Flowers and an Apology

Received these beautiful flowers today from one of my children.

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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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A Tacoma Adventure

Rachel has come home from college determined to really ENJOY the summer. She wants to try new things, travel, explore interesting areas, and, most of all, not waste the precious time she has off from school.

All of which to say, she does NOT think sitting around on a GORGEOUS Sunday afternoon is a good idea. Nor does she think I should stay inside cleaning when there are adventures to be had.

Look at that mountain!

Look at that mountain!

The only slight wrinkle in our adventuring plans was the fact that Daniel and the other CIT teens had my van, and we were home with Daniel’s car. Hmmmm, needs new tires and has a possible oil leak?

“Rachel,” I said, “I’m not willing to take off for the coast or Seattle in Daniel’s car.”

No offense, Danny Boy!

“Well, what can we do then?” she and Sarah asked. Looking to me for answers and something more interesting than the nearby parks and local dives.

“Clean the garage?”

“Um, Mom.”

“Sorry, I mean, declutter the upstairs?”

Rachel and Sarah looked at each other, “I don’t think she’s really understanding things,” they said with concern. Ha.

“Okay, I have a plan!” Thankfully they aren’t at all particular and trust me, so off we set for the wilds of Tacoma.

How can I resist time with my beautiful girls?

How can I resist time with my beautiful girls?

How did they grow up so fast?

How did they grow up so fast?

First stop – Stadium High School. What a beautiful school! And the location of teen movie from ’99. Which makes this a film field trip.

Stadium High School

Stadium High School

How's this for the setting of a football game?

How’s this for the setting of a football game?

We contemplated climbing over some locked gates to explore further – but decided to be law abiding citizens. We did, however, watch as a man disappeared through/over the fence to go down and train on the stadium stairs, and later observed a woman (obviously finished with her workout) climb back over the gate to leave the area. Interesting. Of course, it never SAID anything about trespassing. Still, a padlocked gate does send a certain message.

Even the fire escapes are picturesque!

Even the fire escapes are picturesque!

From there we went to Ruston Way to walk along the dock and enjoy some of Old Town.

Rachel was SO happy with our outing!

Rachel was SO happy with our outing!

Picture time!

Picture time!

The sunshine, warm weather and relaxed afternoon were perfect for our time together. The boys were all off, otherwise engaged, and we had several hours for mother/daughter time. Plus, I was able to impress the girls with my stick shift driving skills. Ahhhh, such a blessing to be together, live in a beautiful corner of the United States, and have the freedom and ability to go off exploring.

Organizing a messy garage or decluttering bedrooms does NOT compare to the sweet time we had together. Thank you, Rachel, for encouraging us to get OUT of the house. I love you girls!

Project 365 – Day 165
Kathy

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Graduation Parties

I love graduation parties – tasty food, creative themes, sweet graduates on the brink of entering the next phase of life, friends, and, usually, sunshine.

How did ALL of these beautiful children grow up?

How did ALL of these beautiful children grow up?

Daniel was "out" of the picture.

Daniel was “out” of the picture.

Yes, the moms wanted to take pictures too.

We're not so grown up.

We’re not so grown up.

Some prefer the outside entertainment to the photo booth silliness.

Rachel is so wonderful to have at parties - all ages of friends want to spend time with her.

Rachel is so wonderful to have at parties – all ages of friends want to spend time with her.

Thank you for inviting us, Hannah! We were very happy to celebrate with you. So excited to watch and pray for you as you start the next phase of life.

Project 365 – Day 164
Kathy

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Home for the Summer

One of the nice things about sending your kids off to college is that they sometimes come home.

And when they do, they often value their families a lot more than before they left. When you’re ready to get out on your own, ready to make something of yourself, you tend to take your family for granted. But when you’ve been away from them, you start to miss it (or at least you miss the good things).

Snuggled down, watching Merlin with David and Sarah (and several cats).

Snuggled down, watching Merlin with David and Sarah (and several cats).

It has been delightful to have Rachel home this summer. She brings a fun intentionality to our family gatherings — she seeks the kids out and pursues time with them. It was the same when Joshua was here, except he was here so briefly, we had to make do with a lot less of him.

Thank you, Rachel, for making us feel that we are important to you. Thank you for helping us to appreciate each other. We miss you when you are away at school!

Project 365, Day 163
Tim

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The musings and ravings of a bloggart family