retreat and it's been so amazing so far.  I don't think any of us slept last night, but that's okay...  it's worth it! 

Happy Birthday, Destiny!  (And also, a happy birthday to our daddy, too!)

Day 208 - Ladies Retreat!

Ladies Retreat started tonight and we've been having a blast!  My friend Mia made these cool hair clips and headbands to try and sell and so we were looking at them and goofing off with the doll heads.  We kinda got a bit crazy with them.  ha ha

Day 207 - We Win!

A year ago today, we lost a very special person, Cory McCool.  He died 2 days before his 32nd birthday and left behind a wife and two small kids.  There have been many times over this past year that I have thought of him and his dear wife and wondered why on earth would God choose to take him?  He was an awesome minister, singer and friend to many.  The other day, in my dailly Bible reading, I came across this passage in Isaiah 57 and I finally felt like I understood why God decided to take him.

Since his death, his wife Jina has been a continued source of inspiration to me.  You'd expect that she'd be down and out and discouraged, but she's anything but!  Here's what her Facebook post said today:

Jina McCool wrote: Maybe you're wondering "WHAT IS JINA DOING TODAY"... Here it is... I woke up Thanking My God for another day..not a sad day..A GREAT DAY! I'm taking the joys of my life to some FUN lunch, (we will, like everyday.. talk about their awesome dad) Then..we are taking ANYTHING they want to the cemetary. Balloons, pictures, toys...anything!  I'm not letting my children feel fear and deep sorrow today over death. Dwell on the good..no, the GREAT!!! And what God has for our future...The ultimate Goal...WE WIN!! 

The last words Cory said before he died were "we win!" You're right, Cory!  God bless you Sis. Jina!  We win!