Waiting for Summer

I'm sure I'm not the only one waiting for Summer to arrive.  I think I've spent the only few nice days inside.  Nonetheless, we've still been able to enjoy it.  Life has been busy with random things.  Nothing inparticular and mostly things we WANT to do, which is nice!  It's been forever so this could get long since I'm going all the way back to Memorial Weekend.  We were able to go to Lake Roosevelt with half of the family.  It was really nice and relaxing.  We had a lot of fun and can't wait to go back the end of this month for a mini vacation!

Adam can't sit still (ever!) so he built this bench.



Hopefully next time I'll actually get a tan!


A weekend later, Julie and I went down to Seattle for the annual Race for the Cure with the VanDiest women.  We decided to run and walk it this year.  So we ran our first 5K after a couple weeks of training.  I was really proud of us!  We have stuck with running and plan on doing the 5k Fun Run at the Razz fest this weekend.



Before (I was so nervous!)

 

After (I felt great!)


 

We've also just been spending time around home.  Adam's been working really hard on our garden.  It looks great and his bean poles are a work of art!  I can't wait until we get some good veggies!  He did a couple side jobs and we've both been working.  We are so blessed with the jobs we have.  I just wish I could work less and spend more time being a mom!  This weighs heavy on my heart and mind every day.  I just keep praying that God will give me the direction I need to be in (and I will listen!). 

Ruger got a haircut!

She loves Apple Jacks :)

We got a new Niece/Cousin sweet Noah!

We went to the River for Father's Day

Eating strawberries from our yard! (plus feeding them to Ruger)

My most favorite roses from our yard!  I dont know why they remind me of my mom.

Almira and Daddy at the Park

Almira and Mommy at the Park

Being silly!

Flower Bunco

Pirate Bunco (being pirates)

Playing outside.  She loves her boots, but always falls and skins her knees :( (see the bean poles)

 Eventhough we've all been busy doing our own things this summer.  My sisters and I went shopping at Alderwood last Saturday.  We very rarely get together anymore, especially without our kids.  This is something we used to do with our mom and it was so nice to get away.  We had a nice cocktail lunch and then did a little shopping.  I bought Almira her first box of color crayons and oh my goodness, I didn't expect her to be so happy about them.  This is all she's been doing all week.  I love it!


She loves her chair pulled up to the coffee table.



Coloring so good!



Cheese! This girl knows when the camera is out!



It's much easier to explain everything we've been doing in pictures.  I've been feeling pretty good for the most part.  We are anticipating this Sunday as we will become members of our church and Almira and Adam will get baptized together.  I am so anxious for this!  We don't love getting up in front of people but what better reason!  I wish so badly that my mom could share this day with us.  I wish it was something we could have done when she was here.  But I honestly don't think I would have been at this point in my life if things didn't happen this way.  I've had to put a lot of faith in God in the last year and have grown so much because of everything that has happened.  I know my mom would be so proud of that and that gives me comfort. 

I looked ahead a day in my Jesus Calling book, but I am so glad I did so I could share it with you.

July 14 Jesus Calling

Keep walking with Me along the path I have chosen for you.  Your desire to live close to Me is a delight to My heart.  I could instantly grant you the spiritual riches you desire, but that is not My way for you.  together we will forge a pathway up the high mountain.  The journey is arduous at times, and you are weak.  Someday you will dance lightfooted on the high peaks; but for now, your walk is often plodding and heavy.  All I require of you is to take the next step, clinging to My hand for strenth and direction.  Though the path is difficult and the scenery dull at the moment, there are sparking surprises just around the bend.  Stay on the path I have selected for you.  It is truly the path of Life.