Road Trip



 

Last weekend (Memorial Day weekend) we had planned to go camping. Well, we all wimped out! Way too cold for our taste...at least for camping. Soooooo, we ended up going to Steamboat Springs for the long weekend. We had gotten a great deal on a "mud season" rental. We kept it a secret from the kids. After Raymee's Kindergarten graduation, we headed out to the car and said we needed to go home to get our bags. Raymee eyed us very suspiciously and said...."What are you two planning?" "A TRIP"! we said.



Road Trip!



Road Trip!



They were both so excited. We spent almost 5 1/2 hours playing in the Hot Springs pool on Saturday, taking breaks for lunch, naps and dinner. On Sunday, we took a beautiful little hike to see Fish Creek Waterfall, had lunch and then headed to the Botanic Gardens. Not a whole lot of blooms this time of year there yet, but still a nice walk).

 



I love how they aren't even looking at the flowers! Apparently I was the only one excited about the blooms!



 In amongst all those activities and "doings" we had a lot of un-rushed, family down-time. It was GREAT! We just enjoyed each other and those great personalities God has given each one of our kiddos.

Raymee's Kindergarten Graduation!

Raymee's Friday class held a graduation ceremony last Friday. What fun to see how much these kids have grown through the year! They each had to dress like "what they want to be when they grow up." Raymee dressed up like an artist.

Watching her up there with all those other kids got me to reflecting on this past year. We ventured into our first year of homeschooling. I walked into it with trepidation. How was I going to be able to do this? With a 3 year old and a baby as well? Seriously? Did God really think this would be a good idea? Well, turns out that once again....God knows us each personally and knows what is best for us. Not only did Raymee grow and learn this year....but so did I. We definitely had our ups and downs....but once we hit our groove, we had SO much fun. I remember the science experiments, the math games, the light in her eyes when she read her first book all on her own. What wonderful moments I will cherish.

I'm so grateful for the friends she's made (and the ones I've made)! God definitely provided many partners and support along the way. It was not a lonely journey!

Also, so grateful for her Kindergarten teacher! Mrs. Nelkin and her family will be leaving soon to be career missionaries in the Ukraine.

A "snappy" Snapshot

We had a great time celebrating Brody's 1st birthday! It was fun to have my birthday in the same week! We went to Fargo's (in the Springs) for Mommy's birthday and then back to Grandma Cue's house for some presents and cake. Brody LOVED his cake! Uh-oh...I think we have yet another sweet tooth in the house.

Happy Birthday my sweet little Brody-ody! What a joy you have brought to our lives! So content and happy, giggly and laughy! This first year has been so fun and we can't wait to see what God has in store for you in the next year! Each milestone is bittersweet...love seeing you learn new things, but hate to see you grow so fast!

I can hardly fathom that this was you only about one year ago! When I think of what the last year has given us...we are so blessed. God saw fit to give you to us and we pray that you will grow up in His ways. That one day you will see your need for our heavenly father and give your life to your Creator to serve Him all your days!

Ironing

So yesterday I was ironing a shirt for my hubby to get his picture taken in at his new job. I know, I know....shocking...ironing is the one thing I HATE doing the most! Mostly because I stink at it! Who knew ironing was chock full of so much skill (of which I have none)! As I was ironing, I felt my mind wandering (probably the reason I stink at it!). I began thinking about ironing from the point of view of the shirt. OUCH! I started wondering if by some stretch, we are the shirt and God is trying to iron out our wrinkles one at a time. Not always a painless process. I am so thankful that God sees fit to bring out the ironing board and the iron in my life. He has been in the process of refining me with His fire (heat) since the day I accepted the Lord. It hasn't always been easy. Sometimes I came to the ironing board kicking and screaming. However, I am thankful for the changed person I am. I still have my wrinkles, but one day when I meet the Lord...I like to picture a complete "wrinkle-free" me!

Take Two!

Okay, after being encouraged by friends....I am giving it another go. I used to journal all the time. Just can't seem to find quiet time with a pen and paper these days. I'm afraid I'm going to forget everything I want to remember so I'm blogging again. Here goes!

Jackson Hole

We just returned from a whirlwind trip to Jackson Hole to see Aunt Nell. Damara and Aunt Becky went on a spur of the moment trip! What beautiful country there! It was a long drive for such a short time of being gone but we had a great time! We drove there on Monday and returned on Wednesday! We had a great time looking at animals and playing with Aunt Nell and Aunt Becky! The kids both did great! I was very proud of them!

Our Family

Welcome to our family's new blogspot! Stay tuned for more postings as we venture through life!