Project 365, Week 35

Shaun and I kept saying, This is a lot. Its telling when he is ready to admit its too much. I stayed committed to doing the things that keep me sane and pleasant and ready to give out to people. My family will be able to tell you if it worked or not. 😉 We got through the week and had some good times along the way. 

August 23

I had some helpers walking the dog early in the morning.

August 24

This morning, I did not. When I walk by myself, I pray out loud, which helps me focus. If these trees could talk...

Pop and Kiki put together a day at Cape Cod for Aiden, Rocco and Renna. They biked, they fished, they ate and had so much fun! Grandparents have the potential to have such a lasting and profound impact on their grandkids...I'm grateful for those hearts and voices in their lives.

August 25

The boys club...part work, part sailing boats in the stream.

Just for this night, we kept the middle and high school groups together to personalize their binders.

It was picture-worthy because of how rare this occurrence is...the girls peacefully and lovingly working on school work together in a summer packet cram session.

August 26

A bunch of 12 year old-ish boys gathered at Amy's house for sports of all kinds and pool time. I stayed and got some time with Amy, who assured me (as only a good friend can do) that I didn't seem as wild-eyed as I felt. ;) It was lovely to sit poolside together and chat.

The girls were doing double sessions of soccer practice. Dakota gets so excited to go with me to pick them up. When they're done, I let him run out to the field to all the girls who think he's so cute.

August 27

We had one extra, extra helping out a friend. I can't even recreate how the day played out...it would have been funny if I hadn't felt so stretched.

It gave me great joy to watch Dakota do his "job" and get the girls from soccer practice. SO cute!

August 28

For many years Mom and Russ have taken the kids to their annual company picnic. We've enjoyed the day of babysitting but this year I planned to go, knowing I'd have K and Dakota. Between double soccer sessions we squeezed in a beautiful day with cousins and lots of activities.

New Pokemon cards arrived in the mail and the boys were thrilled.

August 29

Amanda served in Kids Church, I counted offering. When we got out of the car we realized Dakota had no shoes. Amanda and I joked about all the ways we were winning at life. But in the end Dakota learned the story about Daniel in the lions' den...he has repeated their verse God is Powerful many times since.

Kim and Ronnie came with the baby for the afternoon. She is super sweet and smiley!

The boys couldn't have been more delighted to learn that Ronnie used to collect Pokemon cards. They "talked shop" for quite a while.

Afterwards it felt like I'd dreamed it, but I have photographic evidence that Sarah stopped by for a visit. She and Avery talked babies and dresses. 💛

K is not a fan of big groups so I bought him a large Minecraft Lego set to stay busy at the building while the other kids went with their friends. He was very pleased, but not so much about Dakota helping.

Their friends Trevor and Jack put tons of time and heart and effort into making Youth Camp 2.0, a continuation of youth camp a few weeks back. The kids had SUCH a great time and they all decided it should be an annual event. What a blessing it is to have such a good group.