Compilation

Some of my favorite pics from the last four weeks.

Home Away From Home

We have a few more weeks ahead as our respite in Ohio flies by.  I thought I'd be doing more of this... thought perhaps I'd have more to say, more to chronicle here.  And I do... but haven't wanted to give it the time it needs, as I am carefully playing a balancing act, trying to manage time well between family and friends.  

It has been good to be here, in so many ways and for many reasons.  Home is love & comfort & rest, the familiar... safety.  I am grateful to have experienced home, which I now know in both places.  That gift has been long in coming.  

I am grateful for time... and good chunks of it... with family, familiar faces and comforting relationships.  A tranquility has come over me.  

I continue to learn many things about life and myself from those dear to me. They are simple things, many that I need reminded of:  Stay in the word.  Life is good and it can be hard at times.  Take them both in stride and be grateful for what a day holds.  Allow yourself to be strengthened by the challenges.  Don't wish to run and hide from them.  Pray for that strength. Embrace the lovely things whole heartedly and give thanks.  And do the same with the not so lovely moments, for in them we grow as we patiently fumble through them.  

This time has been an energy drink of sorts.  A boost for what lies ahead.  

Young Men

While Caleb, Zach, Seth and Ethan have not spent much time together in the last 10 years, I remember the days when these boys created memories I'm not likely to forget.  Like the time Caleb and Zach, at the age of nearly 3, decided to walk themselves to the playground while their mothers changed little brother diapers and lost track of time (and them).  I remember adventures in the woods, muddy creek play, birthday parties and trips to the fire station, and a slew of other great times.  Times when these tall guys ran around as little boys with toy guns and balls and made their mama's smile. 

Lynne and I smiled again as we shared each other's company a few weeks ago. It's never hard to jump right in.  The company of an old friend is always easy, and oh so good.  And as if time has never lapsed... that is, until I look at our children.  It was fun to shoot pics of these towering, once little boys, as we attempted to make our teenagers smile together for old times sake.  And that wasn't easy, considering all the metal in their mouths - all four of them are in braces:)

Some things never change, like old connections and the memories that encircle them.  That's a good thing... especially since the young men in our lives aren't about to stop changing.   

Love you, friend!