Friday Favorite

Hard to choose, but this is one of my favorite Instagram takeaways of the week.

All is Grace....Happy Friday!

August's 10 on 10

10 pictures on the 10th day of the month (Wednesday).

{Document a snapshot of your life & find beauty among the ordinary things in your day! }

Its getting light a lot later these days. Ginger and I pulled up a chair in the yard to watch a new day dawn.

We took a walk in the rain around the neighborhood to put the garbage to the curb for pickup at the rental buildings.

Soccer Skills drop off.

Attempting to keep food in the house.

The day before, I'd given clear instructions for the kids to get all their belongings out of the car. Because they didn't obey, not only did they have to get everything out, they also had to wipe it down to a shine.

On a rainy afternoon, watching the Olympics...Go Team USA!!

Top secret play happening.

New school haircut.

My dad had some work that needed to be done at his church and he knew just who to call on for the job. :)

Shaun spent the day quite sick. Ironically he had an annual physical two days prior and checked out just fine.

Rain or shine, cool or hot...we'll take you summer!

Project 365, Week 32

Shaun and I were able to get away for a few days...the first time its been just the two of us for a non-medical reason in a while. It was nice. We also dealt with some drama while we were away. Foster care, by its very definition is messy. Much of it is out of our control, and there are regularly bumps and surprises and hard. It takes determination, tons of love, grace and prayer.

I am in awe of my husband, who handles every situation with such wisdom and patience. He has such a heart for helping people and its beautiful to watch.

Despite the week's challenges, we still made good memories.

August 1

We arrived at our mountain lodge in Vermont late the night before. We picked it off of Groupon, $60 per night which included a full breakfast. Perfect!

The town clearly has the infrastructure to accommodate many people, but we were there in the "off" season so it was quite quiet.

Our room faced the golf course. We were close enough that when Shaun was putting hole six and I was standing on our room's balcony, we were able to talk. :)

A romantic dinner at a restaurant down the street. Most were closed for the season so it was easy to pick. This one ended up being so amazing we went twice.

August 2
A beautiful view at the top, about a three hour hike.

I have a new niece...my 20th niece/nephew! This is sweet Willow.

August 3
The hike the day before had gone so well, we decided we were game for more of a challenge. We hiked Mt. Killington, which has a 4000 ft. elevation...we hiked 2400 ft of it. The weather could not have been better!

As we neared the summit, a man was coming down. He took one look at me and warned that the remainder was "incredibly difficult". We smiled and thanked him but it was actually kind of an obnoxious thing to say at that point in our journey. Besides, I could have told him hours of stories about "incredibly difficult" things I've done. :) Despite his well-meaning warning, we made it to the top and the views were breath-taking.

While we were away, the kids missed us terribly and had no fun at all. ;) So grateful for family!

 

August 4
Together again!

August 5
My sister's (Baby Willow's mom :) kids are up from Texas for a couple weeks with their grandparents. We were invited over for a couple hours on the lake to see them...it'd been more than a year and Allie and Levi have grown so much!

August 6
Remind me each morning of your constant love, for I put my trust in you.

August 7
Shaun's mom got the family together for a picnic on a perfect summer afternoon. Then the water balloons came out.... :)

August 8
We dropped H off at his last summer camp, I'm praying it goes well. I chose it because I think it could be life-impactful...he could use a few wins.

Our desire at Camp J is to create a place where friendships can grow and people can learn. Camp is about developing the life skills that help campers build and maintain positive relationships, learn about the difference in others, and feel confident in the person they are becoming. Our staff are selected for their maturity, character and leadership capabilities, as well as their desire to be positive role models and mentors to our campers.

Project 365, Week 31

I'm a little late posting this week. Shaun and I just returned from a time away and, though I thought I would blog while we were gone, I never got around to it.

We've been adventuring and chilling this summer, and its been great. My nephew recently said that "summer" is his favorite holiday. I kind of agree! :)

July 25

My sister organized a beach day for all who could come. Its always a treat to be together.

July 26
We had a last-minute swim and cookout time with the D's. Ginger was kind of sort of enjoying being Aiden target.

July 27
The kids love to visit daddy at the office, where they can watch TV and eat lollipops spend quality time with him.

Lots of games...Sequence has been a favorite for a while. Enough strategy for the adults and the youngest can win, too.

July 28
Off to the lake with Auntie Sienna and cousins.

That afternoon the summer packets came in the mail. All three kids were SO excited and dug right in. What a blessing to have motivated, diligent students who love to learn!

Avery is going into middle school (ack!) and most of her summer work is online. Craziness!

July 29
I like to capture peaceful, happy play time between these two. Though rare, its very sweet.

July 30
After a fun and exhausting day of taking pictures at the health fair put on at our church, I took the older two to a youth service. Loved this quote.

July 31
My sweet guy. He biked along with me on my morning-tire-the-puppy-out walk and stopped to pick me a bouquet.

Sunday was deliver kids and a dog to all corners of the state, throw a couple belongings in a bag and hit the road for a getaway.