Allow me to introduce you....

...to the bottom of my clothes hamper.

I haven't seen this long, lost friend for some time now.

It was a sweet reunion ;)

Why I can't seem to blog as much

My life over the last few days, in pictures...

School trip to the amusement park with HBA. The guy in the back with the red shirt is our pastor. Our church is very blessed to have him.

Car wash for the teens so that they could earn money towards camp. 4 hours....90 cars....tired people, including me!

This is Ethan's first year in the youth group.

I'm getting old. end of story.

Our fearless leader...Superman, I mean Pastor Brian. :) He has lost 40 lbs this year---You go PB! He's running a mini next Saturday. He inspires me.
The cake that I made for an exchange student that lived with a family in our church and went to the Academy. She came to America lost, and is leaving America a child of God. How absolutely exciting. If you could add her to your prayer list, she would appreciate it. She is returning to an unsaved family.

The verse around the cake is Philippians 1:6 - Being confident of this very thing, that he which hath begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ.

I pray that she will remember that as she returns home. Here she is helping out at the car wash.

Today was opening day for our new pool. The kids had a ball. Personally, I thought the water was too cold, but it was in the 80's outside.

Our fish has found her home, once more!

Welcome summer!

Ice-pops....and trials?

My freezer has been overtaken for the summer. The ice-pops have taken up residence there, and they won't be departing any time soon. I am actually so happy about it, because that means I won't be freezing every time I go outside! Plus, you can't get much easier when it come to the kids wanting a snack. That reason alone makes me smile. :)

We are quickly approaching the end of school. I can't believe that we will have a 2nd, 3rd, and 7th grader next year. We have been so blessed this year.

We have also had our share of trials, but we have chosen to look for the good in those. That doesn't make it any more fun to go through them, but when trusting that they are there for your good and for your growth, they become blessings in disguise. Our God is so good and loving!

Think about it. Even though we have to discipline our children...and it's not very fun, for either side, isn't it only for their good? We do it because we love them and want the best for them.

Ultimately, THEY choose how to respond to that.

It's the same for us. We choose how to respond to trials.

I'm not really sure how I got from ice-pops to trials, but I did. :)

Our summer is getting full fast. I am excited to be home with the kids and to get out there and play. We spent so much time outside last summer and it was one that we will always remember. We are hoping to make this one just as memorable!

I am still contemplating whether or not I want to run in a half-marathon this summer. You all can weigh-in on that one, if you want!! :)

What are you doing this summer?

PS. I almost forgot to tell you that my team actually won 1st place in the church bowling league! Have I mentioned our name? Well, it's The Gutter Dusters....

Yeah, I know.

Somehow, we pulled it off. It was a fun accomplishment!