Summer "n" Motion Wk. #10

What a packed week! 

The kids are all enjoying summer but have been forced to think ahead in preparing for school. Charlie had a special date with Nana to pick out all his school supplies while 

Addi and I did more shopping for clothing options. 

All the hard work this summer with the book launch paid off when Reclaimed: Finding Your Identity after Marital Betrayal was released Wednesday! Tim and I were overwhelmed with the reviews and personal notes sent our direction thanking us for the boldness to speak up and share. I found myself exhausted physically and emotionally as Tim and I toasted with a glass of wine. 

Meanwhile, life moved on as Addison had high school orientation that morning and three of four kids had dentist appointments. Baylee also had her pre-school orientation this week where she already made friends and an impression with her teacher. This should be very entertaining to watch unfold as smarty pants may be bored but challenged to sit quietly and not talk all day long. 

Addison and a friend were commissioned to paint for their past teacher so they used the morning t paint and afternoon to meet up with friends to prepare for high school. 

Friday night, Tim and I were treated to dinner with our good friends, Kurt and Gwen before I flew out to Nashville for the Christian Product Expo. 

Yes, a packed week. 

I'm not sure the kids are ready for school next week but it's coming regardless!

{ More lake days at Auntie Missy's lake house. }

 

{ We have water babies. }

{ She's officially a freshman. }

{ Happy Birthday Reclaimed. }

{ Addison & Darla painted a picture together for their 8th grade teacher. Stunning. }

{ Self care post book launch at Mt. Baker. }

{ Really enjoying these ladies and so proud of their effort into training. }

{ Mountain Mama. }

{ Cousin sighting on my flight from Bellingham to Seattle. }

{ Enjoying Daddy's pre-birthday gift to himself. }

Summer 'N' Motion Wk. #9

The week on the boat continued for the kids as they went from island to island in search of the perfect shrimp to catch, pool to swim in and whales! Yes, they even managed to have some whale spotting's!

Baylee continued to talk her way through the week making up for the lack of conversation and filling the blank space with her own voice. Potty training went well and of course, so did her independent personality of getting things on her own. (pic of Bee drinking water) I often find her 

counter surfing and climbing the fridge grabbing snacks on her own. 

With almost all kids gone, I took advantage of the quiet time and focused on the upcoming book launch. This means lots of emails, creating social media content and continuing with network connections made for Reclaimed Ministry. Oh, and let's not forget I'm trying to train for the upcoming canyon race in October so plenty of running happening too. 

Here's the week in pictures... 

{ The boating crew keeping Papa and Nana busy. }

 

{ I don't know. I suggested a glass but Little Irish had other ideas. }

{ When friends speak your love language and make you a personalized dish of brownies: win. }

 

{ Bee and I enjoyed the fair on our own with 2 objectives: food & animals. }

{ These two were so excited to reunite with the rest of the sibling crew! }

{ I need to make an album of cute kid selfies. }

{ Friday Addi & Charlie went to the fair together ALL. DAY. LONG. }

{ The road trip to Portland begins... }

{ A quick road trip south to celebrate Tim's step sister Maria's wedding. }

 

{ The road trip trying to end... }

Summer 'N' Motion Wk. #8

Week eight was busy, stressful, and yet filled with celebrations on many levels. 

The first part of the week Charlie had golf camp at Homestead Farms which the kid is getting pretty good at and loves that he can share a sport with Dad. 

Early in the week, my ultrasound from the week prior, needed to be followed up with a breast biopsy. Needless to say, this brought on far too much anxiety and emotion that I was not wanting to deal with especially being a birthday week for myself. 

Tim, in typical supportive fashion, drove the stress case to the doctors and made sure that I had no lifting once home. I know deep within he was nervous as the doctors this time used language such as meeting with oncologists and further potential treatments. 

By the grace of God (and lots of prayer) we got results at the end of the day on my birthday. Negative. 

Thank you Jesus.

And yes, I celebrated a birthday as did Mom!

Could not have asked for a better gift than results that indicate no cancer. 

Papa and Nana invited the older three kids to a week on the boat which left Baylee alone at home with Mom and Dad. It's been awhile since there was only one at home! The three older kids loved their big kid time in the San Juans hiking, fishing, becoming captain and being spoiled by my parents. It is such a treasure to have such involved and loving grandparents in our kids' lives. 

Here's some more about our week in motion...

{ Surprise flowers from a secret admirer. }

{ Kids selfies that never get old - instant laughter. }

{ Birthday family lunch at Red Robin with our friend Bruce. }

{ Girl time getting our nails done. }

{ Myriam had about 50 different facial expressions during her pedicure
as the massage chair bounced her this and that way. Hilarious. }

{ Tim has become the giddy mole killer in our yard. }

{ My running cheerleaders Saturday morning. }

{ My Love. My date. }

{ Roommates 20 years later. }

{ Class of 1999. }

{ Surprise visit at Lopez Island - Bee was inside throwing a tired fit. }

{ Potty training success. }

{ Happy Birthday Mom. }

{ Kids are off to explore the San Juan Islands some more with Papa & Nana. }

Summer 'N' Motion Wk. #7

After a few days away, I thoroughly enjoyed a quiet morning sipping coffee with the chaos of kids and puppy around me. This was a week of unpacking, typical summer activities and the not so fun doctors appointments. Monday I had a breast ultrasound due to family cancer history. There is always a moment of anxiety that takes over as the procedure begins and immediately, I have to start filling the room with prayers and whispers of my sister telling me it's all okay. For twelve years I've been going in for preventative screenings and they still get my tummy in knots. 

There was also the pleasant colonoscopy, but thank goodness I honestly don't remember any of it or the fact that I had breakfast with mom after. Either she wasn't good company or I was still riding high on meds! Tim had some limited work travel but overall a relaxing week. 

Here's a picture glimpse for week seven of summer...

{ The pool continues to entertain the kids. }

{ Millie was introduced to Pup-a-chino's this week. }

{ The best you get when kids are enjoying lake days! }

{ There's playtime, and then chore time. }

{ Naptime for a few cuties. }

{ A much needed run with a good friend. }

{ Myriam plays a mean game of UNO. }

{ Tim teaching Charlie young on the sound board. }

{ 3 on 3 Tournaments with Coach Ken. }