It's moments like this

..... when all I can think about is how very blessed I am with my life.

When I stop all of my other thoughts and I thank God for every single thing He has blessed me with.

When every small thing that may be challenging a the time seems like nothing in comparison to what is right.

When I take a moment to really realize that I have it so amazingly great.

That everything, from the clothes on my back, the food on my table, to the health of myself and my family and good friends, is a gift. A true gift.

It truly was at this exact moment, that I had these overwhelming feelings of gratefulness. I had to take out my camera, and take a picture, because these are the moments that I am just filled with love and thankfulness.

These moments happen at odd times. Sometimes when I walk into the living room and see two of my kids sitting snuggled up together. Sometimes as I am watching them ride their bikes on the street. Sometimes when I am following them to the bus stop. Sometimes when I catch Chris reading a book to Ben. Or wrestling with Connor. Sometimes when I see the excitement that the kids have when they see their grandparents, all four of them.

These are the moments that catch me, and remind me, of the great life I have.

These are the moments that all I can think about is how blessed I really am.

These are the moments when I stop all my other thoughts and thank God for every wonderful thing in my life....

candy store

During the summer

I kinda feel like




A kid in

a candy store...

1st swim meet!

Both girls are on the swim team this summer and are really enjoying it. Last week they had their first and second swim meets. They did really well! Although before their first race they were both feeling pretty anxious, which is very understandable.

Maggie watching and waiting for her race to be called.

Katelyn waiting too.

This is right after Maggie's first race. She really was beaming with pride and pretty relieved that the first race was behind her. She did so well!

Here she is getting a little pep talk from her daddy. And, he really knows what he's talking about because he was a great swimmer on the swim team all growing up.

Go Maggie Go!!!!!!!! Backstroke race!!!! She was in the first lane so I was able to get right next to the pool and get a good picture.

Katelyn is getting ready for the horn to sound so she can start her back stroke race. Getting pictures of her was a little tricky because of the lane she was in. She did really well. As the matter of fact she placed 3rd in her freestyle race! Her very first race EVER and she placed 3rd! WOW!

A few days later the girls had their second meet and where much more relaxed. They did great again and Katelyn even swam in her first freestyle relay in which her team placed 2nd!!! And it was CLOSE!

The girls were both so excited to find lots of ribbons in their folder showing just how wonderful they did in their two races so far. They actually only have one more meet this summer as we decided to stick to the low key ones for their first year on team. Next year though, I have a feeling we will be going to quite a few more!