My Dad

Familial Visits of the Adventuring Kind

What a week! I started spring semester busier than ever and things didn't let up one bit until about a week ago. The very day that my cousin Josh and sister Danielle were to come visit me at school for their spring break, my schedule almost immediately freed up. Praise God. They got here a week from yesterday and what a grand visit! I'm so thankful that they wanted to spend this time here.

Dani's been staying with me, and Josh with some of my guy friends. We've had many adventures so far and we aren't even done yet. Saturday morning pancake breakfast, lots of sleeping in, spring cleaning, piano playing and singing, photo house explorations, Zaxby's dinner, good coffee, and lots and lots of friends. My favorite time though, was probably kidnapping Josh late last night, going to build a killer fort, and watching both Up and Big Fish in the fort. Here's the delicious breakfast Danielle made for us Saturday morning.

I always love when my family members get to meet and spend time with my church family. There's something special about connecting groups of people you are close to.

Yesterday was Josh's 17th birthday and next Saturday is Danielle's 17th as well. So I threw a surprise party for them last Thursday night. It was a lovely evening of twinkling lights, old-timey music, pastries, and coffee. But what made the night truly wonderful were all of my friends who came out to spend time with Josh and Dani. In the short week they've been here, my friends have welcomed them with open arms. And that's meant the world to them and me.

Happy 17th, Dani and Josh! I love both of you a lot and have loved the time I've been spending with you. I thank the Lord for the people that you are becoming and see bright things for both of you.

Gingerbread, Christmas, and Pajamas

All twelve nieces and nephews were together for our annual Gingerbread-Making Pajama Christmas party today. We had some delicious creativity going on there.

The Wilderness Must Be Explored

I feel so incredibly blessed. I love my home time when I'm home. And I love my school time when I'm at school. I miss both when I leave each one and go to the other. But soon I return to the one that I miss.

Last weekend I got to camp with one of my older sisters, her husband, their two boys, Danielle, and Dad. I got to chase the boys around the playground until I was short of breath. We made up silly songs on the swings. We took turns making up stories as we snuggled on a blanket under the stars. The boys fell asleep on either side of me. The next day we all ate breakfast together. After a kayak journey, face fainting, bike rides, catching fish and feeding them to a bird, afternoon naps, and making s'mores by the fire, we headed home. It was only a two day camping trip, but it was a beautiful one for sure.

Lots of pictures, I know. But it was just all so grand.

This Yard

It's nice to fall asleep on whichever bed or couch that I like.
It's nice to wake up to a cat at my feet who bites me when I try to pet her.
It's nice to sit on the counter and talk to my father and brother.
It's nice to sit on a porch that looks out to a yard filled with trees.
It's nice to be in the company of squirrels and chickens and lizards.

I know, I know. I haven't posted in forever. Well, you see, this last semester has been the busiest of all previous school semesters in my life. And so, as you could imagine, my finals week was also the busiest I've ever had. Hence, no time for blogging. But now I am home and back to it! I will be posting quite often over the break. I will fill you in on some projects I've done in some of my classes, I will show you the wonder and whimsy that made up my Thanksgiving break, and I will finally post more film photos. So be sure to stay tuned! Many more treats to come.