Summer mornings

 Flowers...

 Bugs...

Time with Jesus on the deck...

Our grown up girls

 My heart...that my girls would continue to smile and reach out on the cloudy days as well as the sunny days.  Life is changing for them.  I pray it doesn't discourage but rather encourage them!  We have been challenging them to LOOK UP!  Don't Look out.  In the moments of LOOKING UP...they have done the hard things...right!  There are times that they have chosen to look out...and have made mistakes...JUST LIKE DAD AND MOM HAVE!  When we do life God's way...there is joy even in sadness.  These girls lost a co-worker/mentor at Dairy Twist last week. A sweet lady who trained them to do their job and cheered them on in life.  All three of our kiddos have reached out to her husband and daughter.  I got a hug yesterday for being their mom.
These girlies did the hard things...went to the visitation together (above picture) and we went to the funeral liturgy mass yesterday.  We had never been to a funeral at a Catholic church before and it was a new way for us.  Unique but so impersonal...memorized and mechanical.  It was hard.  But...we are thankful for the lives that we are able to touch...and those lives that have touched us.

All the Dairy Twist employees wore black and red carnations.  There was a big group that came out of respect for this lady and her care for them.  She will be missed.  One thing that we have been reminded over and over this year...relationships are important.  You will leave a lasting impression with your life...what will it be?  Do others know that you love Jesus by your words and actions?  It matters...whether you are a child, a teen, or a grown up.

Girls beach trip 2019

 We decided that we want this to be an annual thing!  We will plan and go...even if there is a chance for rain!  We lost an hour on our trip west due to the remains of a serious accident in the early Tuesday (July 2) morning...but it also gave us time to see the clouds and rain roll away!

               Lake Michigan...at North Shore Beach with Uncle Sean, Emily, Avery, and Isaac.

 They were up and down and in and out...busy in the water!  We enjoyed the water too!  It was so hot...you just had to not think about the floating green algae you had to walk through.  Sean was brilliant, "Just remember...it is just little plants!"  Ashlynn still wouldn't go in!

 We checked in to our place to stay and got showers and headed to the boardwalk...with clouds building up.  We visited Barefoot Dave's place for shirts...and were a little creeped out that he remembered us from past visit.  "Wixom, MI, don't hear that one a lot!  Wixom Warriors, right!?"  Thousands of people from all over walk through his door...amazing!
Then I suggested just eating at one of the little shops so we could enjoy the area.  The girls were up for anything.  BAD IDEA!

 We sat under the umbrella waiting for the snack like food...got the food...it was a huge let down...and then it started to pour and blow!  Scary blowing...the red umbrellas went flying down the boardwalk and drenching rain...we ducked under the overhang and waited.  Meanwhile...I was questioning every bad decision I had made...all in the name of saving some money.

 The purveyor of disappointing snack like food offered for us to come inside while the storm intensified.  We gratefully accepted and go the giggles.

 Our inside view!

 We waited till there was a break in the rain and walked through ankle deep water in the parking lot to our van.  We went to Bigby for coffee and checked in with Grandma Jello...who also had her evening turned upside down due to the storms.

 We headed over to visit her in her new place and had a lovely time!

 Fresh strawberries over ice cream!  Thank you for that yummy treat!!!  With hugs and a push out the door, "You have to go see the musical fountain since the storm cleared off!"

                      No rain and a lovely evening to sit out and watch people and the fountain!

 After a late night stop at Meijer for food and a beach umbrella, we were ready to crash!  We slept long and late in our comfortable airbnb!

 We spent Wednesday (July 3) at Grand Haven State Park beach.  No green algae!  Lots of people to watch!

 Girls had enough sun...it was pretty intense!  Next time...we will bring floats!  Alisa and I went in several times...Ashlynn was just not into that part...but that is ok...when girls go to the beach...you do whatever suits you!

 A stop at the Pump House for frozen yogurt before walking some shops and then heading home.

 It was a relaxing time the beach and enjoying the west side of Michigan as girls.  We look forward to doing it again!

Views of the sky before and after the storms

Summer days...

                                                                is my summer daze!

This girl...

has about a month left till she leaves for college!  Her college pile is growing as we go through her list.  She is working many hours.  And God once again gave another blessing as we move forward in her decision.  Ashlynn received two scholarships from the college that will help her in her studies.  We filled things out and didn't expect anything...but I see it as another confirmation of God's leading in this hard decision.  Ashlynn struggled through the college direction.  God has led us to answers.  God has given her peace.  I know...because she doesn't groan every time we talk about college checklists and plans!  Only God can do that for our girl!

Can you see it? Part 2

 When Mom is away...it takes a couple days to get everything back into the swing of things!  Dogs want attention.  House needs some love.  Kiddos have schedules.  Dads have work travel.

 Teddy started a new job on Monday and told us all about it!   Alisa worked all day of her birthday and had VBS...we basically didn't see her all day Monday!  So Tuesday, I had a birthday treat to make for our new 17 year old!

 Tuesday afternoon took a turn!  Ashlynn needed her tooth exposure...re-exposed because tissue was hindering its movement.  The oral surgeon had time to see her and so we went.  He had time to deal with it then and there.  Ashlynn had the afternoon off.  We accepted it as a gift from the Lord.  Only He could make that timing work...ahead of time!  I am always so thankful for how God works on things in our life when we don't even know we have a need yet!  Initially, she was wiped out after that...but perked up after a little nap, ibuprofen, and a Wendy's frosty.

 Teddy worked like a crazy man each day and then literally ran out the door each night to VBS!

Tuesday night...we got the call that Mom had to call the ambulance for Dad.  He had a slight heart attack.  My heart and head were reeling.  Waiting and praying...

 keeping busy by mowing the lawn.  Singing and crying...and waiting...and reminded that God is in control of each and every moment!

 God has given Dad and Mom competent doctors who are working together to help Dad.  The procedure to clear the blockage was unsuccessful.  There is another blockage.  They gave Dad a pacemaker and medicines.  Dad's days are already numbered by God.  He knows and He has plans.  We will trust Him!  For today...we are grateful for life and freedom!  I have been reminded to choose gratefulness...in each and every little moment of the day.

These little fur babies have been a comfort and source of friendship in the waiting periods of the last couple weeks.

I choose to enjoy the simple pleasures of summertime with my family.  I am thankful for our children who continue to be a source of help and humor!

A trip to Florida to see Dad and Mom

I love flying!  I am mesmerized by the process...

                                                                   and the clouds!

 Ashlynn dropped me off at the Flint airport on Wednesday, June 19, and I flew Allegiant to Punta Gorda, Florida.  I walked outside to meet Dad and Mom and felt like I was going to melt away before I saw them!  It is hot and humid!

 We drove to Fisherman's Village per a recommendation from MV friends for lunch.  It was beautiful!

 We ate at the Captain's Table that was at the end of the pier.  We had yummy seafood!

 Lots of neat shops to explore!  We took a bench break for Dad to take a phone call.

 Then we started the drive back to Sebring.  It was sunny and beautiful!  Palm trees are so unique.

 Florida colors and skies are intriguing!

 One of many orange groves.

 We took a pit stop for coffee!  Yummo!  And watched the clouds roll in ahead of us...

 soon...it was pouring!  The rain was amazing and the temperature dropped 10 degrees.

 And then there was sun peeking out..."There has to be a rainbow somewhere!!!"  And there it was...so bright and clear!

What a lovely place Maranatha Village is!  Dad and Mom's place is so cozy and relaxing.  I didn't even take pictures. I focused on being present...soaking up my time with them.  I slept like a little girl in my old bed in a new, cute room.  Mom and I went to the birthday club breakfast on Thursday morning.  I walked out to the car and jumped...not used to seeing little reptiles dart by my feet!

So fun to meet all of Mom's friends...from days of college and ministry now!

Daddy in his office.

A drive around the village on the golf cart after checking in on Dad.

We had a late lunch...Dad joined us too.

 A trip to the cardiologist with Dad and Mom to see how medicine is working.  A decision to monitor how Dad's heart is doing at different times of the day/night.  Meeting the Dr., hearing her words in person, and realizing where things are at is sobering to me.  How I cherish the times we share knowing that none of us are guaranteed tomorrow!  I will cling to the goodness of God.

Evening golf cart ride...

Orange ice cream from Maxwell's Orange Grove.  Yummo!

Saturday progressive brunch with 41 ladies from Maranatha.  What a blessing to spend the morning with these dear sisters in Christ! They were refreshing to my heart's needs.

Another treat from another evening...frozen blueberries with a little Splenda and cream.

See the little boy across the pond fishing?  He was there the whole time I was visiting!  I didn't know at first he was a statue.  Too funny!

My mother's journal...she let me read.  I love learning from mom!  There is a quiet hope and peace in choosing to trust God and His Words!

 I made grilled chicken and homemade salsa and guac for Dad and Mom for supper on Saturday night.

I was able to hear Dad preach both Sunday morning and evening.  What a blessing to hear from his heart!  I was able to sing Sunday evening.  What a blessing to share this day with them!

 God is good.  He care for us.  He led Dad and Mom to a good place.  I am thankful for time with them.  I am thankful rest. I am thankful for peace that God gives...even with Dad and Mom 'so far away" in Florida!  They are where God wants them.

Sunday lunch at Captain D's...yummy seafood again!

A beautiful evening to bring my visit to an end!

 Saying "Goodbye" is never easy...but I had a lovely time and it was time that I return to continue my duty as a wife and mother.  Responsibility as an adult isn't always "fun", but I am thankful for special times that God gives us!  My flight was delayed but I didn't mind.  Airports are fun places to watch people and read and listen to good music.

Another full flight...but in the delay...I got the window seat!!!

 The clouds were fantastic!

No matter what...he loves me and is glad that I am home!