Vacation Memories Pt. 3 - Capitol Hill and Beyond

Today was another wonderful day spent in our nation's capitol! The beauty, richness, and history that is found here in Washington D.C. is truly awe inspiring. I have tremendously enjoyed each part of our journey so far!

We started our morning at the Library of Congress, where we were able to see an original Guttenberg Bible on display as well as Thomas Jefferson's library of over 6,000 books!

Next, we toured the Capitol building itself with a staff member from our congressman's office. My favorite part was the rotunda where gigantic paintings of our founding fathers hang and where intricate art is painted even on the domed ceiling.

After a delicious lunch in an underground cafeteria, we headed off to see the Declaration of Independence, Constitution, and Bill of Rights at the National Archives building. (Along the way, we got to witness a motorcade heading to the White House carrying President-elect Obama.) Reading about the founding of our nation in the National Archives was definitely a highlight! I am so grateful to the Lord for the rich, Godly heritage of this nation.

Lastly, we finished off the day at the National Cathedral. Listening to the boys' choir sing in that stunningly beautiful sanctuary was a welcome experience after the intense hike we took to get there. :)

All-in-all, it was a full day packed to the brim with sight-seeing and learning! Once again, the bed is calling me as my body is worn out from so much walking. :-) Tomorrow, our plan is to visit the Smithsonian before heading south into Virginia to see the Sadlers.

I am hoping to post all our pictures to a Picasa web album soon, but for now, here are a small handful to give you a glimpse into our day:

Mom, Dad, and I walking up the steps to the Library of Congress

Inside the ornate marble halls...

The Capitol

An everyday sight at the National Mall and Capitol Hill

The Constitution on Display

Stopping for a warm drink and sugar-boost on the way up to the National Cathedral.

(In case you're wondering, that's a cup of India Spice tea with a Gingersnap cookie.)

We finally made it!

What a beautiful church.

Vacation Memories Pt. 2 - Mt. Vernon and D.C.

What a day this has been! We have had a blast touring Mt. Vernon, Arlington National Ceremony, and the famous D.C. monuments at night. I wish I had time to describe it all and post more of the 420 pictures we snapped today, but considering that it's 11:30 at night and we have another big day planned tomorrow, I am desperate for my bed. :-)

Here are a few photographic moments captured from our eventful day...but do stay tuned for LOTS more....hopefully soon!

Mt. Vernon (front view)

Mom and Dad at the backside of Mt. Vernon

Our family in front of the Potomac


Arlington National Cemetary

The Lincoln Memorial

Vacation Memories - Pt. 1: Annapolis

Ready to go with my bag full of books! (Gotta love rolling laptop cases.)

Look at the BEAUTIFUL fall colors the Lord has blessed us with! He is such a good God to hear and answer our prayers. I have been mesmerized by the palatte of colors all around us, and I am drinking in every bit!

Welcome to Annapolis, capitol of Maryland!

Where the time is approximately 4:00 p.m.

We greatly enjoyed strolling around this quaint little town, enjoying the sights, the colors, and the crips autumn air!

In this old historic inn, the floor in one room is made of glass...

Interesting, isn't it?



My beautiful Marmee

Imagine having a backyard like this!

Shops along Main Street

Walking the wharf

Such a beautiful sight.

Katelin enjoying the cove

Katelin enjoying the camera
My family in Annapolis

" The heavens declare the glory of God, and the firmament showeth His handiwork."

More fall colors at the U.S. Naval Academy

A new kind of re-sale shopping! (Can you tell this is a Navy town?)

Another quaint house and yard...

The alley way

Mom peeking in a inn's basement window.

Enjoying a milk shake at Chick and Ruth's Deli

Hurray for family vacations!

A Dream Come True

I apologize for the silence on my blog lately, but this week has simply been packed to the brim! Commitments, responsibilities, projects, and deadlines have all clamored for my attention, and thus, blog post entries had to be shelved for the week.

But I have good news!

New blog posts will be coming soon.

And they will be interesting...fascinating...and fun...

because...

(drumroll please)

...my family is going on VACATION!!!

But this is not just any vacation. This is only our third-ever REAL family vacation.

(By real, I mean a trip that is dedicated to something other than a homeschool conference or a visit with relatives.)

And this vacation is a dream come true from the Lord - a trip we've always wanted to take, but have never been able to do...until now.

Destination: Washington D.C. and Colonial Williamsburg

Isn't that exciting?!?!?!

We leave bright and early tomorrow morning. (Thus the reason why I am up past midnight tonight getting ready. I told you it's been a busy week!)

My suitcase is finally packed (except for last-minute toiletry items and such), and my carry-on bag for the plane literally crammed full of preparatory-tourism books for the history buff like me. I have titles such as Signers of the Declaration, Presidents, Vice Presidents, and First Ladies of the United States, George Washington and the Constitution, The National Mall, National Geographic's Official Guidebook to Washington D.C., and The Official guidebook of Colonial Williamsburg. At this rate, I have the feeling that the 3-hour plane trip will seem quick indeed! :-)

Here's our itinerary for the week:

Saturday: Fly into Baltimore, drive to Annapolis and see the sights.

Sundy-Tuesday: Tour D.C. and visit Mt. Vernon

Tuesday Evening-Thursday: Visit our dear friends, the Sadlers, in Gloucester, Virginia

Friday: Visit Colonial Williamsburg

Saturday: Drive back to Baltimore and fly home

I've been looking forward to the possibility of this trip all year and the reality of it for two months! The Lord is so generous to allow my family the privilege and opportunity of experiencing this dream come true when we never thought we'd be able to do so. May His name be praised!

Please pray with us for beautiful weather next week as most of our planned activities will take place outdoors. And please pray that some of the glorious fall colors will be preserved for me! I'm enthralled with the fall colors of Virginia and am earnestly hoping that we haven't missed them!

Stay tuned for future blog posts in the coming days full of pictures and news from our nation's capitol!

Values Voters Count!

I know there have been a lot of videos and emails floating around on Cyberspace since the beginning of the presidential campaign. I have personally viewed a lot of them. But this YouTube presentation is by far my favorite and one of the most inspiring.

Check it out at:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NwLY_HRt-AM

What a good reminder of the significance of ONE.

Life's Happenings

This week has been rather quiet in comparison to the previous weeks of busy retreat preparations. As such, it has provided ample opportunity for bringing closure to a very significant chapter of life. Maiden's Quest Ministries.

I have sorted through and cleaned out all our materials, finding it necessary to fill only one box for the attic. I have reconciled the finances, written checks for reimbursement to ministry volunteers, composed thank you notes, and updated the website.

Looking back over these past two years, I can only marvel at the goodness of God. Who would have thought that a simple desire to hold an encouraging retreat for teenage girls would blossom into such a ministry? I imagine that when God gave that seed of an idea, He did so with a twinkle in His eye. Of course, He knew what the far-reaching effects would be! Truly, He does exceeding abundantly above all we could ask or think. What a journey it has been...
To have met so many precious young ladies and mothers has been a blessing beyond words. And the memories of these two years are ones I shall cherish forever.

As the door to the season of ministry with Maiden's Quest retreats quietly clicks shut behind me, and I stand on the threshhold of the future, perhaps you are wondering what next?
So am I. :-)

While I don't know exactly what the Lord's leading is for the future, it would seem He is preparing me to enter into long-term missionary service. Where this is to take place, and what I am to be involved with has yet to be made clear. The cry of the orphan has captured my attention, and I believe God has a plan for me that will somehow include bringing love and hope to such little ones. Perhaps in Haiti. Perhaps in South America. I don't know yet. Please pray for the wisdom to know His will and the courage to fulfill it.

Meanwhile, the happenings of my life right now include such weekly activities as spending time with my grandparents, serving as a mother's helper, studying God's Word, volunteering at a pregnancy center, teaching piano, and writing Bible studies. In the midst of it all, I am constantly seeking the face of my God and the understanding of His plans for my life.

To God be the glory...great things He is always doing!