Days of Summer~

My camera card has been collecting many snapshots of some of our fun so far this summer.  I thought I should unload a few of my favorites tonight.  

Some days are harder than others.  Some days it would be easier to just stay in the safe haven we call home.   Sometimes, I have come to realize, the enemy steps up his attack because he realizes the stakes are higher.  Sometimes, I give in.  Sometimes, I fight back. 

Even though in my humanness I feel weak, I have spiritually prepared myself for this battle.  Honestly, my life hasn't been easy, but I have never faced spiritual warfare like this.  I know what my response must be, I have prepared and I stand ready. I am not sure why or what he is after but I do know that I cannot let my guard down for even a single second.  So, in an effort to focus on good tonight...Here are a few of the things this summer that make my heart sing!

Daddy and Adelynn feeding the turtles and hiding from the ducks at the park.

 Summer mornings spent sleeping late...

or crafting quietly in the basement, careful not to wake up the rest of the house.  

Daily Countdown to Cousin's Camp~

 Movie Lunches

making the most of the water at home when mommy can't squeeze in time for the pool everyday

 Oh, the joy of being small...

 Mamie's Cupcakes~~YUM

 Sisterhood...my reality show.

 I  love watching you three creating a bond that I never had growing up. I am so grateful you have one another.  It amazes me the way you each know one another inside and out.  How you seem to understand things that I can't even pick up on as a mom.  How one of your smiles can halt another one's tears just by drawing close.  How gentleness can come so quickly after aggravation.  How affection seems not near strong enough to describe how you feel toward one another.  

 We made wishes...

Uhmm....will the wishes you made come true~

I know mine already has!!!

Family Beach Renewal...

This year our end of school beach trip was different...due to sickness, we spent the first part alone. 

It turned into a sweet blessing.  It was a wake up call from God.  He showed me the 4 other people in my Earthly relationships that were MOST important.  No interruptions (except some silly girl fun!), just loving on one another.  Memorizing personalities at this exact stage, savoring hugs and the sounds of giggles.  It was perfect!  It has kept me moving forward through some "junk" over the past month.  These 4 blessings are never to be taken for granted.  They help me breath~they are my LIFE!

Now, counting the days to we go back again in July with the rest of the Penland crew! 

My family~how grateful I am!

End of School~Start of Summer

I couldn't be happier...It's SUMMER! 

This is my most favorite time of year (of course, I love the holiday times too!) But, nothing is better than the lazy days of summer with my girls.  Here are just a few of the ways each of you celebrated the end of school. Adelynn, your preschool class had a outside water party at your teacher's house.  Yes, you were the one chasing the boys around while launching the water shooter off of your belly like a pro.  Then, you showed them all how to catch the little fish in the swimming pool.  You are truly a little joy to be around.  There isn't much you don't turn into a laugh.  Then, Ailee and Anna Grace had a graduation shows and ice cream parties to celebrate the completion of Kindergarten and, also, Anna Grace's graduation from Primary School to Elementary School.  I am way too sad to have you moving on so I think I will just push right on through this little entry and move on to the joy of summer...off to soak up the sun with my babes!

 "When I Grow Up"

 I cherish this amazing book you created about ballet slippers.  It is so professional!

Sweet little friends!