Project 365, Week 32

It turned August, but we don't start school until September 1st, so it felt nice to turn the calendar and know we don't start school this month! Instead, we settled into more of summer. It certainly hasn't been "best summer ever!" but I'm old enough to know most of the enjoyment of life comes from the attitude we choose. 

August 2

So excited to have new windows going in!

It had been an all-hands-on-deck weekend doing respite so I planned a nice meal that we could take our time to enjoy and reconnect, a three-course fondue meal.

August 3

Beautiful morning light on a new walking route while the girls were at soccer practice. It was a really incredible hour.

We hired a contractor who is also a friend. In fact, we hired him to help us with our first house while he was still in highschool. He was even in our wedding. We drifted apart but our sons ended up attending St. Marys for three years together...they were two of three boys in the class. They hadn't seen each other since we moved but they've reconnected because Clayton comes to work with his dad every day. Its been so nice to have them around! The boys spend some time helping their dads and earning money and some time catching cray fish in the stream and making tether balls. Its very sweet.

August 4

After a full day and a lot of hard work, we let the kids have free time. It was sweet to see the girls enjoying Instagram together.

August 5

Amanda reconnected with a friend and also invited the boys to come along.

Auntie Sarah and Armand came and grabbed the girls for a quick sleepover. They got to be at the beach for sunset.

August 6

There was no youth group so one of the friends pulled a party together. Dakota, the mascot, got to stay so Shaun and I went out to dinner before we had to pick the kids up.

August 7

Saturdays at the building.

August 8

The teen group had been working really hard and earned a beach day with all their points. We unexpectedly had Dakota, but he was happy to make friends with all the people within a 10 foot diameter of our spot. 

Katie, the co-leader is a delight and we always enjoy time together. The teens ended up playing volleyball for about four hours, even through the heavy drizzle. Some of it was two-on-two but most of it was them against another group (who barely spoke english...sports are universal :). It wasn't a "perfect beach day" but it was perfect. :)

 

Project 365, Week 31

Walls are going up, flooring is being completed so it feels like we've rounded a corner with the building. I'm thankful to have a purpose outside of my own immediate comfort or entertainment. I'm thankful to be working on something that will matter in the future, whether that's buildings or people. Life is hard and life is sweet.

July 26

Its always a boost to have new faces around. Renna and Rocco joined us and were a big help! Shaun is so good at finding appropriate jobs for all skill levels and he's such a patient teacher. He got Amanda kicked off and she ran with it, completing the room all on her own!

Avery had a very full day of babysitting, but she still joined us later when she was able.

Finally...home, showers and screens.

July 27

A gorgeous morning and a time of refreshing while walking a neighborhood while the girls were at early morning soccer practice.

Renna and I got some special time together while getting sheetrock and other supplies. She's delightful company!

July 28

Ill-timed, but we went and looked at a house across from the lake and then put an offer in. We didn't get it, but we have our antennae up all the time, hoping to get some lake years in with the kids before they're gone.

This man shoulders a lot of responsibility. On any given day, its kind of unbelievable the variety and scope of what he deals with.

July 29

The girls are in high demand for baby and dog sitting. 

When you need a break from working to curl up with The Hobbit. :)

July 30

Pretty morning light!!

Most of the fam was up early to watch the soccer game.

Pop came by to pick Aiden up for fishing. He just bought the sweetest little boat and he's been taking turns with the grandkids.

Picked up a couple extra kids for the weekend. Brought me back to what used to be my every day life of pushing a double stroller, carrying one on my back, dog in tow, putting in miles upon miles around town.

This sweet girl had covered the office along with Nathanael and when she met us on the road I stopped her for a picture...such a beauty!

And this girl spent the day at Six Flags with friends. I dropped them off in the morning and left them. It was a very strange feeling but they stayed together and it was a success.

Bedtime. :)

July 31

These two were up very early each morning and the older one is challenging to entertain. He doesn't like movies or other screens and he doesn't really ever stop talking. Its tiring but also quite fascinating how there could be so many words. One key to success with small kids is lots of playtime in the fresh air, so that's what much of our weekend was worked around. Shaun and the kids did soccer both days so we all tagged along and hit up the playscapes.

We were around the campfire at the building when I noticed up the road the farmer was haying the field. Aiden and I ran over to get pictures. I was trying to capture the evening light and Aiden was trying to capture the action shot. Boys and girls are so different! 😄

August 1

Another very early morning! So, I loaded up four boys and a dog and went to the lake.

I know some moms sleep until their kids wake them up, but I've never been that kind. Having morning rhythms and rituals like coffee, prayer, exercise help get me to thriving instead of surviving. I would be impatient, unloving, selfish and wishing for time alone if I didn't get that hour or two in the morning.

Got everyone fed and bathed and I snapped a couple pics of the kids while we waited for the girls before heading off to church. I love this one of D. 💙

The older boy had an idea to make a picture frame out of scrap wood that he could give to his foster mom. Aiden helped him with the necessary tools.

Playscape #2. :)

Late in the evening I returned the two boys and there were just four left. Phew...we made it! I was in the other room, listening to the kids play and I heard, Mom! Auntie! Come take a picture! Now its my home screen. :)