A highlight of the summer for Analise will surely be the week she spent at a local Girl Scout camp, Camp Coleman, for horseback daycamp. They spent the mornings in the barn, riding, learning about all things related to horses and even cleaning out the stalls (Analise actually said, as only a 7-year old girl could say, “Today we got to clean out the stall! It was SO FUN! Except it really smelled!”) There were plenty of other camp activities, too… swimming, arts & crafts, playing in the creek, a climbing wall, culminating in an actual horseback ride around camp on Friday. She really enjoyed the week, except the middle few days were s little more challenging. “It’s really fun except when the horse doesn’t listen to you. Then it’s hard.” (um, like mothering?? I spared her the lecture.)
A few pictures that she brought home in a sweet little scrapbook on Friday (probably one of her most treasured keepsakes of the week.. along with a well-used horseshoe):
(PS – a HUGE thank you to Grandma Sandy & Poppa Dale for helping us give this to Analise as part of her birthday gift. Definitely memories that will last a long time!)
After just the 4th of 5 days of swimming lessons, Josiah jumped off the diving board and swam to the ladder. We are so proud of him!! Here’s a link to the video of the big moment:
“For freedom Christ has set us free…” and so we celebrate our freedom as believers and as Americans. Thank you, Lord!!
Analise is actually taller than Uncle Sam this year! (He’s a yearly fixture in Grandma Beverly’s patriotic decorations, and we measure the kids against him each year.) And next year, Josiah may have caught up to Analise AND be taller than Uncle Sam!
The month of June is behind us, and though there are many numbers I could give you (like how many miles I traveled (10,000?), how many different beds I slept in (13), how many times I traveled through Chicago (4), how many hours behind I am on normal life (feels like at least 18!), I’ll focus on three special numbers.
5
The age my sweet boy turned on June 9th. Without me. But because he had presents before we left, and I arranged special delivery of cupcakes, a balloon and 2 HotWheels cars (thanks Allison!), I don’t think he really noticed we weren’t around. Josiah, my handsome little man, I am amazed every day at the thoughtful loving little person you are growing into. We love you so much, and we pray this year holds amazing adventures as God grows you into a faithful young man like King Josiah.
7
The age my baby girl turned just this week, June 29th. So many memories! How have I been a mom for 7 years already? This birthday was highly anticipated, from late May when she got to take treats to school to a very early party for both Analise and Josiah to early present-opening. Her actual birthday was spent at a fun worship arts camp, where she surprised us all with a solo. We capped off the day with a trip to PetSmart for our new fish, Pearl. Analise, my sweet girl, you’ll always be my baby. But you are growing into a lovely young lady, full of grace and confidence. I love spending time with you, and I pray this year holds many adventures where you taste more of Christ’s deep love for you.
8
The number of years Brian and I celebrate together in “the winter wonderland of constant awesomeness” that is marriage, according to author Jon Acuff. Time has flown by, and there’s been lots of love, laughs, adventures, and many miles. I kinda like spending time with you, Brian. This is getting kind of serious:)
When I arrived in Nicaragua in Sept. 2001 (or in Jan. 1999), I didn’t know what to expect. I had ideas, expectations and pictures in my head of how I thought it would be. But my time in Nicaragua was far different than I imagined – and far better. Both of those times spent in Nicaragua changed me and taught me the ever-important lesson (and truly the cornerstone lesson of my life) that God’s plan is often quite different and much better than I could have imagined.
So tonight we’re flying through a sunset sky about to land in Managua. I’m about to drive down roads that I’ve traveled many times, see people from a different season of my life, dive into a culture that’s much more familiar than foreign. But I’m reminded gently by my gracious God that 12 and 10 years later, I’m a different person. My experience in Nicaragua is bound to be far different thanks to the amazing experiences that the past 10 years have given me. Add to that the fact that I’ll be here only 6 days rather than 1 1/2 years, and I’ll gently lay down my memories and expectations. I’m praying now that I’d be fully here and focused on how God wants to use me and change me in this short visit. Beyond this week, I’d love for God to show Brian & I how to keep the people of Nicaragua and the awesome work of Nuevas Esperanzas at the forefront of our family mission.
I’ve heard lots about Lowe’s Build & Grow workshop on Saturday mornings, but we’ve never made it. Today was the perfect day, and it was absolutely the perfect craft project for my creative kiddos. I can’t recommend it highly enough… And it’s free!
They handed us a bag of pieces and instructions, and amazingly, we worked patiently together. The kids were such great listeners, and they found the right pieces for each step. They got to hammer, and no one got hurt. AND mom even got pictures!
In the end, we had well-made little wooden bi-planes, and we were one proud bunch. We’ll definitely be back for another project!
I have to give equal time to my cute girl… who is just 1 day away from being a 2nd grader! Amazing!
She’s wanted to get her hair cut short for a while now. And this cut couldn’t frame her face any more perfectly. Somehow, it makes her look taller, but maybe it’s because she is?!?
And my favorite [Twitter] memory moment: Walking to school, 3 days from being a 2nd grader, she skips away, then comes back for a hug. My heart is full.
And by cool, he prefers the “I’m a cool dude” meaning, and though that may be true, it’s literally cool, since he barely has any hair left.
He didn’t want to go get his haircut, so I offered, since I’ve been doing Brian’s over the last year or so. I couldn’t remember how long (or short) the #3 guard was, and I knew as soon as I started that it was WAY shorter than I’d intended. Whoops!
But I raved about it, and I called Brian out to support the positive vibe. “Why did you cut it so short, Momma?” I wanted to say, “Oh my sweet blonde-headed boy… I’m so sorry! I didn’t mean to!” But I bit my tongue, and told him I didn’t know it would be quite so short, but in 2 weeks, it would definitely longer. And cooler under a bike helmet! All was well… except I do a double-take every time I see him.
Of course, I think it makes his handsome blue eyes stand out more. Love this boy!
I wanted to drop J off in carpool, but he told me he wanted me to walk him in to his classroom. When I asked why he preferred that, he said, “I like holding your hand.” Who can resist that? I think we’ll walk in together the last 5 days of preschool.
This sweet girl and her smile never cease to make me smile, too. I walked to school to pick her up, and she was excited about her boots and umbrella and the fact that it was barely raining but there were puddles to splash in. Happy Friday.
