She is in Heaven...with Jesus.
Dancing.
And I am Jealous..

MY heart is heavy.
A friend passed away last week.
Another friend who is battling cancer is in a coma.
It doesn't look good.
I wonder, God, what are you doing?
Why him? Why her?
Then I remember, His ways are not my ways.
And I may never know his plan.
And that's okay.
Because his mercies are new every morning.
And His faithfulness is great.
Pray for the Smithwicks and the Robinson's.

It's 12:45 am.
I can't sleep.
Which isn't good, considering I sing on worship team tomorrow.
I guess caffiene effects you more the older you get.
Or maybe it's because I went shopping for things for the kids in the car on our 5000 mile road trip in less than 2 weeks, so now my brain is going a mile a minute thinking about all that I need to get done before hand.
Hello TO-DO lists.
I started reading a book called " Love and War" By John and Stasi Elderidge.
Awesome book.
It amazes me that I start reading a book about marital strongholds and we start getting into little tiffs about nothing.
Coincidence? I think not.
Lord, help me to stop and pray BEFORE I speak.

I told the kids we were not getting into the pool until their rooms were picked up. They decided to all help in both rooms so it would go faster.:)
They started playing musical clean-up.
A game Charrie and I invented when we were little.
One person takes a turn standing by the radio, while the others dance around the pile of things that need put away. When the music stops, everyone picks up 3 things and puts them away.
Repeat until room is clean.
:)
It made me smile.









We got to drive about 30 minutes to see Bekah and her OB ( Operation Barnabas)team this week! They were awesome, as always. Aeva was cracking me up. Anytime Bekah wasn't involved in a skit and was sitting down, Aeva would take off before we could catch her to sit on her lap!:)


There is something very pioneer-ish about hanging your clothes on a line..I love it.
And hopefully our electric bill loves it too.:)




Alright, I am going to give this "sleep" thing another shot.
Goodnight.

So, we were driving down the road today and passed a lady( who was an obvious runner) sweating up a storm on this 100% humidity day, running down the sidewalk. My sweet little Mitchell yells from the back of the van, "MOM! You should run on the sidewalk like that lady. It will work to get all your wiggles out!"
I love that boy.

YAY! Aeva has finally learned to ride her bike. It's a little slow going, but she's got it! And I found this bike for Mitch at a yard sale for 5 bucks!! He is loving his bigboy bike! Now to find one for Max at that same kinda price.:)




On Aeva's actual birthday, the youth group had a free bowling night( people from our church own the bowling alley) so we took all the kids along and had a party for Aeva too. We love free anything.:) She was very embarassed when everyone sang to her..and threw a few 3 yr. old fits, but all-in-all, it was a fun night!








We went to kiddie day at the fair this week. We go every year and end up staying 7 hours. The kids had a blast though. Between digging for coins, horses, ice cream,free face painting, petting an alligator, seeing the sea lions, and riding 2 rides( we are on a budget after all:)I think it was a good day. Who ever heard of spending only 20 bucks at the fair..and for 5 kids?? I crown myself the queen of free.:)


And lastly, pictures from aevas little birthday pool party we had. I can't believe she's 3!

Hope everyone had a happy 4th! We had a blast as you will see....



Sitting by the lake, waiting for the fireworks.


WE all had yummy shaved ice ( thanks to a friend!:) The kids LOVED it. It was the perfect thing for a hot day!~




We went down to Winona for their 5 minute parade..the kids werent too excited about the loud sirens!


YAY! Uncle Matt and Aunt Charrie came to spend the long weekend...we love them. Alot.


Our trip to Courthouse, which happens whenever ANYONE visits us..it's just what we do.:)