Being South of the Border!

I've just returned from Monterrey, Mexico and as you can tell from the previous post Caroline stayed for an extra week with her two Aunts and two Uncles and 13 cousins. We had an amazing week. God blessed us with unbelievable weather (no temps above 95!!)! We loved working hard, loving on kids and gathering crowds to hear testimonies and how Jesus can be their friend forever!

I had many highlights but one that really stands out is the first night we were there. We had a huge outreach event on the property of Back 2 Back where all the children's homes came and all the teens that live on their property that are in the on going educational program and staff came together (around 450-500 people). The speaker (a dynamic mexican preacher) presented the gospel and told these orphans how God saw VALUE in each and everyone of them. But the best part was when he asked the workers of all the children's homes to come up front and ask the Americans to look after the young ones on their laps. He admonished them, encouraged them, came along side them and empathized with them, thanked them (had the kids thank them), loved on them and most importantly - PRAYED FOR THEM!!! This totally touched my heart and gave me a great perspective of the week that I needed to look at ALL the opportunities to serve this week. It's not just all about the kids but there are several people I can serve!!!

She stayed on the whole time! Rid'em Cowgirl!

Just some of them - Great to have cousins!

My twin sis at the Clinic!

Mother and Daughter

At the BIG event with a 13 year old girl!

Soccer Fun!

At a ball ceremony. We try to make each child feel special when they

recieve their ball and gaterade.

I took a day to be an Aunt.

Working hard and she never complained!

This is the same boy I say last year and he had just been dropped off.

It is so good to see a smile on his face.

My partner for the Day! Just precious!

Just the beautiful mountains that can be seen anywhere.

We took some kids here to swim, hike and play - field trip.

Happy Father's Day Dad, from Mexico

Dad,
Right now I'm typing on Aunt Cathy's laptop. I am bummed I am missing Father's day. Uncle Greg claims that Favorite Uncles day is the same day as fathers day. :) This morning I could picture you eating donuts. You would be having two big Long Johns. This afternoon you would probably be doing one or more of the following:

• taking a bike ride to Grandmas and swimming in her pool
• going to the Kings Island water park
  
• taking a bike ride around the lake
  
• going kayaking on the Landen Lake
  
• Graeter's ice cream
• proposing another "what-if we did this to our foyer" plan
  
• mowing the lawn with asher strapped to his back (was that Asher's suggestion or yours?)
• watering the flower boxes with the hose and "accidentally" losing control of it and squirting us
• many other activities that are not coming to mind right now
  

I love all of these so much Dad! I love how you enjoy spending so much time with me. i love that I enjoy the same things you do. I love you so much!!! I'll see you on the 20th and we'll celebrate then.
love,
Caroine

We've been invaded!!!

The last two weekends we have had and over abundance of visitors in our yard, woods and neighorhoods, atleast the ones that are over 17 years old. Since ours is over 30 our invasion has been massive. What are we being invaded by . . . .

Cicadas!!!!

Hundreds of these little guys are all over and they have left their skins behind. They are on grass blades, trees, fences and even our play set.

Some think they are gross, some, like my dog, have enjoyed eating them and beefing up their protein in their diet. And then there are those that just want to play with them and they would include . . .

They are also VERY noisy. So far they are still a novelty so we aren't that bothered. I know some that fry them and some that try them chocolate covered. But I don't think I'll go that far. Anyone else have this summer time joy right now?

Holiday Weekend

We made the most of our holiday weekend. We hit our local amusement park, a parade, some cook outs, yard work, ice cream and fun with Grand parents. Here are some highlights in photos.Asher learns that parades means CANDY!

Fun with Grandma!

Abby on Field Day with Asher.

Chilly ice cream stop!

Waiting for the parade!

Waving and honoring the honored guests of the parade - the vets!

Continued List of Anticipated Activities to do During the Summer

I originally was going to make a list of 100, but I give up. Our pool opens today even though it reach a high in the upper 70s today. I roller blading down to our community pool and asked the life guard what the temperature was. He said to wait a minute and he stuck a thermometer in. After about 2 or 3 minutes he pulled it out and said, "Um it's about 65. Want to feel it." I replied with, "That's OK. Thanks!"
I don't think anyone will go swimming today.
Here is my continued list:
16. reading
17. staying up later
18. watching Reds games
19. not having to wake up at 6
20.eating grilled hot dogs
21. going to sleep with fans on
22. air conditioning
23.more outdoor activities
24. hanging out on the hammock
25. nightly bike rides
26. sprinklers
27. water games
28.putt putt
29. beginning another soccer team
30. walking to soccer practice because its so close
31. spending it together.

Picture Update!

Well, as Caroline has explained, it is almost the last school day and we have been busy. I'll just post some pictures from Abby's last soccer game. I love watching Caroline and Abby playing. I love how both of their hearts are in it but maybe in different ways. Caroline gives 120% and Abby's heart is with those around her. She is very aware if a player falls down and always cares about their well being even if they play for the other team. The last week she even got a hug from one of her friends that plays for the other team right in the middle of the game. I just love their hearts.

Two More Days Of School!!

May 23 was supposed to be our last day of school. Unfortunately, (or fortunately depending on how you look at it) we had 6 snow days this year-one more than allowed. So now we have a half day on Tuesday, after Memorial Day weekend. I am pretty much certain nothing will be accomplished! :) Summer is fast approaching and I am ecstatic! It is still in the 70's here so I'm ready!
Here is a list we (meaning the Ewing kids) have collaborated.

1. lots and lots of swimming
2. introducing Asher to King's Island (a local amusement park.)
3. go Kayaking (we own one and boat on a local lake.)
4. travel to Mexico for two weeks to work in orphanages and visit cousins. (me)
5. eating watermelon
6. hanging out with each other
7. bike rides around the local lake
8. going to Destin Florida with one whole side of the family
9. no excessive amounts of homework (although the packet I need to complete and the two books assignments over the summer are coming quite close to an excessive amount of homework.)
10. the Ewing tradition of ice cream
11. playing outside
12. corn on the cob
13. fishing (says Caleb)
14. getting braces (just kidding)
15. enjoying our new and improved baseball field in our front yard

There will be more to come!
-Caroline

The celebration!

We had a great time with Grandparents celebrating another fabulous year with our Sweet Caroline! I can't believe how fast time is passing. I'm looking forward to spending a week with her in Mexico this summer. Here are the pics of this big milestone in her life.

Happy Birthday to our Sweet Caroline!!!

Make video montages at www.OneTrueMedia.com

Happy 13th Caroline! Can't believe that it has been 13 years since we were singing on our way to the hospital the day you were born. You surprised us by being a beautiful red head. God has given us so many blessings and you are a VERY SPECIAL ONE that He has brought our way. We are so proud of you and admire you in many ways. God has given you many talents and smarts but the thing that we love and value the most is your sweet and devoted heart for the Lord and for the least of these! Praising God for you! You are Something Beautiful!!!

Man how they grow!

We got a chance to see the Children of the World Choir again and the girls, Joyce and Rochel, that we housed while they had a stay here in October. We were so surprised to see how much they've grown and changed. We will miss them as they go back to their own countries in a month or two. We are so blessed to know them and know that where ever they are they will take the Word and Songs of the Lord and share them with everyone. We WILL see you again if not on this world, up in heaven and we will sing praises and dance together again!

This weekend's reunion.

Last October

The family last October.

Fun in the dirt.

We spent Friday night laying new soil on our front lawn to level it and then grow new grass. We have a great baseball field in our yard and expect to keep it but the grass needs beefed up a bit so we reseeded. Fun was had by all and my muscles still ache. Abby taught Asher to climb to the top of the mountain and yell "I'm the King!". Caleb and Brad have been dealing with allergies in the worst way this weekend but we needed to spread the dirt and get the seed down before a week of off and on rain. His photo is him inside with a swollen right eye from all the rubbing. Yikes!

Apple a Day? or maybe 5

Asher has had some funny moments lately and I'd have to say that they are the norm and not an exception. Last night I went to pick Caroline up from practice (a 20 minute type thing) and when I returned Brad said that he only turned his head for a minute and came back to this. . .

He said that he decided to have a snack and took a bite out of all 5 apples before deciding which apple was best.

Well, you've heard us talk about how Asher is extreme with his senses. Here is another fun example. One afternoon, Asher walked through the kitchen. When he pasted over the air vent, he immediately turned around and took off the cover and looked deep down in it to feel the air coming from it and to see if he could find the source. Touch, Taste, Sight, Smell and Hearing - Asher really uses these to the fullest.

Here is the latest sight at our house. A mourning dove has made it's home in the wreath on our door. There are two eggs and we look after her and her babes everyday but using the garage door and try to give her space to do her thing. Anyone know how long till babies hatch and then leave the nest????

Reckless Faith

This is an presentation given by my sister (in-law). She shares her passion - her faith and the heart of an orphan. I've heard this sooooo many times but I love it and continue to hear it over and over again cause it is something I should never forget. It's very moving and motivating. She has a book coming out this August called "Reckless Faith", and don't worry, I'll let you know when it becomes available at Family Christian! If you enjoy this she shares another story at Godtube.com. I just love her heart and learn so much from her!
Love the words to the song that is used to, one of my absolute favorites.
Live with the wonder of a child,
Pray with your arms thrown open wide,
Love with a love that has no end.
Until I see you again.

RECKLESS FAITH!

Our 24 hour trip to see Grandma Great!

Last weekend we took a 24 hour trip to see Grandma Great. We really enjoyed our visit with her and got to spend some time with Brad's Uncle and Aunt and Cousin. Grandma Great enjoyed visiting with our kids and seeing how much they've changed. I wish I would have taken more pictures, but at least we have a few. On the way home we stopped at "THE STADIUM" and took pictures. Asher kept asking for us to go in and see the Buckeyes play. He's got the fever we just need the tickets and the season.

Are you Down?

Many days in the Winter, I found myself down. I could just be having a bad day! It could be because the lack of sun or maybe even being shut in my home for too many days. Even with spring being here, we still have bad weather and I still have days that don't go my way. I even think that some of those day Satan is try to put a weight on my head and make my joy disappear. But I've had a song come to mind on those days that God gives me to remind me that in my weakness HE is strong and the Joy of the Lord is my strength. This is a silly video but I like it and on my down days I seem to need the reminder of the words for sure. I love the line in this song "to live your life you've got to lose it. All losers get a crown." Even in my bad days with the right attitude I can see myself wearing a crown someday if I'm willing to give it up in this life. It's a total eternal perspective - definitely worth having Joy for in this hard, hard world we live in. Hope you are LIFTED UP today!

Kumquat May

We introduced a new food to our family this week. They are an interesting food with a sweet outer skin and a tart pulpy inside. If your kids like sour lemons or sour anything they may just gobble these up. We have to eat them one slice at a time but Asher likes to pop these kumats in his mouth whole.

Asher in taken some of his drumming time to build towers.

He has a very steady hand!