Long time no see

Wow.  Life has been crazy and full.  Full of things like football games, hockey tryouts, swim meets, bible study, anniversaries, school, homework, sleepovers, church, birthdays, working out, fundraising, everything in the world breaking down, car-pooling, apple orchards, caring-bridge reading, raking, conferences, sewing, organizing, blah blah blah.  I am not sure where the last month has gone, it has been a blur. 

All of these things have helped me realize how blessed I am.  To have a full life.  Full of kids running through the house with their friends.  Moments when the 9 year old boy and the 12 year old girl both have friends over and they all actually get along:

To be able to celebrate 17 years of marriage to a great man:

To be here to celebrate his "39th" birthday:

To watch my kids playing something they truly love:

To watch the boys that used to play legos turn into young men who are too cool to have their pictures taken:

And to help them figure out why life can be troubling, hard, and confusing sometimes.  We don't always have the answers.  We have to trust that everything will turn out okay, even if it isn't how we anticipated it turning out.  That we don't always understand the reason things happen.  That life is full of surprises.  Ups and downs, highs and lows.  Excitement over new friends and experiences and sadness over those we no longer have.  That we are constantly making memories.  Life is a rollercoaster and we need to enjoy the ride!