Heaven on Earth...

It's been a little over a month and I still haven't posted Monterey pictures. Well tonight is the night! Brace yourself for loads of photos. Shianne and I went on a field trip with her 4th grade class to Monterey, CA. It was absolutely breathtaking... we had so much fun...I can't wait to go back again someday. Hopefully soon- hint hint to the hubby if he reads this. ;) I received in the mail a sweet letter from my Grandmother; I call her Gi-Gi- it stands for great grandma the i was added for flair! :) I spoke with my Mom the day I got back describing just how in awe I felt over the sights I saw- and the presence of God near. When I look at the picture that one of the sweet Moms took of me overlooking the ocean; the picture captured that feeling. Even more amazing my sweet Gi-Gi had written a poem that describes the picture- without ever seeing it and without hearing about the conversation I had with my Mother until after the fact. She had already written a beautiful poem describing just how I was feeling those moments staring out into the beautiful ocean- Gods masterpiece! Here it is:

Heaven on Earth

As the sun begins to set
it's as though the heavens and ocean just met
On my special hill
the earth stands still
all but a breeze
slightly blowing the trees
mist hits my face
there's a sudden chill in the air
the sunset, shades of red and gold
casting a glow on my hair
the ocean splashes on the rocks below
wave, after wave pounding the shore
as never before
a glorious moment to share
watching waves in front of the sunset
dance through the air
Seagulls so beautiful, so white
mesmerizing to my eyes
as they fly amongst Gods' heavenly skies
rushing before daylight becomes night
watching brings tears to my eyes
standing in awe I look around
gazing at the beautiful sights I have found
seeing in all directions
Gods' many creations
I believe God made this Lovely
moment for only me
so I have a glimpse
of how Heaven will be

Written by, Kathie MacKaman '2010

Thank you Gi-Gi for sharing this beautiful poem; amongst many more of your treasured writings! I Love you!

These two girls were in Shiannes class - I thought for sure they were sisters- but nope! They are however; extremely sweet- adorable and super duper photogenic...
Dead Jellyfish...

Point Lobos... the most gorgeous hike I have ever been on...

Did I mention we had so much fun!!!?

There were many deer sightings- this one was the closest...

Shianne trying to decide which clam chowder was the best...

Gotta Love her... :)

She is just like me when I was little...

At the Monterey Bay Aquarium looking at me through the ginormous fish bowl...

Whale watching...

Precious

Happy 6th Birthday Jimmy!

2 hours Funtastic Jumping Place-+3 hours of Swimming+Pizza+ Presents+ Red Velvet Cupcakes = One HAPPY 6 year old- and one exhausted Mommy.
Totally worth it- I failed to drag my camera around with me today; but I did snap photos of him and his cupcakes while singing Happy Birthday. Red Velvet - His request- He has great taste!!!

Happy Birthday Jimmy!!!

Looking back through my life like a timeline - Finding the joy in the journey

Have you ever really experienced Joy in the Journey?

As I was driving home from dropping off the kids at school I was listening to KLove radio. The song "Shout to the Lord all the earth let us sing" was playing.
I grew up hearing this song as a little girl hundreds of times in church. On this day it was different - it took me back- back through my journey- back to where God has brought me. As I sang along in my car tears of joy, and utter relief of the transformation that is happening in my life and my relationship with Jesus Christ poured out. I was listening, singing and just looking through the years and being so incredibly grateful and joyous for the freedom I feel having the Lord at my side.

Then I thought of my Mother...

She definitely did her part planting the seed in me as a child- though I have strayed her example truly inspires me and brings me right back. I guess that makes me a prodigal daughter. ;) I have a beautiful Mother on the inside and out. Oh I could go on and on about how much I love my Mother and her sweet gentle spirit- always striving to do what is right. It's not just me... she has touched so many peoples lives and so many adore her. That is Christ inside of that special woman ...that I... get to call ...my Mother. I can only pray and hope to have a pinch of that ability to touch peoples lives the way she does.

Thank you Lord for helping me to find Joy in the Journey.

Train ride along the Sacramento River turns into all out photo-op! :)

Shianne and Brenden on the train going along the Sacramento River...Thank you Grandma and Grandpa Lapierre for the tickets! We had a fabulous time!Yay we found a brick wall! Mrs. Shabro would be so proud of me! :)

I told them to just talk to each other and this is what I got. Shianne is so funny!

haha... the boys have it down- Shianne's trying a little too hard ;)

Atta girl!!!

Okay so the idea of jumping photos popped in my mind from my friend and photographer...These are very hard to capture...Love the hair in the face!

Better...

lol...now to get a natural look at the same time...not easy

Awwww...

Yay a red door!!! Now I really want photoshop!

Now we try jumping again! This is funny!

haha Jimmy decides to join in- now Shianne has a Sprite bottle in front of her face! Jen Shabro...how in the world do you do this???

Totally over the jumping at this point- by this time my kids think I am crazy!

You think someone needs to go to the bathroom?

My little model again!

I love this!!! So much it's my new blog header! ;) We had a great day today! I am so blessed to spend my days with such awesome children!