Didn't think it was fair to hide the full laundry sacks on the side so I took it from this angle.

2nd Bath:

Almost always full of dishes!

Finally full again after a grocery trip today!

Now anyone who hasn't done this yet, you're it!

Here's a few pictures of us at the coast this last week. BJ had a conference and we all went. It's become a tradition the kids look forward too- Including the big kids!

Beautiful sunsets as always!

Let's go fly a kite!

Not sure if you can see the string around DJ's feet... that's where the complex knots all started!

Notice our friends' daughter, think she's frustrated? You should have seen Momma after 30 minutes of trying to untangle!

These two are dangerous together! They kept getting out further and further just to see how far they could get!
Can't figure out how to delete a picture after it's uploaded??? This one wasn't supposed to be in here sideways but oh well...

The Aquarium was fun! They fed the playful seals that as DJ says, "cough A LOT!" There was an octopus in a tub that I swear was performing. He even lifted himself out of the water once and scared us a little. He was huge!

Prayer is so powerful and I'm asking for a big dose about now...

This last week my dad went into the eye doctor for some tests since he's missing parts of his vision and even hit a tree on his lawn tractor. (Which just about sent him into next week)

Well his eye pressure was high and the doc ordered more tests and scans. I just got word today the the neurologist is pretty sure there's a tumor. They found a spot on his scan and the MRI yesterday confirms it. It's in the base of his skull on the right side which would explain the impact on his vision. They are setting up further tests and possible biopsy this coming week. My mom is trying to stay strong but I can tell she's scared. As we all are. So if you would, I'm asking all of you to pray

• that the doctor can diagnose this for exactly what it is and treat it
• that my dad can see God's infinite wisdom in all of this and surrender his heart to Him
• for my mom and how she handles every moment of this
• that God's perfect plan and will be done
• that good can come from this and even spill over into other family members surrendering their hearts too!
• and anything else God puts on your heart for him

Thank you for praying! It will be a busy week for me as I'm teaching at VBS but maybe staying busy will be best.

God bless you all!

Well the tornado did not get us last night but it sure sounded like it was going to! We ended up with a power outage and an extra little body in our bed. Shocking...

So I finished with my June Institute for teachers today. I finally feel like it's summer now (except for the crazy messed up weather!) I team taught the first day and attended a class today. So much information... so little brain cells left. The remaining ones went out the doors with the students I think.

I'm looking forward to my time as a "stay at home" mom. Something tells me my job just got harder...

Morgan and Madi are enjoying their time at Basketball and Volleyball camp this week. I love their stories about what they did. They actually enjoyed the volleyball portion more than the bball... didn't see that coming and was a bit surprised but glad that they are enjoying ANY sport at this stage.

DJ seems to be going through a growth spurt. Always hungry and yesterday afternoon he disappeared for a very long time. I got worried when I called around the house and outside but couldn't get a response. He was fast asleep in his bed. I didn't know it but BJ had sent him there for a timeout and he forgot about it (ever do that? oops) anyway, it didn't matter because he was exhausted and was snoring a soft little snore when we found him.

BJ is still working through this month. It's still nice to see him at lunch time though. We are celebrating 12 years at the end of this month. I've been very suspicious of him lately. He has been planning a getaway for us. He booked a 7 day Alaska Cruise and already had his parents set up to watch the kids. I know... I've got quite the man. BUT.... after careful consideration on my part and well...ok.... I just couldn't spend that much money for a trip and I had him cancel it. I know, what am I thinking?? I instantly felt stressed about the financial obligation and really, if we want to do this we can plan ahead right? We are WAY too spontaneous and this was right up our alley but $2,000 is $2,000 of our money. Wait a minute, it actually would be closer to $2500 when we paid it off so you see what I mean. On the other side of it, I didn't want to squash BJ and his wonderful romantic planning. I'm still torn! Oh well, we'll get away to somewhere nice. Any ideas on close (cheaper) getaways?

Here's a picture that has been inspiring me lately. I've been wanting to recreate things in our rec. room from this. So far only paint, slip covers for the sofas and chair rail has been done. I'm hoping to get pictures on the wall like the ones here. I love that look for some reason.