Love Pinterest!  I'm committed to actually trying some of the things I pin each month.  The theme of this edition of "pinning and doing" is parenting.

You've got to check this one out!  This mom traced her children's hands, chose a special bible verse to pray over them, and laminated it.  She keeps them in her bible as tangible reminders to pray.  LOVE LOVE LOVE!  Working on this for my kids. 

This is so fun!  We have done several of the things on her list as service projects for our family.  You'll for sure be inspired!

This is just a great series to read!  Gives us lots to think about and kinda reinforces the things we already do as parents. 

"So, what do you think? With God on our side like this, how can we lose? If God didn't hesitate to put everything on the line for us, embracing our condition and exposing himself to the worst by sending his own Son, is there anything else he wouldn't gladly and freely do for us? And who would dare tangle with God by messing with one of God's chosen? Who would dare even to point a finger? The One who died for us—who was raised to life for us!—is in the presence of God at this very moment sticking up for us. Do you think anyone is going to be able to drive a wedge between us and Christ's love for us? There is no way! Not trouble, not hard times, not hatred, not hunger, not homelessness, not bullying threats, not backstabbing, not even the worst sins listed in Scripture."  Romans 8:31-36 (The Message)

Don't ever forget who our God is.  He is the one who valued us so much that he sent his only son to die that we might be redeemed!  He has amazing things in store for those who trust him.  Don't be tempted to rush ahead of God.  Don't be tempted to lower the standard.  Remember Paul's words above.  God didn't purchase your soul, restore you to himself, and transform your life just so he could leave you high and dry.  He is as big as he says he is!  To him be the glory! 

I saw all these photos on pinterest of babies taking bubble baths outside.  They made the most precious pics and seeing how I have a baby I thought I'd recreate the scene and insert my babe. 

My bright idea:

The Chief is wondering if I have any more "bright ideas". 

P.S. This kids loves the water.  Hates the bubbles. 

We love our Savannah Sand Gnats.  Our local Subway offered a promotion where we could buy a family 4 pack and get four Sand Gnats tickets.  What!?  We love Subway.    Sign us up! 

Now, I know what you are thinking.  Sand Gnats are a pansy mascot.  After all, how many gnats have you squished?  Well, let me tell you, sand gnats are mean.  They bite. 

Sand gnats, also called sand fleas, are biting, blood sucking gnats found in  sandy areas.  They are also called no-see-ums, chitras or punkies.  The bites  leave large red bumps and rashes.

Don't be messing with no sand gnats. 

Plus, Grayson Stadium is just awesome.  The general admission seating is covered (no sun bearing down on you) and they have these massive fans to keep you reasonably cool.

Summer = Savannah Sand Gnats games for the Trent Tribe!   

20 lbs and 27 inches

(What a chubster!)

Rolls, scoots, and semi-crawls anywhere he wants to go.  Starting to pull up and stand while holding onto something. 

He is our only blue/green eye baby (taking after daddy).  Three siblings have very dark brown eyes (like momma) and one has hazel eyes (like grandfather). 

He has three teeth with one more trying hard to make an appearance. 

Likes eating but not baby food.  If he is going to eat a banana, he doesn't want it from a jar.  He wants the real thing! 

Waves bye-bye.  

His favorite toy is his little rubber baseball.

On average he sleeps five to six hours without waking at night.  What a relief after nursing him every three hours around the clock!  He slept a whopping eight hours last night!  Woot!  Woot!  We're getting there, baby! 

Happy 1/2 birthday sweet boy! 

My tribe requested Strawberry Delight for the 4th of July.  Cause what's the 4th of July without good food?  And Strawberry Delight is good food. 

1 large angel food cake
one 8-oz. pkg cream cheese, softened
one 14-oz can sweetened condensed milk
2 cups whipping cream
2 Tbs. sugar
two 10-oz. pkgs. frozen sweetened sliced strawberries, thawed

Cut the angel food cake into cubes about the size of a walnut.  In a mixing bowl combine the cream cheese and sweetened condensed milk, mixing until smooth and completely blended.  In a separate bowl, whip the cream with the sugar until stiff.  To assemble:  in a trifle bowl (I used a punch bowl), layer half the angel food cake cubes, cream cheese mixture, whipped cream and strawberries.  Repeat, layering the remaining ingredients, ending with whipped cream and strawberries.  Refrigerate.

I thought blueberries were in order.  (Red, white, and blue!)  They were a yummy addition!

This dessert is kinda like eating a scoop of clouds topped with deliciousness.

We enjoyed our 4th at home.  We had hamburgers, watermelon, and strawberry delight.  We swam, ate, swam, and watched fireworks on our front porch in our pajamas.  Josiah startled a little and then decided he kinda liked the big booms and bright lights.  The Chief manned our fireworks or "arsenal" as the men in our family like to call it.  Sparklers were lit.  Everyone came through uninjured.  I breathed a sigh of relief (thank you, Jesus!).  We remembered how proud we are to be Americans.  How much we love God and our country.  We never want to take forgranted our freedom or those who protect our freedom. 

May the sun in his course visit no land more free, more happy, more lovely, than
this our own country!  ~Daniel Webster

I went to bed with a heartache.  I did.  I just realize I need to be so much more.  I need to feel so much differently.  I need to care so much less about certain things and so much more about certain others.  I have such a long way to go in this God walk.  It made my heartache. 

When I got up this morning, I had a God moment.  He spoke precious words to me.  Words I don't deserve but they are for me all the same.  And you know what?  They are for you to.  

"...In repentance and rest you will be saved, in quietness and trust is your strength..."  Isaiah 30:15

He wants to lift you up onto his lap, wrap his big strong arms around you, wipe away your tears of longing and pain, and whisper into your ear, "It's all right, little child.  Just rest your head on my shoulder.  I will take care of you.  This world is always in a hurry, but I teach my children patience.  Learn to trust my perfect timing so you may discover that all the pain found in waiting has a magnificent and awesome purpose."

"Though he slay me, yet will I wait for him."  Oswald Chambers

I gave up diet dr. pepper.  I did.  I really really did. And diet coke.  Pretty much all soda. 

I say soda, but I'm really thinking "pop".  Virginians say pop.  South Carolinians say soda.  Did you know that?  Do you say soda or do you say pop?   

I have a sprite zero every once in a while (Sonic with low cal cherry flavoring).  But seriously, I'm a water drinker now.  It's been months and months. Guess I have to change my "about me".