Back In The Swing of Things

It's been a crazy, hectic summer.

I've been away from my blog, trying to figure out how to navigate this new life.
And still be a mom, clean the house, get involved in a new church, etc.

I think we may now have it figured.
Husband finally found a job after 7 intense months of searching.
(that's a whole other story)
Kids are back to school and loving it.
And I am settling into my new home, church, and life.

Sometimes, while you are going through the tough times,
it is hard to trust that God has a plan and that He knows what He is doing.
But, I am learning, and I am trusting.
He has placed some pretty great people in my life and I have
a lot of encouragers from my old one.
Good is good.
In the good and the bad and the scary.

Since I have been gone so long, there are quite a few moments
in pictures to catch up on.
I have condensed them down to a handful.

Enjoy!


June

 Sharing snowcones, waltzing boys,
birthday boy, making lemonaide signs, crashed tree, brand new nephew.


July

Bandits, bounce house fun, heroes, new dog, trip to Six Flags


August

3 generations, bowties are cool, silly string war, boyfriend, back to school


Oh, my herb porch is finally finished.
And it is gorgeous!

Time for a new project.

A very small broom closet for my kitchen.
This one shouldn't take too long.


See you soon, friends!

Challenging

Life is really hard right now.
Changes, adjustments, fears, we've got it all.

However, since I don't want to think about that right now, I will instead
post pictures that will make anyone smile.

My boys are all boy.

All the time.

Even through the massive heat, my basil is still thriving.

Finally, my new pantry is done.
Don't be jealous.

My favorite 11 year old.

And I got the chance to see my childhood hero inducted
into the Rangers Hall of Fame.

I keep telling myself it will be later soon.
And pretty soon, it will be.

Summer So Far

It seems like everyone is posting all about summer and how wonderful it is.

Obviously they don't live in North Texas where it is 100 degrees already and 80% humidity.

Every. Single, Day.


Oh, well.
I will focus on the positive aspects of summer.


Like lemonade stands.

Summer flowers in bloom.

Strawberries finally in season.
Therefore cheap enough to buy and make shortcake with 'em.

Garden fresh blueberries that never make it to a cobbler
because they inevitably only make it as far as my mouth.

Gardens that are producing magnificently.

And, of course, snow cones.
There is nothing better in the sweltering summer heat than a snow cone.

Fine, I guess summer is alright after all.

This new life...

This new civilian life is wearing me out.

I have been MIA for awhile around here because I am
trying to figure it all out.

It is so much harder than I thought it would be.
Making friends, finding a church, a new job.
It is all so overwhelming.

But, we are hanging in there.

I have to trust that God is working it all out for the best.
Even when I can't see it.

And there are so many blessing to count.


My baby turned 9 and we celebrated with a TARDIS cake.

The next day, we welcomed my very first Great Nephew into the world.

And I choose to look at this one as a blessing in disguise.

I needed a new roof anyway. It will just happen sooner than planned.


If you think of it, send a little shout out to God for us.
We can use all the prayers we can get.

Home alone and Riding motorcycles, by: The Other Half

OK, So Verna is out this week having a great time and I know I am no master blogger, but I do have something to say today.



By the way, I am Jerry... Wait, what do you mean, "Jerry Who?" It isn't as if I just said, "I'm the Doctor!"










Anyway... While Verna has been away, I have been at home alone with the kids.



Don't get me wrong, I love my children. but sometimes they can be a hand full.



Some times it just feels like it is a constant battle.



But this weekend, I get to do something different. See, I ride a motorcycle.



Wait, that was my dad's motorcycle when I was a kid. This is my motorcycle.



So,  a few years ago, I started this organization. It was mostly because I was in the Army and like to ride. But I was not able to find a Riding Group that fit my needs.



And this Sunday, I am hosting a Fellowship Ride under the umbrella of my new ministry. It is the first official activity of the group and I hope that there is a good response. Something like this maybe.



Anyway, if you like this post, please visit my Texas Association of Christian Motorcyclists - Facebook page. If not, please don't hold it against Verna... It really isn't her fault. She puts up with a lot from me. Don't worry, you won't have to. When she gets back from her trip, I know she will tell you all about it.

Scavenger Hunt

New house.
New life.
New church.

Trying to fit in.
Trying to keep upbeat.

Scavenger Hunt helps.
I love taking pictures.
It is very soothing and encouraging.
No matter what else is going on,
the world around is still so beautiful.


Background

 The most beautiful background in the world.
A Rangers game with my sweetie.


Motion

 A still shot...soon to be lots of motion.


Spotted

 I adore ladybugs.
They are so Springtime.


Weather

 Calm.
One of my favorite times.


Sweet

 My baby holding my niece.
Is there anything sweeter?