colorado

We had such a wonderful time in Colorado. Actually, none of us wanted to come home. We'd have preferred to just stay, permanently! On Tuesday, I caught myself 3 different times looking west for the gorgeous mountains, only to realize, 'oh yeah, I'm back in Iowa.' bummer! I'm reading a book right now called The Shack, and came across a passage that fit perfectly... it reads "of all the places he sensed the presence of God, out here surrounded by nature and under the stars was one of the most tangible." We were surrounded by nature and God's incredible creations all weekend, not to mention we were also surrounded by great friends, Bill and Sara, who graciously toted us around town to be 'tourists.' We had a wonderful time with them, and the kids were delighted to get time with Cole and Carter as well. After we said our goodbye and left, 3 of the 6 of us ended up crying about missing them. (I better clarify for my husband's pride that he was NOT one of those in tears!)

THANK you Bill and Sara, for a wonderful weekend, and for a super fun friendship. We love and miss you ALL!

we're here!

I'm just getting really bad about posting promptly!

I guess I haven't figured how to add that to the mix!

last weekend (or was it 2 weeks ago?) we rented a pontoon and floated around Lake MacBride. the kids loved it; actually, so did we! it was lots of fun a good thing to squeeze in before summer's out!

first day of school

I've been waiting to post pictures from the first day til Abby had her first day as well so I could make it all one post. There's really not much to report specifically. Ben's now a third grader (and I can hardly believe that I'm a parent of such), Matthew's in first grade, and Abby is doing a pre-K program two mornings a week to get ready for next year at the "big kid school".

dedicated to the Lord

"I prayed for this child, and the Lord has granted me what I asked of him. So now I give him to the Lord. For his whole life he will be given over to the Lord." 1 Samuel 1:27-28

the last days of summer

well it's that time again and I can hardly believe it. I wonder if the start of each school year will ever get easier. for me, that is. I have a pit in my stomach at the mere thought of sending the kids off again. I've really enjoyed our time together and now they're headed off to grow up one more year. ugh. dreadful.