Catch-Up

I am SO behind.  Ridiculously behind.  Here's a little update from our household.

* We vacated.  First week of August was spent with my family up in northern Minnesota at the lake.  This tradition keeps going, and I sincerely hope it never dies!  It is getting a bit tricky to get all of us actually there every year, but we're always so thankful that it happens.  The girls had so much fun with their cousins, and they both suffered from extreme grandparent spoiling :)  I'm so thankful for a wonderful family that we LOVE being with!  I am always so refreshed after an uninterrupted week with my three favorite people!

* Jordan had a big birthday :)  It was big.  It was fun.  My friend and I decided to surprise our husbands (who were only born one day apart) with a par-tay, and it happened to succeed!  We had a great time with the friends in our community group & with our local family.  I love this guy so much!  And, of course, what would a party be without a cake?

* My grandfather (on my mom's side) went to be with Jesus a couple of weeks ago.  I made the trip up be with family for the funeral, and I'm so thankful I could go.  It is never easy saying goodbye to someone you love, but there is such an amazing hope because of Christ.  Knowing he is with the God he loves is the greatest source of comfort.  It was sobering to witness the 21-gun salute he received.  I am always amazed at what an incredible sacrifice so many in our country make for our freedom.

* We survived Hurricane Irene!  I am usually known to poo-pooh hurricanes that come our way (honestly, normally they fizzle out), but this one had me a bit nervous!  We stuck it out, though, and it managed to leave us alone.  How can it be that the same God who makes a crazy storm like that love me?  Totally amazing.

* My girls are getting so big.  Elyse seems so tall and is looking very much older than three (I'm NOT ready for age 3 yet!).  Emily is a little butterball, but I know she'll work most of that off when she starts walking :)  Someday, right?  They just love each other right now, and that makes me one happy mama.  Elyse will come and ask me if Em can go with her into the bedroom, or the living room, or outside.  She's getting used to the fact that Emily totally ignores her requests :)  Poor thing.

* I'm looking forward to a calmer (perhaps?) fall and the potential it has to settle me back into a nice predictable routine.  Is that even possible?  Just curious.  I plan to try.  I hope all of you out there are well!!