We’re Blessed

We’ve been talking a lot at our house lately about how blessed we are.  We’ve been spared so much of what we actually deserve.  We’ve been talking about how to determine the appropriate amount of things to take on so that you don’t get burnt out and you can serve well.  Mike recently was given the opportunity to teach one of the adult Bible fellowship classes at church.  It’s been really special to see him thrive in that role, using gifts that I didn’t know he had.  I love to listen to him teach, (he says I’m biased).  It’s hard to know the appropriate balance of what you can do and what is too much.  We recently moved and with the move comes more house and yard to take care of…..which leaves us wondering how to balance “working on the house” and spending time with the kids.  We’ve always tried to filter our life choices through a lens that reflects that we love God and we love people and to live in a way that makes much of God.  As I think about ways that we can make much of God in our life, I can’t help but think of my Grandpa and Grandma.  We spent an evening with them this weekend and it was such a special time.  I’m so blessed and thankful to have had two people in my life care for me the way these two have and I know they would give credit to Christ living in them.  They are always there, whenever I need them, in big ways and small and I’m so grateful for every moment. Here are a few pictures from our time with them….the kids had them running all night….literally. = )

Somehow Kate and Lincoln convinced Grams and Popsy that racing was a good idea…..

 

Then they moved on to basketball.

  

Then netless pingpong.

And finally some board games.  Thanks, Grams and Popsy!!  We had a wonderful time!!

 

Going back a few days now…

Lincoln turned 7 last week.  I know we have an 8.5 year old also, but I really have no idea how time goes so fast.  Every year goes more quickly than the one before.

  

Jocelyn liked Lincoln’s cake choice. = )

Anya….she’s probably more full of life than any of our other kids, which is really kind of saying something….it could be that I’m getting old….that might be more correct, but there is nothing calm or dainty about this girl.  She’s full speed ahead….all.the.time. One day I found her slurping up the water from the puddle in the garage and then spitting it on her brother…..when she got tired of that game she just jumped in the puddle.  I haven’t had trouble sleeping for a really long time, she wears me out. But she’s so much fun, I can’t wait to see how God uses her energy and spirit for Him.

Last, but not least, the school hosted a Daddy-Daughter Dance.  It was really sweet.