Project 365, Week 27

Ahh...summer! Slow and steady.

June 29

I have lots of cloud pictures from this week. There were pop-up storms circling the area, making for some unique skies. Nature amazes me!

What also amazes me is how thrilled my family is on the rare occasion when I make breakfast for dinner. Go figure!

June 30

Aiden.

We noted how light it was outside at 9pm. Wish we could have this much daylight year round.

July 1

Bible Quiz outside.

July 2
A rare treat to have a weekday lunch on the porch. It looked 4th-of-July-ish. :)

When I picked up Avery from her regular babysitting job, she had all the kids working on an obstacle course.

Shaun and Aiden spent some time working at one of the apartments. I had to laugh at the variety of items...tools, fishing poles, golf clubs. Shaun pushed so hard for so many years, I'm glad his workdays now involve stopping at a fishing hole or golfing.

July 3
I can see these out my kitchen window and it makes me happy.

My mom's campground had been shutdown to visitors, but they are now allowing just a few in. We beat the rain and Amanda and the dog had a grand time swimming.

July 4
Shaun and the kids have spent many hours at Nathan's building lot, taking down lots of trees, preparing for the site crew. The kids enjoyed the hard work and it was fun to do as a family.

We went and picked up a couple of the kid's friends. Avery was working so we just had the four kids. The girls did a little photoshoot and I offer to take some. I was struck by how similar their hair is!

We watched a spectacular fireworks show at an undisclosed location. So fun!

July 5
Back porch sittin' on a Sunday afternoon.

Project 365, Week 26

This first week of summer came with amazing weather (even though now we're starting to need rain). We're managing tax season and summer vacation and transitioning a kid out and all the other things life brings. I'm on a daily hunt for peace and beauty, that's one reason I love taking pictures....it keeps me on the lookout for the good, the beautiful, the blessings. No matter what is happening all around us, its there. When we do grateful list, Aiden will often start out with I'm thankful for the breath in my lungs! Yes, there is that and I'm so thankful!

June 22

We took the dog to swim and cool off in the lake and Avery couldn't help but join. We were the only ones there on a beautiful summer evening.

June 23
Big news on the family run...Amanda came up from her consistent 4th or 5th place and WON!

June 24
Happy 15th birthday, Avery!!

She took the day off from her regular babysitting job so she could enjoy her birthday, but then a neighbor asked if she was available to babysit and she agreed. So, I took the afternoon off and took my three along with the two boys Avery was watching and we played at the lake.

Amanda so sweetly bought lots of little items, all of Avery's favorite things and took special care to make a fun presentation.

For dinner, we tried a local, authentic Mexican restaurant. It was the perfect weather to sit outside enjoying the evening and celebrating Avery.

She's a wonder, this girl. She lives life with exuberance. She's loyal and hard-working and is always up for what's going on. She loves God and loves people, especially very young ones. With her very first breath she taught me about the wonder and gift and blessing of being a mama. We're so grateful for her!

June 25
Pop and Kiki came and picked the kids up for a night out so Shaun and I could go on a date. It was SUCH a great night for us all!

June 26
"Together again!", Sarah said. She got to sleepover for Avery's birthday and we had the baby, too. They watched youth group on the porch while eating dinner and then met with their small group in the hot tub. Times are tough. ;)

June 27
Beach day!

At one point in the day we circled up and had a really meaningful conversation about real life stuff. You just really never know when kids are going to want to talk!

I took Sarah and Avery to do a drive-by for one of their youth leaders. SO sweet! (And also ill-timed rain, though its the first we've had in weeks).

June 28
The two-year old is fast so thankfully we have lots of hands and eyes to help watch him.

June'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!}

Breathing deeply, seeking peace, quieting my heart. Especially when life is hard, I find it necessary to turn the volume of life down.

Part of my "new normal" has been sanitizing surfaces every morning, serving and protecting my family. I love the sun that streams in the front windows.

Its a hard-knock life being a kid in this house. I have several morning favorites that sometimes get blasted if you're not up when I think you should be. Songs like Its a Good Morning or Happy or Good Morning are some of my go-tos.

Ready to work with just the essential drinks. ;)

The roses are beautifully blooming in the parking lot.

We had a drive-by to pick up Aiden's 5th grade t-shirt. I refrained from making him get out and stand in front of this building he'll never again attend.

Heart talks on the back porch. I'm practicing listening instead of lecturing.

Golf in the front yard with neighbors.

Junior Bible Quiz via Zoom. Aiden's team had essentially qualified for nationals, but it all got canceled. Which is ok for Aiden since he has another year but tough for the 6th grader on the team who won't get another chance.

Teen Bible Quiz in person! The youth leaders were meeting in a different part of the parking lot and when the teens and leaders spotted each other it was such a sweet moment. They were ALL so excited to see each other and it was such a picture of the important roll of community.