Summer

This summer has looked a little different than past summers, but overall, it has been good. We are slowly still settling into our house and Brandon has been busy trying to make some headway on big projects, like installing A/C and finishing out the basement. It's been a little tricky with getting plugged in and we haven't had time for the normal fun Colorado summer activities that we usually soak in, but we are finding patience and contentment with where we are. In the midst of that, though, there have been fun moments as a family.

Earlier this summer, we had a fabulous trip to North/South Carolina to spend time with family. It was so fun to see Kaylee enjoy her Mimi and Poppy, along with all the other relatives and friends we visited with. We also enjoyed some relaxing time at the beach with Brandon's parents. Kaylee loved the pool and the ocean. One of my highlights from our week at the beach was date "day" for Brandon and I. We rented a scooter for the day and had a blast cruising the coast.

Then, in late July, we had another set of awesome opportunities. First, one of my very dear friends from high school got married, which resulted in wonderful quality conversation and reminiscing with many amazing friends. Before and while I made the transition to home schooling in high school, this close nit group of girls and their families did a wonderful job of making me feel like I fitted right in. I am so thankful for the friendships and growth that God brought my way through each of them.

Following the wedding, Brandon and I headed off to another piece of my high school years that deeply impacted me. In high school, I spent three of my summers at Uplift Mountain, a Christian character development camp not far from my home. This mountain and the individuals who journeyed with me during those summers changed and grew me in my relationship with Christ more than I will ever know. There are so many memories tied to that place and it was so much a part of my life, that I wanted Brandon to experience a portion of it as well. After all he had heard, he has really been wanting to as well. So, the opportunity arose and we jumped. And what a refreshing time it was. I was reminded of what a truly amazing ministry it is and what an incredibly uplifting place it is. Honestly, it has also been really good for my heart to see my husband surrounded by so many encouragers too. I feel like he gets weary striving to honor the Lord in such an ungodly work place and sometimes I forget that I need to be his cheerleader and it was really good for me to be reminded of that and to look for ways to encourage him and see examples of others encouraging him. It has also been motivating and encouraging just to see how Brandon embraces every bit of it. He took each element of the mountain and jumped feet first into it (literally, when it comes to the cold tub). Kaylee loved it and was loved on a lot as well, which makes a mama's heart smile. Ultimately, I was so thankful for the opportunity to be back on the mountain and it was a very sweet time of growth for our family. I'm thankful. It was very different to come without a role and with a husband and child but there were many blessings and opportunities to be challenged and to rejuvenate our souls.

Now, we just a little bit of time left before we head to Alabama for two months of leadership training for Brandon. It'll be hot and it'll be hard to be away from home since there is much to do before the twins come, but I pray that the Lord will use this time to continue to grow us and prepare us for all that He desires for us. Oh, and there's a garage sale to be had before we head out!

(THIS POST WAS WRITTEN BEFORE WE FOUND OUT WE WEREN'T GOING TO ALABAMA. I FORGOT THAT I HADN'T PUBLISHED IT. HOPEFULLY, WITH THE CHANGE IN PLANS, I WILL HAVE MORE FUN SUMMER ACTIVITIES TO BLOG ABOUT AS WE ENJOY THIS WONDERFUL SEASON IN COLORADO. OFCOURSE THERE IS STILL LOTS OF WORK TO DO TOO).

I will really, really, really try to post some pictures soon. That's the hardest part for me time wise, but I know that's the most enjoyable part of the blog.