The "pre-birthday" Birthday

Savannah decided that due to our impending move she wanted to celebrate her birthday before we left. So, with that, she opted to take one of her school friends horseback riding. With great anticipation the girls waited for Saturday morning to come and, Taa-Daa...it finally arrived! We met at the stables where the girls learned how to groom, tack, ride and cool down the horses. They had a blast and, thankfully, it wasn't too warm (or humid!)
It was a true family event, even Diego, the wonder dog was present. "Why?" you may ask. Well, with the house on the market our furry friend has to accompany us everywhere....everywhere....did I mention everywhere?! In fact, Diego chose to make a special appearance at the stable. Things were going along swimmingly when mayhem seemed to break loose (this tends to happen with small children and excessively hyper Boxers). Although Diego was happily enjoying the scenery from the back of our SUV (with the window hatch open, of course) something of far greater interest came along. I'm not exactly sure what it was, I only know that one moment I was watching Savannah trot by on her horse and the next minute I was chasing our beast through the trainer's house. I frantically motioned to Dan (in the barn with the little kids and the kittens) who had no idea what I was doing. However, at the same moment, Daniel's apparent urge to see a kitten in flight was made a reality as he hurled it into the air and onto a bail of hay....time out!....Back to Diego....our dear friend's grandmother and myself had now tried our best to wrangle him to the ground (a sight from some sort of twisted sitcom) as a middle aged man sat idly by and chuckled. Lovely! Diego manipulated himself from our grasp and ran towards Dan who captured him! Finally all animals and children were restored to their rightful owners, fairly unharmed but unbelievably exhausted! Here are the pictures to prove it:

Savannah tacking "Rosie" up.


"Uh...Diego, where are you going?!"



All smiles after a fabulous ride!


Savannah and Amanda with the barn kitties.

McKayla and Yoko Ono with the kittens.

See how nicely I can hold the kitty...hehe.

Last Day of School

With thankful but heavy hearts we said goodbye to OSLA this afternoon. It was the first of many goodbyes to come over the next couple of weeks. (Thank you Lord that we only have to deal with them one at a time!) Our Savior Lutheran Academy has played a large role in nurturing our children. Savannah has been at OSLA since Kindergarten (with an 11 month sabbatical to California during 1st grade), McKayla spent two years there and Daniel just a brief semester. However, the staff and faculty have the uncanny ability to love their students as though they have known them from birth. At OSLA there is a great sense of family and unity. I (JJ) had the opportunity to experience this as a parent as well as a staff member. Our children were not just educated there but loved, supported and encouraged in their faith. For those teachers and staff members reading this, we are eternally grateful for the fingerprints you have left as you helped to shape and mold our children. May God bless you one hundred fold!

The girls' classes celebrated the ending of the school year with a breakfast and award ceremony. Although Daniel was most excited about the free doughnuts, he patiently sat through the awards and closing chapel ceremony. The class fish in McKayla's room did come in as a close second to the doughtnuts (Ms. Akers, check the bowl, he mentioned something about trying to pet the fish) =). McKayla's teacher presented awards to her class as well as a picture portfolio for each child. By the end I don't think there was a dry mommy eye in the room! Savannah's class received their awards in the chapel (along with the rest of the upper grades). For the older ones, there were a few tears as many of the students will move on to new schools next year. Savannah is particularly sad about leaving her friend Amanda, a sweet girl who has been Savannah's bud since Kindergarten.

What a blessing these past years have been. Too many to count. Enjoy the pics of this memorable morning......




Savannah with Mrs. Mclain. We miss you already!

Savannah receiving her award.


Daniel being silly!

McKayla receiving her award from Ms. Akers.




McKayla and Ms. Akers reading together.

McKayla with Ms. Akers....we love you!

Mmmmmm!! Eclaires!!!

Savannah with Anngela

Best Buddies! Savannah with Amanda.

The 3rd and 4th grade...Woo, Hoo Summertime!

Graduation...

As many of you know this weekend we were in Virginia for me (JJ) to walk in the Liberty University Commencement ceremony. (I finished my M.Ed. back in December 07). This event, coupled with a request from a good friend to include more pictures of Dan and I in the blog, compose the majority of this entry. Of course there are several pictures of the kids as well, because we all know that's why you're really here! =)
This weekend was such a blessing! Nanny and Papa (J's dad and step mom) plus Susu (J's mom) met us in Lynchburg for the baccalaureate and graduation. We stayed at a gorgeous bed and breakfast in Bedford, VA. (not too far from the campus). They have over 300 acres, 40 horses and 8 dogs. The kids, especially Savannah, were in heaven! By the time we left, whenever the dogs would see Savannah coming they would just lay down and roll on their backs because they knew they were in for a good tummy scratch. We officially named her "The Animal Whisperer!" Love to you all.....
-The Francis 5

"...He who began a good work in you will carry it onto completion until the day of Christ Jesus." Philippians 1:6

Declaring His "Presents!"

As the thunder began to rumble through Nashville this morning we knew the two little ones would be staying rather close. We tried to offer comfort by reasurring them that we were safe in our house, the thunder was not allowed to come in. Unfortunately, they weren't buying it. They needed something more substantial than that. McKayla scrunched her nose at the looming clouds questioning their integrity...she didn't trust the "big thunder" to maintain its boundaries outside of the house.

We reminded them that a while back, during another large storm, we had read in the Bible that thunder actually declares the presence of God Himself. Job's fair weather friend, Elihu, is preaching about the mystery and majesty of the Lord. He says "[God] covers His hands with the lightning and commands it to strike the mark. Its noise declares His presence..." Job 36:32-33. These words seemed to provide a bit of confidence, as they sat there quietly taking them in. Suddenly, a flash of lightening lit up the sky, followed by a deafening clap of thunder. Daniel and McKayla shuddered slightly but I quickly jumped in and said "Ok, McKayla what was the thunder saying?!" Her big hazel eyes looked up at me, trying so hard to be brave as she said "That God gets lots of presents." =)

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The pictures in this posting show just a little of what we have been up to. Dan and I spent this past weekend in California, house hunting, while the kids enjoyed some time with thier Meema (and cousin Nathan). This week our weather has been relatively nice, so we have all been able to be outside most of the afternoons. Daniel and McKayla enjoyed a picnic out back yesterday (as you can see, Diego is waiting patiently for his portion). Daniel discovered a ladybug which kept his busy for a while. McKayla enjoyed a "beach" day with her class yesterday which is where she is headed off to in the picture with the goggles below. Savannah is finishing up at school (they're out on May 22.....can our baby really be heading into 5th grade?! How did that happen?) Her class has been working hard on several songs which they will perform at church on Sunday morning. Hope you all are well...we'd love to hear how you all are doing so email us with updates.

Have a blessed day!