Summer Water Slide...

This is our recreation this summer- Aunt Laura created a water slide- putting a pool at the end of our slide!  Creative ways to stay cool this summer!

Haircut...

Lydia's 1st Hair cut- I attempted to cut her hair by myself for the first time.

Our little nephew...

James...

Blueberry Picking...

Forts and Windows...

Jeremiah loves to build forts in the Living room and Josiah loves to climb on Lydia's bed and look out the window.  

Naptime Art...

Cousins...

From our trip last week!!

Mt. Gretna and Sara Visit...

More pictures from PA- swimming in a lake and visiting with my dear friend- Sara...

Fun Fair and VBS

While in PA- the kids enjoyed the Fun Fair and VBS at my parent's and my home church- COD.

It was fun seeing family friends and seeing the kids jump in the bounce house.

Swimming and Mooing...

Can I get a Mooo...

Yes, our trip to York included Chick-fil-A "Dress Like A Cow" day on Tuesday! 

So I had to bring out stuff to York and drag my family along for the adventure!

My new nephew

We drove all the way to York this week to see this little sweet face- my new nephew James...
It was worth the 7 hours with three kids while Hubby stays back to man the fort.  And we get to spend some cousin time together.

 So far, we took the kids to see Finding Dory yesterday- their first movie experience, had picnics and went to my favorite place- Dairy Queen! 

A Lantern in Her Hand...

A sweet friend, Stephanie L., for my birthday gave me this book- A Lantern in Her Hand.  I have to say that I have not read a lot of fiction in my day but this has been an amazing book- I couldn't put it down.  God has used it to strengthen my zeal for motherhood.  It is the story of a life of a woman, Abbie Deal, and as you journey through her life on the prairie, you see themes of Time and how the clock ticks and how fleeting life and Time really are.  I have been challenged through the book- as you cannot stay Time but cherish it- to cherish my husband and children in the season of life I am in now.  It is a call to not wish away Time but treasure the season.  Michael read the book too and told me he has a new appreciation for mothers and all the sacrifices they do and all they "give up" for their children.  It reminded me of what we do as mothers- die to self- all we give up for her children and yet all we gain- this is how God intended it.  We see one of her daughters who does not want children and the author wants you to think- but think of all that you would miss.  At one point the author asks us as Abbie grieves all the losses of dreams of a mother- "Is motherhood an accomplishment enough?"  The book deals with a woman from childhood to old age and looks at old age and death through a sweet lens.  I think all mothers should read this book and be renewed in their call of the purpose of motherhood and life. 

"You can't describe love, Kathie and you can't define it.  Only it goes with you all your life.  I think that love is more like a light that you carry.  At first childish happiness keeps it lighted and after that romance.  Then motherhood lights it and then duty... and maybe after that sorrow.  You wouldn't think sorrow could be a light would you dearie?  But it can.  And then after that, service lights it.  Yes... I think that is what love is to a woman... a lantern in her hand. (p. 210)" 

 

Friday Cousin Love...

 

 So maybe I did take all 5 kids by myself to Gold Top Dairy to get ice cream one night when I was cousin sitting!  :)  Fun memories and one crazy aunt! :)

So what do you do after a chocolate ice cream outing- throw all 5 kids in the tub to wash them off!

Women's Gospel Coalition

In case you wanted to listen up, Women's Gospel Coalition audios are now up!  I can't wait to listen to all the workshops that I missed. :)  I recommend the Keller's preconference and the session by Rosaria Butterfield and Jen Wilkin's main session.  My favorite I think was John Piper expositing 1 Peter 5- so very rich and encouraging!

4th of July...