Zoo Day

Over all, this month has been mostly cloudy and rainy (at least it feels that way). However, the stairs aligned when the girls had a day off of school and it was sunny and nice.  We took advantage of it and headed to the zoo with the cousins.  Of course I pick the sunniest spot for our first picture.  Many attempts but the second was my favorite!

Top of the list to see were the baby gorillas, so we headed there first.  One Cutie Patootie was out right by the window and we were captivated (most of us that is) by it's adorableness.

While it was pretty crowded we were able to stay and enjoy the view for quite some time.

More sunny pics!

Pretty much any statue the kids wanted a picture with...

Spotting the elephants enjoying a drink.

I do so love that these littles get to grow up together and bond along the way!

 Hands on exhibits for those that love touching!

My parents were the ones actually watching the Russell girls for the day (as both their parents had to work), and unfortunately this was the only picture I managed to take with them!

 

Zoe's favorite thing is on the totally other end of the zoo, so when it was time for the Russells to go we bid them adieu, and rode the tram up to the gardens.  Ezra's highlight of the day.

 My little cutie pie!

Dinosaur dig was a popular place and this kids all enjoyed it.

We explored the rest of the area (quicker than they liked), as there is so much to see.  Being at the zoo for 4 hours was wearing this momma out. 

When I told them that we were just going to walk down the hill instead of waiting for quite some time for the tram to return (waiting is not my strong suit), I did receive a lot of protest.  But we made it back before the tram could have even made it and enjoyed more of the beautiful day.  Thank you Jesus for such a gift of a day!

The 2nd Best Holiday

Well to my children at least, Valentines Day is the 2nd Best Holiday (their parents do not share this opinion).  However, seeing how it is so special to them I try to support them in their endeavors and share the love!  I think this fits in with looking at other's love language and things that may be important to others, even if you care less about the subject yourself.

The festivities started the day before with a celebration with friends at the library, complete with heart BINGO...

and decorating cookies.

The littles had long anticipated this event and were not disappointed.


Truly, though, the fun started weeks ago when Shiloh started making her own Valentines the beginning of January, as she just couldn't wait.  Shortly thereafter followed by decorating her door...

making a heart banner from our Christmas cards...

creating a Valentines box...

picking out her outfit, creating a goodie bag for her sister, making Truffles for her teachers and neighbors...

and collecting all love type items that she could (including requesting 5 balloons at our chiropractor's office from their celebration the day before).  She was one prepared girl and excitedly set up everything the night before.
Zoe enjoyed getting ready with her invitations as well!

They requested a few things from their momma that they had remembered me doing in previous years, including frozen yogurt hearts, balloons, and packing their lunch with heart shaped sandwiches and goodies (and creating a heart with carrots- which I have no relocation or idea about).

I think Ezra still had mixed feelings about the frozen part of his breakfast.

It was worth it to see the little things that brought them so much joy!

They were looking pretty cute and were all set to go with the truffles we had made to give out to some teachers and neighbors.

I'm pretty sure the joy radiated off them for quite sometime!

Zoe was excited to receive a special Valentine gift from a special friend and opened it in the car when I picked her up from school. Very thoughtful indeed!

This has definitely ushered us into a new season, which she has thankfully been talking to us openly about.

One thing the kids love to do is go to Costco (#sampleloving), which we haven't done in months.  They consider this something that is very special, so I took them there after school and fortunately there were samples to fill their bellies.  Then Beach and I headed out for a quick dinner date (I was thrilled that he had surprised me in cleaning the house when I was out, as acts of service is my love language).

We went to the Villa, the same restaurant that we went to 15 years ago when we started dating (as adults that is - not counting the high school years).  It appeared the same and we enjoyed reminiscing and supporting each other for our current stages in life. Captured him reading his card (words of affirmation is his love language)!

It certainly was a special day and filled with love and sharing the love!

Ebenezer

I have loved the concept of Ebenezer since I first learned about it some 20 years ago.  Webster defines it simply as "a commemoration of divine assistance".  Yet it is so deeper than that.  

On further examination in the Old Testament, it began for the Israelites after a time of repentance, destroying their idols, the Lord wining the battles against their enemy and they, thus, created a physical spot of stones in recognition of what God had done for them.

 Ebenezer means “stone of help.” From then on, every time an Israelite saw the stone erected by Samuel, he would have a tangible reminder of the Lord’s power and protection. The “stone of help” marked the spot where the enemy had been routed and God’s promise to bless His repentant people had been honored. The Lord had helped them, all the way to Ebenezer.

The Israelites needed reminders for they all to quickly forgot how faithful the Lord was to them.  Constantly.  Any new little thing that came up and it was like the memory seemed to be erased.  And isn't that like us, like me.  I forget all too easily.  "Sure Lord, you helped me with so much already but THIS (insert current problem/issue), THIS seems so HUGE, let me just try to solve it myself (or give up completely)."

So I NEED reminders too.  While I have the Holy Spirit living alive in me, and I'm so thankful that part of his job is just that, reminding me of the Lord, I also like to have physically things for me to point to and explain to future generations. 

 
I'm hopeful the Lord will continue to show me ways and things to represent my own Ebenezers, as just a pile of rocks doesn't have quite the same affect in our current culture.  One thing that He has blessed me with (through my sister Danielle making a Christmas present years ago) is a form of a calendar that I write down three things that I am thankful for each day.  Then in future years I can look back on that date and see all the things, big and small, that He has done, and continue to be thankful!  It is so simple and yet one of my favorite presents ever.  While I haven't been perfect in filling it out, it is pretty full and I'm working on my 6th year!

Another way for me to mark the Lord's movement is through this blog.  So I want to be more intentional about  recording what He has done....least I forget.  As well as I want it to be a form of worship for my Lord, for He deserves all the glory, praise and honor!