An Introspection 3

It has become a tradition in our family to produce a mini-documentary every adoption anniversary (May 20th). It's amazing to see how much Andrew and Kathlena change from year to year and to see the interviews go from "alright sweetie, answer the question please" to "alright, I think that's enough (HINT HINT)" in just three years time.

This year J.Michael helped me with the filming and interviews which was interesting, to say the least. We attempted to use two cameras to capture two different angles but I think we ended up with more outtakes than actual footage. We couldn't turn both cameras on at once so there was always a delay between the turning on of camera 1 to the turning on of camera 2. Then of course, there were the times when we'd forget that one of the cameras was still recording...oops. It was also a typical hot, sultry Houston afternoon and after a while the cast and filming crew got restless as you will see but I won't spoil it. We had a good time making it and I hope you'll enjoy watching it.


So please be sure to visit our adoption blog and see AN INTROSPECTION 3

Try'n to Beat the Heat

Well it took me longer than I thought to get this posted...this seems to be a casualty of summer and entering into my third trimester. All the things I could get done in a day seem to take more like a week or so to accomplish. That is okay though as I am enjoying this slower pace for now.

The kids just love the pool. It was rather easy to set-up excluding the leveling part, but has gone smoothly ever since. WE love the salt water pump...so worth it to invest in this and it pays for itself the first year over what you would spend in chemicals. The water is so soft and doesn't burn your eyes.

Hope you enjoy the video...Daddy even managed to get a few tummy shots of me too!

Hunting and Fishing

I like sitting at this table where I can have everything steady for me! It was fun to shoot this way.

Kathlena's favorite mode of transportation...go carts. "Go
fast Mommy!"

Father-Son time.

Andrew is very attentive and careful when he gets to shoot.
He has learned that "real" guns are to be respected and handled
with specific rules that Daddy has taught him. It is a privilege to
get to shoot that carelessness revokes.

J.Michael taking careful aim at some fish eating turtles
that then become fish food.

Have you ever wondered what a baby catfish looks like?
Well now you know because you are looking at them. Below
is a picture of a swarm of hundreds in the water. This is
exciting as the lake will be stocked full of them.


Our own Annie Oakley. Emily is a very good shot also. She
also enjoys shooting her favorite caliber is the .22 and pistol.

Our family absolutely loves the outdoors. Some of our favorite outdoor activities are hunting and fishing. The boys and girls both enjoy time together in the outdoors. We also enjoy camping and although we have not been able to go camping in a while we are really hoping to go again soon.

Here are a few pictures from our Memorial Weekend trip to DoDad's and Nana's. They have a great place to fish and work on our marksmanship. Andrew is quite the fisherman and was reeling them in as fast as he could! He also enjoys target practice with a .22 rifle. He is left handed but right eye dominant so, he is learning to shoot right handed and he is a pretty good shot for a beginner. J.Michael enjoys the clay target shooting with a variety of caliber guns. J.Michael enjoys quail, dove and deer hunting. Andrew has been on one deer hunt so far and although sitting in a blind early in the morning was a challenge, he is learning from his big brother and Daddy and really enjoyed the time with just the boys most of all.

I think what I enjoy most about the outdoors is the simplicity of life at a slower pace and time just spent together as a family. We get to talk, laugh, and learn so much about each other during our outdoor adventures. It is also a time to reflect on our Lord's beautiful creation and admire the complexity and simplicity of life whether in catching a glimpse at the baby catfish or by taking dominion by managing the over population of turtles in the lake that eat the fish. All of the outdoors reflects the indelible fingerprints of the masterful Creator-the one true God.