Yearly Archives: 2015

Events, Friendship, Project 365

Beautiful Friends

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We had the opportunity to attend a wedding this June. There is something so alive and hopeful in watching two people come together to pledge their love and devotion. The bride and her bridesmaids are beautiful in their wedding colors. The groom and his attendants are handsome and dashing looking. The family – big or small – work at making the day special. Sometimes solemn, sometimes playful, every wedding is unique and special. This particular wedding was no exception. There were tears, laughter, scene stealing little ones, and the breath-taking glimpse of God’s redemption in the midst of it all.

I am constantly amazed at how the Lord takes our weakness and reveals His strength, transforms our ugliness into a thing of beauty, and shines His love through a broken, flawed people.

Tomorrow's hope and future.

Tomorrow’s hope and future.

I never did get a picture of the bride and groom. I was too busy celebrating with friends and delighting in the sweetness of the day. Oh, and I also managed to take some silly pictures with my oldest daughter.

Sassy time with my girl

Sassy time with my girl

Smile pretty, girls.

Smile pretty, girls.

Tim and David were out of town, but the rest of us dressed up and joined other dear friends to attend the wedding.

AWANA Commander Jim and Daniel

AWANA Commander Jim and Daniel

Niki and Tony are beautiful inside and out.

Niki and Tony are beautiful inside and out.

What a good looking couple!

Chris and Kirstin – another incredible couple!

I somehow lost the “Mom Picture,” but I did find this one. Love these two women. They bring joy, laughter and true friendship into my life on a daily basis.

The sunshine and a moving ceremony brings out extra silliness in some people.

The sunshine and a moving ceremony brings out extra playfulness in some people.

We were honored to be included in this day, and I can’t help but cast my eye toward December when my baby will wed his love in Tennessee. Joyous times indeed.

Project 365 – Day 171 (June 20th)
Kathy

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Friendship, Project 365, Rachel

Girl’s Night Out

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Hello, it’s Rachel again. Wait, don’t go, my mom asked me to blog, okay? Today my mother has been extremely busy organizing, cleaning, and rearranging our home. Sarah has been kindly helping her all day. What a blessing it is to have a mother who works so hard to make our house a home. She strives to create a welcoming atmosphere where fellowship and hospitality is not only encouraged, but demonstrated. I hope to someday be as gracious of a wife and mother as she has shown herself to be.

My dearest friend from WA, Jenny, graced our home with her presence this weekend. (This is literally the second time I’ve seen her & I’ve been home for a month so she’s lucky I still love her.) But, bitterness aside, any time spent with her is wonderful. We spent the day together – running errands, cleaning, playing cards, laughing, and enjoying each other. Unexpectedly, we both had the evening free and decided to have a “date night.” We dressed up (heels, dresses, hair, the works,) and headed out on an adventure.

Our outfits may clash, but we don't. ;)

Our outfits may clash, but we don’t. ;)

Sarah was kind enough to take a few photos of the “finished product.” (I don’t normally dress up, ok? It has to be duly documented when it happens.)

We love to laugh almost as much as we love each other.

We love to laugh almost as much as we love each other.

We ended up in Steilacoom right as the sun was setting. We ate at a little bar & grill located near the water. Sitting at a little corner booth near the window, we simultaneously joked and discussed life. (What best friends are supposed to do, right?)

bffs

bffs

We ordered a delicious slice of cheesecake and two cups of coffee. (Also delicious.) What a fun treat for both of us.

Isn't she so pretty? (The cheesecake is pretty too though.)

Isn’t she so pretty? (The cheesecake is pretty too though.)

What a joy it is to have this wonderful woman in my life. Jenny, today was an absolute dream, and it wasn’t because of the cheesecake. It was because of your sense of humor, your compassionate heart, your positive attitude, your brilliant mind, and your beautiful soul. You have been my best friend for 10+ years and I never want to give you up.

xoxo

xoxo


xoxo

Project 365 – Day 170
Rach

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Events, Family, Friendship, Homeschooling

Train Trip to Portland

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Every year our homeschool co-op organizes a field trip to Portland. The field trip coordinator (who is amazing!) secures for us an educational discount, and we can take the 2 hour train trip to Portland and back for only $15! Our group gets 2 full train cars all to ourselves. It’s a fabulous deal and one of our favorite events of the spring. This year we went in June rather than May, and Rachel was home from college and could join us. We also invited some other dear friends (NOT homeschoolers, shhhh, don’t tell) to come along.

We got up early and drove to the train station. David was in California with Tim, so he wasn’t with us. We missed him the whole day. Felt strange not to have him there. Daniel took off work from Chick-Fil-A and was able to come. The train ride is a good part of the fun – roaming the cars with friends, eating in the dining car, reading books, playing games, being silly.

Goofy kids

Goofy kids

Rachel was smart and brought a book.

Rachel was smart and brought a book.

We’ve been on this trip several times. It’s always an adventure exploring Portland on foot. This year we were treated to a private tour of the Lan Su Chinese gardens in the center of town. Fascinating information, beautiful gardens, and great setting for pictures.

Our garden tour group.

Our garden tour group.

My beautiful college girl - LOVE, LOVE, LOVE having her home this summer.

My beautiful college girl – LOVE, LOVE, LOVE having her home this summer.

Nancy and I tried to keep track of all these teens.

Nancy and I tried to keep track of all these teens.

And, of course, we had to go to Powell’s Book Store. How could a bunch of avid readers and homeschoolers skip the largest used and new bookstore in the world?? Powell’s occupies an entire city block, and claims to stock over a million new and used books.

I wish I could have given each child $100 to spend on books while we were there. That would have been an amazing surprise and treat for the day. Ah, well, not in my budget.

Powell's Book store

Powell’s Book store

After all that book shopping, we definitely needed some sugar to sustain us. Time for some donuts.

People argue whether our very own Lakewood House of Donuts BEAT Portland's famous Voodoo Donuts.

People argue whether our very own Lakewood House of Donuts actually BEATS Portland’s famous Voodoo Donuts.

And, of course, nothing goes as well with donuts as some coffee. Off to Starbucks.

I don't know where all this silliness comes from.

I don’t know where all this silliness comes from.

Friends who photo bomb are the best!

Friends who photo bomb are the best!

This beautiful friend is an absolute joy and treasure in my life!

This beautiful friend is an absolute joy and treasure in my life!

I think we logged in miles of walking throughout the day. We enjoyed Thai food at the food trucks. Saw friends from our group as we walked around the city. And were so thankful for the gorgeous, sunny day.

A last look at the water before heading back to the train.

A last look at the water before heading back to the train.

Daniel spent the day with James and other friends, so I didn’t get any pictures of him. Funny what you realize you did or didn’t capture throughout the day on your camera.

All in all it was a lovely day. Friends, coffee, books, donuts, walking, gardens, laughter, train rides, water. Thank you, ACTS Co-Op, for providing a great family adventure for us. Thank you, Tung and Debbie, for letting Angie and Zach come with us. Thank you, Nancy, Julia and Daniel for being our Portland buddies for the day.

Project 365 – Day 168 (June 17th)
Kathy

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Being a Disciple of Jesus, Family, Project 365

Flowers and an Apology

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Received these beautiful flowers today from one of my children.

20150616_114453

In Proverbs it says:

Good sense makes one slow to anger, and it is his glory to overlook an offense. Proverbs 19:11

Never is this more tested than in the chaos and joy of FAMILY life. I think we stumble over each other all the time in a family – in a marriage, in parenting, in serving one another, in NOT serving one another.

So, even though I was hurt and frustrated by an interaction with one of my sweet kiddos, I purposed to be a servant who overlooks an offense. I understand that it’s hard to grow up. It’s frustrating and confusing and exhilarating all at once.

Don't let the sun go down on your anger.

Don’t let the sun go down on your anger.

And, when we hurt each other, the Lord is honored when we restore the relationship. Sometimes that means a hug. Sometimes it is a note. Sometimes it’s an apology. And sometimes it’s beautiful purple flowers.

I love you!

Project 365 – Day 166
Kathy

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Daily Life

Jet Ski

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Daniel had the opportunity to enjoy some jet ski time on the lake today. A friend graciously allowed him to learn on his jet ski and take it all around the lake for nearly an hour.

Go Daniel!

Go Daniel!

Daniel went from falling every few minutes to riding like an expert. Very fun to watch!

Project 365 – Day 166
Kathy

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