Fishin' With Dad

Last week Levi had his first Father-son outing. A trip to Grandma and Grandpas house to hike and fish the great outdoors! The top picture is Devils Tower located in Wyoming. They had the chance to hike to the base and it is a pretty good jot! Only rock climbers can actually do the Tower. There are thousands of prariedogs around the wilderness there. They built those domes so you can see the underground and see them up close. It is so amazing to watch those critters and all of the mounds they make. I am glad they are not in my backyard.

The weather for fishing was about 30 degrees, rainy and cold. It was refreshing for them to get away from the heat. Levi caught a total of 70 fish in two days! They were mostly rainbow trout and sunfish. I think he will be disappointed if he fishes here because you have to work a little harder to be so successful. They threw them back except for a few that they took home cleaned and cooked for dinner. Notice the beaver dam in the background, you can see them all around the lake.

They also went to South Dakota to Reptile Gardens. It is in the Black Hills and is extremely beautiful.Levi was able to touch snakes and alligators which is a young boys dream. He came home with a cool tooth necklace for his souvenir. He brought home a lovely buffalo necklace for his brothers and sister.

His special time with Daddy left me at home for a few days by myself. I have not been alone in my house at least since Nolan was born (18 years), WOW! The other kids were at camp and the house was so quiet, but that is another post:-)

My Garden

This is the garden that Scott built for me for Mothers Day. He planted seeds as well as a few plants.

I know nothing about gardening but am learning as I kill off each plant(JK)My favorite are the tomato plants. They have grown quickly and are beautiful to look at as well as delicious to eat. I am amazed at how fast the watermelon have grown. I am hoping to make salsa because he planted all kinds of peppers and onions. I can also make a homemade pesto because there is a ton of basil. Unfortunately, the strawberries have almost all died. They tasted soooo sweet.

It was a very thoughtful gift and I hope I can figure out how to do some of the tricks of gardening without killing everything.

FUN, FRIENDS, AND FORTS

Summer is so much fun when the kids get to hang out. It requires smiles from me as every pillow, sheet and blanket are brought out into the living room to build these great forts. All of the couch cushions and everything else that can be used are put in as they search for the right weight to hold it together as it is transformed into the perfect reading space.

I love it and want to hold onto each one of these moments, as they pass by too quickly.I am sensing a little graduation sentiment is rearing it's head as I cherish these scenes.

That Girl

This daughter of mine is very specific about what I can or can not put down on this blog about her. This includes pictures. She usually prefaces my picture taking with "DO NOT put this on your blog!" I just can't leave her out. She had an awesome year at school and already has her spread sheet for summer activities printed up. She is meticulous with her time and efforts and I love that about her.

She is planning on a summer mission trip to San Francisco, camp and helping in VBS (or summer explosion if Sarah is reading this) at church. She uses her free time to serve others whether it is me, a youth leader, or her brothers ( all three of them) she has a servants heart. I love this girl!!

The Heritage

This was the first time that my mom and Scott's mom had the chance to meet.We have been married for ten years and they have never been here at the same time. When my mom lived out of the country it was too far to travel and when they traveled here it was never the right time for my mom. So they met. I think it went well for two funny old ladies who were here for the same purpose. They shopped together, laughed and both helped me in the kitchen, I feel that it was a huge success.

It Is Here...42

It is finally here, the moment arrived. The moment that you think about from the time they are babies. I have watched the slide show for Nolan about 30 times, and still I cry. What in the heck brings all that emotion? Is it a right in passage? Is it that I saw how fast the last 20 years went for me? Is it the unknown journey that I wish I could pave smoothly for him?

It is a good season because I know that God designed the period of teenagers in order to make the adjustment of leaving just a little easier. It is so amazing to hear his thoughts and see just how different from mine they are. I love our good, meaty chats. Even when we don't see eye to eye, we still see with the same goal.

I love this little boy of mine that loves the Lord. That he would inquire of the Lord all the days of his life is my prayer for him. I am so proud and I can not wait to see how God will use him as he grows, stretches and matures.

The Time has Come

There was a Senior Banquet at church where families were invited to celebrate all of the Seniors accomplishments. This is Nolan's small group leader Bill. He has encouraged Nolan for the last three years, rebuked him, prayed for him and been very patient with him. The leaders are all volunteer and give of their own family time to serve our children. I am so grateful for the time they have given to walk alongside these teens.

This night, they passed out awards that were funny based on the personalities of the kids. Each one was a little different, with a flare of humor that described each one of them. It was personal and humorous. It was a privilege to have Nolan take part in honoring his leader as well as recognizing his peers. Thanks Bill and Kirsten, you guys rock!!!