Relaxation

There are three things that to me say "Relaxing", a fire crackling and glowing, piano music gently playing, and dining with those I love. All three of these were found this last weekend when our family journeyed up to Mt. Rainier. What an amazing day! When we first arrived we hiked on a path that led us to a view of a very impressive glacier. The girls found a hole in a rock, we ate huckleberries growing freely along the path, and enjoyed the sights and sounds of nature. Once the loop was complete we headed up to the lodge. Paradise Lodge!! Wow! The atmosphere was wonderful! Fire places on both sides of the cozy lobby, a pianist quietly playing, couches and tables for intimate gatherings, the upper floor open to the lower with tables and chairs for playing games, reading, or talking quietly with your love. Perfect!

Dinner was delightful. The food was amazing and the molten chocolate cake melted in my mouth. As I sat there, savoring my dessert, it was as if the Lord was washing over me with His Spirit of peace and relaxation. It was a wonderful time!

Happy Birthday Grandma Marty! Thank you for letting us share together in your special day! We love you!

Backseat Conversation

While driving home from Bible Study this morning I overheard this conversation from my two oldest, Adalie just 7, and Kylia now 5.

Kylia: Those boys were funny.

Adalie: What boys?

Kylia: Those boys.

Adalie: Billy and Bobby? (Names changed to protect the innocent.)

Kylia: Yep, I am going to marry Billy when I grow up.

Adalie: Don't talk about that.

Kylia: Why?

Adalie: You need to ask Jesus if he is the man you are supposed to marry.

Kylia: O.K.

This is what happens when girls are given Barbie and Ken in wedding attire.

The response from Adalie however stems from conversations with a daddy who loves his little girls so much and wants only the best for them. He is training them to seek the Lord in all things. Well done, Papa!

Something New (and fun!)

Dating, when you have children, can be a challenge. This last Friday, Seth decided to face that challenge head on. He arranged childcare, and away we went. THIS date however was different from any other. Seth had it in his mind to mix-it-up, and that is exactly what he did. So after kissing the babes, we hopped on our bikes, and headed for the beach! There was a backpack upon his back, and hidden secrets inside. As we neared the beach we came to a table, so it was here that we stopped.

First from the bag, a table cloth. Next came two cloth napkins, then two goblets, a bottle of sparkling cider, a candle (yep, he thought of everything!), chopsticks, and lastly a package of very fresh sushi. Why is this different, you may be wondering? Well, I have never tried sushi. I have actually been very afraid to try sushi. It's raw fish people! But, I am happy to report that I am no longer afraid of sushi. Not a fan, but not afraid.

After dinner, Seth pulled out strawberries and chocolate to help cleanse the palette. (Just in case the sushi taste tried to stick around.) I told you he thought of everything!

Okay, he forgot one thing.

Did you know you can open a bottle on a chain link fence?

Maybe not ideal, but it will work.

Then with dinner done, we took a walk on the beach, smooched a bit, and rode home. It was an evening to remember, something new tried, a fear removed, and a night alone with my husband. What could be better than that?

A Heart to Understand

Adalie blessed my heart this last week. On her 7th birthday, she received a "real" Bible, (one like mommy and daddy) and I often find her upstairs, on her tummy, reading away. Last week was no exception. After reading a passage of scripture, she ran downstairs and asked so innocently, "Mommy, why are we supposed to love our enemies?" Adalie has such a heart to hear God's voice and obey His commands. It blessed me to know that when something didn't make sense to her she would rush down the stairs to ask. It blessed me to know that her heart is to discover the truths of the Lord and then follow them. Adalie you are such a blessing! Always keep your heart longing for a closer relationship with the Lord. Keep asking questions. Never stop learning and growing. I love you baby girl!

Barbie in awe of Ken

While lounging in her lawn chair, Ken's jacket wrapped warmly around her shoulders, Barbie sat in awe of her man. So strong! So handsome! Push-ups in a bathtub, while wearing a tuxedo? Now that is amazing!

(Please note: This may not have been the thoughts going through my daughters' heads as they played.)

Morning Outing in the Rain

Walking together as a family, with the rain softly misting, is something to do. And so last Saturday we donned our coats and hoods and set out. We had few plans, simply a desire for adventure. Along the way there was a little puddle jumping, and some plum picking. As we rounded the corner we discovered the farmer's market. The girls enjoyed perusing the booths, especially those with little girl toys, little girl clothes, and little girl hats. Next to the farmer's market? The library and a donut shop! So in we walked, three donuts for the girls and to the library for a little story telling. A morning in the rain? Who knew it could be so nice?!!

How Old Are We?

Seth and I both have moments when we feel like little kids again. We feel as if we are playing house, Seth gets to play the daddy and I play the mommy. We wonder what God was thinking to intrust three beautiful little girls to us, two people who feel like children ourselves. We wonder how it is that we were given so much responsibility. We're just kids! But then yesterday we saw it! Gray Hair!! That's right! Gray Hair!! Seth found a gray hair on my head, and then I found four or five on his. How old are we? Aren't we still 18 and dating, our biggest concern being what restaurant to go to on our date? No! No! and NOOOOO!! We are now 31!!

But that doesn't seem too old. Yet the hair is there. The proof exists. We are parents, we do have responsibilities, we've been married for 10 almost 11 years, and we are getting older. There are times when this bothers me and others when I am so thankful. I am thankful when I realize that I am more in love with my man today than I was on the day we married. I am thankful when I see my three beautiful girls that I love so dearly. And I am truly thankful knowing that I don't have to go through puberty ever again.

Will we ever feel our age? I guess my hope is no. Why not feel young for as long as we can?

So my handsome man, you want to go to the prom? It could be fun!