Week and Weekend Refreshment

This season of Lent is finding me still.  In my desire to refresh and restore, I'm not having too much to say. The in and out rhythms of our days are not as full as before, but work still beckons to be done, meals to be made, dances to dance, and stories to tell.  All of which have taken place among our four walls lately. . .and at our marriage ministry and my MOMS group at church.  God is slowly, painstakingly slow. . .working out the details in the lives we love.We're just trying to obey and keep our circle close and draw near in prayer. Lord knows, we all could use more of that.

 I've found a lot of little ways to sneak in one on one time with the kiddos lately.  Yard work and an estate sale with this guy, followed by reading outside on the couch.  I love that we had this Saturday afternoon together!

 Adventuring around a local city on a minimum day meant the discovery of a local memorial and a train museum!  The docent was so knowledgeable and it was so interesting!  I am glad we stopped!

Sam's club runs with a churro and soda from time to time, never hurt anyone.  I love how Bubba asked if we could take an "us-sie" as opposed to a selfie (I assume).

During bible study, they needed some extra help in child care, so I showed up.  I loved watching my girl sing her little heart out, "I've got that JOY, JOY, JOY, JOY down in my heart. Where? Down in my heart! Where?  Down in my heart!"  I loved being a part of her study and she was happy I was there too!

 Volleyball season is over so we celebrated at Shakey's.  I love that Lene has found a sport she enjoys.  I love that it's not super competitive and that she is learning more each year.  I also love that it's one hour of practice each week, and one 45 minute game.  That leaves more time for the family stuff that fills me so!

This weekend found us among friends who get us.  Friends who it's completely okay to be ourselves with, no apologies for our beliefs or our desire to shield our kids from the really hard stuff that there will be plenty of time for later on. . .friends who are just a JOY to be around.  And we get them.  The beauty of the mountains surrounded us and deep breaths of gratitude, solitude, and harmony were mine for the gulping Having all the kids together for the day meant a lot to us.  It's that reminder that we need to keep presenting opportunities for our kids to be together to build within them the desire to like their siblings as friends.  That is so much easier said than done, but certain moments like last night, around the ice skating rink when Little and Kendra stood with Janessa to watch the big kids, they all flocked together and I just had to capture the moment.  It was genuine happiness in their being together and it shows on all their faces. . .except Anthony, because it looks like he blinked BUT I know that kid worked his tail off to be able to go this weekend. There were some assignment issues he needed to get verification from three teachers about.  And he did.  He wanted to be where we were. . .and it was a great weekend together!

Even Coco joined in on the fun!