Thanks blogging friends....

Thanks to all those that commented on my last blog. You have encouraged me to keep blogging (at least for now). I realized that I do enjoy it, and it does give me a way to keep track of what is going on in my kid's lives (especially since I don't do any scrap booking). I have made a few changes on my blog...trying to figure out the different options that I have which I never really used before. I have a lot to learn! I will try to post as often as I can. This year we are homeschooling our kiddos, so the time is a bit more limited. Some how I always find time to sit at my little computer desk. =) Picture of Jeffrey playing with the Battle Ship Game(the binky helps him concentrate). Something he enjoys doing while I'm schooling the other kids.

Should I keep blogging???

I have not written in my blog for a LONG time! I have thought many times that I would get out of the blogging scene for a while. I'm still unsure! Lately, it has been too painful to write in it. You see, my Mom used to be my most faithful reader. She used to tell me how my blogs brought her great joy. She loved reading about the kids and seeing their pictures. Now my Mom is gone...on August 5th she left us for her new home (Heaven). I miss her very much! Daily I think of her and wish I could just call her, visit with her, go for a walk with her, shop with her, or share my life with her. She was truly my friend! I wrestle constantly with a deep sense of loss over her friendship and a mysterious joy over knowing she is at peace. Even though it has been over a month since she passed away, I still find myself suddenly thinking I need to call her, and then quickly remembering reality. Never again will I see her sweet precious face, never again will I hear her words of love, never again will I hear her call my name, never again will I receive a warm hug from her open arms, and never again will a sit next to her and share our lives together. Never again...here on earth! Never again seems pretty hopeless when you don't have Heaven. I am so thankful for that hope! Hope that I will see my Mom again someday!
Tonight I'm pondering over this blog. What should I do next? Should I stop? Should I make changes on it? Start a new one? Is there purpose in even keeping a blog? Is this just a waste of my time (time I don't have much of)? Am I even the blogging type?? If any one out there has any deep insight they would like to share. I am open ears! Thanks!

Luke's Prayer

I love it when Luke prays. I always have to open my eyes so I can watch him. It is very cute! Tonight before dinner Luke had a very sweet prayer that I thought I would share.

It went like this:

"Dear Jesus,
We had a good day. We went to the park.
I pray that Grandma would feel better.
Help her allergies to get better.
Jesus, I hope you have a good day.

Amen. "

How can that not melt your heart. Though Grandma doesn't have allergies...if only that was what it was.

Pictures of our trip to Sunriver will come soon.

4th of July

For the last seven years our 4th of July has mostly consisted of putting the kids to bed at their normal time and listening to the fireworks crackle outside (maybe being able to see a few from our house). This year though, Matt and I were able to spend the 4th of July with some dear friends that we knew from Penn State. We spent the afternoon walking around downtown Seattle , and showing them some other fun sights around town. Then we got to watch the fireworks down by the water with them. I must add, this was a kid free time for us, thanks to Grandpa & Grandma Hudson. What a great evening! Maybe next year we'll try to bring the kids - though it is pretty crazy down there!
Here are some pictures of our time! God bless America!

To My Mom........

I haven't written a blog in a while. Not only has live been busy with summer in full swing, but my heart has been heavy for my Mom.

This blog message goes out to my Mom as she continues to struggle with her cancer. Even as I sit and type this she is at home recovering from yet another surgical procedure to get the bile flowing through her duct that is blocked by her tumor. Even though her body is weak and she continues to struggle her heart is growing stronger and more beautiful everyday! She is truly a beautiful woman on the inside! God has given her a peace and joy that only He can give! I am amazed as she encourages me to not grow bitter or angry at the circumstances but to choose joy and surrender.

Thanks Mom...I know you are faithful to read my blogs and continue to be involved in my life. I love our talks everyday and looks forward to it tomorrow! I love you Mom!

Random Act of Kindness

I always thought random acts of kindness were really cool! Blessing someone who least expects it for no reason at all! Today I was the person to receive a random act of kindness - and it truly made my day. This goes out to the random lady in the red BMW...thanks!

I knew it was going to be a long day. Before the busyness began I took the kids with me to our local coffee shop for a latte (I needed some caffeine) for me and a couple hot chocolates for the kids. As I was waiting in line to pay for my drinks the lady tells me my drink is free. "What? Why?" I ask. "The lady in the drive-in line wanted to give you her free drink," said the lady who worked there (this coffee shop gives out punch cards - buy 10 drinks get 1 free). I guess she saw that I had my hands full and needed the free drink more than she did. Whatever the reason was, that was so randomly kind of her. I never saw her face...just her red car drive off in the distance. It is good to know there is still really nice people out there. I know it was only a latte...but still I needed that today!!

Low Tide Exploring

Today we took the kids on a science trip to the beach to explore one of the lowest tides of the year. It was very rainy and cold but we had a lot of fun! We saw lots of Star Fish and other sea creatures. We found lots of puddles to jump in and rocks to throw. We didn't come home with any shells (the beach police would be very proud). One of the joys of living in Seattle is being so close to the ocean!


Jeffrey about ready to jump in a puddle of water. He got very wet!
Check out how close the fairy is to the shore!

My sweet Lana looking a bit chilly!


Luke checking out a Star Fish. We tell Luke often how life would be so boring without him! =)