Of Cub Scout Cupcakes, Rain and a "Dork Beetle"

A Peek Into Our Day

(Warning: This maybe very... boring.)

We have been blessed with rain. This ↑ is a picture of our front yard before the rain. Even before the rain we got a rainbow, how sweet is that!

As we took a walk last evening the sky was a beautiful grey, ready to rain.

I took a picture of my sisters next to the tallest agave plant in our neighbor hood.

Samantha took a picture of said agave plant from a more artistic angle.

I love the scenery in our new neighborhood. We have mountains to the North, South, East and West!

During our walk we spied many critters. Of the rabbits, horses and goats, we have no pictures for you. But we did see some ants that were "connected". One was carrying the other.

See?

It was really weird. So of course I took a picture just for you, Reader.

See how this beetle's leg is up and out? Picture each of those legs taking
exaggerated steps over and over again. It makes it look like it's
walking, well, dorkily. (A word to me.)

Then this morning we dropped off some cookies and cupcakes to the Cub Scouts. (The Cub Scouts are having a bake sale today.) These cookies are ranked in our top ten best cookies. They were so good.

Want the recipe?

These are the cute cub-cakes we made. Sam saw a picture on some cooking blog, and we did our best to duplicate. I think they turned out pretty well.

After delivering the baked goods, some of us played Monopoly. Goldilocks can't play, but she was my helper. Jack was playing for Sam in the picture. He was her "helper".

Sorry it's so fuzzy, he moves a lot and I don't know how to use the camera.

I'll have to ask him to be my helper next time.

See all those hotels he was racking up? Wow. =)

SquiRe didn't win, he was too generous. Whenever someone was in a finacial crisis he would give them help, plus he would sell off his property for almost nothing. 

This picture was taken today. SquiRe is a big reader,
 but he especially likes to read aloud to someone. He was
 reading to Mom. I think he knew I was taking his picture.

And the news we have been wanting to share is that Sam recently started taking in animals from the Humane Society to care for until they are ready to adopt. Thus far she has had two cases. One was a litter of four very young kittens, and just about an hour ago we got a dog.

Because these weren't named we got to name them ourselves. Though Sam at first didn't want to because she thought we'd be to attatched, I told her we wouldn't be and I was right. I'm so glad we got to name them!

The orange cat, the runt, was the only male. We named him Kalmar after the prince of Anniera. (From Andrew Peterson's Wingfeather Saga.)

The grey female cats we named Arabella, Samara, and Houdini (the escape artist).

We weren't big fans of the name Arabella, but we thought it would get her adopted just a little quicker.

They are all three chasing and wrestling each other in this picture.

 This is the dog we just got. She unfoutunately already has a name: Lulu.

 Lulu is just here until she gets socialized. Why would they give a dog in need of socilization to a family of conservitive homeschoolers is what I want to know. *hahaha*

Well, I've bored you long enough. I'll let you go after showing you what I found this morning.

And I can't believe I didn't kill it. I saw it at 5:30 am so I guess I was too tired to think: "Maybe I should do more than just take pictures of this creepy thang."

Hope you are having a good weekend.

Momo

Dad

Just a week ago our family celebrated Dad's birthday. A cause for much celebration to be sure!

Our dad is half a hundred (plus)! And certainly filled with more wisdom than I know of! Though I have discovered much understanding from him, and he continues to share his insight so that we may (eventually) learn.

We bought him a new pair of boots. I don't know when the last time he had cowboy boots was, but he has been wanting a pair of boots, so we are very glad to have been able to find a pair that he likes.

Our dad reads to us from God's precious Word daily. And instructs us and reminds us of the commands in the Word at every opportunity.

Dad is gentle and loving to all of us. He is (though imperfect) a beautiful picture of who our Father in heaven is- caring, forgiving, love.

Dad takes the time to do what we like. He tries to be interested in what we are interested in, and ignores his hobbies so that he can give us his time.

He is such a joy and always seeks to give of himself before anyone else. I know he had a good father's day, and birthday. I pray that the next are even better.

This is a CUTE picture, isn't it?

Jack likes to stir Dad's cup of coffee each morning. Dad willingly cleans up his splashed coffee from the table and allows Jack to merrily stir, stir, stir.

I have yet to meet a Dad like him, and doubt anyone could be a better father.

We love you so much Dad!

The desert wild and creatures therein

I was going to title this post, "the desert wild and creations therein", only my mom (and maybe some of you?) would argue that most of these critters came after "the Fall".  ;-] You discern...

We'll begin with what is probably the most tame (though to some, most terrifying) of the list:

A garden snake. Dead and therefore perfect for a photo shoot ;-] We've found quite a few of these, as well as some red racers and rattle snakes.

Next we have what we were told is probably a desert crab spider.

I actually think he/she looks kind of nice.

A pest-exterminator friend told us this was a solpugid. Strange looking.

Below in one of two centipede's we've found inside the house. The dollar bill is meant to show the length.

I tried to convince mom they were harmless after she asked if they were poisonous (the answer was yes) by saying, "But only one person has ever died from a bite." Ooops. Wrong words. "But that was a small child so they were extra vulnerable." Made things worse. At that point, I stuck my perverbial foot in my mouth and walked away. (I hope you all don't start worrying about centipedes now, the incident happened on some island where they probably grew to be a lot bigger than the American version...)

Don't know what this is, haven't even looked it up, just liked the yellow color.

And last but certainly not least on the danger factor is...

A scorpion. In the bedroom. But he was almost dead and looked very lonely, so I'm sure we won't be seeing any more.

(His belly had white spots...neat)

Thus concludes today's post. Now are you glad that YOU don't live in the desert (or maybe you do)? SquiRe, Momo and I are the only ones who think finding all these creatures is interesting!
Next time we post about animals (should be not too far away) they'll be much more lovable. Don't worry.

Sam

"I Am a Debtor" by Robert Murray M'Cheyne

When this passing world is done,
When has sunk yon glaring sun,
When we stand with Christ in glory,
Looking o'er life's finished story,
Then, Lord, shall I fully know-
Not till then- how much I owe.

When I hear the wicked call
On the rocks and hills to fall,
When I see them start and shrink
On the fiery deluge brink,
Then, Lord, shall I fully know-
Not till then- how much I owe.

When I stand before the throne,
Dressed in beauty not my own,
When I see Thee as Thou art,
Love Thee with unsinning heart,
Then, Lord, shall I fully know-
Not till then- how much I owe.

When the praise of heaven I hear,
Loud as thunders to the ear,
Loud as many waters' noise,
Sweet as harp's melodious voice,
Then, Lord, shall I fully know-
Not till then- how much I owe.

Even on earth, as through a glass
Darkly, let thy glory pass,
Make forgiveness feel so sweet,
Make thy Spirit's help so meet,
Even on earth, Lord, make me know
Something of how much I owe.

Chosen not for good in me.
Wakened up from wrath to flee,
Hidden in the Savior's side,
By the Spirit sanctified,
Teach me, Lord, on earth to show,
By my love, how much I owe.

Oft I walk beneath the cloud,
Dark as midnight's gloomy shroud;
But, when fear is at the height,
Jesus comes, and all is light:
Blessed Jesus! bid me show
Doubting saints how much I owe.

When in flowery paths I tread,
Oft by sin I'm captive led;
Oft I fall, but still arise;
The Spirit comes- the tempter flies;
Blessed Spirit! bid me show
Weary sinners all I owe.

Oft the nights of sorrow reign-
Weeping, sickness, sighing, pain,
But a night Thine anger burns-
Morning comes, and joy returns:
God of comforts! bid me show
To thy poor, how much I owe.

The Birthday of One Who is Two

   It has been said many a time that the younger one is the better memory one has. Can I say that Jack is proof that that is both 100% correct and 100% false? In my opinion the fact that he doesn't even remember what happened in his life the previous year, last week, or yesterday makes said statement pretty much void. However, he has the BEST memory in the sense that his memory is filled with only the good, the happy memories of a "Mommy!" and "Daaad!" with never ending supplies of love, and zero memories of any hurts or sadness. He remembers only blessings, which, in my opinion, pionts to the fact that he has the best memory of all!
    I'm aware that all of what I just wrote has just about 0% logic in it.
    That's because my brain works with just about 0% logic in it.  .... =3
    My little illogcal rant was probably a result of the lessons on thankfulness/gratitude my mom has been sharing with me recently. I guess I'll just share with you what she shared with me today:    =)

There are blessings in your life and mine that "no eye has seen, nor ear heard" (v. 9)—blessings that only show themselves by not showing up. Today, try listing as many of these things to be grateful for as you can think of. For example, think of the miles you’ve driven without getting a flat tire. Think of the big tree out front that’s never dropped a damaging limb on your house. Think of a destructive sin or habit the Lord has kept you from being tempted by. Perhaps you’re hobbled by a medical problem or two, but think of a dozen you’ve never experienced.

Look at all the benefits on your growing list of gratitude inducers, and by backing them into reverse like this, you’ll find your blessings multiplying at an amazing rate.

Gratitude can (and should) lead us to intercession. A good prayer starter is to ask God to remind you of those who do suffer from some of the things He’s spared you from. Lift these people up to Him today.      [Nancy Leigh DeMoss, Choosing Gratitude]

   In all things. At all times. Limitless reasons to be thankful.
  
   Without further ado, many, maybe too many pictures. =)

Jack holding the bat and ball he bought for his birthday gifts.

   In the mail each year my siblings and I recieve a card with five dollars placed in it from our great-grandparents. The five dollar bill is the upgrade from the stick of gum that used to come in the cards.

He enjoyed ripping off the paper!

The rest of his presents were surprises!

I don't know if you can see clearly from the picture, but he likes gifts.

Three cheesey "Cheese!"es from the youngest siblings.

"However many blessings we expect from God, His infinite liberality will always exceed all our wishes and our thoughts” -John Calvin

    After the food and presents, we went outside to talk, play frisbee, and climb trees.

She caught it!

Their faces tell how much fun they're having!

I like this funny picture of SquiRe, Cousin, and Goldilocks racing to catch the frisbee.

Ready! Set! Throw! YAY!

     I put the below pictures together because 1) four pictures of SquiRe in a row seemed a bit too much and 2) it is fun to see him play with himself.

I LAUGH out loud everytime I see SquiRe's face (one on left) in this pic.

    I don't want to bore you with pictures, and this post seems to be growing in length exponentially -okay, maybe not quite that much but it's growing!- so I'll end it ASAP. Only one two more pictures.

This is Mr.Toddler-Not-Baby-Any-More playing with his birthday toys.

I have to share this picture because it was so cute how he reacted when he saw his gift. Picture a *squeel* and two flapping hands.

Time is short, sooner than later we won't remember the ways we spent the birthdays, but the ways we spent the time in between as it says in 1 Corinthians 3:11-13. (I've been raised in a familyy of Jesus Jukers, I can't help it.) 

I'm so thankful for the life that God blessed our family by giving us sweet little Jack. I hope you enjoyed being able to share our joy of Jack whilst reading this post.

Hob-ah-nah-dah!! (Translation given because this is written to make my mom and dad smile, and I don't doubt most of you, Readers, will not get this joke:Have a Nice Day!)

~Momo

P.S. Though I requested and even uploaded a picture of my invisble eldest sister, the pictures were not permitted to be seen in the end. I shall have a photo of her for you soon! I shall!