Fun in the Sun (Sun River, that is)

Recently my hubby and I, along with all the BCC staff, spent a couple days at Sun River. For my far away friends and family...Sun River is a very beautiful resort area near Bend, OR. Having explained that, let me just say.... HOW FUN! I don't honestly remember the last time I laughed that much! Really. It was such a great time of hanging with our "family." I find myself falling more in love with these people that God has us serving with. Yes, we all have our quirky imperfections... but as with any family, you accept them completely and maybe love them even more because of the quirkiness :)

On Tuesday, all the ladies got together and went to the spa for some pampering. Oh my goodness. I think I've found a new favorite past time! Oh yea, baby. Two words... sugar scrub. I had a fantastic foot, leg, and arm massage that was just heavenly. It was just a great time of rest and relaxation, sharing and laughing. I fully enjoyed myself :)

On Tuesday night, we had a fantastic meal together and then headed into our game portion of the evening. It was the women vs. the men. I must say it brought out the competitive side of us ladies. Although the men were victorious, the women gave a good fight and lost by only a small amount. Again, the evening was full of laughter, fun, and memorable moments. Just too fun!

As much fun as I had while away, I missed my girls so much! My dear, sweet friend watched all four of them for 3 whole days. You know who you are, and as far as I'm concerned, you are Superwoman!

Although it was a great time to get away to play and relax, I am so glad to be home. We had a lot of "family" that didn't go with us, and we missed them. It's good to be home!

Below are some pictures of our time in Sun River. There are a couple that aren't from the trip, but most are. Enjoy!

A Brief Update

It's been a while since I've blogged, so I guess I'll justify it by saying we've been a little bit busy lately. Is there ever a time where it doesn't seem busy?

All six of us took a trip to Ohio recently. It was wonderful to see family that we hadn't seen in about 9 months! We had our camera with us the whole time, but hardly took any pictures with it. So I only have a few pics to show of our trip. We got some great family pictures, but with someone else's camera :) It was a busy, but good trip and was wonderful to see everybody. It was even worth flying with 4 young kids.... that's saying a lot! Actually, the kids did very well, and I think Adam and I did ok too :)

After coming home and getting back into the routine of things, I had a very pleasant surprise that made it evident I was missed while visiting out of state. The pictures above will explain. I guess my friend and I had it coming.... no need to say anymore about that! There was a team of 8 people who decided to "decorate" my yard and van, just because they care :) I awoke to a rather colorful scene Saturday morning. My oldest daughter wasn't very happy about it, but it sure made me smile and feel very loved! There's been a bit of competition between myself and a few others (who will remain nameless!)

It's hard to believe the school year is coming to an end. I am somewhat taken back, but very excited to realize that I'm about to have 2 children going to school ALL DAY, come next fall. Crazy! This is such a fun time for me as I look back on the school year, and reflect on all the hard work and growing up my children did. I love watching my kids as they face new challenges in learning with excitement and determination. It makes this momma very proud!

I guess this has been a rather random post. Those of you who know me, are used to my random thinking :) Just wanted to let everyone know that the Jackson's are still alive and well.... just a little bit busy. Hope you all are doing well family and friends!

Silly, Willy, Nilly....

In honor of April Fool's Day, Grace and Emily's preschool had "silly day" on Monday. The kids were to dress funny or do their hair funny, and just be silly. The girls really enjoyed it. They put their shirts on backwards, rolled up one pant leg, and wore their blue fuzzy flip flop slippers. The twins were quite pleased with their appearance! They actually wanted to do their hair "silly" again the next day....uh, that didn't happen! I thought I'd post some pictures of the twins dressed up for silly day. It was just too cute :)

And because everyone was so willing to smile for the camera, I took a few more pictures. It's a rare occasion that all four girls are all smiles all at the same time :)

Easter 2008 at the Jackson's

Hope you all had a wonderful Easter! Our day was just about perfect. Of course our morning started with celebration. We had an incredible time worshipping with our church family...celebrating that our Savior is Alive! My Jesus conquered death and I wouldn't have any hope without His sacrificial death and miraculous resurrection! Praise God for His unending mercy, love, and grace!

I thought I'd share a few pictures from our day of rejoicing and relaxing.

I Trust You Lord

Psalm 13:5-6
But I trust in your unfailing love. I will rejoice because you have rescued me. I will sing to the Lord because he has been so good to me.

Psalm 46:1-2,11
God is our refuge and strength, always ready to help in times of trouble. So we will not fear, even if earthquakes come and mountains crumble into the sea. The Lord Almighty is here among us; the God of Israel is our fortress.

John 14:27
"I am leaving you with a gift - peace of mind and heart. And the peace I give isn't like the peace the world gives. So don't be troubled or afraid."

Hebrews 4:14-16
That is why we have a great High Priest who has gone to heaven, Jesus the Son of God. Let us cling to him and never stop trusting him. This High Priest of ours understands our weaknesses, for he faced all of the same temptations we do, yet he did not sin. So let us come boldly to the throne of our gracious God. There we will receive his mercy, and we will find grace to help us when we need it."

God, I trust you, and you alone. I am grateful beyond words for who you are. You have shown me your mercy, love, grace, and peace time and time again. You are my hope and my refuge; my strength and my comfort!

Fun Times With the Fam

Coffee Talk

As you can see by the picture to the left and my blog title, coffee is something that I really enjoy. Over the years, I have "matured" in my coffee drinking. Instead of having a drop of coffee in my cup of cream and sugar, I now have a mostly full cup of coffee with some added cream and sugar. I don't know that I'll ever progress to drinking it black, but that's okay with me. A cup of coffee, no matter what time of day, seems to bring me such comfort. Yes, I really do like the taste of it, but mostly I like what a cup of coffee means to me. Let me explain.

When I think of sitting down to a great cup of coffee, I usually prefer to share that experience with someone else. Although I usually have my morning coffee by myself, I love to talk with others while holding that steaming cup of goodness. I can't tell you how many times in the last several months I have met with a friend at a coffee shop, or brewed a fresh pot at home for myself and someone dear to me. I love these times where it's "just us" sharing stories and laughter. At times it's just a chance to get to know someone better, or sometimes it includes sharing deep heartaches and burdens, lifting each other up in prayer. Even more so than the coffee, these sharing times are especially dear to me. These women, these friends, are especially dear to me.

Knowing that these women desire to hear what's on my heart, they draw me into a place of security, trust, comfort, and complete joy. These dear ones truly listen with a sensitive and reassuring ear and know that I will be there for them, when they need a soft place to fall. I love the fact that no matter what I am talking about, they have something to say about it too. I never get a grunt or a disinterested "hmm" or "uh huh." I have heard that women use around 2 or 3 times as many words as men in an average day. So I understand that's just a difference between the "hers" and the "hims!" But I must say, it is wonderful to communicate with someone who likes to use as many words as I do! One of my most favorite places to be is in a conversation that has lasted hours and feels as though it could go on for hours more.....in a good way, that is :) I love the freedom of sharing anything and everything. And I love being the one they share anything and everything with....back. Ya know? Is this confusing? Well, this is coming from a woman, so you can expect it to be lengthy!

Okay, well these were my thoughts for the day. Nothing too thrilling or blog-worthy, really. But these are my thoughts, nonetheless!

Lord, thank you for the wonderful things you've given me in this life. You've given me wonderful things like taste-buds, so I can enjoy amazing flavors....like coffee! And thank you so much for my friends. They are gifts that I never tire of. Friends really are the gifts that keep on giving! I don't deserve them, but am extremely grateful for what they add to my life. Thank you God! And just so ya know, I've been sipping away at my coffee while I've been blogging, so thanks for joining me in this "coffee talk!" (sorry it's been a little one-sided)

Well, I should be signing out....time for a refill!