Richly Blessed

Today was not one of my finer days as Mommy. I would love to say it will be remedied when Cory returns from the mountains of Colorado. However, if I'm honest with myself my lack of self control is not unique to today. I was beyond frustrated with their lack of listening. Developing the skill of first time obedience is a never ending battle in the Ruiz home and today I lost the battle, big time. After a fun bubble bath and much disobedience I sent them to bed, and then cried. This mom thing is so beyond my skill set. My natural bent is fast to speak and quick to become angry and with my little ones constant desire to do what they want when they want, today I lost my patience. Then I felt guilty, because what I communicated crushed my sensitive little buddy.  I decided I needed some wise counsel, so I prayed and as usual God delivered. I was reminded by the Tebow's that we are all created for a purpose. I sometimes forget that God uniquely designed my sweet little ones and that it wasn't by mistake that they are both determined. I must foster this amazing quality and not let it frustrate me. I pray this is at the forefront of my mind as I shape and guide my amazing treasures.

Animal Fever

All three kiddos love animals, so a trip to the zoo was a must. It was extremely hot we were all a little exhausted, but still very enjoyable. My favorite zoo is still DFW, check out Barney's Zoo video and you can enjoy the awesome attractions, but our zoo is not to shabby.

I love watching the kids' excitement as they encounter each new species.

It always amazes me how simple things bring bright smiles to their faces. When do we lose that thrill for the life's simple pleasures? I also cherish that my kiddos love animals. I am not a duck squeezer by any stretch, but I find it heart warming that my kiddos have such a fondness for God's amazing creatures. Especially coming from a Daddy, who has no desire to deal with the hassle that man's best friend brings to life. The only animal we have been given the green light to bring into our home is a fish that requires no effort outside the occasional feeding.
The tiger gave us a show and walked right up to the glass the kids had their faces pressed against.

It was very exciting. 

Makaylee's facial expression tells it all. 

Totally shock and amazement!!

We had fun watching the seals and then doing a little photo shoot.

Which was farely successful thanks to the bribing method, highly recommended for influencing cooperation. The prize, a ride on the merry-go-round.

Summer Fun

IdleWild was having a buddy day while Attie was visiting, so we decided to take a trip out to enjoy the fun. We had a blast. Caleb and Attie loved the rollercoaster and the log ride. Makaylee had a rough time being too little for most everything that Caleb wanted to go on, but we all got to enjoy Whip-it. They road ponies, watched a Circus and got their faces painted. Side note, Sissy, does not like clowns, for the second time she was so scared she was shaking and wanted to get far, far away. After and eventful day they were all exhausted and fell asleep on the drive home.

Caleb wasn't so fond of the dragon staring back at him in the mirror after his nap. He freaked out and wanted it gone, but before the dreary confusion, he thought the dragon was super cool. The girls looked super cute as matching kitty kitties.

The next day we enjoyed more summer fun at the pool, where all three perfected their cannonball.

All smiles when our family is visiting.

Backyard Fun

Attie taught both the kids the joy of entertainment. They serenaded us with singing and dancing. Makaylee and Attie have always been very comfortable on center stage.

On the contrary this is not a place Caleb has historically thrived, but in the comfort of home he was a true entertainer and was quite willing to get his grove thing on.

Of course, it wasn't long before he was back where he feels most comfortable, hitting line drives.

Attie's swing is looking pretty good with Uncle Cory pitching.

They also enjoyed the fun playset, 

playing rescue the princess and slay the dragon. Such creative kiddos. I later went to the top loft of the playset to find that the dragon had laid eggs (round rocks) and left his babies behind.

Half Full

We have all heard the saying about the glass and I've never thought of myself as a half empty girl, but I've realized lately that my eyes have been staring at the clear part of the glass. As I've been digging deeper I realize it goes right along with my problem solving personality, which is a strength. In order to make things better you have to see the problem, so you can solve it. However, if you get fixated on the problem you fail to see all the good that is going on in the mist of what needs sharpened. Even when things are way off and seem a mess there is always some good. Corrie Ten Boom, a survivor of the holocaust, reminds me that even in the darkest place we can always look up. "If you look at the world, you'll be distressed. If you look within, you'll be depressed. If you look at God you'll be at rest." 


I've been doing an awesome bible study Calm My Anxious Heart by Linda Dillow and it really has helped me see my perspective is seeing the mud instead of the stars. Whether, it be with my role as mommy, my body or with the people both friends and family I have been focusing on the things that need fixing and not all the wonderful. I've been so encouraged by Philippians 4:8 
Whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things.

I am not suggesting we ignore problems. Rather, see the problem, point it out if necessary, even come up with a solution if possible, but then focus on the good. The temptation is to hyper focus on the less than desirable. Seeing the tiny weed in the mist of a beautiful flower garden. I know there are seasons where it feels like the weeds just keep growing, choking out the beauty. Thus, making it all the more necessary to keep our eyes fixed on the flowers no matter how minimal they seem and then get to weeding. I've found this applies to all aspects of my life, but one area imparticular is focusing on that one part of a person's personality that seems like a tall thistle ready to burst seed and I miss all their beauty.

Even if their beauty doesn't stand out like the butterfly it is there and we must choose to let that be our focus. I was especially encouraged last night by the Proverbs 31 women who is the perfect example of seeing what's going on around her, giving wisdom, but not dwelling on things that lead to destruction.
She opens her mouth in skillful and godly Wisdom, and on her tongue is the law of kindness [giving counsel and instruction]. She looks well to how things go in her household, and the bread of idleness (gossip, discontent, and self-pity) she will not eat.
And now to dwell on some of that lovely.

Our fishing project

They loved the craft of making them

 But the fishing was the best part

All smiles on her catch of the pink fish

Kisses from Daddy over the moon

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