It's been a very challenging summer thus far but VERY fulfilling at the same time. I'll explain but before I do, take a moment to read this blog I came across .... http://www.humblehandmaid.com/2013/07/encouragement-for-mass-with-small.html. Here is where the "challenging" part of my first sentence comes into play. My sister, Kristina, is like the woman with 9 children. While I am incredibly blessed to have such a great role model, I am equally miffed by her amazing parenting skills. Inevitably I find myself saying "if only." She has it together no doubt! I know the Lord is rewarding her for her faithfulness and love. Of course I must also credit our upbringing with such wonderful and loving parents. Nobody ever said parenting would be easy but I sure as heck wasn't prepared for all the challenges it brings. Just when you think you have it all figured out, BAM, something changes. It's a lesson in patience. I was discussing hobbies recently with a friend of mine (painting in particular) and we came to this conclusion ... parenting is like painting. The seed of your next art work lies embedded in the imperfections of your current piece. These imperfections are guides to matters you need to reconsider or develop further. So if I might get ON my soap box .... let's paint our way into heaven chosing to learn from the good AND the bad. So long as we strive to serve the Lord in all that we do, we will recieve his mercy and grace. All we have to do is try! It's ok to make mistakes. So,while I continue to head daunting challenges (mainly in the patience department) may I be reminded of the Lord's love each day and may I just have the strength (emotionally, physically, mentally, and spiritually) to keep trying. Today I am grateful for Wrigley's geniuine and contagious smile that fills my heart with joy and for a loving husband who is our provider and protector. For more pictures of Wrigley's contagious smile click HERE.
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| Spoiled at grandmas with endless popsicles |
Alright, moving on .... rewarding ourselves for being the outstanding parents we are (wink, wink) we took a well deserved vacation to Barbados, sans our number one fan Monkey Man Wrig who hung back with grandma and cousins in Dallas. When our feet weren't being kicked up in a beach chair, we endulged in many a rum drinks, golfing, kayaking, snorkeling, and ziplining to name a few activities. We dove right into the colorful and lively Bajan culture and embraced all that the island had to offer. From riding the local bus, walking to mass, seeing monkeys swing freely in the trees, and listening to the sound of the waves crashing on shore among many other memories, it was epic relaxation! I am grateful for the beautiful weather we had and for the comraderie shared with my best friend, my husband while in Barbados. For more vacation pictures click HERE.
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| Kayaking in Barbados |
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| Aerial Trek Zipline |
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| Grandpa Rolling smiling down on us with a rainbow |
A few other noteworthy summer ventures ... Elise's Baptism & Craft Family Reunion
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| Cousins |
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| Craft Family Reunion |
