Proverbs 31:10-31: August 2009

Saturday, August 15, 2009

End of Summer

Today is the last full day of our summer vacation at the beach. Tomorrow is the 8 hour drive back to reality and to new beginnings. The weather is dreary outside which is much like the mood of the adults here knowing what tomorrow brings. Conner officially started pre-school the week before we left but when we get home we'll be in full swing with our new routine. Ms. Caitlin will be starting college soon and that will be a big change for us as well. Mainly a change for me and having to get better at time management again rather than being so leisurely on my outings when Ms. Caitlin was always so willing to be with my boys. Also it means less simplicity in arranging date nights with hubby. She has really made my life a lot easier these past two years but I am excited that she is continuing on her life journey and starting a new chapter herself. I have been so blessed to have her in our lives and I know many families that have not been so fortunate to have such a great, flexible, attentive sitter and now, a family friend.

OK, enough of the melancholy! Here's some footage of sweet Camren enjoying the waves.

This trip has really been a coming of age for Conner. He insists on dressing himself (with the door closed and locked) and the biggest things have been swimming in the deep end of the pool and snorkeling in the ocean. I can't believe my four year old was snorkeling in the ocean! It took him a few days to assess the situation and get comfortable (this behavior is likened to mine) but once he was ready he was full speed ahead. He went out as far as he could touch and would snorkel with the waves crashing over him looking for all the sea treasures. The trip started off slow with Conner having a 103 degree fever our first day here and a nagging cough and congestion ever since (thanks pre-school...) but overall I think both boys have had a great time.

They say that kids don't remember things before 4 or 5 and I certainly agree that's true as an adult I don't remember much of my childhood in general and especially the early years but the great thing is that they remember now. Conner has been remembering things when he was 3 that he did when he was 2 and so on. This has been really amazing because we never thought of them remembering things when they are little. I know my hubby sometimes thinks I'm crazy for taking them to do some things that they'll "never remember" but hey they'll remember it for a little while. And I know that they'll remember that we love them so.

Proverbs 31:10-31 (GWT)

10 “Who can find a wife with a strong character? She is worth far more than jewels.11 Her husband trusts her with all his heart, and he does not lack anything good. 12 She helps him and never harms him all the days of her life. 13 “She seeks out wool and linen with care and works with willing hands. 14 She is like merchant ships. She brings her food from far away. 15 She wakes up while it is still dark and gives food to her family and portions of food to her female slaves. 16 “She picks out a field and buys it. She plants a vineyard from the profits she has earned. 17 She puts on strength like a belt and goes to work with energy. 18 She sees that she is making a good profit. Her lamp burns late at night. 19 “She puts her hands on the distaff, and her fingers hold a spindle. 20 She opens her hands to oppressed people and stretches them out to needy people. 21 She does not fear for her family when it snows because her whole family has a double layer of clothing. 22 She makes quilts for herself. Her clothes are made of linen and purple cloth. 23 “Her husband is known at the city gates when he sits with the leaders of the land. 24 “She makes linen garments and sells them and delivers belts to the merchants. 25 She dresses with strength and nobility, and she smiles at the future. 26 “She speaks with wisdom, and on her tongue there is tender instruction. 27 She keeps a close eye on the conduct of her family, and she does not eat the bread of idleness. 28 Her children and her husband stand up and bless her. In addition, he sings her praises, by saying, 29 ‘Many women have done noble work, but you have surpassed them all!’ 30 “Charm is deceptive, and beauty evaporates, but a woman who has the fear of the Lord should be praised. 31 Reward her for what she has done, and let her achievements praise her at the city gates.”