I really love EFY

These beautiful girls went to EFY together this past week. And had the greatest time.
So grateful for good friends who are such a wonderful influence on our kids,
for Annie and her amazing heart and to have all of my darlings together again at home.

Jacob in London

Three friends

I've lost count of what number we are on, but one more for the collection.

Oh I love Jacob Allen

Yesterday began really early (and ended very late). It was a busy, busy day. For all of us, but especially my incredible husband. He was on a business trip for most of the week and then was only home for a bit before leaving again for many a day.

But that sweet guy that I get to be married to spent every second of his free time (which was very little) painting the three bedrooms that were involved in our fun flood. And he finished with literally about twenty-two minutes to shower and pack before he was off to catch his flight to London.

It was incredibly important to him that he didn't leave again until those rooms were in a place where I could clean and organize and redecorate them, after the chaos of the last three weeks. He knew what it would mean to me and he made it happen.

I'm thankful everyday that the Lord let me marry Jacob Allen. And not just because the kids' rooms are painted (although my gratitude is off the charts). But because he is good and kind and thoughtful and loving and works hard in every way to take care of our little family. And is so good to me, it is kind of ridiculous.

They are home

That beautiful girl on the left was at girls camp all week until yesterday morning and that
handsome guy on the right was at EFY until this morning. It was strange only having four kids
at home all week. And it feels good to have all of my chicklets back under one roof again.

Oh I love these kids

Jacob recently shared with me this photo he took in Hawaii and I love it so much. I mean seriously,
so much joy in one picture. Our time there is full of so many wonderful memories. I'm so grateful.

My darling bookends

Often, the crazy of having a child who just graduated from high school as my oldest
and a child who still has one more year of preschool as my youngest is both hilarious
and overwhelming. Gratefully, it was made extremely clear that the Lord was in charge
of our family and that these chicklets that we love, love, love came exactly when
they were supposed to. So it is perfect. Crazy and perfect. Just like our life.

Four-year-old speedster

This little nugget learned not only to ride her bike without training wheels, but to start by
herself, which is every parent's dream. Or maybe just mine. She is amazing and I adore her.

Father's Day

For Father's Day, I had each of the kids choose a favorite picture with their dad and
write a letter to go along with it about what he means to them. I love this sweet photo
collection of one amazing dad. Happy Father's Day Jacob Ethan! You are so very loved.

My darling theater kid

Annie and I just saw Tuck Everlasting at the new Hale Centre Theatre and it was incredible.
We just loved it. And meeting this handsome actor after wasn't the saddest moment of Annie's life.
Or maybe I was the one making it a big deal. Either way. What a super fun afternoon for both of us.

A celebration of life

My sweet friend's husband passed away this last Monday from brain cancer.
Today was the celebration of his life and I am a different person having viewed
their journey of the last year and most especially, from watching them today.

I am working to process my thoughts on everything and it will take a while, as they are
deep and profound. All I know is how thankful I am for watching the faith and grace
and humor and love this family displayed throughout the last long while. I want to do
better and be better. And have been praying constantly since I drove away from
the cemetery that the Lord would tell me what He needs me to do to change.

I don't want to be the same person I was before I watched Rebecca and Tyler
and their children trust in the gospel and the plan of salvation in the way
they have. I want to be like Tyler and figure out what God is asking me
and then move forward saying with confidence, "I'm not afraid."

Because there is actually very little that matters in life.
But what matters, matters a lot.

World Cup 2018

Lest you think we are only crazy about March Madness.

Oh the happy.

Our Olympic leaper

We missed our little "farm" while we were gone. Especially this little sweetheart,
because she just seems to like us a whole lot. And the feeling is mutual.

But a fun fact we learned while we were away, when a previous owner says
your dog can jump an eight foot fence...she can. And apparently it is a sight
to see. She didn't run away. She just jumped it and waited on the other side.
Okay then. Apparently her athleticism is even more impressive than we thought.

What a little knucklehead. But a talented knucklehead to be sure.

Our Kauai vacation ~ Day 9

Our last day on the island was for kayaking, hiking and flying through the night to get home.
That last part had us all sad, but we were mostly just grateful for nine glorious days in such a
beautiful place. The uninterrupted time as a family was beyond wonderful and we felt so spoiled.

Aloha Kauai. Thanks for being so good to us.

Our Kauai vacation ~ Day 8

The eighth day was my absolute favorite. It couldn't have been more wonderful or
perfect. We were able to take a boat tour around the Nā Pali Coast and everything
about it was incredible--the dolphins, the sea turtles, the snorkeling, the views,
the color of the water, the guides, everything. All of us really enjoyed it. And then,
we ended the day by watching the sunset on a nearby beach and letting the kids
play in the ocean. Those memories are some of my favorite we have ever made.