Monday, November 23, 2009

Beaches

We hit up four beaches while in Southern California. Our favorite this time was Laguna Beach. So relaxing ... Next time I want to stay longer and take time to browse all the art galleries. The last several pictures were taken at the Dana Point tide pools. The kids enjoyed looking for animals among the rocks and water. We saw crabs, all kinds of sea plants, and several different colors of starfish.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 


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San Juan Capistrano Mission

Kevin, the kids, and I toured the San Juan Capistrano Mission. The grounds were really beautiful.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 


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Eight on a Bike

We went to downtown Long Beach one day and my dad rented a bike for all eight of us to ride. We told the girls it was their job to ring the bell whenever they saw a pedestrian. They took their job very seriously. It was hysterical.

 

 

 

 


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Family

We just got back from Sunny California! Here are some snapshots of family ...

 

 


 

 

 

 


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Griffith Park Observatory

Both the views and the museum itself at Griffith Park Observatory are very impressive.

 

 

 

 

 

 


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Tuesday, November 03, 2009

Motherhood, failing, and forgiving …

Today we had a stressful short period of time where typically-sweet Meredith showed her ugly sin nature and was really mean to both me and Clara. It resulted in several disciplinary actions but I felt like there was no good resolution.

About ten minutes after the storm ended, Meredith meekly came up to me and handed me a sheet of paper with a handwritten note.

“MOME. IM SORE FOR BN BAD MOME.”

Translation: “Mommy. I’m sorry for being bad, mommy.”

I’ve taught Meredith how to read. Now I need to teach her how to spell. But what is more important than either of those things is the development of her inward character. I was very touched by her true attitude of repentance.

How could I not instantly forgive and love her after a note like that?

I tell my kids a lot that, although I expect them to be good, I will love them no matter what they do. Always. Period. Some days unconditional love is harder than others. But I think one of the biggest blessings of family is being part of a group of people where you are able to repeatedly fail, be forgiven, and be loved no matter what.