a Colson-ism. . . .

yesterday Tammy, our Pastors wife, stopped by with a gift card for Victoria; a little something to cheer her up!  She was asking Victoria what she thought she might buy at Toys R Us when Colson piped in, "she could always use that money to purchase an eye patch!" Tammy and I had a good laugh and I couldn't pass up an opportunity to share my 8 year old's humor!

exhaustion has set in. . . .

We had an amazing end to our school year! The weather was perfect (if you like it hot, which I do) and we had family from out of town come for Blake's open house.  Our ARMY family was here for a week; Colson and Victoria were thrilled to play with Wilson and Walker all week, however Colson was bummed that he still had to go to school two of those days, but was a happy camper when his big brother came to school and checked him out early on his last day! I don't think he ever stopped smiling either!!  Bryan drove in from Colorado late Tuesday; my in-laws came Thursday, as did Katie (Branden's fiance) and Kirby (a family friend) both came in separately from PA; and on Friday Dan and Elizabeth flew in.  Our home was, literally, bursting at the seems with people and it was such a fun time.  We had awesome weather, lots of laughter, chaos (always) and in the mix of throwing a graduation party for Blake my daughter-in-laws hosted a surprise bridal shower for Katie.  We had a houseful, 32+ people, for the afternoon then we all made our way back to church for Blake's open house.  Blake did a great job greeting everyone, and Den and I were deeply touched by the out-pouring of love shown to him by family, friends and our church family.  So many hands helped with the clean-up and we were home and enjoying a houseful again! all too soon the weekend was over, one by one our family left! As always it was a bit of a let-down but so thankful that each one staggered their departures which helped us not "crash and burn". . . . but now exhaustion has set in and we are just letting it run its course and enjoying some much needed downtime (before cable is shut-off for the summer!).

oh the fun they've had. . . .

We have really enjoyed our ARMY family this week! the kids have loved playing together and there's nothing that compares to the sounds of their laughter and chatter! We had such a beautiful evening last night, perfect outdoor weather, no mosquitos and the kids played outside until late evening!  It was so cute watching them all running around, jumping on the trampoline, swinging and playing in the sandbox!  Whats even more cute is to hear my little 4 year old grandson talking to his Aunt Victoria!  Brad has always encouraged the boys to call his siblings aunt and uncle! Just too adorable hearing Walker saying Aunt Victoria! or Wilson saying Uncle Colson! These memories will last a lifetime. . . .and will be forever imprinted on our children's hearts (mine too).  They are at a prime age to remember and enjoy!

summer fun!

Walker, Colson, Wilson and Victoria enjoying their ice cream cones!

word is getting out. . . .

check out this link! DIPSAO is on the move!T-Shirt Company Fighting Water Shortage

one aunt, one uncle, two nephews = lots of fun!

Wilson and Colson playing their Gameboys

Walker, Victoria and Wilson chillin' on the trampoline

very special family

Today we headed south to see my dad's side of the family.  I was excited to see my Aunt Enid and Uncle Russ from Texas.  Its been at least 28 years since I last saw them so it was awesome to connect today.  We enjoyed laughter and my manboys LOVED Uncle Russ' stories from his Army and Vietnam days.  He shared several of his coveted coins that he was given! What an amazing man, who was blessed to live through a very tough war! Den and Branden chatted about him for quite a while on the trip home.  You never realize just how much you miss your family until you see them!  This Shakespeare phrase, "parting is such sweet sorrow. . . ." rings so true!

waiting. . . . . . .

. . . . . waiting on God can be so hard!  I know His plans are the best, yet waiting for Him to make a move pushes my "anxious" button.  Some days I feel as if I'm just going through the motions, trying not to feel, to think, to look ahead; then other days I succumb to the deceiver and become overwhelmed!  It's definitely hard to take life "one day at a time" and not look at next week, next month, or next or fall!  yet I'm realizing that the only way I can be successful, in my walk with God, is to do it day by day.  Deal with today, live today. . . . .don't borrow trouble from tomorrow! so I working hard to Seize the Day

it's started. . . .

Today the open house circuit began!  In the next few weeks we will be busy traveling from one open house to another!  I have to say I love this time of year, though I'm not happy I'm loosing another child to adulthood, it is however, a special time in these kids lives and it's a joy to be among the guests of these seniors my son has been friends with most of his school life.  I was talking to my friend today as we sat at her son's open house and said that it just seems like yesterday our boys were in 2nd grade together; in a blink of an eye we are staring down a new journey, a new path, these children will embark on.  I'm excited, yet saddened, at how our lives, too, will change.  It was so cute today, Jonah (the graduate) asked where our "bus" was as we climbed out of our van.  He hadn't realized that we no longer need the "15 passenger" van to get our family from point A to point B.  I overheard Blake tell him that we downsized to the mini van now! another era passed!  It will be strangely weird to have only 4 children home next fall; with equal numbers, 2 boys, 2 girls! The first time ever! I'm excited for my son yet a part of my heart breaks over the changes this will mean, no only for his dad and I, but for his younger siblings.  Don't get me wrong I LOVE change; I like to move my furniture around, change paint colors on our walls, etc, but changing up our family is just plain "tough".  It's all a part of God's plan, I know that, and realize that, but what He didn't let me in on was how much it hurts to "let go".  As with everything else in my life right now, I'm just going to take it "one day at a time" and "seize the day!"

the passage of time. . .

Today is Blake's last day of high school; he's been counting down the days! He graduates with high honors but chose not to go to his honor ceremony.  Sometimes its hard to understand these "manboys" and why attending something like "honors night" isn't a big deal to them.  I remember mine so vividly, the deep feeling of accomplishment, as I received my awards.   I have to say I'm a little bit disappointed, but it was ultimately his decision.  I guess I see it a bit differently, from a parents perspective.  You watch your baby grow through so many stages; some are tough, some are exciting, some bring you to your knees, yet when they reach the end of their senior year you stand in "awe" of how swiftly those years flew by.  Seems like just yesterday he was in the 6th grade, in a blink of an eye, here we are facing his last day of high school and Sunday his graduation.  Honestly I think the awards ceremony is as much for the parents as it is for the seniors graduating.  He didn't walk this journey alone, we walked along side him, encouraged him, helped him and prayed for him every step of the way! and we will continue to do so as he blazes a new trail into adulthood.

it's official. . . .

Branden and Katie are engaged! Our family will grow, in size, later this summer!  We are so excited and extremely blessed to have Katie become a member of our family.  I'm so thankful Branden chose to "wait on the Lord' and allow God to bless him with the young woman He knew would be a perfect fit for him.  Their love for, not only for each other, but especially for the Lord continues to encourage me to pray for my children and their future spouses.