Not So Fun Playground Time

The other day the weather was so absolutely beautiful. It was sunny and about 78 degrees, just perfect. I'd promised Lyric that we would go to the playground over by the school after dinner, so that's what we did. The kids and I loaded up the stroller and walked over there while Eric went to his evening classes.

I could lie and tell you we had so much fun, and it'd be so easy to do that because I did manage to get some cute pictures of the kids in the in between moments of me constantly correcting them and breaking up arguments. It was a really hard trip out with the kids being in very defiant moods and me being short tempered. By the time we got home and got everyone cleaned up and ready for bed, I was so worn out. It reminds me how much I need my Savior and how thankful I am for His grace and mercy that He blesses me with each moment of each day.

All that to say, the kids did have some fun together, and it was fun for me seeing Lyric be able to actually climb up on the playground equipment by herself this year, something Shaun or I have always had to help her do. It reminded me that my kids are growing so very fast and that I need to try and slow down and enjoy them more often. So here are some of the pics we got from our evening out.

Lyric is climbing up all by herself in the right picture

Kuyper's first time going down the slide

Puddles!

It poured rain almost all day today, but after dinner, the sun came out and it was such a beautiful evening. I decided to take the kids on a walk to get out of the house for a bit. Shaun didn't want to come with us because he's 12, and he'd rather take that opportunity to watch one of his shows or play with his toys without interruption. haha. Anyway, the little ones and I went out, and I decided to let Lyric put on her rain boots and jump in puddles. She had so much fun. Kuyper acted like he wanted to get in the puddles too, so I took him out of the stroller and let him crawl around in the puddles for a bit.

They both loved it, and when all was said and done we had two soaking wet kids who needed baths. :) So now both littles have had warm baths, the youngest is in bed, and I'm going to share some adorable photos with all of you.

I sure do have a handsome husband, and I love how much he loves our kids.

This was how Lyric got the water out of her boots. hahaha

My Beautiful Lyric

For those who don't know, we live in married housing on campus at Fruitland Bible College. Currently, there are beautiful trees in full bloom by our school library. So tonight, I got Lyric dressed up after dinner, and we went over to the library for a mini photo-shoot. She is so beautiful and also so uncooperative. She has such a free spirit, which you can definitely see in these photos. Enjoy this beautiful little girl that is so full of personality!!!

These next photos are my favorites from tonight. She wanted to climb up the steps to the library, and she was so happy and adorable at the top.

My 31st Birthday

Today was my 31st birthday. It was an interesting day. It started off with me getting up early and heading to Planned Parenthood to do sidewalk counseling. This is something I do every other Saturday. Our local Planned Parenthood has 1 scheduled abortion day each week and it alternates between Friday and Saturday, so I do the Saturdays. When I'm out there, I have resource packets for the mothers and fathers, I offer to help them and to help meet any need they have, I plead with them not to kill their babies, and share with them the hope and forgiveness they can have in Jesus Christ.

Today was an especially hard day at Planned Parenthood. About 18 mothers came in to have their babies killed by abortion. 18 babies, 18 image bearers of God, 18 little boys or girls, had their lives unjustly ended today. I was heartbroken. No one really seemed to listen today. And what made this day even harder is that this week I walked alongside with one of my best friends as she miscarried her baby. Her baby that she wanted so much. I've shed tears with her and cried out so many prayers.

Something she and I talked about this week is that it's not the fact that she wanted her baby that made her baby have personhood. It doesn't matter if a baby is wanted or not, every person, from the moment of conception, is a human being that has value and worth because they are made in the imago dei, the image of God.

These mothers may not have wanted their babies, but their babies were loved. I loved their babies, I valued them, and I valued the lives of those babies' mothers and fathers.

I love the ministry God has put me in. It's so hard and devastating most days, but I do know God's word doesn't return void. He is doing something. He's doing things I can't imagine or even see. And some days, I am privileged to see what He's doing. Some days I actually see babies' lives saved. Those are good days.

Anyway, this is something I'm very passionate about and love to encourage others in. It wasnt an easy way to start my birthday, but I'm thankful for God's grace in allowing me to do it. Keep praying for those mothers and fathers and for sidewalk ministers across the country. If you'd like more info about this ministry you can email me at mandykeel21@gmail.com.

The rest of my day was a bit brighter. I was able to spend it with my family. My husband and children each got me cards and they bought me a bouquet of beautiful tulips, one of my favorite flowers, and a pretty vase. I was then spoiled with lunch of my choice and a delicious coconut milk mocha macchiato. I was able to get a few pictures with my kids today, and I also have comparis on shot from my 30th birthday vs my 31st birthday. Last year I was 32 weeks pregnant with Kuyper on my birthday and this year he's just 2 days away from 10 months old. It's hard to believe. Anyway, enjoy these pictures from today.