who needs a water park...

enjoying the 90 degree weather

"OOOH YEAH! That feels sooo good! As you can tell Andrew is feeling the COLD water behind him. Emma was enjoying the sprinkler. I was glad they were getting along!! We had a good day today. Church, 2 hr. naps for everyone, playground, sprinkler...It's 9:00 and the kids are sleeping. Brent speaks 40 hrs. this week on the book of Philippians. Pray that God gives him the strength and wisdom he needs as he teaches this blocked class. I am speaking to some pastor's wives next week on contentment. Ouch!!! The preparation for this is convicting already! We leave for PA in 2 weeks for a much-needed vacation.

encouragement

If you would like to hear Diane Olson's sessions or my husband, who is an amazing preacher, visit Norwaybaptist.com. You will be blessed!!

MY WONDERFUL HUSBAND...

This post goes out to the amazing BRENT AARON BELFORD. A couple days ago, the Avon lady (who I am witnessing to) comes in and asks about my family. I show her lots of pictures of my kids on the wall. I look for Brent and my pictures. Nowhere to be found, except our room. Well, I told Brent about the search and he said he didn't even make the blog. POOR THING!! I am dedicating this post to my sweet husband. He is a hard worker. This is the spot where he studies til about 1am each morning. He is pursuing his PhD, teaching many Bible classes at NBBC, running the Grad Studies Dept, and is an amazing husband and father. I don't know how he doesn't have a "breakdown" with all he has on his plate. He can handle so much and always points us to Christ. I am so thankful for my man. We just celebrated our 7th anniversary last wkd as well.

Baby Beach Field Trip

OH HOW FUN TO BE A KID AGAIN!! We rode the rides, the ferris wheel, and Emma begged me to go on the big swing with her. I went and almost lost my own stomach. The little kid in front of me puked....oh that was sooo gross! Anyway, we had a great time, although my head was spinning. I used to be able to handle all the rides, but since I've had kids, my equilibrium must be messed up! Check out our family photos for more amusement park pics :)

TEA BATH...

More Tea Pictures!!

TWINS: Double the Trouble!!

My girls are trouble. That's all I can say. I walked by the hall closet and saw it cracked. I knew I should've closed it, but I got busy doing something else. 5 minutes later, I found Eden and Chloe biting their way through the instant tea mix! It was EVERYWHERE! All over their faces, clothes, carpet... The bath water even turned to tea with the mixture from their bodies :) While I was inside with the twins, Brent was outside with Emma and Andrew weed-wacking. When I went out to tell him of the mess inside, I saw my "growing" raspberry bushes WACKED! Yikes, I guess he thought they were weeds. So much for a peaceful evening in the Belford Estate!!!

Ladies Meeting Report

The ladies meeting went so well. We had 32 registerd, planned on 40, and had 28 attend. We were so blessed to fellowship that day. Diane Olson spoke on Knowing God, Delighting in his Word, and Surrendering all to His will. I think I was most challenged with the 2nd session. I do not want to rush in and out of my quiet time with God. I do desire a close walk with Him, but I often treat it as a "fast meal!" I want to teach my children the truths of God's Word and speak to them out of the overflow of God's working in my life. Oh, that God would grant me the quality time in His Word and draw me closer to Himself! Our church's website (and one of my links) has her sessions on them for free. You can just download it yourself. Norwaybaptist.com. Hope you find a "spare" moment to listen to these sessions.

ladies meeting at Norway Baptist

Hi everyone. I would appreciate your prayers on our behalf for our first ladies meeting at Norway Baptist Church. We planted this church about 2 years ago and God is blessing tremendously. We have between 30-40 women coming. Diane Olson is our speaker and I know God will use His Word to magnify Himself on Saturday. We have some lost women, young believers, and moms who need encouragement (like myself)! God is good. We praise Him for this opportunity to minister for Him. Thanks for your prayers. We'll keep you posted. You know me, I'll bring my camera and make sure I POST!!

ALUMNI V-BALL TOURNEY

Yes, we came in 3rd in the tourney...not bad for the 'OLD' women! Amy Gerber, Tanya Schiedslag (Blocksom), Me, Beth Ring, Alicia Maart, and Robin (I don't know her last name--oops!) For all you who are v-ball alumni, I hope you make it next year!!! Then we may be 2nd!!

Ed and Donna visit

Ed and Donna, cousin Bryan's parents, came to stay for the night. Ed totally entertained Emma and Drew with magic tricks. I wish they lived closer, I'd hire him to entertain while I cleaned (or napped!). Thanks for coming and loving our kids! You both are a blessing!

NBBC Graduation

That's right folks...Trisha and I found eachother at Graduation..in the midst of 100os of people! She just makes me laugh!!! It is so good to see old friends from college. I actually still feel like I'm in college (but am quickly reminded that I am a mom with 4 busy kids and don't "hang out" in the Daily Grind. I only went last week to the Grind when Brent was gone to escape for 5 min. when I put my kids to bed..(yes, I did get a sitter when I sneaked out, because the 5 min. turned in to 45 minutes as I chatted just a little!)

Daddy leaves for the week and takes the computer

NO, He's not leaving because he's mad :) or because I've been on the computer too much!! :) I can't imagine not blogging for a whole week! He's leaving for Iowa to take a Greek class for his Master of Divinity degree. He's such a great dad and husband and we'll miss him this week. This picture is taken of him on a Sunday morning...that's my hardest time when he's gone...getting the kids ready alone!! Pray for him this week for safety and his class. Pray for us to rely on God's grace, strenth, and be LOVING to one another :) All for God's glory!!!! "Live peaceably with all men (and children)!"

Andrew making cake with mommy

"The more I appreciate, the happier I am." That's been my focus for today. I can become discontent so easily. But, when I choose to focus on all God's given me....even chocolate batter splattering on my counter :) I can rejoice. I am so grateful for my life as a Mom! Being the mom of 4 is challenging and rewarding. I've never been this tired in all my life!! There are days and nights that I just long for a little rest, but God's grace and strength are so sufficient and I am blessed! (and HAPPY).