Project 365, Week 28

Full week witnessing God being good and faithful. He is unchanging, no matter our circumstances and we can remind ourselves of that as many times as necessary. :)

July 7

I'll own it...I bribed the kids with DD everyday as we were leaving the house before 8 AM.

Set, go...ready??

July 8

There were a couple Ezra sightings this week...she is astonishingly adorable. She's also in high demand so she's learning to speak up for herself and will politely say "bye" if you're not on the approved-to-hold list.

The master at work.

July 9

Aiden took this picture from the driver's seat of the plane. Because he was FLYING A PLANE! 

July 10

I drove to New York for my two-month scans (days later, the results came back. "unchanged"!)

July 11

A few days prior, B had been nominated by her team to get pied in the face. She was beyond excited about it, but also trying to act like she wasn't. It will be a core memory for her life.

Maddy and Mason were there giving a talk on their missionary plans and so it was fun that Mason got to do the pie-ing.

The closing song was a fun dance party and I was filled with gratitude as I looked on. I pray this week and the lessons learned stays embedded in their little hearts. 

After stopping at the flower stand, I took the kids home, said goodbye to B who was being picked up by the social worker later and met up with Amy.

The night before, we'd gotten word that my uncle had had a heart attack and was at the hospital. Amy and I knew we wanted to be there. Back to New York, but a very different and beautiful part.

It was SO good to see him and my aunt and cousin. They are not your average aunt, uncle, cousin, but are super special in so many ways. They found themselves in an upsidedown world, with no warning and it was all very raw and confusing. But he was stable! and being monitored closely.

July 12

The hospital in Cooperstown had wonderful family quarters just a short drive from the hospital. Amy and I drove the hour to our aunt and uncle's house and spent the night there. When we woke up in the morning, we had a little time to explore the flower gardens. It was all immaculate and beautiful.

Thinking it'd just be a quick ER visit and they'd be sent home, they left with just the clothes on their back. With their direction, we gathered up personal items that would help them get through the next few days.

When we met back up with them, the first order of business was coffee! Since my aunt and uncle have spent time in the area, they knew the best spots. We talked through some decisions and logistics. As the hours and days unfolded, it was undeniable that God's hand was in it. My two favorite attributes of God...His faithfulness and sovereignty...were fully on display.

I kept thinking of the lyrics miracle after miracle, open door after open door.

The hospital grounds were stunning...this is the view outside his window.

I got home just in time to pick up Shaun and go to a coffee house where my dad and Amanda sang a song together. My dad also did a few with "the boys".  Amanda was so beautiful and confident, I was so proud of her. And my dad up front, with a guitar, is such a familiar "home" sight to me.

July 13

Aiden's 16th birthday!! 

However it worked out, the five of us attended the same service and sat together. Nathanael was running equipment in back and snagged a picture of us.

From church, I dropped a load of friends at Six Flags for the day. But first, we made a stop at Aiden's favorite restaurant.

In the late afternoon they found their way to Rocco's house, where they swam and played basketball. Eventually, we joined them and brought pizza.

Aiden opened a present from Auntie Sarah...a bag filled to the brim with stuff you might need for a car. When Amanda came home from work, she went through the bag with great enthusiasm and envy. Now that she's been a car owner, she knows. It is satisfying to watch our kids become practical. :)

Here's a few pictures from VBS. It takes so much manpower (actually, mostly incredible women) to put on, but what an important investment in little lives. I pray that years down the road, when they think of church, they remember being loved.

(Aiden, just one year ago)

Project 365, Week 27

The much-anticipated Senior High Camp week, plus a celebration of our country. Summer, you are a wonder. 

June 30

Camp drop off is significantly less labor intensive than it used to be...I didn't even get out of the car, except to get a hug.

Amy was a chaperone on the bus to camp, so she spotted Amanda who had gone up the day before. Avery was there for the week to watch the youth pastor's kids, Jack was a counselor and Amanda helped Avery and whatever else was needed. And Aiden was living the good life as a camper.

Almost all the kids were gone for the week. :)

July 1

I tried to keep up with the kids through IG but there was a lot of content posted and much of it was video. Though I'm just realizing they're probably not called videos. Reels? Shorts? Regardless...please bring back the stills for those of us over 45-ish.

B had received some hard news about her case, so I reached out to my friend who is raising puppies and she said we could come over for puppy therapy. I invited Renna because she really like dogs. The puppies worked their magic and the girls were smitten.

Check-in from camp. :)

Jack and Kelly...giving it everything, even at five months pregnant.

July 2

Renna helped B with more shopping and then we ended at the pool. That splash is B conquering the diving board.

July 3

Nana is getting settled into her assisted living place. Its an amazing place! The facility, the friendly staff, the cleanliness, the activities. Outside there are groupings of comfortable chairs in the shade, often with people gathered. They walk slow and have time to sit and have a lingering conversation, surrounded by pretty flowers. I wonder when I can move in! :)

July 4

Amy and Colombo hosted their annual 4th of July bash and the weather cooperated. The kids met us there once they returned from camp, except for Avery and Jack who went to their family land in NH.

Amy made a spread of amazing food, the kids played and splashed and Colombo put on his best show yet.

Best part of the day was the 20 minutes Ezra Mae sat with me. She took pictures and we looked through my camera roll for pictures of her Mama and Dada.

Now that the boys are giants, pool basketball is more violent, but they have such fun.

July 5

Aiden promised me a camp download and, true to his word, he met me on the porch in the early hours of the day. What a gift of an hour!

His team brought some adversity on themselves, but he took it on the chin and we talked about integrity, reputation, etc. Choices and character-things that will last long past this week of camp. 

Imagine living in a new place where they eat completely different than you're used to...chunky v. creamy peanut butter, for example. So, at least in the sort-term, we buy ramen and sugar drinks and ice cream 

treats. The little things matter.

When we arrived, Nana was snuggled up in the blanket my niece Alayna made for her months ago. I sent the picture to Alayna so she'd be sure to know how much she blessed Nana.

July 6

Fav goalie, at work.

He's also quite skilled with the grill.