Twenty Seven Years of Parenting....

and this is a first!

Yes, the very first pinewood derby car Michael has made with any of the kids.

Stacia was handed a block of wood and told to make a car out of it. She takes AWANA  very seriously and has been aching to get started.

We have no power tools with us. We don't wish to buy any this close to a move. Michael doesn't have the time to take the safety class to use the tools on base....and so he bought a coping saw and they were off on this father/daughter adventure. They drew sample cars...Stacia selected the design she liked best.

I suggested painting the block of wood and bedazzling it!

Nolan joins the fun. Shortly after this he remembers the  vise grips in the garage.....

It's fun to watch the block of wood begin to morph into a car. The Arts and Crafts shop has pre-shaped cars to buy and paint...but no one is very interested in my helpful contributions to this project.

Draw, cut, sand, sponge, sand some more.... I went to bed well before anyone else so I'm not sure what happened to the little block of wood.  I'm pretty sure it's not been painted yet.....

Choosing Joy!
©2013 D.R.G.
~Coram Deo~
Living all of life before the face of God...

Yuuki Waits Patiently

Such a sweet, sad puppy....waiting patiently for someone to wake up and give her breakfast! Arielle is determined we not overfeed her, Yuuki is determined to eat all day long. ::snort:: 

Choosing Joy!
©2013 D.R.G.
~Coram Deo~
Living all of life before the face of God...

Dandelions

I have been blessed for decades with a steady supply of dandelions. Dandelions are  the first spring flower in locations where we've lived.  I bought this sake pitcher at Daiso for wildflower gifts from the children.

Sadly, Stacia is the only one who still brings me wildflowers...but she brings me LOTS and with GREAT excitement.

It was perfect to see this little blurb floating around Facebook in honor of April - the Month of the Military Child.

The Military Child (Author Unknown)
The official flower of the military child is the dandelion. Why? The plant puts down roots almost anywhere, and it's almost impossible to destroy. It's an unpretentious plant, yet good looking. It's a survivor in a broad range of climates. 

Military children bloom everywhere the wind carries them. They are hardy and upright. Their roots are strong, cultivated deeply in the culture of the military, planted swiftly and surely. They're ready to fly in the breezes that take them to new adventures, new lands, and new friends.

 Dandelions will continue to hold a special place in my heart.

Choosing Joy!
©2013 D.R.G.
~Coram Deo~
Living all of life before the face of God...

Lovin Japan ~ Skiing on the Beach

Teaching the younger three to cross country ski ON THE BEACH...

... one of my favorite memories of our family time in Misawa. 

Choosing Joy!
©2013 D.R.G.
~Coram Deo~
Living all of life before the face of God...