I have noticed I haven't blogged much at all lately. I have let myself get overwhelmed with the things of life. But in all these things there were so many blessings.
The first week of August my brother and his family were here visiting. I t was a week choc full of family togetherness. It was glorious. I finally got to hold my new nephew! And got to know my new sister-in-law who I had only briefly met at their wedding almost a year and a half ago. It was so wonderful to have the family together again and to spend so much quality time... even if we did not get to play Dutch Blitz this go round. ;-P
Two weeks ago I had the privilege of teaching Kindergarten at VBS. It was a chaotic week, but a good one. I had seven of little cherubs in my class and they had a blast. They learned their memory verses, listened intently to Bible stories and sang and danced with gusto. When we presented the salvation message, all seven said they all ready had asked Jesus into their hearts.
Last week we went camping. Slowly but surely my mister is making a camper out of me. ;-P He loves it... as do the children. I am learning to as well. I love the water, the mountains, being outdoors. The campfires. I have even become reasonably tolerant of sleeping in a tent! Truthfully we had a glorious time. It was beautiful...although a little chilly in the mornings. We swam, played tons of Dutch Blitz, laughed, and generally enjoyed each others company.
My heart ached and I was speechless. Camping... at 80...just three weeks after losing her life mate. I can not even fathom it. I mumbled some kind of appropriate response. She told me to enjoy the rest of the day as I stumbled out of the bathroom, close to tears. As I stood staring out at the mountains and trees I was profoundly thankful. For my husband. Our children. For this beautiful day. For each day we still have to live.... we are not guaranteed even the next moment... I intend to treasure each one.
a few gifts...
- a night cool enough for a blanket
- the girls sitting out in the hammock, eating pizza
- finally getting to hold Jacob!
- *happy memories of Jared*
- Mikayla's so good with Jacob
- Hannah's first sleepover
- visiting the amish store with mom, Becca, Laura, Mik & Ava
- a day at the zoo
- Maddie's mealtime prayer
- Ava's beautiful joy filled smile
- cooking dinner for the Fam
- Everyone who hears my words & puts them into practice is like a wise man who builds his house on the rock --Matt 7:24
- Women of Grace picnic
- kids on the slid n slide
- watching Hannah swim underwater
- sin8ing VBS songs together in the car
- watching the kids dance on stage at VBS
- a quiet morning, a cup of coffee & the Word
- a family BBQ with friends
- quiet mountain beauty
- blue heron just off our campsite
- our silly "pet" chipmunk Calvin
- Dutch Blitz games
- laughing till I cried
- missing you txts from Jess
- a crackling fire on a chilly morning
- quality time with my sis <3
