Family Celebrations!

So, let's start with this. My husband knows me really well. I know that sounds like an obvious thing. But, sometimes I am just really thankful for that gift about marriage. We work together well. :)

He knows me, and knows that when Chase Day is two days away, I'm going to panic. I'm going to come downstairs in the middle of a school day and worry to him about what we planned for Chase Day. Is it enough? Should I do something more? Have we included the girls enough? Should we have gifts for the family again this year? (I really did ask that. Crazy. I totally know that now.)

And, then, he knows just to hug me and tell me he loves me, and gently remind me that this day doesn't have to be overly scheduled and completely full of projects. It can be an easy day with our girls, being thankful for our blessings, and sharing them with others here and there.

And, then, he knew I would breathe deeper and say "You're right." and go back upstairs to teach science or something fun like that.

So, that's exactly what happened. Pretty much. (Name that kid show.)

And, I'm so glad he is who he is. The day was perfectly balanced with "acts of service and encouragement" and time together to relax. Believe me, I had a LONG list of ideas. But, I'm glad we only did half of them. :)

Our day started at the homeless shelter (as I posted about already), and was followed by a trip to Farmers Market, which might be our girls' favorite place in Dallas.

We let them pick out their flowers for Chase's Corner in our yard, and we got home to get our planting fun rolling.

Notice in this picture how HARD everyone is working, right?

Wait. Scroll back up and notice the girl standing on the bench.

See her? Well, she was good at helping everyone space the plants correctly, and wisely chose the perfect spot to move the birdfeeder to. She advised her daddy on how he could NOT trim the pecan tree because it wasn't fair to the branches. And, then she spent a lot of time making apple-sicles and pink lemonade pops for the family to enjoy after planting. But, digging and cleaning out beds and planting? Not so much.

Oh my, I love that girl. She makes a MEAN apple juice popsicle, even while her sisters are working up a sweat. :)

So, here is our finished Chase's Corner!

Boy did it need a makeover after this crazy summer heat! Now we've just got to keep it going.

We laughed and said it's a good thing Chase really lives in paradise, where there are no scorching summers or forgetful family members to water the garden there!

We had a great time planting and getting ready for fall. Then, headed out to get some goodies to send to our Compassion kids, and do a couple of "random drive-thru blessings", which the girls LOVE to do. We were also given a couple of other opportunities to bless people we came in contact with, which is just such a great reminder that this is how life should be lived EVERY day! Always looking around for the opportunity to surprise someone with love. It brought us so much joy!!

The evening of Chase Day was spent as a family of five, watching videos and looking at pictures of this last year...all that has come into our lives because of our little boy. We also spent time reading through cards and opening gifts that came to our family for Chase's 2nd birthday. (More on that in my next post!)

The next day, we had the extended family over for a balloon release and some dinner. And, mostly alot of cousin lovin' fun. :)

Watching them gather with their balloons made me smile.

And, the countdown started from 10!

And, as they released the balloons, they all yelled "HI CHASE!" and "WE LOVE YOU CHASE!!" at the top of their lungs.

See these little cupped hands? They were shouting loud enough for Chase to really hear them!

We watched the balloons float up, up, up...

Until we all watched a huge hawk begin circling the balloons! He was flying all among them and just circling and circling. I think he was VERY confused. (He's the brown spot in left center.)

But, the kids loved watching what was happening way up there.

Mark also made a GREAT 15 minute slideshow of this year to show that night, which was his first big project like this! It was amazing to see pictures and videos from the four trips to Africa since last Chase Day. It was a perfect way to end the weekend, thanking God for picture after picture of the Restoration He is bringing in our lives. What a happy CHASE Day it was. Good thing I listened to my better half. :)