$6 Short

-The other day our babysitter took the kids to the movies Family Film Fest. These are family movies that run all summer long. And the best part is that they are free! Well, not this time. It cost 6$.

Caleb was insistent to take is extra chore and tooth money with him. He stuck it down in his pocket. But when they were coming home, it was gone. We called back and asked if it was turned in, but it wasn't. Our wonderfully-awesome-such-a-blessing babysitter told Caleb a story that one time when she was little, her mom didn't have enough money for grocries and found a 20 dollar bill. She knew it was from God and thanked him for sending money for food for the week. She also told him that one time she lost $100. It hurts so much at the moment, but she prayed that someone who really needs it will find it just like how her mom found money when she really needed it.

So that night Caleb prayed for his lost money. He prayed that someone would find it only if they really needed $6.

How great that he knows God is in control even of our money.

"And my God will meet all your needs according to his glorious riches in Christ Jesus."
Philippians 4:19

New Toy

Fun memories on a special day--it was one of those big life milestones that comes our way when we aren't looking!

 Look at those beautiful children! I love my family. They woke me up again with a yummy special breakfast. My husband is the best! He loves me so much.

I also got pampered and got my hair cut and highlighted. So per Angel's request, I'm letting it grow long.

So then we had a family grill-out. It was a beautiful evening my cousin Geniene helped plan. It was so special to have her and her boys there!

Then I got a new toy. A total surprise to me! iPod touch. I've never wanted one or asked for one or even know how to use one! Angel just thought I'd like it. And it sure has been so much fun learning!

(I'm taking tips on must-have apps)

13 Steps!

Aaron is up to 13 steps on his own! He loves practicing and just gets right back up when he falls. He even hit 22 steps yesterday, but averages around 10-15.

Time for a Fiesta!

 

We had a blast celebrating Aaron's 1st birthday on Saturday. Everything came together better than planned. Since his birthday is so close to the 4th, it is only fitting to celebrate in Red, White, and Blue and with fireworks! What a great way to celebrate! I'm sure Aaron thinks it's all in honor of him!

There were lots of friends and family. We love this kind of party and mixing family and Spanish-speaking friends.  

Besos from Tía Stephanie

We also love when our yard is full of kids playing everywhere!

Aaron had his first "mordita."

This is a tradition in Mexico after the candle is blown out to take a bite of your birthday cake and usually someone tries to push your face in the cake. Alisia and Caleb are very familiar with this, but it can sometimes end up in tears. Aaron was soo excited to have icing all over his mouth and wasn't bothered at all!

I grabbed a camera and this is what it looked like from his view with everyone watching.

Opening gifts was funny because he had no idea what to do! He was so cute though. When he finally saw it was more than a bag and paper, he wanted to open the gift and play with it. But then we would take it away and give him another one to open. He got frustrated and mad and started crying! It was soo cute though.

Then we "carefully" and "safely" set off some fireworks and sparklers in the street.  

 

We had to balance out the Red, White, and Blue:

We went up on the hill from our house to watch the fireworks. It was a good view of the city. At 10:23 we were remembering all the work that it took for him to come into the world. I guess fireworks is how he's gonna remember all of his birthdays!

A big THANKS to everyone who helped us celebrate!

The Pledge of Allegiance

Interpreted by Red Skelton

"I've been listening to you boys and girls recite the Pledge of Allegiance all semester

and it seems as though it is becoming monotonous to you. If I may, may I recite it and try to explain to you the meaning of each word?"

I me, an individual, a committee of one.

Pledge dedicate all of my worldly goods to give without self pity.

Allegiance my love and my devotion.

To the flag  our standard, Old Glory, a symbol of freedom. Wherever she waves, there's respect because your loyalty has given her a dignity that shouts freedom is everybody's job!

United that means that we have all come together.

States individual communities that have united into 48 great states. Forty-eight individual communities with pride and dignity and purpose; all divided with imaginary boundaries, yet united to a common purpose, and that's love for country.

And to the republic a state in which sovereign power is invested in representatives chosen by the people to govern. And government is the people and it's from the people to the leaders, not from the leaders to the people.

For which it stands, one nation one nation, meaning "so blessed by God"

Indivisible incapable of being divided.

With liberty which is freedom -- the right of power to live one's own life without threats, fear or some sort of retaliation.

And Justice the principle or quality of dealing fairly with others.

For all which means, boys and girls, it's as much your country as it is mine.

Since I was a small boy, two states have been added to our country and two words have been added to the pledge of Allegiance... 'UNDER GOD' Wouldn't it be a pity if someone said that is a prayer and that would be eliminated from schools too?

God Bless America!
--------------------------------

Happy Independence Day, Everyone!

1 Year

Aaron Samuel Garcia,
My precious boy, you have brought so much joy and laughter to us as since you have become part of our family. Oh, how you are loved all the way around the world! We loved you from the moment we knew about you. You are loved by your parents, brother and sister, grandparents, great-grandparents, uncles and aunts, and cousins. You got to meet your great-aunts and great-uncles and extended family and cousins. You still have to meet your family that loves you oh-so-much in Mexico! But that's not all! You are also loved ever so immensely by God that even I can't comprehend. God knew what a prefect fit you would be to our family. We are praying for the day that you come to know Jesus as your Savior and serve him with your life.

You are learning and growing so fast! You love to go on walks, take baths, read books, play outside, go swimming, pull DVDs off the shelf, and feel the bass-beat from the stereo-speaker. So we've had to move a lot of things off your level so you can't reach them. Sometimes that makes you un-happy.  I love the way you crinkle up your nose and squint your eyes when you smile!

I love to watch you grow! And see your curiosity for the world around you. You love being with your brother and sister. You watch and learn everything Caleb does. And you even already have started to tease him back. Alisia has special time with you every day and is like your 2nd mommy. I love when you just wake up, because that is when you love to be snuggled. You are always excited to see Papi when he gets home from work and you greet him with a big hug!

It took us a long time to decide on your name. We named you Aaron Samuel Garcia.

Aaron means "lofty; exalted; high mountain; one of light." In the bible, Aaron was Moses' brother and spoke for Moses to help lead the Israelites out of Egypt. Aaron was a great leader who loved and followed God. Our prayer for you in choosing your name is that you too will be a great godly leader of your generation and bring others to follow Christ.

The meaning of Samuel is "Name of God; asked of God; God has heard; God has listened." In the bible Samuel's mother asked God for a child, then dedicated him to God. Samuel was the prophet who anointed Saul and David as kings of Israel in the Old Testament. Our prayer for your in choosing this name is that you will "Only fear the Lord, and serve him faithfully with all your heart; for consider what great things he has done for you." (1 Samuel 12:24)

 Therefore may you praise Him, the LORD, among the nations; sing praises to his name.
(2 Samuel 22:50)