Summer 'N' Motion Wk. #6

Last week was a little bit of everything. 

I managed to finally kick the ear and sinus infection before my flight to North Carolina - thank goodness! Baylee is still trying to grow her two front teeth and all the kids have turned into part fish with the summers best purchase killing our grass in the back yard. Worth it. 

The week began with Charlie hanging with his buddy James and then again the next day celebrating another friend with the worlds best slip in slide. Seriously, this was a hillside covered in black tarps, soap and running water along with a dozen boys ready to have fun. 

Myriam continued her swimming lessons while I packed a suitcase for the She Speaks Conference. 

I'm so thankful Tim's job is flexible enough to stay home with the kids while I travel. He definitely earned husband of the year award as he tackled Little Irish and her ability to NOT want to be potty trained. Huge win as Tim conquered the little stubborn attitude with potty treats and stickers working towards the big reward of the desired Paw Patrol school backpack. 

And adding to the list of accomplishments, Tim took the kids on bike rides, trips to the park, picnics and explorations searching for crabs, shells and soaking up the salt smell at Birch Bay State Park.

Having the peace knowing all is clean and well at home allows for a sense of ease when traveling. 

As for She Speaks, God blew me away with His faithfulness and goodness allowing for my team to pray over women, listen to their stories and offer resources through Reclaimed Ministry. 

I went last year with a proposal and enough bound books to show publishers.  I knew no one but left with life long friends who have given me such encouragement and community over the past year. Throughout the year, God opened doors to share the heart of the ministry with other churches across the states. 

This year, I went with two friends who represented Reclaimed and acted as assistants during the Proverbs 31 Ministries hosted conference. I'm not sure I've processed all that happened this weekend and know I'm not the only one processing the fire hose of teaching that was provided. Jamie Ivy, Bianca Olthoff, Wendy Blight and Lysa TerKeurst were our keynote speakers wont only brought the Word of God but challenged our hearts to pursue the call God placed within us. 

The call of being a vessel of hope to women broken from marital betrayal. 

Can't wait to share more about the weekend!

Here's a little more from the past week... four more weeks until school starts!

{ In the morning when I rise, give me Jesus. }

{ Potty training treats & bike rides to Cookie Grandma's. }

Summer 'N' Motion Wk #5

Monday morning was greeted with more sinus and ear pressure resulting in me starting the week off at the doctors ... finally. It's only been three weeks with the cold, snot and head pressure I've kept pushing through to get stuff done. In my entire life, I have NEVER had a sinus or ear infection. NEVER. Ask my Mom. Flying to Salt Lake City was painful then driving the pass as well last week. No fun. I now can empathize with infants being fussy. I get you babies - it hurts!

Needless to say, things had to keep moving forward. 

Tim flew to Virginia to take a test and Myriam started swim lessons with the local swim celebrity Teacher Shannon. All of our kids have gone through her swim program and I can't wait for Little Irish to start next year! She does an incredible job with our Mimi who loves the water, slide, diving board and making friends with anyone willing to pay attention. 

Things with Reclaimed Ministry are certainly busy (will post an update shortly!) and has me working almost full time each week keeping things moving. 

The older two kids mingled at the Razz Festival watching friends play three on three basketball games and hanging out with friends. Here are some other highlights from week five ...

{ Kickers, kickers, kickers ... Myriam loves the water! }

{ Addison & Kayla filling the time with a ride. }

{ Tis the season to visit the family blueberry farm. }

{ The result of a week away from a wash machine. Before & after. }

{ Our backyard pool still wins for entertainment ... and rest time. }

{ She makes me laugh. }

{ Work team building with Mark Warren & a game of golf. }

{ After 3 weeks off, this felt amazing. }

Training resumed for the fall Grand Circle Trailfest with these two this morning. Beth and Angelique have worked really hard committing to something way out of their comfort zone but have nailed training with enthusiasm. Friday was the first day in three weeks where my head didn't ring as I spoke or chewed and pressure was close to none. Such a relief! Now to get back in full swing preparing for the race.

{ Family fun a the movies - yes, Addi cried. }

On to the next week after a little fiesta fun with family and pool splashing to cool off in the hot temperatures! Thanks for requesting the food cook off Mimi!

Summer 'N' Motion Wk #4

{ Cousin Crew }

Our first family trip to Lake Chelan was on my eighth birthday with extended family camping in the sites right next to us. For many years we crammed into a tent trailer with Dad's old blue panel truck making the haul over the pass. Grandpa and Grandma Van Dyken had a motor home that resembled a space ship but had a guaranteed stash of hot chocolate for us kids. 

Years have passed, kids have grown, some years missed due to teenage jobs and school responsibilities, and a couple even missed because that's how life is. The park remains the same; traditions still in place even though many have left us making huge gaps in the memories. 

I think the hardest part of this year was having to board our puppy. She was certainly missed. 

 { Camp life. }

 { Lakeside }

Most days were spent watching Uncle Jason teach Charlie how to properly cannon ball or the kids keeping busy in the massive sandbox. Myriam was consistently in the water on average 4-5 hours a day with myself taking advantage of any floating time with those willing to relax on the lake. The parents sat and read books with all the kids snacking most of the day long. 

We were blessed to use our friends' boat this year and double blessed when our friend Bruce took us up the lake tubing, rock jumping and finding a hidden rope swing that brought great entertainment. You could hear Myriam giggling from the shoreline as she was being pulled behind the boat! 

The entire family - Uncle Mark, Aunt Cheryl and boys Trent, Chad and girlfriend Kirsten (now known as Christmas), Mom & Dad, Uncle Jason, Auntie Lindsay and kids Talan & Ashlyn along with all six of our tribe - we're treated to the waterslides as well for an entire day of floating down the lazy river and managing to get Papa & Nana on slides too! 

{ Being lazy together. }

{ Trent, Charlie & Chad cruising in the tube. }

{ It always feels much higher than it really is. . . }

{ From zero to one hundred . . . Bruce turned our ride from calm to crazy in seconds! }

{ Charlie's first rope swing. }

 

 { Splurging with sweet treats. }

 { I hate that kids grow up but I'm loving growing up together with this one. }

{ It's a sassy kind of bench warmers. }

 { Reunited. }

It's always welcomed to leave on vacation, but there is something sweet about coming home.  

The wash machine hasn't stopped running since we got home and planning for next week begun with the fridge restocked and ready for whatever comes our way. 

Summer, you've been really good to us so far!

Summer 'N' Motion Wk #3

{ It's been a cold kind of week. }

{ The Irish meltdown }

Some days Little Irish is awesome. Other days she's hot and tempered dropping wherever she is to make a point of stubborn flare that drives this mama crazy. She managed to save her french fries during this meltdown. 

{ Summer Epic Fort }

I always know when a fort is being constructed because every chip clip, hair clip and clothes pin disappears. This was so big it even had a map before it was assembled with private rooms and all. 

 

{ Papa & Nana did their job well. }

Papa & Nana came to the rescue watching all the ladies with part of the family in Salt Lake City this week. Before the fun activities could even take place, naps were assumed to restore all levels of energy. Tim and I are incredibly blessed to have such an active family that intentionally stays connected to our kids. My parents are, and have always been, quick to say yes when we need breaks. They did not disappoint this week!

{ 4th of July Shenanigans }

The ladies had a picnic at Lake Whatcom with the Van Dyken family then headed to the boat for a sleepover with the fireworks over Bellingham Bay as their lullaby. 

{ Celebrating Ashlyn's 6th birthday at the Fairhaven Spray Park }

{ Charlie road-tripping through Yellowstone }

Grandpa Doug and Terhi invited Charlie to travel with them on their way to Salt Lake City. The kid loved the road trip and all the many stops along the way. Yellowstone Park being the highlight! He even got to meet our high school biology teacher, Mr. Kredit - a favorite teacher of many. 

{ International Barbershop Competition }

This was a cool week for the guys. Tim won International with Realtime in 2005 in this very place making the opportunity to share the stage with Charlie quite special. I must say . . . they were the most handsome men there! Charlie learned quickly that tux shoes are uncomfortable and barber-shoppers stay up late singing tags. Tim was demoted as the best tenor and replaced with his childhood idol, Kipp Buckner. To make the moment even sweeter, Uncle Ryan and Grandpa Doug shared the stage as well. 

Thank you for the music . . . a statement that couldn't be more true. 

I was able to join the guys mid-week having special one-on-one moments with Charlie 

and a long delayed flight home too. 

{ Waiting for the flat tire and brakes to be replaced. }

Almost home and ready for a week in the sun . . . coming up next, Lake Chelan!