The DiMartino Chronicles: September 2016

Saturday, September 24, 2016

Two weeks ago: On Labor Day we did just a little bit of school and got out our kiddie pool. A friend visited for a couple days, and we all went out-of-town for my annual bloodwork and doctor's appointment. Ricky worked in another county three days this week. We had another friend over for dinner and a game and stayed up way too late talking. Also, we had a great visit with my aunt and uncle -- swimming at their neighborhood pool and enjoying a cookout :)
Last week: The big happening was rearranging and organizing our main area living room. We were honored to give our large couch to a friend, and IKEA delivered some large items we had gotten. Ricky put together our new, smaller couch and bookshelves within a few days; they're filled up. I should take a picture of it. We, also, went to a free conference by Voice of the Martyrs with the kids, and we loved it! The kids did great. Then, we enjoyed small group (with Ricky as the only guy to show up!)
For those without Netflix (or with), check out VidAngel! It allows you to select filters (or not) for each movie you want to watch. And it's only $1/movie. Great selection -- better than Netflix or Redbox or any you can think of. We love it and highly recommend it!

visiting with my aunt and uncle

wearing both her babies

opening a new card game, Control, a friend of ours from college helped make (it's fun with a 5-15 minute game play!)

christening our new couch

and just today he made a duplo town :)

School verses: Micaiah -- Colossians 3:13, Hebrews 13:17 ; Aolani -- Psalm 1 is complete now, Genesis 1:1

Verses to memorize lately: 2 Corinthians 5:4-5

I have to share a must-read story and/or video about Kayla Mueller, an American Christian who was held hostage by ISIS in Syria: CLICK HERE.

Three weeks ago Ricky's mom came for 10 days! :) We still did school, but the kids also got to go to parks, the library, the pool, and shopping. We also had our annual dentist appointments, went to the theater to see Pete's Dragon, and visited the Hot Springs!
Our church had their annual pool party. When we returned, Micaiah wanted to give his life to Jesus (outside, where God could hear him better ;) He sat on my lap in the dark while we talked (Aolani helped ;). We were glad that Nonna was visiting and could share this special moment!
Two weeks ago Nonna took the kids on a road trip for a few days. Meanwhile, I went to court with Ricky for half-a-day three days (I mostly read my kindle), we went on a date and saw Ben-Hur, and we had a little surprise party for a friend who turned 30. Nonna left the day after returning with the kids, and my mom came to visit for a few days that same day. We had a housework day and pizza/movie night, and we went out the other day to IKEA and visit an old family friend with dementia (kids first time in a nursing home). The next day we had small group at our house after going to church (Micaiah had his first communion) and my mom left.
Micaiah refused to go into the girls' bathroom with Aolani and Nonna because "then I'll be voting for Hillary Cwinton!!"
Aolani picked out a sweet black baby doll and excitedly told us, "Look! She has dark skin, dark eyes, and dark hair just like me!" ;)