806 days

...we have called Seattle home. It's ridiculously beautiful, it's urban and diverse, home of fellow misfits. I think of our time here as a long term mission trip, it has been a hotbox of growth for our family. And now, the adventure continues as Matt has accepted a teaching position at Nampa High School as the Law Enforcement Instructor. Miss us, Idaho? Because we're coming home!

camp

 These boys went off to camp last month. A week full of pranks and dirt bikes and the Gospel.

 This guy spent his quiet times meditating on this verse;

It is a verse I have prayed over Parker for years. A very special connection for my son and I, even though I was not able to go to camp with him. Big things stirring in this young man's heart, makes me so proud!

 Kaleb had a splendid time meeting up with friends and endless farting and not having his mother chasing him around with sunscreen.

We picked the boys up and spent the day together, hearing about their first church camp experience. A lot of laughs and some drama.

 While the older boys were gone, the younger two had a pretty fun time too. It is neat to see them interact in a new way. And two kids seems pretty easy when you're used to four.

God is good. He is with us in this Seattle Experiment and that is the only thing that matters. (Even when I am more homesick than ever!)

relic

A few months back I was cleaning out a hoard of mementos stashed in our attic. I found this drawing on a thank you card from Matt's friend Mickey. It makes me so happy to recall this chaotic time in our life. 18 years old and raising a baby. The sketch really sums it up. Matt is obviously lacking sleep, I need a stylist to help me merge soccer mom chic with high school hip, Parker is hanging on for dear life but smiling all the while, and we are surrounded by friends that make us laugh. (check out his elf shoes!)

And this is my life today. Still lacking sleep, still in need of a stylist, and still smiling. (errr, smirking?)