Costa Brava - Spain

On Monday May 18, 2009 we headed to Spain! We went with another family - the Dicksons. With all of us we had a group of 13! We took our first Ryan Air flight -which went well, although Silas is definately getting more interesting to fly with. We arrived in Spain late on Monday night, got our rental car and headed to our destination - a Villa we rented in Begur, which is a little town in the Costa Brava area of Spain. Our trusty navigation took us on a winding mountain road that had we been driving during the day would have been VERY scenic...but since we were driving at night we were not so impressed with - and actually wondering if we would ever get to our destination...we kept adding time instead of subtracting as we got closer. There were a lot of hairpin turns and NO civilization. We had no other map - just an address - so we trusted the nav. We finally made it to our destination - but I think there is a faster route, guess we will try that on the way home!

Anyway - we got settled and tucked into bed. Tuesday morning we slept in a bit, then sent the men out to get a few groceries so we could actually have breakfast. And then we headed to the BEACH!

It was just beautiful!


My little beach bums...

The kids headed right for the water - it was a bit too cold for me...but they loved it!

Everyone had to check out the fresh coconut being cracked open...

The kids did some fishing with a net....they got some crayfish, and some other little fish...they were pretty proud of their catch...here they are hauling it back to our spot.

We had a wonderful time at the beach - but the fun didn't stop there. After we got back to the house - the kids went swimming in our pool - and us adults hung out on the lounge chairs.

We really enjoyed our house (Villa). Here are a few pictures....

A view from the top terrace which even had a swingset and play area for the kids. Then looking up at the house from the street. Everything is built up into the hills. A few stairs to climb, but we also had a lift (elevator) inside.

The entire crew of 13!

12 Years

Happy Anniversary Jer - I love you!

Our wedding day - May 17, 1997

Together in Paris on April 17, 2009 (one month shy of 12 years!)

And on our anniversary - I thought I'd share a few words from a card (they say things so perfectly)....

All I want is to love you (Jer) for the rest of my life...to wake up every morning with you by my side, knowing that no matter what happens, I'll be able to come home to your loving arms. All I want is to share everything with you...to talk to you about our ideas, our dreams, the little everyday things that make us laugh, and the not-so-little things that we can't help worrying about. All I want is to give you my love...as a place you can always come to for acceptance or the simple comfort that silence brings, when things left unspoken can still be understood. All I want is to grow old with you...to watch our life unfold, our dreams, one by one, come true. All I want is to love you (Jer) forever.

And above all, I thank God, for bringing Jeremy and me together. For his hand guiding us through the past 12 years - and continuing to guide us into the future. Thank you Lord Jesus for loving us and showing us how we should love eachother. Thank you for Jeremy and the wonderful husband and father he is.

With Love, Kimber

Some Daily Stuff

Silas is definately reached the age where he is into EVERYTHING! He loves to play in the bathrooms - and I usually find him attempting to clean the toilets....we have toilet brushes by each toilet...and he loves to pull them out and swish them around in the toilets. He gets water everywhere which is another mess for mommy to clean up. I know he's trying to be helpful, or just copying what he sees mommy do, and someday (in about 6 years when he's Shane's age) I will wish for him to clean the toilets and he won't! This morning Jeremy found Silas in our front bathroom standing on the toilet with the hand soap - with a big smile on his face....I should have gotten the camera - however I wanted him to get down - before he hurt himself. What a stinker!

Silas also loves to help with the dishes - or play in the soapy water (maybe he's just attracted to the whole water aspect....) I got some pictures of him helping. Now whenever he sees me doing the dishes he pulls a chair from over by the table and tries to bring it into the kitchen...again, someday I'm going to really want him to help with the dishes....but right now he gets more water down the cupboard and onto the floor.

I let Silas and Shaylee paint with water-colors the other afternoon. They had a fun time....but again after awhile Silas was more interested in the water bowl then he was in painting!

Silas and his work of art.

Shaylee with her picture - and then a closeup of her.

Silas is TWO!!!!

I can hardly believe our little baby is TWO! Wow, the time has flown by. Silas is ALL BOY! And definately going to enjoy being TWO! He is so full of energy, he not only keeps his mother on her toes (as he seems to be attracted to sharp objects when I'm not looking) but he keeps all of us smiling with his funny gestures and personality. We are so thankful that God gave Silas to us - what a gift he is to our family. We love him dearly and treasure him and all the joy he brings to us.

Today, Silas wasn't really sure what to think when we all kept saying "HAPPY BIRTHDAY" to him. I also kept asking him "Silas, how old are you?" And then showing him 2 fingers....and I kept saying "Silas is two." By the end of the day he was attempting to hold up 2 fingers...but he hasn't quite got it figured out yet. Silas was excited to see his cake...mostly because I think he wanted to EAT it. This afternoon I just took his picture with it and then put it away until all 6 of us were home to celebrate together. We had a little party at about 7:30 this evening. I'm sure when Silas gets a little older he won't be able to wait ALL DAY for presents and cake and icecream!

Silas with his cake earlier this afternoon - and a picture of just the cake! I had fun decorating Silas's cake - and Shaylee had fun licking off all the spoons...after I was done using them of course!!

Singing 'Happy Birthday' to Silas - and Silas blowing out the candles! Great job! Silas loves to blow bubbles - so I think that is how he got so good - he just blew those 2 candles out on the first try!

The traditional birthday picture - with cake and presents....and opening those presents....with the help of some very anxious siblings! I think they were more excited than he was!

Happy Mother's Day

Happy Mother's Day!!!!!

Sending out some beautiful flowers....

to my mother....

I love you so very much MOM! Thanks for being such a caring and wonderful mother! I thank God above for blessing me with you as my mother! I have learned so much from you, and your loving advice helps me daily as I strive to be a good mother to my kids.

And especially on Mother's Day, we honor the memory of Jeremy's mom, Willie. She was such an awesome mother - with a passion for raising up Godly children. Here is Willie - holding Jeremy when he was a baby. We miss her dearly -not just today, but everyday!

Soufflenheim, France

On Friday, May 8, 2009, Kimber and 3 friends -Beth, Shannon, and Lexi, along with Silas and Beth's son Luke - headed to the quaint little pottery town of Soufflenheim, France.

So many little shops to choose from..where do we start?? Aren't the little shops like right out of storybook - minus the white truck?!?

Some pictures from around town. It was fun to just walk along the streets.

Beth had been here before - and this was her favorite shop.

Shannon, Lexi, Beth, Luke and Silas - a peek into the shop - so much pottery to choose from!

I just loved the quaint look of the little stores. Each place makes its own pottery. Here is one workshop...with potters wheel, molds, etc...

Thanks gals for the fun day we had! I definately want to go back sometime....