Overwhelmed with Joy

Sunday, May 4 - First Time out on the
Vizena's boat this Season!  So fun! 

Ronald challenged Clay to five minutes in the cool water.
As you can see,  Clay was more than happy to take the challenge and accept the $5 reward.

Each Month (at least this is the goal), Caleb and I go out for Pie at Village Inn.
We have been doing this for over a year now.  It is such a wonderful time together.  I look so forward to it.  Just yesterday, Caleb told me that he wanted to have monthly pie nights with me for as long as I live.  I recently started a gluten free diet, but no upset tummy is keeping me away from this special time with my son :) 

I also have a Monthly Mommy Night with Clay.  It usually starts with his favorite restaurant,
"The Chinese place" in the Mall :)  Then he likes to some type of fun activity.  Last night, we played laser tag at Fast Lane.  We had the whole course to ourselves.  It was so fun!  Love this boy!

Last Sunday, May 4, was the Annual RA Pinewood Derby Race.
Clay came in last the previous year, so when he came in Second Overall this year (Brigham came in First),
we were so excited.  As you can see, Richard and Travis, the car making assistants :) were thrilled as well.

Caleb came in 4th overall, just shy of a Trophy; we were so happy for both boys.

Richard read the most amazing book call, "How to Make a Modern Day Knight."  It encourages Fathers's to make special time with the Sons to discuss important Biblical matters while also making it fun.
This weekend, Richard is taking the boys to a NASCAR race in Kansas City.  I know it will be a special time that they will always remember.  I love these boys so very much.

On Friday, May 8, the Richard and the boys had the opportunity to tour the Military Base in Ft. Smith.
They were so impressed.  We are so proud of our Military and the sacrifice they make for our Freedom.  

At Elm Tree, Mom's get to have a Mother's Day Tea when their child is in First Grade.  These two photo's are the drawings Clay and Caleb made of me for the Tea.  Clay's is the red dress and Caleb's is the purple shirt with PTO on it.  It appears that I have aged and increased in size over the past couple of years and my hair as changed color and thinned a little.  My how telling a drawing can be :)
It was such a special time!

As I look at these photos, I just feel so overwhelmed with JOY.  

JOY for the life my Lord and Savior has blessed me with. 

JOY for my husband, who I do not deserve.  He loves me so unconditionally, which is not easy, and he forgives me so effortlessly when I act like a crazy hormonal teenage girl.  

JOY for my two sons, Clay and Caleb.  I never dreamed I would have the opportunity to be a mother, and when I look at their beautiful faces so full of happiness and life, my heart is just so full!

JOY for my parents who have always been there for me.  I am so grateful for there every present love and support.

JOY for my church.

JOY for friendships that are deeper than the ocean floor.

JOY for my home, that although may not be massive in square footage, it is massage in laughter, happiness, and love.

I wish you all, especially all of the Mother's out there, a week filled with overwhelming joy!

Happy Mother's Day Mom!  I love you!

Isaiah 12:6 (NIV) Shout aloud and sing for you, people of Zion, for great is the Holy One of Israel amount you."