Do you believe in miracles?

Webster's dictionary has two definitions for miracle..."an extraordinary event manifesting divine intervetion in human affairs" and "an extremely outstanding or unusual event, thing or accomplishment". So, it is simply a matter of what you choose to believe? The bible is filled with miracle after miracle...so for me based on the Truth of God's Word, than I would say the first definition is true for me. But, are there miracles every day, every hours, every minute? Do I look for them at all times, or wait to be in awe by God's power and "divine intervetion" at the most unexpected times? As this week comes to an end it has been filled with enormous ups and downs; has there been any miracles? YOU BET THERE HAS! Summer Explosion (formerly known as VBS) is about to wrap up, and the "ups" of seeing so many child sing, worship and shout for joy in the Lord is a miracle; "downs" at the loss of a friend, and "ups" that he is with Jesus and the miracle of God's love; "downs" on the tough Mom days, and "ups" with the uncontrolled laughter of my chilren; "ups" in my prayer time, and peace in my conversation with the Lord; "downs" in the struggle to keep up with the business. Are the "downs" just as much of a miracle as the "ups"....I wonder? It is hard to always see the miracle in the "downs", but HOPE seems to fill those moments. Hope in a new life...hope in God's plan...hope in what is to come...and I wait every day, every moment, for the hope of my divine intervetionist and His miracles.

"But those who hope in the LORD will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles, they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not faint." Isaiah 40:31

Forget "Breakfast at Tiffany's", I love breakfast at Aunti Kristen's

I once again got the priviledge of watching my niece today. She is a so cute and sweet! We had fun eating breakfast this morning. The kids of course can't leave her alone, like she is some new toy. She is a trooper though and loves having "animals" to watch at the Self Zoo!

Tempe Beach Park

Ok, so we are all looking for inexpensive summer things to do...well Tempe Beach Park is on the list. On Sat. we met up with other transracial families (otherwise known as mixed race families) at the park. I had no idea just how awesome their water pad was. They have several pads with various levels of water shooting out of the ground. I love even more that they have a less intimidating "baby" area since Nathan is not a fan of getting splashed. He spent most of his time at one of the many water spouts...giving Shane the idea to put one in our back yard...don't we already have one that the hose is attached to? :-) They also have two slide areas...big and small. The kids have been asking when they can go back, so you know it is a hit! There is plenty of shade and I am up for going in the AM hours with anyone who wants to go...just give me a ring!

First Place!

Jacob is on a swim team for the first time this summer, and he is loving every minute! We had our second swim meet this evening and WOW was it awesome! Jacob came in first place all four strokes...freestyle, back stroke, breast stroke and butterfly. He is on cloud nine and so proud of himself. Way to go Jacob!

Summer Reading

I am blessed to have teachers on both sides of our extended family and they are great encouraging our kiddos to read and learn. Today, Jacob and my Mom went to the library and brought back some great young reader books. Jacob is doing great and has is going to be in great shape for first grade. Thanks Mom!

Million Dollar Smile

Ok, so I think this deserves a beautiful baby contest don't you? He is so adorable! AND look how much he is changing...not much of a baby, more like a little boy. Gosh, I forget how fast they change and just how quickly they begin to be more independent. Nathan is so funny theses days too. Although not really saying words we understand, he does babble on and on in his own language. His facial expressions and gestures indicat he has much to say! I hope his smile put a smile on your face! LOL!

Camping Weekend!

We have decided to make Father's Day weekend a camping tradition and this year was fun! We went up to the rim where it was breezey and cool! The kids had a blast and almost everyone slept good. Nathan had a rought couple nights which meant Shane and I did not sleep either. We went with our good friends the Carmona's. One special moment worth mentioning was when we were around the camp fire Fri. night. Asjaih was on my lap and was looking up into the dark sky and she asked what those things in the sky were. I felt such emotion over that question...I said they were stars! She just kept staring and was singing Twinkle, Twinkle little star! You know, even on the really hard days, when I am overwhelmed with the job I have, it is these kind of moments where God reminds us that HE put us here and has asked us to share Him, His Creation, and His love with these kids.

Our baby animal friend found just before we left!

Happy Father's Day!

I hope all you Dad's out there have a wonderful day! I, of course have to brag about my hubby...I think he is amazing! He is a supportive and loving husband and a far better Dad than I ever dreamed of. He is a man pursuing Christ intently and it trickles down to the rest of the family.

PS Happy Anniversary too! Thank you honey for everything! I love you!

Jacob Update

Thank you to so many of you for your prayers and emails...we are truly blessed with such a large family of believers! Jacob is fine and is back to his normal self. He has not had any additional symptons and has been swimming every day. We still do not have any idea what even started the whole reaction so for a few days I was a bit jumpy when he was outside, but am fine today. He even mowed the grass all my himself today!

Anyway, thanks again! We hope you all have a wonderful week ahead...

Scary ER trip

Well, never a dull moment in the Self house...Jacob went into full blown anaphylatic shock last evening (Wed). It was an intense few moments to say the least! He had been swimming with Shane and Asjiah and was outside drying off in a towel. Shane came in and they stayed out to "warm" up in the sunshine. 5 min later Jacob comes running in the house and he looked exactly like you see in the movies or on TV. His faces, eyes, lips, whole face were blowing up in front of us. He was gagging and coughing because he was struggling to breath as his throat was closing up. So I threw him in the van and drove 65 mph three miles to the Urgent Care. They of course took him right in, gave him some benedryl and steroids but he wasn't improving quick enough so they called the ambulance and off we went to Banner Desert ER. I can laugh about it now...it was certainly an adrenaline rush! The ER monitored him for 6 hours because there could have been a more serious secondary reaction and they wanted to be able to do something immediately. He slept the whole time...he was pretty drugged up. I stayed awake as he was sending some of the heart rate and breathing alarms off and it made the mama jumpy! So, with my car at the Urgent Care and Shane home in bed with the other 4 kiddos, my Mom was sweet to come and get us at 1:00am...thanks Mom! He is fine today...he still had some minor swelling this morning, but it is pretty much gone this evening. He is not out of the woods just yet, he could have a re-occurrence anytime in the next 48 hours. I also got a stern talking to from the Urgent Care Doc, Ambulance guy and ER Doc that I should have called 911 instead of driving him my self...well NOW I know! The pictures were from my cell phone and are not great, but you can see some of the swelling...it had gone down a bit by the time we were in the ambulance. So...my advice...if you or your child swells like a balloon in a matter of seconds, call 911, do not take any chances! God is so good to teach us all these fantastic lessons...hahahahah!

Foster Care Appreciation Month

May is Foster Care Appreciation Month and our agency and several non-profit organizations went out of their way to honor foster homes across the state. We had the priviledge of enjoying a fabulous meal out at Pinnicle Peak Steak House earlier in the month and end the month with a Dbacks games. Almost all of right field bleachers were filled with foster families from all over the valley...from several different agencies. It was an overwhelming feeling seeing so many kiddos and families...there is an instant bond with those around you. We received two sisters two weeks ago and they have been a joy and delight. Our kids were extremely excited and of course well behaved...(very proud parents)!

We got there early and the Nationals were still doing batting practice so Jacob and I went down to the fence and he caught a ball thrown to him from the right fielder...I, was most definatly the proud baseball mama! The photos say it all...it was fun family time!