Walking on sunshine...

Okay...not walking but definitely resting on sunshine. I'm sure going to miss this girl when she heads back to Alaska. I'm thinking she may just try and bottle some of this sunshine up and take it back with her...

What an excellent day...

A Sunday hike is our favorite kind of hike. There's nothing more beautiful on the sabbath than enjoying this beautiful world that God created. 

This particular hike was great because our weather has been unusually hot. You had to work, work, work to get there but once you did? It was chilly, and magnificent. And did I mention beautiful? 

Halee is 19...

Halee turned 19 today. I felt guilt that we got to have her while Jared is working so hard but I'm really really happy we got another birthday in with her before she heads back to Alaska. She got pancakes in bed for breakfast And donuts after dinner instead of cake (her request) and by golly they were so good. She spent most of the evening on the phone with Jared and I truly think that was the best part of her day. She is loved by so many. 

Southern in the northwest...

Living in an old house can be a big pain at times with repairs and maintenance but on mornings like this where I can sit on my porch and pretend I'm Scarlett O'hara then it all becomes okay.

Looking back but moving forward...

Have you ever heard that saying "hindsight is 20/20?" It's definitely true. But I also believe that blurry vision can be a good thing. We make mistakes and grow from them and if everything was always clear as crystal what on earth could we possibly gain? Finding our way is where the learning happens.

I came upon this picture (hiding in the attic) of myself at age 17. A slew of memories flooded my mind as I looked in the eyes of this young girl. A girl trying desperately to fit in. One with so many dreams. A girl that's made mistakes but is resolute to move in the direction God would have her go. One who is afraid of what the future holds but more of afraid of not knowing what that future is. It was very surreal looking at this picture. Especially now that I'm raising teenagers and they too, I'm sure have the same questions and struggles and joys.

Connor saw the photo and said "this looks old and vintage. Are you sure you were real?" I'm not sure what that means but I know for a fact it was very real indeed.

Time together with pie to boot...

Family home evening. It's something we've tried to be consistent at for 20 years since we got married. I'm terrible at certain things. But this is one thing we have done okay on and I think it's because it means so much to the kids and so it keeps us accountable. Plus, our sweet Halee is visiting while her hardworking husband provides, so tonight was extra special as we took the kids swimming in this unusual 90 degree weather. AND Halee made us two beautifully delicious coconut cream pies for dessert. Who could ask for more?

Mother's Day....

First and foremost (because mom will ALWAYS come first in my book) I'm so grateful for my sweet mama and all she has taught me throughout my life. There's something safe about having your mom wrap her arms around you and tell you it's going to be okay. My mom has done that for me many times in my life and without her love and support I'm not sure where I'd be today.

My day was made beautiful as usual by my loving husband and children. Breakfast in bed....delicious lunch after church and NEW SOCKS. And yes, I wanted new socks. Totally boring to some but not to me, and Chris new that so that's what I got. I'm thankful for this wonderful life.

Bad words...

The girls ran into my bedroom a few mornings ago claiming that they heard dad say a bad word. I sighed and asked which word they heard. Scarlett spelled it "bull s-h-*-t" I said "are you SURE he says that?" secretly hoping they'd assume that surely they had heard wrong. Grace pipes in "I think he said bull shoot." Scarlett then yells "that's just dumb, and doesn't make any sense!" Needless to say I went into the kitchen and said to Chris "it looks like you have some explaining to do to your daughters." He pulled them both aside and admitted his wrong doings. Can't get away with much around this house, I guess.

Sweet dreams...

I came upstairs to say goodnight to my sweet babies tonight and stumbled upon this snuggle bug. Apparently he's pretty darn good at tucking himself in without my help, however he still got a kiss and a hug goodnight.

Just because...

He loves me...

He loves me not...

He loves me...

He loves me not...

Okay, okay...he definitely loves me.

A sweet kind of bond...

Chris captured this sweet moment of Grace playing the piano with Sophie (our dog) in tow. I may not love having dogs, but knowing how much our kids love our dogs? Seeing the benefits they receive from having dogs? That's the payoff.

When lightening strikes?

Pretty much nothing happens at least not where I live. I grew up in Georgia, and a lightening storm was no joke and by golly you better stay away from the television, don't take a shower, and cover your ears because it's gonna get dang loud.

We had a thunderstorm "watch" a few days ago and the kids were all hyped up about it. I was even a little excited and I hated thunderstorms as a kid. Unfortunately it turned out to be the biggest wimp of a storm you could ever imagine. A few lightening strikes and quiet rumblings of thunder in the distant and that's it. I guess that's what you get when you live in the northwest.

This picture was pre storm.

Tea party...

Our church put on a special little tea party for moms and daughters in honor of Mother's Day. They served three courses and all the food was miniature. And let's face it, nothing is as cute as little things. The girls helped plan the whole event and it turned out absolutely and positively lovely.

Grace turns 10...

This angel bug turned double digits today. It's been 10 lovely years raising this little gem. She serves all she comes in contact with. Her family is her priority and she makes that clear as crystal by the little acts of love she performs for everyone daily. It's such a joy being her mama.