Lots 'O' Photos of Sweet Summertime

The Babies and I spent last weekend, with my parents, relaxing at the coast. We were blessed to spend some quality time with my Grandma and with my Aunt Susie and Uncle Stanley. They were so kind as to invite to us for an afternoon of swimming, and to venture out to see their new boat! What an amazing vessel!

Here, at home, we have been enjoying the intermittent rain showers that we have been blessed with. The kids have enjoyed turning the sandbox into a temporary beach, complete with shells! On the days that we are not able to swim, for whatever reason, we venture out to our private beach and spend the afternoon covered in mud. What a wonderful way to cool off on these sweltering summer days!

It has become a daily occurance, here recently, to watch the summer storm clouds roll in each afternoon. Hayden and Jared enjoy this little bonding time, science learning time, "look at what God has done for us" time together. Each storm cloud has been beautiful!

Both kids have begun swimming without life jackets this summer, and are both becoming extremely comfortable with and in the water. Hayden is now tall enough to stand in the shallow end, and Kaylen Rae is, well, absolutely fearless.

We have spent quite a bit of time with some of our different "buddies" that we don't get to see very often (see photo of Sweet Jules telling Hayden a story!) We are looking forward to several more get-together's with friends in the coming weeks.

Swim lessons begin next week, Jared turns a year older, and Round Rock Fit marathon training begins. Life is good!

Enjoy the photos.

Night, Friends.

Summer 2010

We're still here, chugging along like normal and enjoying these fun summer days. The time that I had, for several years, designated for blogging, recently, has had to be replaced with other things. Things in which, not only took time, but thought, prayer, silence, rest and solitude. But Friends, we are back.

Our last several months have not, in all areas, been particularly glorious, as we have dealt with several blows within the family that have taken their toll on us, as a family, as well as individuals. Thus, we stand strong and tall, together. Our learning's over the past months have been many, and they have developed into lessons that I will keep close until my final day arrives. I, by no means, am a complainer, and I refuse to use our family blog as an out for thus complaints, nor you, my friends and family, as punching bags for said stress and hardships laid upon us in recent months. Those of you close know circumstances in detail. Deaths, negative diagnosis, the brutal sickeness and hospitalization of a child, the sickness of some of our older generation, the near fatal wreck of another child; must it all continue? I believe that with Gods promise, his help and love, as well as constant prayer, the love of others and each other, Ladies & Gentleman, we will survive!

So, we begin.

We are loving summer at our house. Our garden has been plentiful this year, providing us with many different foods to enjoy. Gardening has really become enjoyable for the kids, and they are learning quite a bit about the Earth, how to protect it, and Gods plan for us. We are learning that, just like the garden, if we focus on the right things, and God's plan, our lives will be plentiful.

As every summer goes, we have been swimming as much as possible. Last week, Hayden decided to shed the life jacket, and begin his underwater talents. This, being after several summers of swim lessons. Hopefully in lessons this year, he will shine. Kaylen Rae has also decided that swimming is an enjoyment for her as well. Hopefully, she will "loosen the floatie's a little" this summer, as well.

Jared & I happily celebrated 10 wonderful years of marriage last month. As I look back on ten amazing years, it feels like 50. Not really. Just kidding. We have been through a lot in ten years, but have held on together and have had a blast, and two kids!

Having been away from home for almost a week, I am limited on my photos, which are on the external, at home. Next week, a blog containing pictures. I promise, Folks. The one thing not lacking this week? Actual time to blog! Yea!

I hope you all have a good rest of the week. It feels so good to be back in the blogging arena.

Good Night, All.