Time at Home

 The house still amazes me everyday. We are so happy with the choices we made. I've spent a lot of time in my gym, and I love it. Jake painted the wall which loos so cool. It is a really neat space....which I spend like 5 hours a day in, so I am happy I love it. I see clients 5 days a week, and I start many of my days in this space. 

Trent decorated his desk with LSU articles, so I had to document the fact that I let the kids really claim their rooms. Make them their own. The dogs are only allowed in the playroom, mudroom or outside. They have done great adjusting to their boundaries. I love my dogs, but I do not love their hair everywhere! 

And more family time fills our summer. Chad and Veronica came in town and stayed at our house. Cousin time is just the best time!!! We sat for hours on the porch, cooked and visited way past bedtime. I genuinely mean it when I say....these are the best days of my life. 

4th of July and Misc

 4th of July came and went. It was simple and so fun. We went to our neighborhood pool parade and party. We decorated bikes and walked the mini-parade to the pool. We swam and played kid pool games. We finished off the night with fireworks at our house. Scott got all sorts of fun fireworks. The kids (and adults) had a blast. 

Trent and I had a spontaneous day alone. So, I decided to take advantage of it and make it his "birthday treat." It was about a week before his birthday, but a day alone with Trent was to be treasured. We went to Benihana's for lunch. Delicious food and cute entertainment while they cooked it! We also passed the Tesla shop, and I u-turned to go explore. We had the best time sitting in a Tesla and pushing all the buttons. Trent LOVED it. The day was unplanned and so perfect. What amazing memories I want to bottle up! 

Camp Blessing

 WOW! We are left speechless. Our kids are surrounded by people with "silver spoon lives," as I call it. Where the struggle factor is low and the ungratefulness can run high. It's a trap that is easy to get sucked into. So, I wanted to put my children in a different environment. One where walking is a gift, seeing is a gift, conversation is a skill...but the smiles are endless. Where hearts are testimony of Gods pure love. And I wanted my kids there. To see it, feel it, learn from it, grown from it. We went to Camp Blessing for a week! we headed to Brenham, Tx. 

It's a camp for special needs kids. And the helpers are all high school/college kids. What an amazing place to be. I was the only adult there (other than the directors.) But, I so fiercely wanted my kids to have the opportunity. We went way out of our comfort zones. And boy...did we grow!! Together. 

Hunter has a true gift with special needs children. His joy radiates and his confidence is contagious. I really think he needs to pray on becoming a child psychologist one day. He has a fantastic way of connecting. Wouldn't it be cool if God placed this camp in our path in order for Hunter to find his true calling? It may all make sense one day!!

Trent took on the "workhorse" role. He was baiting hooks, pushing boats, setting out chairs. He serves through labor and hard work. And my sweet FaithAnn serves with her heart. She was sad and heart broken at first because she has never been so closely surrounded with special needs. But, those tears turned to smiles once she warmed up to the children. They all wanted to be friends with FaithAnn, and she gave her love freely. 

As much as we helped the children with special needs. We also did the tall swing, rode horses, played messy games, sang songs and worshiped. I was the "cabin mom" for 2 cabins, and my kids shadowed me. We did laundry, helped with activities, delivered snacks and more. It was so hands on, so active, so meaningful. The campers truly changed our lives and our hearts. I have noticed my kids being more kind to each other, more patient, more understanding. God lead me to this camp, and I am grateful. We will be back! 

Leakey Family Reunion

 Our favorite trip of the year. Leakey, Tx!! Frio River in the Hill Country with my family. Cousins galore and kid heaven always makes for the most memorable weekend. My kids are the perfect ages for this kind of vacation. They can roam wild and free!

What a huge blessing for our kids to have these memories. They adore their cousins. And the parents had a blast floating, eating, drinking and laughing all day and night. The campsite is just so perfect. The dogs run free, the kids explore and create games. It is just so simple. So perfect. 

Our good friends, the Debenports, were also in the hill country. They floated by and hung out for a while. She nailed it on the head and said..."your family is priceless." She is right. We are so grateful and blessed beyond measure. This is an annual tradition that I look forward to all year!