Celebrating 80

We had the great opportunity to jump in the car and drive to Phoenix this weekend to celebrate Susie's brother, Bob's (so Danny's uncle), 80th birthday.  We weren't about to miss such a momentous, not to mention fun occasion, for any reason!  

Danny and I haven't taken the kids on too many road trips.  Actually, as I am typing this right now, I feel lame for even calling the car ride from the Valley to Phoenix a "road trip."  We realized through this little bit of  traveling, that we have been totally lame about what our kids are capable of putting up with in the car.  We've stuck to close destinations, San Diego and Julian are our favorites.  But we haven't managed to venture out into other areas, which you have to do living where we live, since we are several hundred miles from a lot of really awesome places!  We've always worried that the car ride will be too long, or boring, or they'll get sick...whatever.  Simply put, we've been in "baby" mode too long.  And we don't have babies anymore!  And yes, I can just see the people who have babies and continue to travel rolling their eyes right now.  I know, I know.  But did you have four kids under 3 years old?  You did?  Ok, I'll be quiet now.  ;)

I'll just get to the good part...the pictures!  

We woke up bright and early on Saturday morning and went to a historical park which had some great picture-taking backgrounds.  More importantly for the kids, the place was full of peacocks!

These types of cool old vehicles were everywhere, and the kids felt right at home!  It reminded us of the Pioneer Museum in Imperial.

See the huge peacock on the far left?  I had told the kids to act like a peacock.  And this was their impression.  Gigi's peacock must be tired of showing off.  

Cubby in a tree.  We have a shot like this from everywhere we go.  

Love this one of our big eight year old and her dad.  She's getting to be such a tall young girl.  Time is flying!

The peacocks were incredibly patient with our very curious children.  The best part was when they started making that loud mewing peacock sound.  The girls practiced and were able to mimic them.

Then we drove over to downtown Glendale.  The shops were just ok, but the antique car show was pretty cool!  I just love how well the twins coordinated with this amazing car. 

This is a shout out to Grandpa David. This has Bad To the Bone written all over it, right Dad?  Looks awfully familiar to your SS!

Next we toured the Cabela's store.  And when I say toured, I am not exaggerating, that store is gigantic!  I couldn't stop thinking about what my brother-in-law, John would do in Cabela's!  I also kept a keen eye out for any Duck Dynasty stars.  

The shooting gallery may have been designed for kids, but Danny and I both enjoyed shooting a few rounds.

We saw wildlife everywhere!

This African exhibit took the kids by surprise.  They couldn't wrap their heads around the fact that, yes, those animals had been alive, but they'd been stuffed.  Emma was finally able to explain it to them by saying, "Do you see that stuffed lion?  Ok. Imagine it walking around.  Got it?  Ok, it actually did that."  

Now on to Bob's wonderful birthday party celebration.  We enjoyed a fabulous dinner of delicious mexican food, which included Imperial Valley's finest carne asada, thanks to Susie!! 

James made quick friends with little Wyatt...his second cousin?  Not sure....

And here's Susie with her brother, Bob.  Those sure are quite a pair!  It was fun listening to them reminisce about the good old days. 

Chris was put in charge of the carne.  Well done bro-in-law, it was delicious!  

Nothing like snuggle time with Grandma!

My big girls are looking forward to brunch at Michelle and Weston's house.  The family seriously rolled out the red carpet for us!  We felt so welcomed and honored!! 

My girls couldn't get enough of baby Riley!

What a fabulous family, and what a fun weekend! Thank you to all who contributed to such a memorable weekend.  The meals were incredible!!  And special thanks to Bob for turning 80 so that we could hop in the car and drive over to celebrate with you!  

Emma's National Anthem

About a month ago, Emma was asked to sing The National Anthem at the National Day of Prayer service.  She was familiar with the song, since she learned it last fall for the Cattle Call Mini Rodeo.  

So she practiced a little bit everyday, and by yesterday evening, all of my kids could sing the entire song.  What a wonderful choral sound that made!  I truly love that I can usually hear singing in my household at just about any given time.  

Last night, we took the whole family over to the service.  After an awesome praise and worship time, the Naval Color Guard presented the flag, and then out came Emma.  She stood on that stage in front of at least 500 people and sang her little heart out.  We were incredibly proud to say the least!  Proud of our daughter, proud of our country, and proud and in awe of our God!  

Check out the video of our eight year old Emma, singing the National Anthem (without a microphone, might I add)!

The Walkers at Father Daughter Camp

Last weekend, my two big girls and Danny loaded up the car and drove up to the mountains for a Father/Daughter Christian camp.  We'd had it on the calendar for weeks, and the excitement was pretty over the top.  I can't say who was more thrilled about getting out of town, either Danny or the girls, for some much needed rest, enjoyment of nature, and communing with God. 

They arrived just in time for dinner, enjoyed a welcome session, then made their way to their cabin for bed.  That's when Danny's stomach started trembling.  Poor guy.  By the next morning, when he called me, he'd been up all night. He stayed in bed that entire day, finally calling the nurse for some electrolyte pills when his legs started cramping painfully from dehydration.  

What were the girls doing all day Saturday while Danny was cooped up in the cabin?  Well, here is just another example of how the Lord provides.  It just so happens that some fellow Brawley-ites had also made their way up to this particular father/daughter camp.  One of them is a pastor/friend of ours who graciously invited our girls to tag along with he and his daughter, and the rest of their church group.  So even  though Danny suffered through a rough day, our daughters had a wonderful experience with friends.  Sure, it would have been better for Danny and the girls to be together, but God had a different plan.  Fortunately, His plan is perfect.  Plus, as the girls were quick to point out upon arriving home,  we always have next year!  

The remainder of my blog is going to be a little different and very special.  Emma and Clara are going to provide the commentary on the pictures that THEY took while at camp.  So here is their experience, in their own words.  Take it away Emma (age 8) and Clara (age 7)!  

"That was our view from the front door of our cabin. It was great." ~ Emma

"Clara was glad to be there!" ~ Emma

"While Daddy was sick in bed Emma took pictures with me." ~ Clara

"One of our friends and Clara were trying to hold up the mountain." ~ Emma

"Emma is glad to be here.  Emma is happy.  Emma is in front of the mountains." ~ Clara

"I am wearing a coat for the first time in a long time." ~ Clara

"That is Trout Pond and we saw ducklings swimming very fast with their mother.  It seemed like they had a motor." ~ Emma

"This is a dead tree that looks like a monster." ~ Clara

"We were waiting at the ropes course forever." ~ Emma

"We were waiting for the rock wall and smiling while taking pictures." ~ Clara

"We were so excited, it was almost our turn!" ~ Emma

"Isn't this rock wall so tall?" ~ Clara

"We are getting ready for the party.  It's almost time to go!" ~ Emma

"Before the dance,  I fell asleep." ~ Clara

"That creek was amazing! It had so many twists and turns, and it seemed like you were going to fall down the river!" ~ Emma

"The water felt so cold that I just got out so I could warm my feet up." ~ Clara

"Clara punched me in the stomach with the bars!" ~ Emma

"On accident!" ~ Clara

"No it wasn't." ~ Emma

"It was so exciting to be in my class.  We were playing a copying game." ~ Emma

"The class was playing 'Telephone' and it was my turn." ~ Emma

"I was on the rope course and a girl took a picture of me."  ~ Clara

"We had a picnic with our friends and we ate some sandwiches and chips." ~ Clara

"It was a great dinner. I loved it.  We were at the dining hall.  It was great that Daddy was well."  ~ Emma

"We had a fun trip." ~ Clara

"I'm glad to be home." ~ Emma

Turning Seven

Celebrating my kids' birthdays has become increasingly bittersweet.

I love planning the party, sending out the invitations, and preparing for a special day, which is all very fun and exciting.  But it all adds up to one more year farther away from childhood.

My second child, Clara, turned seven today.  She was born at 2:00 AM seven years ago, from a textbook pregnancy, labor and delivery.  Her most distinguishing features when she was born were her large bright blue eyes and her hint of red hair on her almost bald head.  She was a sweet baby, easily pacified with her ever ready thumb, and her favorite pink blankie.

The years have gone by so incredibly fast, and one can't help but look back with some pride and some regrets. Sorry, I guess I always feel a little melancholy at birthdays.

Danny and I started a birthday tradition a couple of years ago that we'd heard from a homeschooling mom.  On each child's actual birthday, we take them out for a special, one-on-one dinner date with mom and dad.  The child gets to choose the restaurant and dessert place.  

So Clara chose to go to a local Italian eatery that also serves sushi (I know, weird, but it's really good, and more importantly, california rolls are Clara's favorite).  I dragged along my sad feelings of time whirling by too fast along with my huge purse.  We sat at a nice little table, complete with glass goblets for the water and fabric napkins.  Clara was impressed.  

As we started looking at the menus, and my fears began to make my brain start counting down the years I had left with Clara until she morphs into a teenager (5, by the way), I glanced up and watched as she acted the part of a perfectly wonderful 7 year old.  She asked about what each fork and spoon was for, "Why two forks, mom?"  She slurped her drink, cracked jokes, and made endless silly faces.  The more serious the question we asked her, the more goofy her response.  She jumped out of her seat at one point, did a silly dance, then ran over to give Danny an impromptu hug.  

My heart finally stopped fluttering.  So my Clara is a year older.  She's seven, not seventeen.  And I vow to savor that seventeenth birthday as much as I savored seven.  Time is so fleeting, and children spend their days growing, so it's time to live and love, not wallow in what was.  What IS is just right.  

A Note on Prayer

Yesterday morning I participated in a deep and meaningful group prayer time.  It is organized prayer with a four part structured outline.

1.  Praise (Tell God specifically how awesome He is, usually thematic. Yesterday's focus was His grace)

2.  Silent Confession 

3.  Thanksgiving (Give thanks for specific ways God has answered prayer)

4.  Petition (Ask God for help or guidance for yourself or someone else)

Yes, we do prayer out loud.  And yes, when we first started, it felt awkward.  I have prayed for many years, but not out loud and not with a true understanding of the purpose of prayer.

Since accepting Jesus as my Savior as a child and getting baptized at age ten or so, I have regularly prayed to God.  My prayers as a child were, I'm sure, pretty typical of a child's prayer.  I requested things I wanted, or begged for a situation to change; selfish prayers that focused on my needs.  As I grew older, my prayers matured as well.  Rather than focusing on only my needs, I began praying for others once in awhile, mainly for health issues.

As a result of joining a Joy of Living Bible study a few years ago, my prayer life transformed into something even more real.  The Revelation study revealed that prayers actually reside in the throne room of God.  That the prayers of God's people are actually mixed with the smoke of incense so that they are sweet smelling in the heavens.

The smoke of the incense, mixed with the prayers of God's holy people, ascended up to God from the altar where the angel had poured them out.  Revelation 8:4

I had always wondered where my prayers really go. And who really hears them?  Sometimes my prayers had felt meaningless because I couldn't sense that God was listening since I couldn't hear a response.  But I learned that my prayers are actually sent into God's presence.  Knowing this put a whole new incredible emphasis on the quality of my prayers.  I have learned, finally, after over twenty years of being a Christian, how to pray.  And it is definitely not about flowery words or long speeches, it is about simplicity and a yearning to do God's will.  Sure, I can ask God for something, but my true desire is for God's will to rule in my life.  Even if on the surface I want something to go a certain way, what is best for my life is God's infinite wisdom.  This has taken a long time to accept!

I would like to encourage you, if you are not already doing so, to consider a structured prayer time, like the one above.  My prayers, prior to this structure, usually started with quickly thanking God, then turning immediately to petitions.  And boy, were there lots of petitions!  Now, I spend more time on confession, a step I used to regularly skip.  I give thanks, but it is more specific, and I note when God specifically answers prayer, which he does, in incredible ways.  My petitions are now fewer in number but deeper, somehow.

Now here's the hard part for me.  Once I have given my prayers to God, I am not to worry over them anymore.  The prayers are God's, not mine.  This is so hard to do.  I truly want God to take care of them, but a part of me continues to fret, and over talk the issues with friends and families, which reveals that I haven't really given anything over to God.  So it becomes an issue of trusting Him.

As the apostle Paul says:
Do not fret or have any anxiety about anything, but in every circumstance and in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, continue to make your wants known to God. Philippians 4:6

What an awesome God we serve.  That He seeks to hear our prayers, yearns to reach out to our thoughts, as we empty them out in the dark of night.  What great love.

I hope you are encouraged to say a little prayer today.  God is listening!  And as the Bible says, believers in Christ' prayers will be in the presence of God, the creator of the universe, once the words have left your lips.

The Best Chocolate Pie. Ever.

A couple of years ago, Danny and I were in a supper club.  One couple per month would cook and host dinner, complete with appetizers, the main course, and of course, dessert.  The first couple to volunteer to host basically pulled out all the stops with a decadent, delicious meal.  Every course was prepared to perfection, while beautifully served.  The woman made flavored butter, and shaped it into little seashells, people!  Anyway, the entire meal experience was amazing, my mouth is watering with the memories.  As the meal began, all of the women started sweating with nervousness, just imagining how on earth they would ever try to top this Food Network display.  However, in the end, we decided to just crown her the queen of cooking and not stress.  By the end of the meal, Danny finally busted out with, "This is for sure the best meal I've ever had!"  Which made me feel...awesome.  

Which leads me to the best chocolate pie in the history of the world. This amazing hostess not only prepared melt in your mouth appetizers and a fabulous main course, but her dessert would be the crowning glory.  By the time dessert rolled around at the supper club, I remember thinking, sure it's been great up to this point, but the dessert can't be that great.  Yeah right.  Out comes a still warm slice of chocolate fudge pie alongside a scoop of (my favorite flavor!!) coffee ice cream.  One bite, and I died and went to heaven...then quickly returned and finished the pie.  It.  Was.  Amazing.

So, I thought I would bestow this pie onto my unsuspecting relatives at Easter lunch.  It had the same effect.  And I hadn't even added the ice cream.  My husband had two pieces!  And if any of you know my husband, you'll know how crazy that is.  By the end of the lunch, about a quarter of the pie remained.  I went to my moms the next day to grab a slice, and it was gone.  It had vanished.  My mom was perplexed.  I wasn't.  

So here it is, in all it's chocolatey glory:

Chocolate Fudge Pie

And more importantly, here's the link, so you can make one yourself!  Enjoy!

Earrings

We hit another milestone today in the Walker household.  Our oldest daughter got her ears pierced!  She has been wanting to get them pierced since she turned eight years old, but our busy lives seemed to always get in the way.  I was ready to drive her over to get them done a month or so ago, but then she felt too scared, so we postponed.  Today it all worked out, and I have one beaming little girl on my hands!  

One of the challenges of this occasion was the combination of the fact that all four kids came along, and the shop where we had it done is tiny and FULL of small items.  Emma's two little cheerleaders, seen here grinning for the camera, were on their very best behavior.  However, their little brother, below right in green, grew increasingly antsy as the full explanation of how to keep the earlobe properly sanitized went on a little long in his book.  He is gazing out the window at the baseball hat display, wishing he was anywhere but in a girlie accessory shop.

Emma seemed only the slightest bit nervous, but she was committed.  She was definitely more excited than scared.  

Before

After

Emma was so giddy afterward, that I had to shoot a little video to capture the sweet moment.  By the way, the whole process was almost completely painless! She didn't hesitate or shed one tear.  Our sweet ear piercer, Heather, was very kind and patient with us, and yet knew when to get it over with!  Overall, this was just a super fun moment, and no drama whatsoever.   

I know lots of people these days get their little girls' ears pierced as babies, and I think that's awesome, plus they look so adorable!  I guess when it came to my own daughters, I wanted to purposefully make it a mini-milestone in their lives.  When Emma turned eight, something changed in her.  She took a step forward in her maturity.  She started talking differently and acting a little more grown-up.  She is becoming a young lady before my eyes, and I love that I got to experience this with her. I know it's not anywhere near earth shaking, but it's a tiny memory that she and I will always share, and that makes my heart happy.