long weekend...

It was a happy long weekend!

We got to celebrate with our friends on Saturday.  They had a party to celebrate 15 years of marriage.  There was a lovely ceremony of commitment, centered on Christ, and they thanked everyone for their prayers and support.  This couple continues to be a godly inspiration to me; they are friends and mentors.  I love how they have brought several families together and we all support and pray for one another; these friends have become so very important to me and my husband as we also work hard to make our marriage a reflection of Christ's love for His church. Did you know that is how it is supposed to be?  I didn't until a year and a half ago.  Mark and I are kind of on a new mission, now, with our relationship.  Marriage is so important.  Marriage is so much more than an ideal happy ending to a romantic relationship.  It's a commitment, a promise, a covenant.  I pray for all of us married people- it isn't easy- but it can be wonderful.  It starts with prayer.

My brother and his family came to visit, as well.  We didn't do anything big- we just hung out- and it was wonderful.  It is always great to see the kids playing outside!  The cousins all get along so well, too, so they made fairy houses, rode bikes, scooters, and skateboards, jumped on the trampoline, played in the sand box, jumped on the trampoline, slept on the trampoline (the kids with aunt Kelly and Mark), and jumped some more.  We love that trampoline...

We celebrated Memorial Day with brunch, and then a trip to the Marine Corps Museum.  We reflected on the heroic actions of everyday men and women that serve our country, past, present, and future.  Having grown up a "military brat", I am especially thankful for those who have served, and I try to teach my children how very important our military is.  My husband, my dad, my grand-pa, several uncles, and countless number of friends I know have served, and I am proud to say that I'm so proud of them!!!!

We are trying to finish up the homeschool year this week and next.  We are at that point of the year when everything is half-hearted.  We are all ready for a summer routine.  I am so tired all the time (wah- I know-)  Anyway, we are trying to finish strong, but I am relaxing the expectation of doing the curriculum the way the curriculum says to do it... And I'm thinking I'm ok with it...

catching up on a post... story of my life, lately... always behind schedule!

Prayers for everyone affected by the severe weather in the Midwest!  It is so hard to see so much destruction in one place.  I can't even fathom, in the space of an hour, losing all of my possessions... The best things in life, though, aren't things... as the famous quote says (I don't know who said it, but that person is very, very wise).  I hope that they can experience the love of Christ through all the relief and search and rescue recoveries.  Despite the devastation, people are reaching out to one another and scores of people everywhere are praying.  Including me...

Search and Rescue dogs are awesome!!

Mark did not deploy on this mission, but would have with Tomo if Fairfax got requested.  We are all excited for Mark to get his search and rescue dog, probably some time in November.  Right now, though, he and Tomo are a deployable team!

bonding has occurred

The girls and I and my mom went to NYC to see Cinderella on Broadway (and do a little shopping) and it was AMAZING!!!  We were celebrating Mother's Day a little early.  The girls got to meet Cinderella!!!

Lots of changes are happening at our house... we are painting!!  Remember how I said I would never, ever, ever (get back together...) paint a ceiling again?  Last night, yep, last night, I was totally priming ceilings in the hallway.  It was just as bad as I remembered it... but at least that is done.  I wanted to be done with all of this so quickly, but instead, I am learning some patience and humility in letting my perfectionist husband lead the way.  It is going to look very, very good.  And... with God's grace, our marriage will be even stronger because both of us are reviewing all those communication lessons from psych 101.  It's all good.

The kids are so ready for summer.  I am too, actually.  we are trying to race through curriculum and take tests... and I know I am in charge, but I'm OCD just enough to let it bother me that we aren't finishing the curriculum in time, on time, etc.  I think part of it is that I love ancient history, but not so much the more recent history, even though it's interesting.  Plus, I'm coming to terms that auditory skills are not Katie's strength, and Danielle is just ready to be independent.  It's kind of hard to come to terms with all that!  Tommy is truckin' along.  It'll be nice to not have to fight about the 6 am wakeup call... he is so my son... I hate mornings too!

the kids and Mark chillin' with Tomo

Danielle and I at high tea at Mount Ararat

Tommy sleeps burrito-style

friends and family headed to church last Sunday

Meanwhile... the work is steady!! I'm trying to remain mindful of all the blessings around me; which isn't so much hard (I am so, so blessed), I just need to remember to think about it and be thankful for it EVERYDAY.  There is always a silver lining.  Always, God is at work. He is good.