But Does It Have A Pool?

Some children might ask "Are we there, yet?" while traveling. But in the Poff Clan, the most often heard question when approaching the day's destination is, "Does the hotel have a pool?" Who cares about a bed....just give 'em a pool, and they'll say it's the best hotel ever. (Unless is was the one we stayed in at Lake Eufala a few years ago in which dead bugs and frogs came free with our room) . We were also blessed to have enjoyed a pool party at my brother's house while visiting. Even little Peep enjoyed the cool, blue stuff!

Sand + Water = FUN, FUN, FUN

"At The Sea-Side"

Robert Louis Stevenson

When I was down beside the sea

A wooden spade they gave to me

To dig the sandy shore.

My holes were empty like a cup.

In every hole the sea came up,

Till it could come no more.

****

God graciously blessed us with beautiful weather while in Norfolk, so the children eagerly enjoyed the delights of the sand and the water for the first time!

Where The Grass Is Greener

Whenever we travel back to Virginia, the children are amazed at the number of trees and the green, green grass. We arrived at Ben's parents' home early on a Monday morning, and the children soon abandoned their shoes to feel the grass beneath their feet, running everywhere without fear of stickers or rocks (but steering clear of the poison ivy!). This simple activity captured their attention that entire first day.

Home Again, Home Again

~Mountain Man's family

It's hard to believe that almost a month ago we were quickly packing up to go to Virginia to be with Mountain Man's Dad. Everything happened so quickly...the hospitalization, the preparation for the trip, and sadly, Ralph's death. We were about nine hours away when we got the call that ended any hope that we would see him one last time.

We returned home last Friday after three weeks with our families, and now the goal is to return to life as we know it, while we grieve, contemplate, and reflect on God's goodness and mercy. This was such a heartbreaking trip to make, and yet, in the midst of such sadness, God blessed us so abundantly each moment of the way.

~We managed to pull everything together for this trip in less than 2 days--that's quite a feat when packing for 9! We were also blessed to have friends who were eager to help take care of our home and our pets while we were away.

~After getting the news that PawPaw had died, we were told that Mountain Man's sister and her son were not far behind us (they live in Memphis), and we were able to meet up with them and travel those last hours together! Isn't God's timing perfect? What a precious gift that was.

~God blessed this trip with opportunities to renew relationships that had become distant in the past years and to bring healing to other relationships . There were many moments to say "I love you" over and over again to our family members.

~Mountain Man had the honor of giving the eulogy at his father's funeral, and Scribe was privileged to be a pall bearer.

~God kept us safe through many, many hours on the road...no flat tires, no car trouble.

~The children experienced the beach for the first time. They've been there before in the winter, but this was the first time they've enjoyed the water and the sand. They were simply delighted.

~We were able to celebrate two birthdays with family. Little Big Man turned 12, and Boo turned 4.

~God blessed us through the generosity of others. Family members abundantly met our needs while we were there, and we are so grateful beyond words.

~Mountain Man's employer was very gracious about giving him the time off, and we were able to take the time we needed.

~Though we did come home to a leaking roof, we are thankful it wasn't worse. And, God kept those nasty critters called mice away.

~God blessed us with the prayers of many friends while we were away.

I'll be posting many pictures of our trip, and while it is very good to be home, events like this move us to ponder where home should be now. We thank God that He'll show us His will in the days and months ahead.

Love,

Queen Mom

Life in Pictures 6/09/09

Sweet Whistler puts Peep to sleep.

It's equal-opportunity game playing at our house. Here Peep contemplates what continent she'll take over next in the game of Risk.

Little Bit has mastered the fine art eating chocolate chip muffins, hot from the oven, of course.

Sunday was an especially beautiful Lord's Day as we celebrated the baptism of Claire Jubilee.

Sweetest Caity, pictured here holding Claire on Sunday, made the beautiful baptism cake you see below. Three of her brothers were baptized as well.

It Is Not Death to Die

It Is Not Death to Die - Sovereign Grace Music


My uncle passed away this morning....here is a comforting reminder that it is not death to die. We are sad because he is no longer here with us, but we rejoice that he is free from his pain and misery and now with Jesus.


"It Is Not Death to Die"

It is not death to die
To leave this weary road
And join the saints who dwell on high
Who've found their home with God

It is not death to close
The eyes long dimmed by tears
And wake in joy before Your throne
Delivered from our fears

O Jesus, conquering the grave
Your precious blood has power to save
Those who trust in You
Will in Your mercy find
That it is not death to die

It is not death to fling
Aside this early dust
And rise with strong and noble wing
To live among the just

It is not death to hear
The key unlock the door
That sets us free from mortal years
To praise You evermore

O Jesus, conquering the grave
Your precious blood has power to save
Those who trust in You
Will in Your mercy find
That it is not death to die

~Sovereign Grace Music

Just the Girls

Happy Birthday, Reaches Up!

Reaches Up turned 7 on Friday! Here are seven things we love about him....

1) His charming smile

2) He faithfully reads his Bible and is so delighted each time he finishes a book in it.

3) He asks great, thought-provoking questions that keep us saying, "We'll have to look that up."

4) He memorizes Scripture with amazing ease.

5) He's quite "knightly" with his little sisters.

6) He's got a "can do" attitude, and if his brothers can do it , you can bet he can, too!

7) He's wonderfully affectionate, blessing our days with spontaneous hugs and kisses.

Reaches Up started the day with a birthday jog with Daddy.

After lunch at Fuddrucker's, he enjoyed picking out a birthday treat from a gourmet cupcake shop.

With birthday money in hand, he especially enjoyed visiting "Out of the Blue," a fun toy store in Albuquerque. He came home with lots of Playmobil figures to add to his collection.

Reaches Up loves to read, and he thought the Chronicles of Narnia book set would be a great way to start his own book collection.

How far we've come from the day you were born when they whisked you off to the intensive care unit. We were so blessed that you were only there a week and that God restored you to perfect health. You are a reminder of God's mercy and grace, dear son, and we're so thankful He chose us to be your parents. We love you!